Oops! I slept in! I was due to go for a walk on the beach with Brendon and Busta, but climbing exhaustion kept me in the bed! We spent the morning chatting, getting internet at the house. Then Brendon and I went by car to "The Blond and Beard", which is Katy's coffee shop. ( Margo, Barb's daughter's, daughter!!) We had a nice lunch, visiting with Katy. From there we went by car on a lovely scenic drive along the coast to Boulders Beach, Simonstown, (which is a military base.) I saw the warships in the harbour. From there we went to see the African Penguin colony on Boulder beach. I was very impressed. There were so so many people, and we were all contained on a board walk so as not to disturb the penguins. They could go underneath the boardwalk too. The boardwalk ended at the beach with larger boulders. Penguins were surfing, nesting, standing alone or in pairs, posing it seemed for pics. Brendon took a short video on my phone, as he is taller!. It was fascinating to see the interactions between all the penguins on the beach. Some sitting on eggs. Those walking around got pecked if they got too close to the spot of a particular bird. Some birds were digging holes to lay eggs. I took a pic of a white egg. I noticed two young, brown baby penguins, being supervised by their mom.The entire experience was lovely, as the penguins were not shy of people, and we were ar a respectful distance from them.The tourists loved it but did in no way disturb the colony, or feed the birds. You could almost touch them.This colony was breeding, and needed the sanctuary provided. Full marks to the conservationists who set this up. There is a beach a little further away from here, also Boulder beach, where you can swim, and the penguins actually share the beach with you, but not a breeding colony.
Brendon and I left to avoid the traffic jams due to construction, and went to Noordhoek, the other side of the peninsula to buy groceries for supper. We came back and had a braai ( BBQ) with Kirsty and Roxie, both of whom came home on the train. Then we played some Rummikub ( board game) and headed for bed. What a great day. Thanks for checking in!
Below: Such a gorgeous coastline on the drive to Simonstown.
Below: view of Kalk bay I believe
Below: bougainvillea caught my eye just before we entered the penguin area.
Below: well.....it is a breeding colony!
Below: nesting boxes provided!
Below: tourists on the boardwalk
Below: boulders, and the colony
Below: they were very close to you on the boardwalk, and didn't mind us.
Below: on the beach....nesting, and all the interactions.
Couldn't tear myself away from this
Brendon and I left to avoid the traffic jams due to construction, and went to Noordhoek, the other side of the peninsula to buy groceries for supper. We came back and had a braai ( BBQ) with Kirsty and Roxie, both of whom came home on the train. Then we played some Rummikub ( board game) and headed for bed. What a great day. Thanks for checking in!
Below: Such a gorgeous coastline on the drive to Simonstown.
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