Festival Fever

It sure has been busy. I attended a workshop in Somerset West on the 3rd and 4th September - fresh from my spring splash and was great to hear the planning and action from the region in preparation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup to be hosted in South Africa - made me really excited.

Of course World Cup Rugby 2007 has started in France so eyes glued to the TV screens and we wish the Springboks the ultimate success and hope they bring the trophy home! Meanwhile the action is happening on home soil with Twenty 20 cricket, so more major sporting distractions for us all.

But somehow despite all the international competitions, the Cape Point Route has still been a buzz with festival fever. Last weekend was the Simon's Town Penguin Festival - we were priviledged to be invited to the opening launch and auction which was a real BEACH PARTY at Boulders Beach Lodge. Thanks to the team there for a fantastic evening and hope you raised loads of money for the penguins and SANCCOB. There seemed to be generous opening of wallets!

The weekend was jam packed with the environmental marquee on Jubilee Square as one of the main hits of the festival. Fascinating shows and talks, displays and activity were centered around the festival theme of preserving the environment in which we live. I am absolutely convinced no other festival is as environmentally conscious as the Simon's Town Penguin Festival - well done to the organisers and the community for highlighting the needs and concerns we face in today's global world.

But it was certainly not all doom and gloom - we had fun by participating in the Anything that Floats competition. Cape Point Route made an iceberg and had penguins on holiday cruising into the Simon's Town harbour where we were proud to win the most Seaworthy craft. (not too hard as we cheated and used a existing boat!)We were super impressed with the Girl Guide's Yellow Submarine float and faced stiff competition from King Neptune and his maidens from Mach 1 Security, although it may have been more leisurely to be pulled along by a kayak?!

The 5 km Fun Run/ Walk/ Waddle was just a little to close in time for us to get off the water and to the start line for a jog past the penguin colony, but we were delighted to see Darden Lotz of SANCCOB coming in for 3rd place in the Ladies section. Well done.

I will try and get some Penguin Festival Pictures up soon despite more excitement with the Baysider.com Spring Regatta on its way this weekend. When you see spinnakers and sails out in Fish Hoek Bay - it's the regatta. And if you want to get closer to the action call the False Bay Yacht Club on 021 786 1703 to book a spot in the spectator boat that will be heading out for the start of the day's racing. A chance not to be missed.

Cheers for now and enjoy the whales - daily sightings, lots of playing, leaping, lob tailing and spyhopping action from the sea giants!

Sally