Cape of Good Hope, at the far southern tip of Africa

Drove south from Simon's Town to the Cape of Good Hope, allegedly the southern tip of Africa.

Actually, I was told that the true southernmost point of Africa is on a different peninsula, and that this is NOT where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean. Believe what you want.

Whales, Ostriches, and Dassies . . . but no Baboons

I saw several whales off the beach (including a mother and baby) near Simon's Town, but my only picture is a bit of white on the water's surface.

My encounter with the ostriches was much closer. A father, mother and their chicks --- and a different ostrich beside my car. Glad my car window was closed.

This Dassie (Cape Hyrax) looks somewhat like a guinea pig. Very docile and coexists with penguins nicely.  The closest living relatives to the hyrax are the elephant and manatee.

Despite all the dire warnings, I did not see any baboons at the Cape of Good Hope.

Boulders Beach Penguins (second visit)

Walked down to the beach to see the penguins again. Sunny day but very windy. The penguins didn't seem to mind the cool breeze.

Lots of penguins on the beach, but also in their burrows on the hills overlooking the beach. The penguins readily accept manmade/manufactured burrows.

The African Penguins make a braying sound, similar to a donkey's "Hee Haw!" In fact, the African Penguin was once called the Jackass Penguin until they realized that some other penguin species (in South America) make similar sounds.

Church at Strandfontein Baptist outside of Cape Town

At the suggestion of my friend Maria, I attended church where Maria and her Briarlake Baptist friends in Atlanta have done service projects.

Very welcoming group and a wonderfully enthusiastic church service. Pastor Daniels and his wife Sandra sent their greetings back to Maria.

Table Mountain overlooking Cape Town

A picture perfect day on Table Mountain

The V&A (Victoria and Alfred) Waterfront is to the right. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, is farther out in the water to the left.

Really enjoyed the cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain and down. The cable car could hold up to 60+ passengers and rotated 360° so everyone had a good view.

A different view from the top, including Lion's Head on the left. I didn't quite see the head of a lion, but I think it's more obvious from the other side.

African Penguins at Boulders Beach (first visit)

Walked a short distance to the beach and saw lots of penguins!

Mother and baby on the path

Arrived in Cape Town, South Africa

Flew into Cape Town and rented a car at the airport. Driving on the left, even with GPS, required great concentration. Plus, I was driving during rush hour traffic on unfamiliar roads and looking into the sun (which made it hard to read signs). GPS directions were given in kilometers and meters. Somehow made the hour's drive to Simon's Town with a few minutes of daylight to spare.

The Airbnb apartment in Simon's Town where I'll spend the next 9 nights is totally charming. It's a short walk to Boulders Beach, where the African Penguins live year-round.