Chapman's Peak

One Saturday afternoon we decided it was time for another little scenic drive. The Harms had already done the Chapman Peak drive, but they said it was so beautiful that they would like to go again. It is only about 30 kilometers (20 miles) from our flat and is a different way to get to Cape Point---where the Cape of Good Hope is. We first drove through a forest--it was much denser than this and looked like Yellowstone Park as you drove - trees on both sides. At one point the trees thinned out and we saw these grape vineyards in the distance. This shows a little of the country-side so you can see how they farm.

After we got past the forest, we came to a little bay called Hout Bay. It was very picturesque and we especially loved the whale clooud that formed on the mountain as we stood there! Can you see it?

Here's a better picture where he even has an eye and it looks like he is about to eat a little fish. Funny how there are clouds on top of all three peaks. We only stayed here a few minutes.

We were hoping to see the sun go down into the ocean, but of course it was cloudy again. We thought this sunset was very striking and really loved the clouds here. There is a huge cliff at this spot and they have put up a mirror to help you see around the bend in the road. We were going the wrong direction to use it. Seemed strange.

Below is a tunnel-like retaining wall that was created to protect the roadway from falling rocks. This road has been closed for a long time while they built or repaired the wall. You drive through the covered part so quickly that we didn't have time to snap a picture. Then you drive a little further under a rock ceiling kind of thing---I guess you can see it in the picture! We think we will get a better picture next time! The road has a toll booth that charges you coming and going in order to pay for all the work! It was about $8 American each way, but it was so worth it for the beautiful landscapes and sunset we saw. As we drove around a bend in the road, we saw this beautiful white sandy beach without a soul on it. It was a lovely, warm evening and it was a surprise not to see a few beachcombers out searching for shells. I was dying to run down there!

We were watching the sunset which was fiery orange and it was so beautiful it was hard to tear ourselves away, but then we noticed this pink ribbon of clouds that went clear across the sky. It looked like a lost piece of wrapping ribbon! We were so interested in it, that we didn't turn around for a while and then we turned 180 degrees and saw the beautiful sunset on the picture after this one.

The sunset was becoming more beautiful by the moment and every few seconds was a different exciting view.

The ribbon got pinker and pinker and lingered over the mountains for quite a while. We lingered there in the same spot and turned one way and then the other snapping photos all the time. It was so hard to pick the ones to put on the blog.

Finally it really started to get dark and we had to leave this wonderful spot and count on the camera to hold the memories for us. Goodnight all - we love you and pray that all will be well with you in every way.