Along the Garden Route, South Africa

South Africa’s southern coast. A trail known as the Garden Route. My journey begins in Hermanus, where right whales swim close to shore watching humans watching them. Then further along to Mossel Bay, with its aboriginal cave beneath the lighthouse occupied for thousands of years. Then the museum complex with its replica of the Bartolomeu Dias used by the Portugese in 15th century exploration of Africa. Wilderness with the cool name. And a crazy squatter, known as the Cave Man, homesteading in an abandoned railroad shed and his sea shell and driftwood art. On to Stormsriver to zip through the tree tops of the Tsitsitkamma forest. A confrontation with a troup of baboons. Finally finishing up in Post Elizabeth - and I was never seen, nor head from again. The musical accompaniment is Fever by Sarah Vaughn, remixed by Adam Freeland.

Cape Town - The Mother City

First day there, Table Mountain was cowering beneath clouds. So I went walkabout. First down to the Victoria & Albert Waterfront, a combination tourista trap, shopping mall and working ship yard. Then into the city proper to Green Market Square and up to Bo Kaap. The next day, the mountain was clear, so I hiked up. On my return to Cape Town after exploring the Western and a bit f the Eastern Capes, I cruised over to Robben Island. Saw Nelson Mandel’s cell. Then on final stroll around the V & A Waerfront. The musical accompaniment is Cruising Through by Goldfish.