Heartbreak and Penguins: December 30

The day began with a heartbreaking phone call from our host family in Bundu. Although the connection was really bad, we were able to discern that our brother Jan had died. The family wanted us to come to the funeral, but we had to unfortunately inform them that we would still be in Cape Town. Promising to visit them when we retuned, we offered our sympathies and tried to stifle the hundreds of questions that were running through our heads. Suppressing our sorrow, we once again escaped from reality in the adventures of travel.

Deciding to take full advantage of the day, we made plans to drive to the point. Piling into the rental car, we had a great time taking in the landscape and stopping at every craft stand and lookout point. Our first big stop was at Boulders where we marveled at the penguins. Braving the ocean at a public beach, Kelli, Joe and Kelli’s mom joined a group of penguins on a nearby rock in order to get some close-ups. We then entered the national park where we were treated to hundreds of penguins- in the brush, on the beach and even a few swimming. They all either seemed to be sitting on a nest or helping to build one. We were fascinated and had to be lured away with the prospect of making it to the point with enough time to do a few short hikes.

Although very crowded, Cape Point was spectacular. We took the cable car to the lighthouse where we enjoyed majestic views of the ocean and surroundings. Braving the wind, we enjoyed a short walk to the tip in order to view the newer lighthouse. Closer to the ocean, the view back at the older lighthouse on the edge of the cliff was stunning. Meandering back up the coast, we devoured a late-night Thai dinner before once again snuggling into bed.




















pictures: road-side craft market; penguins; cape point