23 November 2010
The blog is going on holiday. With friends Sue and Donald Fraser, we are leaving tomorrow, Wednesday, to go travelling for two weeks. Sue has made the suggestion that all those of you who read my blog should go out now and buy a book! Since Sue's arrival we have done a little local sightseeing. We followed the Chapman Peak Drive, one of the world's best ocean drives which winds its way around the headland from Hout Bay to Fish Hoek on our way to see the African penguin colony at Boulder Bay a few miles south of Simon's Town. The views were quite fantastic.
After two days of heavy mist and cloud the sun came out for us and we seized the opportunity to take the cable car up to the summit of Table Mountain, where we had the most spectacular 360 degree panoramic views. How lucky we were, for it had been closed for the previous three days due to the weather. It was wonderful to look out over the South Atlantic Ocean instead of being upon it. After lunch at the top, we returned to Cape Town. Sue and I had some retail therapy in a handicraft market, one of two in the city, while the boys assisted Wild Tigres into their berth at the V & A marina. We sat in the sunshine sipping Pimm's in a waterfront cafe, one of the many up market cafes that surround the waterfront. This marina development is all very sophisticated compared to Hout Bay but will be at least two or three times pricier. We have booked Voyageur into this marina for two weeks over the Christmas and New Year period which will be lovely but expensive.
The botanical gardens at Kirstenbosch was another "must see" on our list and its understated layout of lawns and paths and various gardens was a delight. Its situation under the heights of Table Mountain added to its splendour. Today Lady Lisa arrived and not before time. Winds of 50 to 60 knots are predicted. John, a liveaboard and our neighbour, has kindly agreed to look after Voyageur while we are away which is very reassuring. Sandro and Lisa and Berhardt came for a sundowner and then Sandro and Lisa treated us all to dinner at the famous Mariners Wharf restaurant, one of South Africa's most famous seafood restaurants. We had the most lovely evening, but by the time we had finished the wind was howling around us.
It looks as if many of the WARC fleet have bypassed this marina which I think is a shame for it is a really nice fishing port, the centre of the crayfishing industry, and perfectly placed for local sightseeing. David had arranged for our free rigging check today, courtesy of Admiral Insurance, and apart from the inner forestay chainplate needing to be strengthened, and the outhaul beefed up to a heavier line, Voyageur received a clean bill of health. When we think of all the adverse weather conditions we have had during the last ocean crossing and the fact that it is still her original rig, now twelve years old, we are really very well satisfied.
Back in Scotland Sue spent a considerable amount of time and effort in researching where to go and what to see and with the assistance of Anita, who runs a guesthouse and travel agency based in Jeffries Bay, Enchantment Tours, they put together a wonderful and comprehensive travel itinerary which includes, two private game reserves, the Stellenbosch wine region, whale watching at Hermanus, and driving the famous Garden Route. So this is Voyageur now signing off for the next two weeks.
Susan Mackay