We headed out of town and down towards the Cape Peninsular along the west coast; a drive of about 1.5 hours with magnificent scenery all the way. We were intending to do all the stops on the way back, but paused for photos from time to time.
The apostles were still there
Along the coast to Simonstown
This is Simon town where we didn't stop other than for a photo but it looked like a very nice seaside town.
The roadside has warnings about the native baboon population. We saw more signs than we did baboons (1)
and, of course, one really doesn't want to run over a penguin
We entered the Cape Peninsular national park along the coast of False Bay
At Cape Point, we took the funicular up the the top. The wind was strong and it was difficult enough to stand - holding a camera straight was almost impossible, but the views were spectacular.
Looking inland, you can see the sea on both sides of the approach to the peninsular.
The Cape of Good Hope from Cape Point - the dark stain on the beach are hundreds of cormorants.
Looking out to sea, this is the to tip of Cape Point.
Towards False Bay
On the way down, we saw a road leading to the bottom of the cliff. So we headed in that direction when we got back to the car.
There are some lovely beaches there
which are enjoyed by windsurfers
and ostriches
We then headed back inland in search of lunch, stopping to take photos of the countryside as we went. The landscape was like a garden with the planting a changing as you drove along.
We especially liked the dark grasses
We stopped at the first restaurant we saw, at Millars Point, and ate a salad in the garden.
where John finally managed a photo of the black starling bird which is rust orange underneath. Here you can see how iridescent the plumage is.
This was the view from the restaurant terrace
Then it was time to find the penguins at Boulders Beach. Beach is something of an exaggeration; this was taken 45 minutes before high tide and already there is no space to lay down a towel. It is with great ingenuity that a small beach hut has been built into the side of the beach.
The water was shallow, children were playing in the sea right next to the penguins.
This one was extremely friendly and liked humans
For a while a Dassie was sitting on the top of the beach hut to see what was going on.
Penguins were all over the rocks and swimming and we waded about in the sea to see them and make full use of our beach ticket.
As we left, we found a family in the bushes by the side of the path. This young one was climbing all over mum to be fed. John got a video of the feeding.
There was a friendly reminder as we left the beach
We continued on to Fish Hoek where the beach huts in the primary colours are a great attraction. Again close to the town there was no beach at all at high tide but further away there was still the original beach and dunes.
The sea looks inviting, but beware
This great beach is Chapman's Bay from the road up to Chapman's Peak.
From here we headed to the other coast to Chapman's Peak drive with its magnificent scenery
Houts Bay in the distance
Overhanging rock
A view of the road
Chapman's Peak
The panorama
Our last stop was Houts Harbour, a real fishing port and you could buy fresh fish and Cape Crayfish.
This is the place to eat fish and chips in a box at the Mariners Wharf.
As do the seals. The seal took food from this guy's mouth!
His more elegant mate was swimming close by.
Then it was time for home and packing ready for the next day and our next stop, Port Elizabeth. However, on the way, John took his best panorama of the 12 Apostles
Pat and John on tour