Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Cape Agulhas, the Southern tip of Africa

On another perfect summer’s day, we headed due South to visit the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas.  It was about an hour and half from Franskraal. There is a quicker route via a 35 km dirt road, but we decided that we had all the time in the world and didn't fancy a dusty ride
Formation flying
Cormorants at Cape Agulhas
Cape Agulhas Lighthouse has stood guard over the notorious 'Cape of Storms', at the southern tip of Africa for over 150 years
We had not been here for more than 20 years and were amazed at how the town has grown 
This official meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans is also the point of convergence of the Mozambique and Benguela currents. The oceans do not divide down an exact line, but this is the correct geographical site at which they meet
Go North! 
The old man of the sea? Or a Titan?
Cormorants coming in to land
We parked a little way off and had to enjoy our picnic lunch in the car, as the wind began to blow
There always seems to be a long cloud on the horizon but it rarely came in
The wreck of Meisho Maru No 38. This Japanese fishing vessel ran aground in a storm off Cape Agulhas on 16th November 1982
The crew of 17 all managed to swim to safety
Getting broken up by the tides, but it takes years
A better view of the lighthouse. Nowadays most ships use GPS but, at night, the lights are still a good warning of the rocks
Some rock pools worth looking at
We had to get a photo of the photographer for the archives

A yacht far out beating into the wind in the stiff breeze
No fish for sale at the Struisbaai fish market, but people were waiting
The fishing boats were all moored because of the stiff breeze
More in the bay
Colourful!
And along the beach children on their long summer holiday from school were loving their day at and in the sea

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1 comment:

Unknown said...

"A yacht far out beating into the wind in the stiff breeze"
I would say that the yacht was "running before the wind" not "beating to windward"
Just a technical observation!
Great pics, great blog
regards
Frank