For expediency and ease have booked an arranged tour to the Cape of Good Hope. Saves a lot of faffing on my part. Have queried with the concierge why the tour doesn’t have a bullet point for Cape of Good Hope on the list of excursion highlights. It only has a bullet point for Cape Point. Am assured it will go to the Cape of Good Hope. They’re next door after all. It’s inconceivable that a tour to the Cape would not go to the Cape of Good Hope. Isn’t it?!
Collect fellow travellers from various hotels around Cape Town. Including two chain-smoking French Algerians. Looks like Mother and Son. She’s small and dumpy and has a 1970s style big afro-perm. They talk non stop.
In French. Whilst the guide is commenting in English. Struggle to hear guide’s commentary. Finally snap after 20mins. I know. It took that long. Can sense everyone is thinking the same as me. They’re told to shut up. They sit in silence. Rude lot.
Scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak. Stunning road clinging to the headland with magnificent views across the bay.
Arrive at Simon’s Town to see the penguin colony at Boulders beach. Instructed to be back at the bus by 1030hrs. There’s something comical about penguins. They’re all on the beach and the rocks sunbathing. Great waddle.
Everyone is back at the bus by 1030hrs.
Apart from.
The French.
Guide moans about the French.
He hates having French tourists. They’re a nightmare. They’re all the same. Always late. Always rude. He says.
Whilst we wait. Something niggles at the back of my mind. Just better check we do go to the Cape of Good Hope.
“We do go to the Cape of Good Hope, don’t we?”
“No. Not on this tour.”
WHAT?!
“But I have to go the Cape of Good Hope. I have to go to the sign.”
“It’s impossible to go to the Cape of Good Hope. We don’t have time on this tour.”
Oh. Crap.
“No, no. You don’t understand. I have to go to the Cape of Good Hope. I’ve been travelling for three months from the North Cape in Norway. I need to go to the Cape of Good Hope!!!”
Bugger.
“It’s impossible. We don’t go there on this tour. Only the full day excursion.”
Taxi for Touring Taurean.
Am going to the Cape of Good Hope. Whatever. It. Takes!! Don’t give a toss what it takes.
But I am going.
“But I need to go to the Cape of Good Hope. It’s very important. I’ll get a taxi from here. Where can I get a taxi?”
He begins to think about it. Once he realises my determination and the fact I’ve travelled all the way down from Norway.
He formulates a plan of action. Good lad.
Time at Cape Point will be curtailed so we can divert to the Cape of Good Hope 15mins away.
Phew.
He’s a star.
French turn up 15mins late which puts further pressue on time. Flipping French.
What I want. What I really, really want. Is a photo at the sign with no one else in shot. The last time I came here two years ago it was a complete scrum. No one would get out of shot. And everyone was pushing and shoving. But it was a bus load of Italians.
Two coachloads are already there. It’s going to be a nightmare again. Especially as I hear French being spoken. But. Surprisingly. It’s all very orderly. Their South African guide has them under control. The French have formed an orderly queue.
For the first time ever I suspect. No one is allowed to go behind the sign who isn’t having their photo taken.
Hmmm.
This could take some time if I join the queue.
Don’t have time.
My Guide has done this as a favour and only have a matter of minutes.
Hmmm.
What to do.
Sod it.
Going to be rude and queue jump.
Nip in when a couple clear the area. Audible gasps. Zut alors! There’s a queue you know.
Yeah. Yeah.
Terribly sorry Frenchies.
Only have a couple of minutes. Don’t have time.
They’re moaning. Their guide is moaning. It’s just not cricket you know.
Smile.
Snap.
Merci et au revoir.
So that’s it. Quick as a flash. All a bit rushed.
Made it.
Cape to Cape.
WAHOO.
I’ve done it.
Bloody ‘ell.
Return to Cape Town. Elated. It’s a glorious day. The brightest and bluest sky you could ever imagine. Not a cloud about.
A great day for a trip up Table Mountain for some walking.
Last time I was hear it was a bit cloudy and misty on the top but today can see for miles. Can even see Cape Point in the distance. It’s that clear. Shall walk across Table Mountain to Maclear’s Cairn. Buy emergency rations. Bottle of water and a pack of wine gums. It’s a giddy existence.
Walk the route I did before across the plateau. Stunning views. Hardly any wind and it’s so silent. Stop and listen. To silence. Not a breath of air. No extraneous noise. Whatsoever.
Make Maclear’s Cairn. At 3,500ft the higest point of Table Mountain. Amazing views of Cape Point. Sense of direction confused by the sun. It goes east to west via north. Not what us northerners are used to.
Celebratory wine gum or two and a swig of water whilst watching over Cape Point having a breather.
Wow. What a view. Ain’t life great!
Find the alternative path back. Along the cliff face. Wow. Path is quite dangerous at various points. Walk the wrong side of a rock and promptly hit a 1000ft drop. Retrace steps. Path is 3ft wide in places. Right next to a vertical drop. Next stop Cape Town if you fall. It’s that vertical.
Celebratory cold Castle beer. Or two……
An amazing day.
An amazing trip.
