First, a shout out of thanks to those of you that have replied to my previous posts. It’s great to hear from you; it gives me a sense of satisfaction knowing that I am not just writing this blog to hear myself talk to myself.
My arrival to Cape Town late on May 4th initiated what I thought would be a couple days of frenzied activity on my part to get ready for my overland trip, including getting a South African sim card for my mobile hotspot so that I can communicate with the world while in SA (you are the beneficiaries), going to the ATM and getting lots of Rand for my expenses while in SA, getting acquainted with my “Green Dragon” and all its features (which you can read all about on the Vehicle page of this site), shopping for some additional desired camping supplies (such as a nice reclining camp chair for the hours spent in camp relaxing during the middle of most days – nothing like a comfortable camp chair for this purpose), and stocking up on household supplies and groceries.
Now, I did tell you what it means to say “it’s Africa”, didn’t I? Well, if not, it means, expect that everything – even the simplest things sometimes – will likely take a little (or a lot) longer. I experienced my first “Africa” hurdle shortly after arriving and meeting up with my Green Dragon. After driving it briefly I quickly realized that it is badly in need oif a frontend alignment and wheel balance — can’t drive the distance I am going to drive with a bad alignment. Well, my Green Dragon is an older vehicle (2012) and it’s seen a few rugged miles, so it is not too surprising that an alignment and balance would be needed. After 1 shop tried and failed to complete the alignment, claiming the adjusting bolts were “frozen”, another shop gave up before even trying, another sent me to yet another shop, who sent me yet to another shop, who said they could do it but because it was 1 hour from the early 2 pm closing time on Saturday, that I would have to come back Monday morning for the job. So, what should have been a couple hours in the morning on Saturday turned into a full day of running around and getting essentially nowhere, and now a “forced” stay in Cape Town of another day (or two or three if things go the way they could go – read on to see the outcome). So, as my son said in his reply to a previous post, “Hakuna Matata”. No worries, just relax and enjoy where you are.
With that being said, I did just that. As I write this post, I am lying comfortably atop my Green Dragon in the pop-up roof tent on the coast of Cape Point on the breathtaking penninsula outside of Cape Town listening to the following:
Can you guess what it is? You guessed it, nesting African penguins in the bushes right beside my vehicle. The young nestlings are whining constantly (for food I suspect) in a high pitched wine that sounds like, well, baby puppies whining or whimpering. I can’t seem to capture the audio of the nestlings with my voice recorder or I would share. Periodically the adults, who must be guarding them closely, chime in with a duet of wonderfully varied coos, gurgles and brays that quickly rises to a crescendo and then trails off slowly, with the whole chorus lasting just a few seconds – as you heard above. The closest sound that comes to mine to me is braying donkeys. What does it sound like to you? Imagine this on a backdrop of gentle waves crashing, more like caressing, the rocky shoreline below, which isn’t audible in this recording – sublime! Don’t you wish you were here? Here is a picture of my overnight parking/sleeping spot at the end of an ocean-front street – yes, iOverlander listed it as an undesignated camping spot and there were no signs to say otherwise, so what the hell.
Here is the bush to the left of the vehicle (not visible in phote above) and the entrance to the penguin nest.
You know you are not in Kansas anymore when you come across a road sign like the following:
The next day was Sunday, so nothing could be done except enjoy the Cape. So, I took a drive down and around Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, which are part of Table Mountain National Park that occupy the mountain highlands and tip of the Cape penninsular. Most of the coastline and lower hills above are developed but still quite beautiful as in the following pictures:
Hiked out to Cape of Good Hope which is almost the southern tip of Africa (not quite, as there is another cape to the east that jutts south a little farther). Beautiful scrub-dominated mountainous headlands as shown here:
Came across some of these guys (gals actually) up close and personal in the scrublands just above the bluffs in the picture above of Cape of Good Hope (not what I was expecting to see in this landscape, but fun nonetheless):
OK, there is more to the neverending Green Dragon story that is still in progress as of now – which is Monday night, but I am running out of battery and want to get something posted, so stay tuned for what I hope to be a final wrap up on the vehicle issue tomorr. Cheers!
I agree with Nathan. Just relax and take in what you can. No hurries/no worries. Just make sure your vehicle is safe and you stay safe. love all the pictures. Loved my informative Africa history lesson.
love u sister Joan
PS. I couldn’t get any volume
Hey Sis. Will do. There was definitely volume with the recording so maybe you speaker was turned down or something. Cheers.
Great seeing that the Dragon is a Toyota… w/ a solar panel!
