My Mother's First Visit to South Africa: The Scenic Route

 On Tuesday October 1, Ingrid's friend kindly volunteered to take us on a scenic drive around Chapman's Peak.  Chapman’s Peak winds it way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay on the Atlantic Coast on the south-western tip of South Africa. It is definitely one of the most spectacular drives in the world!  During the drive we stopped several times.  Our first stop was to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and the view of Camp's Bay.  Camp's Bay is an affluent suburb with perfect views of white sandy beaches kissed by the wild blue waves of the ocean.  It is also known for its amazing nightlife and mountain-side mansions. 

Ingrid and I sharing a view of Camp's Bay

Mom posing with Camp's Bay in the distance

Panoramic view - Camp's Bay

After the sparkling wine was finished, we hoped back in the car and continued our drive around Chapman's Peak.  Words are not necessary to describe the beauty of the views along this drive.  Let the photos speak for themselves ...

Lovers write their name and proclamation of love on the bricks seen at the bottom right hand corner

A cyclist enjoys a sun-kissed rest

Chris, Ingrid and I enjoying the view

Mom and I enjoying the view

Mom and Ingrid enjoying the view

After enjoying the breath-taking views that Chapman's Peak had to offer we stopped briefly at an Ostrich Ranch.  Interesting.  For some reason the ostrich, behind the fence, decided to walk deceitfully slowly to the other end of the pen, look at me and then run - run quite fast I might add - right toward me!   I panicked and jumped as far as I could from the fence.  The ostrich stopped abruptly, coming inches away from the fence.  Clearly it was toying with me.

After the ostrich ranch we decided it was time for lunch.  We stopped at the Blue Marlin Restaurant for lunch.  I had my revenge and insisted Mom order the ostrich curry for lunch.  It was delicious!  If you are looking for a lean red meat to add to your diet ~ ostrich is it!  Benefits besides being delicious: ostrich meat is low in fat and cholesterol, as well as high in calcium, protein and iron!

Mom and I at Blue Marlin Restaurant

The ladies nice and full after lunch!

Boulder Beach

After lunch came the CUTEST part of the tour:  Boulder Beach to see the African penguins!  The African penguins are endangered and confined to live near Southern African waters.  It is also known as the 'jackass' penguin as it makes a loud, harsh donkey like sound when excited!  Interestingly, the African penguin is monogamous!  It breeds with the same male or female for a life time returning to their breeding site each mating season.

Returning from time in the water

Beached penguins

Lifetime mates

Mom and I pose with the penguins

It was an amazing day full of spectacular views, peaceful moments and "awwww"s as we observed the penguins.  If you are ever in Cape Town this drive is an absolute MUST DO!  But take it from me ~ charge your camera and phone the night before.  You do not want to miss one moment during this drive.