The End of Africa

 

A little taste of our last few days in the Cape!

Saturday we packed up and headed for the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. On the way, we stopped at the bakery/village shop/ice cream shop.

First destination: Cape Point.

Whether almost arrived,

Half way,

Simply beginning,

Unsure where along the line...

One step is progress

The next one too

The previous one as well

This step, this courage, this effort

One of the two lighthouses on Cape Point. This lighthouse was too high up, resulting in precarious situations for incoming ships. Thus, another lighthouse was built closer to the water (see pictures bellow).

Stunning sights! How great is our God!

I love signs littered with a collection of stickers; it definitely tells a story of people from various backgrounds.

These alligator-looking lizards were all around the trails and rocks.

See the second lighthouse in the distance?

The trail down to the second lighthouse

Grace and I had fun finding and exploring old WWII buildings and bunkers along the trail.

A couple structures were open, like this one. However, the bunkers were solid cement squares with the single entrance on top, too high for Grace and I to enter (sadly!).

Luka proudly standing at the edge of Africa. He declared himself the southernmost Shaarda.

The second lighthouse. I was super disappointed we couldn't hike down to it because it had rained and the path was slippery.

Waves, disrupting the smooth sea surface.

Boulders, constructing steep mountainsides.

Single seeds, growing into lush carpets.

Power from the weak, the least, the lacking.

After lunch, Dad, Luka and I went on another hike to Cape of Good Hope, while the others drove there.

How to sum

a man in a 

word? Adventurer,

defender, hunter,

athlete, strong,

steady, selfless,

patient, persevering,

godly, good, built

on truth. Thankful

for these beings, true

men in my life.

The Lord Most High is truly the God of the expanse...

...as well as the smallest wonders.

Trail blending with sand

twirling to unseen distance

anticipation for each bend

can eyes see faint difference

between wide, popular trend

and correct, narrow guidance

They only look like they're at the edge of the cliff; in reality, there are a few more terraces between this level and the ground. The devil similarly distorts our fears. He convinces us, through our experiences or the world's culture, that we must fear failure, rejection, loneliness, not having anyone to love us, hardship... Yet the Bible says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" and also commands God's people to fear Him alone. He is our lover, provider, way maker, comforter, king, protector.

We made it to Cape of Good Hope!

Now they're truly at the edge of the cliff :)

See the seals filling that small rock island?

Apparently, someone started a trend to make a rock tower whilst visiting the Cape. The beach was covered with these towers. Anyone wanting to add their own had to tramp down to the water's edge to find available stones.

Grace and I decided to make a rock snowman who would stand out. Maybe we'll start a new trend :)

On the way out, we swam in a tidal pool (a literal pool created by walls built around an area that only gets water during high tide), then drove around the national park. We saw eland, bonti bucks and ostriches. Mom also spotted a series of bones on the sea shore. The bone Luka is holding is a seal shoulder (we had excitedly thought it a fin bone at first).

There was also- most impressive- a huge whale bone.

These feet sure have wandered many places. Although I know several people who are completely disgusted by feet, I recall the verse which says, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring the Good News".  May we all strive to have spiritually beautiful feet!

A vertebra

"Oh death, where is your sting?

Oh fear, where is your power?

The mighty King of kings has disarmed you

Delivered and redeemed

Eternal life is ours

Oh praise His name forever!

Halleluiah! Christ is risen from the grave!"

Seal skull

We came across this fun structure on our drive and later found out it was a large oven of sorts. Fire would be lit on the inside and whatever needed to be dried or baked was perched over the open top.

One of several towers commemorating early explorers or captains.

"Be still and know that I am God". Stop to consider His everlasting love for you!

-------------------------------------------

Sunday morning we had to stay at the house because the world's largest bike race was passing through. We stood at the end of our driveway with a friendly volunteer, who told us about the race. Approximately 20,000 bikers from around the world participate.

We saw multiple tandem bikes, some crazy uniforms, and even a man biking uphill with no hands on his handle bars because he was peeling a banana.

After the road opened, we set out for Simon's Town, where Dad had booked a boat ride to seal island. Makai was crazy excited to get on the boat; unfortunately, he got sick and threw up during the ride.

This island is home to 74,000 seals. Yes, it stunk every bit as bad as you would think when we were downwind! Thousands of seals are loud, but also hilarious to watch. They throw their heads all over as they scoot around.

When we got back to land, Makai found a friend watching soccer/football. :)

For the remainder of the day, we drove through surrounding towns. When stopping at a small flea market, I found a photo of colorful beach shacks and inquired where they were located. The answer: right down the road! So of course we (OK, I) had to visit them!

Monday, our last full day at the Cape, we took an hour drive in Cape Town city to visit Table Mountain, one of the new 7 natural wonders of the world. From Table Mountain, other mountains, such as the 12 disciples, were in view.

A cable car ride up to the top

Table Mountain beauty

First, we explored the primary section of Table Mountain

Locked secrets

somehow shared

common humanity

pain and cares

love, rejection

loneliness, where

all hearts agree

life will vary

Afterwards, we decided to hike to the tallest point of Table Mountain, about an hour's hike away.

Gorgeous flowers near the end of the hike

Closed

until

open.

Shut

then

receiving.

Hidden

now

revealed.

To each

its

proper

time.

I still cannot comprehend that we were on top of the clouds!

Emalai endured like a trooper, disregarding the fact that she was the youngest hiker, and made her way to the tallest point!

The hike towards the tallest point was oppressively warm. We were thankful for clouds that rolled in next to and somewhat around us on the return trip.

A quick stop at the V&A before heading home. What a fun place!

Luka's request while in Cape Town city was to see this stadium.

The last morning in the Cape we returned to Boulder Beach for a swim, then went craft shopping.

This photo sums up my life so well! A world traveler, with my heart remaining all over the place, yet resting on the Rock of Ages that never changes nor leaves me.

The maker of these stunning crafts!