Capturing golden moments ….

Our one full day in Cape Town takes up our onto the peninsula then up Table Mountain. It’s a day of epic scenery, beautiful beaches and occasional wildlife. 

Having visited previously and having the benefit of our own car, we decide to turn down the suggestion of a private guided tour, and it means we’re free to stop when and where we want, for as long as we like. 

First stop is St James’s Bay with its colourful beach huts, tidal pool and fabulous views. It’s beautifully sunny but cold, and we’re full of admiration for the few swimmers who brave the elements! The railway line runs right along the coastline - what a journey that must be - and I love the way the electric power lines recede into the mist of surf and morning sun.  

We’re tempted by the quaintness of Kalk Bay with its array of arty shops and fishing boats in the harbour, but decide to continue, stopping instead to watch kite surfers a few bays along. Not surprisingly, the sport is very popular - the wind today is sandblasting us! One surfer in particular reaches impressive heights as he rides the wind and waves. 

From here it has to be Boulders Beach and the penguins - a visit I find far more enjoyable than last time we were here. African penguins are not my favourite type - but I actually find these little guys quite endearing! It’s the end of breeding season and there are still a few jumbo sized chicks around - obvious because of their grey fluff - with other further advanced juveniles.  It’s also the start of the moulting season, and some penguins look really awful! As always, watching them is very entertaining as they waddle along, pick up random sticks and interact with one another. 

We decide not to continue to the Cape itself, crossing instead to the western side of the peninsula where bays are interspersed by rugged cliffs. Chapman’s Peak Drive is fabulous - though G does insist on comparing it to driving along the North Wales coast - and frequent stops present amazing views. 

Back down on less precipitous ground, we drive past the magnificent Twelve Apostles before making our way to Table Mountain’s Cableway. We almost don’t bother with this, thinking as we’d been before there was no point repeating the experience - but I’m so glad we did! 

There are no queues - just straight into the first car and whisked up the mountain. I’m pretty sure the rotating floor of the car is a newish innovation - such a great idea! Although Table Mountain’s ‘table cloth’ is draping over the sides further on, clouds spilling over like an ethereal waterfall, the main mountain is absolutely clear and far from feeling cold, we’re warmed by the late afternoon sun. 

Without planning to, we end up walking the full circuit of the tabletop, in my case ever eager to catch the next view and the next….. Spring flowers are in evidence as the fynbos blooms - it’s so beautiful.   Orange-breasted sunbirds flit back and forth, their iridescence catching the light, and rock hyraxes or ‘dassies’ sun themselves on Rick ledges, and as we reach the western side, the sun is getting low and the light is golden, adding to the beauty. 

I must admit, I’m struggling towards the end, balance going, and legs so tired. I’m glad to reach the end - though I’ve absolutely loved our time up here. Thankfully, once more we’re able to get on the first car down. 

Camps Bay is closer than Cape Town, and we decide to dine there, going into the first restaurant we come across which is once again excellent. I opt for a whole roasted cauliflower with Parmesan and pesto - delicious but too much for me! 

We’re looking out to the beach and see the sunset building, so of course I have to cross over the road to get some shots - the perfect end to a pretty much perfect day! 

 I really had hoped to keep my postings to just one day late, but tiredness plus issues with chargers etc means I’ve not quite managed it! Thanks so much for all your lovely comments, stars and hearts! 

This is a particularly heavy day in terms of a variety of sights, so LOTS of extras! 

My main’s a shot of a photographer on the western edge of Table Mountain.