I love the smell of Africa in the morning. Wetsuited up, with jacket and beanie, we left Miller’s Point just before 7am Saturday morning, in time to see the break of the day and the first silver light exposing the over-populated Seal Island. Silently waiting, silently hoping for a great white breakfast show. Meat is meat, and even sharks have to eat. We circled the island for some time, entertained by the island’s clapper crowd and disturbed by their body odour. Heading out a bit further we’re met with an initial small pod of common dolphins. Moments later the ocean was alive with mammals. We simply had to venture into the saltwater, even though the presence of these dolphins did not rule out the possibility of a passing by shark. The excitement and thrill swimming with these common dolphins quickly erased all fear – the beauty was too overwhelming. Not long and a pod of seals joined the water orchestra, which in many ways served for more entertainment. The little ones loved to play bumper cars, or rather bumper boats as they charged directly towards us, bouncing off us in a swift u-turn. Back on the boat, heading back to the shore much much later, our new dolphin friends refused to leave us, jumping, chasing the boat, and allowing us to touch them! What an osim osim day, dolphins, seals, penguins and sharks, a bit of spear fishing and lots of free diving in the company of those who know. Steven Benjamin, marine biologist recently moved down to Simon’s Town and along with free diver Hanli Prinsloo, they plan to package these adventures and have it available to joe public! Go to GALLERY, SALTWATER to view pictures!
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After a lovely prawn and chicken salad, celebrating Jules’ safe return from India, along with conversations on match fixing and bonsai donkeys, the moon shadow through the pine trees called us to Signal Hill. Though not a picture perfect picture, one can clearly see Venus and Jupiter, not too far from the moon. In Australia however, the picture is slightly different with the moon below Venus and Jupiter, leaving a shining smiley face in the sky.
What caught my attention, and brought back a thought on stupidity was the fire extinguisher mounted to a pine tree next to the parking lot. I was involved with the Cape Town Volunteer Fire Fighters at one stage, and therefore hope I’ll be excused for putting my thoughts out here. The idea is to create awareness for wildfires by mounting fake, wooden fire extinguishers at strategic places, along popular footpaths. My issue is the craftsmanship of the extinguisher. As one strolls along the footpath, one doesn’t necessarily pay that much attention to the extinguisher. But should a fire do break out further down the path, I for one won’t blame anyone for rushing back to the extinguisher, expecting it to be the real McCoy.
Please support the The Volunteer Wildfire Services at http://www.capefires.com
I always loved daisies, white daisies to be precise, and this weekend they were in full bloom. Rocking the Daisies was yet another annual hit and what better way to get to this earth-loving-eco-friendly-weird-people-super-lekker-music festival than a Vespa! On Friday afternoon, Bree Street was buzzing with the beautiful sound of 19 two-stroke Italian engines as Riding the Crazies was heading for Darling. We made it to Cloof wine estate in good time, and even better style as we slowly drove pass a 3 km long welcoming party of motorists queuing to enter the party. The festival, awesome, and so was everything that goes with such festivals, and so the music too. My favourite, the guys from Brazil & Mozambique, Napalma whom very kindly slotted South Africa in on their Estradeiros Tour, along with Gold Fish and eagle Eye Cherry. Sunday morning, after a late night, refreshing farm dam swim and lekker coffee, we head back to Cape Town. The round trip, including scooting around added 250km to my odometer which suck up a mere 9 litres of fuels – now that’s eco-friendly! Many thanks to Neil & David from Scootdr.com for orchestrating “Riding the Crazies”. Head over to the gallery to see some daisy shots!
It took me less than a thought to except an invitation to an unforgettable adventure along the most beautiful coastline of South Africa. The Otter trail’s scenery is endless and no camera can capture the true experience and beauty. We spend our pre-otter night at the Wild Tongue Backpackers, a lovely spot in the woods, only a few kilometres from the finish and a safe place to leave your car. We were blessed with good weather, which does not rule out the rain we also enjoyed. By the end of the walk, we could make a tick next to numerous sightings; dolphins, whales, otters, bokkies, miskeljaatkat, snake, you name it.
A great deal of the experience, is actually experiencing it, whilst not knowing what to expect. I think therefore one should not leave too much advice to the next otter adventurer. One point that should not cause any harm: Though we had to carry heavy backpacks, we ate like kings with steak on the menu, not less than three times, along with fresh roosterkoeke en boererwors, black mussels fresh from the ocean, Port from Beaumont, Whiskey from Johnny, and so we walked on.
Photo’s of the walk under Gallery!
I was there, I saw it with my own eyes, and soon you can too. Winter in South Africa comes with a swell perfect for Big Wave Surfing. The place; Dungeons. The time; August 2008; The Sponsor; Red Bull. The Crowd; Scooter Schalk and who-ever can get their hands on a boat pass. The contestants: Seriously brave Big Wave Surfers.
The Dungeons reef, the first sea bottom that the ocean swells hit on their path shore-wards, has the ability to produce the biggest waves in Africa.
The swells, generated across the South Atlantic Ocean, hit the Dungeon Reefs and rear up into giant right-hand breaking waves for brave souls to attempt to ride.
Apart from the enormous waves, a few other elements to add to the mix of bravery needed to tackle Dungeons: ice-cold water, thick undulating kelp beds that cover the inside waters, and abundant sea life – including a few sharks that prey on the local seal colony.
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I had the opportunity to meet Verity back in 2006, soon after the idea of selling a future album was born. What a brilliant idea. Go onto her website at www.iamverity.co.za where you can purchase her album, to be released somewhere in the future. For the time being, you’ll receive her single with outstanding songs, a little teaser of what is to come. She is a lovely spirited and warm talent, with dear and honest values. Verity will be performing at Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town on 25 May to celebrate her 2000th album sold.
Listen to Verity:
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