Day 12 part 1- Free Penguins

We got an early star to Betty’s Bay Stony Point penguin colony.  It’s one of two African penguin colonies left on the continent, and is in a protected area. The global African penguin population has dropped precipitously in the 20th century losing 90% , and they are now an endangered species.  When we got to the gate, they told us that the first 100 people to Stony Point today get in free... and we were happy to get some free free time almost alone with these funny little fellows. 

The wind was really strong again today, so many penguins were bedded down out of the gusts like this sleepy one. 

But this one was ready for his closeup. 

And much like yesterday, you can’t find fault with the views in South Africa.  I think these penguins chose their colony site well. 

We only found one young penguin - they start out brown like this. 

A crowd started assembling outside the gate.  It turns out today was a “penguin release” day.  This organization looks after injured and orphaned birds, and when they are ready, releases them back to the sea.  

Here is a video of their first taste of freedom. 

https://youtu.be/AHyoanzZzZc

They liked sliding on the rock into the water. 

Except for this one who was still a bit nervous. 

We followed this (flock?  Someone help me with the collective noun!  Where’s ranger Dylan when I need him?) as they made their way out into the ocean. 

Kat, like Lyle Lovett, “goes for penguins”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4ZAaPYimfM

Day 11 - Whale Fail

So bright and early off to Hermanus, whale capital of South Africa.  First problem - sleepy little De Kelders doesn’t have a coffee shop that opens before 10 a.m.  We headed out, caffeine free and sleepy to Hermanus.  Luckily Betty Blue opens at 8:00 a.m.  we had a terrific breakfast  there so all was forgiven. Off to see the whales! 

Except.....no whales.  This town literally has a whale crier - he can broadcast to the whole town when whales are in the harbor.  Nothing but silence.  Except for the blustery winds. 

We did find this bird, who was pretty. 

And the views okay 

Still, if I had come out of my way to Hermanus to see the whales, it would have been pretty disappointing. This is where AirBnB and Rich’s great lodging research skills really paid off for us. Because back at home in De Kelders 

Whales are hard to photograph, but we’ve had great viewing from our lodging all afternoon long. It’s been fun - and the most relaxing part of our trip - watching baby whales and their mamas so close to shore from the comfort of our room. 

Day 10 - From sea to shining sea

Today was a travel day - from Plettenberg Bay to De Kelders was 41/2 hours.  It was also Indian Ocean to the Atlantic. It was  a rainy day - but since we spent a good portion of it in the car, we didn’t mind. It’s our understanding that much of South Africa is experiencing a severe drought -so any rain is welcome.  

Rich is getting used to the driving, though he keeps an iron grip on that right side steering wheel 

Traffic behavior is odd too - most trucks pull off the road onto the shoulder to let cars pass them. 

Most of these photos are from inside the car on a rainy day - so pardon the quality.  But it gives you a sense of the diverse ecosystems in the Western Cape on route N2. 

Coastal vistas:

:

Lush mountains:

Farmland:

Wine regions:

And rocky volcanic looking mountains:

But all was sunny when we arrived at our new Airbnb home n De Kelders. We could see whales right from our little balcony. 

They are hard to photograph - hopefully we’ll get a better shot tomorrow when we head to Hermanus which is a top 12 in the world whale watching city.  But we enjoyed watching them from our new digs. Happy hour at out place with whales wine and binoculars - who could ask for more? 

We did did stretch our legs on a little ocean walk nearby. 

It has sea caves. 

And pretty great views. 

Day 9 - Seaside Sole Mates

Our Plettenberg Bay hotel comes with a free dauily car wash.  After yesterday’s mountain dirt roads, the old corolla was probably grateful for the effort.  

Today we decided that all of this safari drive sit time needed to end.  We have lots of wine calories to expend.  So we set off to hike the Robberg Nature Reserve and marine protected area.  Kat was counting up the many cliff walks we’ve done together in our 15 years of marriage- Monhegan Island, Maine, Block Island, Rhode Island, Cap Ferrat, Cinque Terre.  Probably even more. This one in Plett Bay certainly met our high expectations.  Here is a nice early shot before my knees were crying. 

This hike has a little bit of everything- including wildlife.  Though not quite as exciting as elephants and leopards, we enjoyed the many geckos and some time with the cape fur seals.  We even caught the occasional whale off in the distance. 

And these mysterious whelks??? feeding on some squid or something.  Nice fresh Calamari perhaps? 

Hiking with my sole/soul mate Rich can be a lonely endeavor at times 

But I can’t complain  - whenever the going was tough for my arthritic knees he was there with a helping hand, or an embarrassing photo. Seriously - there was some challenging rock scrambling and Big! steps that Rich helped me navigate.  But I survived. 

And the views made it all worth the effort.

 

A good 15th anniversary hike for me and my sole mate - and our sawtooth b dry oboz hiking shoes.  

Oh yeah - did I mention the seagull colony?  Bird poop everywhere. 

It was a great and challenging hike.  

Back at the hotel we took a little relaxing beach time. Rich explored the sandbar on the bay, and our hotel provided beach chairs were utilized.  This is really some vacation!