January 6, 2007
Saturday, January 06, 2007
By Kate LeeseToday was a day of changed plans, but interesting none the less. Because of cloud cover on Table Mountain we were forced forgo our plans of a hike and drive the cape shoreline instead. The scenery was breathtaking; jagged cliffs, turquoise waves, and the occasional Ostrich lined the curvy road leading to the Cape of Good Hope. It was easy to see why centuries ago, sailors had a hard time navigating the turbulent waters filled with massive rocks lying just beneath the surf. While there, we hiked up tall rock formations that gave rise to panoramic views of Africa’s most Southwest tip. Just a bit further up the coast was Cape Point where a lighthouse stands on a sheer cliff and signs point in the direction of landmarks thousands of kilometers away. This area of Table Mountain National Park was heavily visited by other tourists and local swarms of baboons now associate people there with food. Before getting out of the car we were greeted with a sign that reads ‘Baboons are dangerous and attracted by food.’ The snack area had an electric fence to deter the animals but as some of the members of our group found, once you are out off the fences the baboons think you are fair game and good for a free meal. The animals wait on parked cars for people carrying any sort of snack. Some approached Tracy who was carrying a bag, thinking it might have something inside. She quickly threw the bag and the baboon went after it. Only after biting through her postcard did it realize there was nothing of value and moved on to inquire other students; for whom this will definitely be a day not to forget.
Kate Leese
