SIMON'S TOWN HARBOUR

Seen on our walk early this morning, the reflections mean no wind and therefore good swimming. After breakfast we went down to Fisherman's Cove for a swim. The tide was just right and the waves not too big.
Today is a big picnic day for Capetonians and the cars are streaming into Simon's Town to favourite beaches and coves. Beach tents are erected; grandmothers are comfortably ensconced in canvas chairs; ample food hampers are being unpacked and the children are jumping in the shallow waves under the eagle eye of an aunt or uncle. A great family day with all the generations enjoying the occasion together. Next week this pattern will be repeated with the added bonus of"Tweede Nuwe Jaar" (Second New Year) on Jan 2 which is taken as a public holiday in the Cape.
Maybe I should say a bit more about the photograph. In particular the charming Naval Buildings on the quay dating back to Victorian times. The more recent buildings are ugly by contrast. The red ship is for coastal patrol and lies idle while our fishing resources are depleted due to yet another corruption scandal in the government. Behind the red coastal patrol boat is the Antarctic Research vessel.