The Edge of the World...

Or should I say, the-place-for-which-pictures-do-no-justice.

Though it was incredibly difficult to capture the beauty of Cape Point, I will attempt to do so.

 

We began our day of travel with Clifton Beach.  It was really cloudy and freezing, but still fun.  I finally touched the Atlantic in Africa!  Having the mountain right in the background with the sand was incredible.  Still not quite used to seeing pines and palm trees so near each other.  Actually - kind of reminds me of Honduras.

 

 Even when it's cloudy, it makes for great weather-watching.  I don't even know if that's a real hobby, but you can definitely have fun just watching the clouds go over the Cape Town mountains.  It seems as though they come so close to you (see above).

There was this sandy froth building up along the rocks which was cool enough to make you want to touch it, but just repulsive enough to make you not do it.  We climbed along the rocks since they were pretty low, which was fun.  I think it'll be a completely different place once summer comes around.

Next, we drove over to Hout Bay (Bay of Wood) to check out the fishermen and stands there.  They are notorious for a mean hake and chips (I think I'm getting that right).  The people who ordered it got the whole van smelling like heaven.  I need to go back.

Mariner's Wharf - Fish Market - Liquor Cove.  What a fantastic name.  This is said place where one can purchase the fish and chips.  It's where the true Cape Townians come for the dish, since it's ridiculously fresh.  Mmmm...

 

Little did we know that our next stop would be HEAVEN - known here as Cape Point.  The entire park was constructed from these stones, which was a nice element.

 

 Baboons were running alongside our van when we rolled in.  Unfortunately, we did not see them in the park (and turn into the paparazzi... the penguins suffered that fate, read below).  I was really hoping one would fall in love with me and I could take it in as my own.  Alas, no pets to be had at Cape Point today.

 

I walked a mere 30 ft. and ALREADY there were amazing views.  This is in front of the entrance to the park restaurant.  The stone everywhere was real pretty.

 

 

 This, my friends, is an ACTUAL restaurant.  I know, you probably think I photoshopped this.  BUT NAY.  It is 110% real.  So real it made me giddy.  And this was only the beginning.  The restaurant is called "Two Oceans" because close by, the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet.

UNC is treating us pretty poorly, no?  Lunch was so amazing.  I had a seafood curry with 'still water' (just bottled water... but you have to say STILL or they give you sparkling... carbonated water just doesn't do it).  The restaurant had wraparound windows that gave you a view of the coast seen in the picture above.  I probably gaped between bites.

 

 See that monstrosity on the left?  It was a huge bottle of wine worth R12,000.  Compare it to the still big but normal-looking one on the right.  Pretty incredible.  How would you even pour it?

Cape Point, South Africa.  Sign in background reads: "Baboons are dangerous and attracted by food."  Supposedly they have a weakness for ice cream.  Should have brought some Ben and Jerry's as a lure...

Mom always used to talk about the "funicular" in Puerto Rico, but I did NOT realize it was also a word used in English.  Hello, epiphany.  Notice how I am not taking this picture from the funicular/monorail, but instead from the walking path.  By the time I got to the top, my legs were in fire and my seafood curry threatening evacuation.  It was great, though, I promise.

Nope, I didn't scan a postcard to get this.  This is one of the most famous views of Cape Point.  I was almost walking backwards to look around the entire time.  It is definitely one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.

 

 This tower is used to record weather, because according to my friend who knows anything there is worth knowing, it is one point on Earth with some of the cleanest weather.  It made sense, because I felt rejuvenated and then some after hiking around.

 

 As you can probably guess, seeing this sign brought me back home (mentally).  My roommate pointed out that it was the southernmost point in the world we had ever been.  It brought on some intense feelings.

 

Had to use Caroline to illustrate the height and drama of this landscape.  The waves crashing beneath us and the extremity of the cliffs was staggering!  I cannot recommend this place highly enough!

 

 There's me!  In shadow.  You got excited eh?  It was amazing that the walking trail went this far around the cliffs and that there were no handrails.  Definitely one of those experiences you call home about AFTER the fact (as proof of survival).

 Clearly, I was really bored up until this point.  NOT.  Boulders Beach (the final stop of the day) was also great.  My camera battery died, but know that there were penguins in the beach shrubbery everywhere and the aquamarine water was super close.  Another gorgeous view.  How monotonous.  But seriously, this penguin stole my heart.  See below for explanation.

 

 How great is that?!  Note: I was not zoomed in on my camera.  These used to be called Jackass penguins but I believe they are now known as African penguins.  I'm not sure exactly where the first name originated, but I think they are glad to be rid of it.

 

 POO-BIN.  For all of your dog rubbish needs!  Bags offered along the walkway as well.  ALSO - people LIVE right on this beach.  WITH PENGUINS.  Jealous, much?  Absolutely.

 

 On my hunt for baby penguins, someone pointed out this little youngster.  The furry one hiding behind the cactus-looking leaf.  He was shy at first but then popped his adorable face out for a Kodak moment.  They were too great.

 

 On its last breath, my camera snapped this gem.  I could just hear their little penguin voices saying "Gee, William, wasn't that a lovely walk?"  "Why yes, Margaret, the humans were pretty tolerable today.  How do you think little Henry is doing?"

Sigh.  I need to go back.  I'll be the luckiest woman in the world if I can bring my whole family here.  And friends.  And their friends.  Gotta start saving up... it's more than worth it.