We headed back to Cape Town after finishing at Reyneke Wines. We quickly checked in to our hostel and had some lunch. We were staying at a hostel that had a bar and restaurant included downstairs so it was nice to get something quick and easy before our next excursion: Table Mountain! Read More...
Since South Africa is in the Southern hemisphere, it was Cape Town's summer while we were there. Unfortunately, it is also their windy season. All throughout our trip, we had been checking to see whether the Table Mountain cableway was open. It closes when the winds are too high or the visibility is bad, so during this time of year, it closes often. I had heard from multiple people that this was not an easy hike and that it was best to take the cable car back down the mountain. I would not say that I am the most athletic person in the world, but I can hold my own on a hike.
Boy, was I wrong.
The weather was beautiful and although we heard the cable car was not operating, we went ahead and started the hike.
The clouds were beautiful and it was not too hot, so I was OK (albeit whiny) at the beginning.
Quickly I learned that it was not a fun jaunt to the top of the mountain. The "stairs" were like this the entire way up the mountain.
Although I contemplated turning back, I was determined to make it to the top. I did not want to go all the way to South Africa to not be able to say that I made it to the top of Table Mountain. Fortunately, it started to cool off the farther up we climbed.
Although I have never been a huge enthusiast of Lord of the Rings, I kind of felt like I was climbing straight into Mordor. One second I could see maybe 10 feet in front of me, but then I would look back and the clouds would be clearing and you could see everything.
Not gonna lie, it was rough.
Along the way, we did make some friends. Whether they were friendly or not was up for debate.
Meet the dassie. Kind of looks like it wants to murder you, but hey, you are on their mountain.
As Chase and Cheryl are sporty and I am not, I was clearly trailing behind them. As much as I told them to leave me behind and tell my family that I loved them, they did stick with me. What friendship.
Finally, we emerged (kind of) from the clouds and made it to the top. We only heard one piercing scream from the darkness as we climbed up, so I'd say it was pretty successful.
Although it would have been nice if we were not blanketed in clouds, it made for some pretty awesome views. One second you'd be staring at nothing but fog, then the clouds would move and you could see all of Cape Town, which is a spectacular place.
In the few seconds between clouds, we would quickly snap pictures. The wind was pretty intense, so excuse the hairdo.
As I was debating the merits of just sleeping on top of the mountain so that I would not have to walk back down, a woman emerged out of the mist. She seemed appalled that we were on top of the mountain and that we were planning on walking back down. She informed us that of course we could not walk back down, as it was too dangerous.
I may not be the most religious person.
But that day..
God was real.
I seriously do not think I could have walked back down.
We quickly hopped on the cable car with the staff from the cable station on the last car down of the day.
After two and a half hours of climbing uphill, we cruised on down in less than two minutes.
After an exhausting day, I was happy to lie down and not get back up.
Unfortunately, a bus pulled up in front of our hostel at 3:50 the next morning specifically for us. This entire trip to South Africa began with a discussion about shark diving and today was the day it finally happened.
We arrived in Gansbaai Bay around 5 in the morning. Gansbaai is known as the Great White Shark capital of the world because of the "Shark Alley" that runs through it during the winter months. Unfortunately for us, it was summer, but although there wasn't going to be the same huge population when we were there, we were really excited.
After a safety talk and a cage demonstration, we headed out onto the bay.
Because of the season, the visibility under the water was not great. They told us to be patient because it can take a while for sharks to appear after releasing the chum.
Not two minutes later, there was a shark! They called for the first people on the boat to quickly jump into the cage. The first stupid person jumped straight into the cage that was being circled by a great white shark.
The first stupid person was me.
I sat in the cage for about an hour. While we only saw about three sharks and most of the time was spent waiting, I did have something brush up against my arm and splash around right next to me. I would like to say that I ducked under to get a good look, but I did not.
I screamed bloody murder.
Cheryl and Chase had their turn, and unfortunately, Terrey spent most of her time throwing up on the opposite side of the boat so she never made it into the cage.
We were all freaking out about how awesome it was, but then the company said that since we had such a bad turnout, we would be receiving a coupon for another free trip. So I guess I will be going back to Cape Town!
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