Journey With Deb

By Terence on Travel Postcards

It was hunt number 3 for the monstrous beast. Hunt number 1 failed due to bad weather. We checked in to the backpackers and they told us the weather wouldn’t permit for the next 3 days.

Undaunted, we rescheduled as we had more than a week left. Then the day arrived, I got into the shuttle and midway driving, the driver announced that the weather at Gansbaai isn’t turning out well and we have to turn back. Bad luck!

Took my chance again to rescheduled (3 more days before we leave) and it was big risk, considering the weather (at Gansbaai) doesn’t look too good.

This time, no turning back and minutes after the briefing, we were in the boat ready to hunt. Upon anchoring, our divemaster gave us a briefing and a rundown about the island and surrounding. He mentioned that we could wait up to 3 hours to lure the sharks and we’ll be hoping to spot at least one today – since it’s summer and not the greatest time to view white sharks.

Then all of a sudden, we all clamoured to the side of the boat as the crew sotted something… lo and behold, the sharks! Very quickly, we got into our wetsuits and with sheer excitement I was the first to get into the cage. Only 5 were allowed in the cage at once. As they lure the shark to its bait time and time, we got full view of the monster and sometimes it would “crash” into the cage leaving us a sheer thrill to savour!

After four hours either viewing the Great White from the boat or in the water… it was an unforgettable experience to say the least!

Interesting fact: In February 2009, across all shark diving industry in Gansbaai, they spoted 0 sharks. Fast forward a year, and they’ve spotted countless of them already. That goes to show how the weather and seasons are changing across the world. Maybe it’ll snow in August (in Europe) one day!

The day danced through splendidly and tastefully after finishing tea at the luxurious Mount Nelsons Hotel. We drove to Cape Point to catch a glimpse of the fiery sun setting under the vast Atlantic ocean. Cape Point is the most southerly point of the entire continent where the two oceans meet – Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean. The drive along Chapman’s Peak towards Cape Point had already stolen our breaths away as we cruised through wild waves on the right and massive mountain cliffs on the left. Para-gliders sliced through the wind as their parachutes tossed them up few metres above the waves. The sun had already started its slow decent as we reached Cape Point. Eager to climb to the top where the light house stood we parked the car and grabbed the camera leaving our bags behind.

In a split second between getting out of the car and closing the door, a baboon came charging at me. Out of impulse I clambered back into the car and shut my door – to my horror the baboon beat me to it by opening the back door and snorted in my face. I ran out keeping my door open. Terence turned back, now a few feet from the car came running to my rescue (or rather the car’s rescue). We shooed and made all kinds of noises, but to no avail. The ugly beast had now summoned his entire family and was now having Bratty Bunch Party in our car. They rummaged through every compartment in the car, opened Terence’s bag (yes, even the zip!) and sieved through everything that was edible and left everything that was non-digestible in a mess!

Twenty minutes of havoc continued. Thankfully people came to our rescue – a tour guide who was once in the army, a lady from the tour group and a few German men big enough for me to hide behind. Cars pulled over to watch, people stopped in their tracks while others apologetically took pictures. The baboons had created a scene newsworthy for a story!

We played a game of opening and closing doors, in and out the baboons went. Alas! We got them all out of the car, pressed the central lock and sealed our car to safety. The baboons walked off slowly, showcasing its menacing teeth and walked away into the bushes.

We carried our hike up the lighthouse with a lingering tremor and a lot of good humour as we watched the sun set into the horizons. We now have another WILD story to tell!

Hands down, Cape Town (CT) is one of the most stunning cities in the world. Teeming with life, myriad of cultures and blessed with spectacular natural beauties, it’s no wonder CT is the ‘Mother City’ of South Africa. Extremely different from Jo’burg, Pretoria or Durban, CT has its own flavor and zest. It is the only city in SA that can be explored by foot.

As all the other cities in SA, CT is busy with roadworks and constructions for the upcoming 2010 Fifa World Cup. Football fever is getting hotter in SA with billboards, flyers, t-shirts, ads and announcements everywhere.

But I’m sure, football aside; CT has more than enough to impress her visitors. We had allocated more days at CT as it was our final stop before heading home – hence no rush, more fun and a little luxury warranted for a good ending.

Table Mountain is without a doubt one of the famous few mountains known by throngs of people. With its imposing stature overlooking the city, Table Mountain made a good landmark for getting our bearings right around the city. Most people would take the rotating cable car up the peak, instead we decided to hike up 1086m. A continuous uphill climb along rugged boulders and steep stony pathways lead us to the top. It wasn’t an easy climb, especially with the sight of the daunting mountain peak staring down at us – nonetheless we made it with 2 cookies to munch on and a litre of water to drench our thirst.

Flat at the top, hence the name ‘table’, the mountain was particularly unique with sparse bushes scattered at the top. An aerial view of Cape Town looked like a thousand matchboxes neatly arranged. Yet the most impressive sight was the ocean, wrapping the city and extending far beyond the eye can see.

Activities around CT has a lot to do with water, from para gliding, jet skiing, deep sea fishing, surfing and definitely sun bathing on the beach in summer. Buskers fill the streets, umbrellas dot the beach and friends gather to watch live performances in parks, gardens and mini-amphitheatres.

Victoria and Alfred (V&A) Waterfront is a famous summer hangout. The sun-drenched waterfront is an active harbour that overlooks the majestic Table Mountain. The buzz and activity stem from several shopping malls, old warehouses converted into mega stores and decks lined with cafes.

Driving in South Africa has proven to be a rewarding experience with ever-changing landscapes to partake. The popular Garden Route that stretches from Storms River all the way to Mossel Bay in the Western Cape deserves the rave and praise as the most scenic stretch along our road trip. Views of open vistas, deep gorges, verdant pine forests and endless mountain ranges continuously unravel as we snake through the highway.

We stopped over at Storms River to spend a few nights and explore the adjacent Tsitsikamma National Park. Tsitsikamma is a khoi word meaning “place of abundant or sparkling water”. It is hard not realize the expanse of water around this region as vegetation remains fertile and drinking water from the tap is even sweet!

Noted for its spectacular scenic hikes and perfect camping spots overlooking the Indian Ocean, this park is a holiday haven for locals and visitors alike. We spent the day exploring two trails; one to the mountain top and another to a waterfall. The hike into the waterfall was a new challenge, climbing between and on rock boulders, balancing on stony ridges and negotiating loose sandstones.

However it was not the final destination that gave us the greatest satisfaction, instead it was the adventure along the journey that allowed us to truly take in the beauty of God’s creation.