Glad you drove it enough to realize it needed some work before you departed!
Do you think the ostrich was “wild”?
Like maybe you’d come across one of their nests??? Or someone pet?
Hey Tom. Definitely wild ostrich well inside Table Mountain National Park. I guess they have a very wide range of habitats they occupy here in Africa. Just caught me slightly by surprise in this oceaside environment, quite unlike all the other places I have seen them. Cheers.
This sounds like what we call island time Kevin! You just can’t rush the natives. Sounds like you are lucky to have mechanic choices. I hope you can resolve the alignment issue soon.
I never would have guessed those were penguins! And never would have known ostriches roam in South Africa!
Best of luck to getting “ on the road”!
The bird looks like the one down by the trailer park. What an adventure so far. Better you had a hiccup while still in civilization and not out in the what they call it the bush?
I’m glad you added pictures what a treat! It is very beautiful there and always nice to see other places. I’m very glad Nancy added me to your vlog. I’ve been following a little pink elephant there and it puts it in more perspective for me. I’m looking forward to reading more from your adventures.
Hey neighbor. Yes, the ostrich is the very same species we have down the road at home. Amazing! Cheers.
WOW! Wonderful photos! That vehicle of yours is something else! Love reading all of this. Keep the photos coming! ☺️👍
Cool place to spend the night! Did you see the Dassies (Rock Hyrax) while you were with the penguins? They’re incredibly cute.
Your Green Dragon saga reminded me of a phone call I had about a year ago with the daughter of a colleague who was about to embark on a month-long internship in Tanzania. I tried to warn her about US time and Africa time. When she returned home, she confirmed that Africa time is a real thing…enjoy your down time with the penguins and good luck with the truck.
Finally, just confirming, that you are NOT blogging to yourself! Great posts. I will follow every one.
Thanks Brenda. No, I did not see the Rock Hyrax yet, but am sure I will as I saw lots in Tanzania last year. Yes, TIA (“this is Africa”) to be sure. Cheers!
OK ….. proof that I am following along ….. Nice land cruiser, dude!
No…. you are not just writing to hear yourself talk, you are taking us along with you. Looking forward to the adventure! The photos, sounds and narrative are beginning to make me feel like we’ll be bouncing along in the left seat as you drive. Continuing Ed class. Enjoyed the penguin recording, but of all places, I am submitting a request for a Cape Turtle Dove. Assante. Duct tape, baling wire, and rope (extra hinges)?
Thanks buddy. Wish you were here along side. Believe or not I almost recorded the cape turtle last night while writing the post but battery was almost done and wanted to get something posted, so it will have to wait until I get to the right spot. I promise that you will be hearing one soon! Cheers. BTW, vehicle is fully stocked with all kinds of tools and equipment to solve most problems, but would need someone with your mechanical problem-solving skills to make full use of them.
Love the pictures and glad to meet the green dragon, even if she isn’t feeling her best right now.
Thanks, but she still isn’t feeling good yet, but I have my fingers crossed for the suspension shop I am in right now. Cheers.
Was wondering if you brought any books for reading or downloaded an audible books. I just started Trevor Noah’s book “Born A Crime” about growing up in South Africa. If you have time while you’re waiting for the truck to get fixed, download or pick up this book. I just started it and it’s great
thanks for the suggestions and, yes, I have a few good african books and a bunch of audible books to keep me entertained and informed as needed for down times, of which eventually there will be a good deal of midday siesta breaks once I get to the bush. Cheers!
Hey Kevin. Nathan is right about the spirit of “hakuna matata” that will be needed for this journey. We usually just say “TIA” for “this is Africa” and have had many a moment. Wish we were down there already. I would love to explore the Cape Town area, hiking, wine country etc some day. Best wishes with the Green Dragon on Monday or Tuesday….
Thanks Bro. We’ll be seeing you soon and hopefully by then there won’t be anymore TIA. Cheers.
Oh. Bummer. Seems like you are making the best of it. Hope Monday proved to be productive! Safe travels and hope you’re underway soon! Not sure I could handle those sounds for an extended period of time. 😬
Fantastic. On the road again. Yes I do wish I was there with you. More than I can say. Hooray for braying penguins and the intrepid green dragon!
Hi Kevin, Enjoying your posts, photos and sound effects. Thanks for taking us along with you and your journey! Love the green dragon.
Thanks Sue and glad you and Terri are along for the ride. Cheers.
Hey Kevin, Just catching up now, enjoying the blog, and coveting the truck! Stay safe friend.
will do, thanks buddy