BREAKING NEWS....CHAPMANS PEAK DRIVE REOPENS TODAY!

As of today the 9th October 09 at 13h00, Chapman's Peak Drive reopens! This iconic nine kilometre drive, which winds along cliffs above Atlantic breakers, had been closed since June last year, following recurrent rockfalls.

The reopening ceremony was performed by Western Cape transport MEC Robin Carlisle, who has been pushing concession operators, the Entilini consortium, to make the road useable again.

Chapman’s Peak Drive winds it way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay. Situated on the Atlantic Coast, at the south-western tip of South Africa, it is one of the most spectacular marine drives anywhere in the world.

The 9km route, with its 114 curves, skirts the rocky coastline of Chapman's Peak, the 593m high southerly extension of Constantia Berg. The drive offers stunning 180° views with many areas along the route where you can stop and take in the scenery or sit down for a relaxing picnic.

Chapman’s Peak and the surrounding areas offer local and foreign visitors a myriad of things to do, and forms the gateway between Cape Town and the South Peninsula.

The route starts at the picturesque fishing harbour of Hout Bay and the climb winds steeply up to Chapman's Point, revealing breathtaking views of the sandy bays down below, until the road reaches lower levels again at Noordhoek.

Initially constructed during the First World War, Chapman’s Peak Drive has now implemented rock-fall protection measures that were selected on the basis of what is considered to be best international practice and consist of a half tunnel, catch fences, slope stabilisation and canopy structures. In 2004, Chapman’s Peak Drive received an excellence award for rock fall protection.

For more info on Chappies and the Cape Point Route, contact us on 021 782 9356 or visit our website www.capepointroute.co.za

Discovering the Cape Point Route

Imagine sushi after a surf lesson. Imagine a sunrise kayak and a deep soft tissue massage after scuba diving a shipwreck. Imagine cocktails with penguins and a moonlight hike. Imagine drum circles and wine tastings. Imagine conferencing under Milkwoods, then going shopping. Imagine a bed next to the beach and sand between your toes. Or just a walk on the beach…? You can imagine it or you can choose to immerse yourself in it on the Cape Point Route.

The Cape Point Route spans 2 coastlines wrapped around a National Park and runs from Hout Bay on the Atlantic coastline, over Chapman’s Peak Drive down to Cape Point itself, then back up the False Bay coastline to Muizenberg. The Cape Point Route is easy, affordable and accessible - just 30 minutes from Cape Town City Centre. This is not a been- there–bought-the-t-shirt place. This is weather beaten faces and warm smiles. It’s real and it’s beautiful. With dramatic mountain ranges, and long ocean fronts, this is the stuff that you see in the movies. So couch potatoes stay home and watch TV, everyone else can come and play.

The Cape Point Route experience begins in Hout Bay, a picturesque village surrounded by protective mountains with a long sandy beach that is ideal for swimming and watersports like sea kayaking, sailing, fishing, surfing. The lively fishing harbour hosts many tourism activities including boat trips, as well as being a working harbour for the tuna and crayfishing industries. Hang out in Hout Bay with its interesting shops, craft markets and relaxed cafes and restaurants. Be sure to visit World of Birds - Africa’s LargestBirdPark with over 450 species of birds.

Website: www.capepointroute.co.za
Tel: 021 782 9356

Only when it rains - what to do on the Cape Point Route

Stormy clouds loaded with raindrops are hanging over the Cape Point Route, and with that Capetonians have a tendency to retreat indoors. The great news is that it is not all doom and gloom, evidenced by the striking rainbow that danced colourfully over Silvermine Reserve this morning. I was tempted to grab my binoculars and start looking for the pot of gold at its base when I realized that I was on the goldmine. (Technically an old Silvermine but gold or silver works for me either way.)

A crisp wintery walk on one of the short trails at Silvermine Reserve is one solution for getting the blood flowing and absorbing the winter treasures on the Cape Point Route. I still love the wildness of walking on Long Beach or Fish Hoek beach on a blustery day with other like minded souls, often with dogs or kids. Another personal favourite is taking in a thrilling live Nature show at Cape Point or from Chapman’s Peak Drive – complete with crashing waves and storm clouds racing across the sky.

The beauty of getting outdoors early is the delight of retreating to a comfy cozy corner at a seaside restaurant or coffee shop. The smell of freshly brewed coffee after a fresh air start and the pleasure of sipping slowly on a warm beverage with a copy of next 48 hours and planning the rest of the day is a wee slice of fantasy.

After your refreshment, grab an umbrella and explore the nooks, crannies and small lanes of the seaside villages on the Cape Point Route. Cobbled alleyways in Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town, accompanied by quaint and original stores gives bargain hunting and treasure seeking a new meaning. There are some excellent book stores, so choose a mood tome to wile away a grey afternoon.

For more information, contact the Cape Point Route team on 021 782 9356 or visit our website www.capepointroute.co.za

Kayak it on the Cape Point Route

Simon van der Stel, who governed the Cape from 1679 – 1699, set out to seek a safe winter harbour for the Cape Colony and during his exploration of the peninsula “discovered” a natural protected harbour which he humbly named Simon’s Bay after himself. Hence the birth of Simon’s Town, established as a winter anchorage for good reason. Simon van der Stel was right – the waters of False Bay are calmer than Table Bay in winter and stillness prevails, making water sports one of the best kept winter secrets on the Cape Point Route.

Simon’s Town is home to the South African Navy, a waterfront, a yacht club and a world famous penguin colony. Water surrounds and infuses itself into your very being and one of the best ways to get really close to the water is to go sea kayaking. No other aquatic craft will give you the experience of immersion without physical dunking!

Sea kayaking is fun and fearless as adventures go as the kayaks are safe and stable. Each paddler is kitted out with wet weather gear, lifejackets and designated to a boat and a paddle – and you get “the- idiots- guide – to- paddling” instructions with a dry land practice session before hitting the water and trying out the forward, backward, left and right directional turns.

Sea kayak trips go from the Simon’s Town waterfront and there is no mistaking that you are in a naval town. You paddle out along the harbour wall and gaze up at huge frigates and naval personnel bustling along with their daily duties. It is not uncommon to see boats or helicopters performing naval exercises or routine training drills.

As you round the harbour wall, however, seals and commorants distract you from the naval harbour and the sense of air, water and space descends. The sensation is surreal, the stillness is vast save the gentle plop of a paddle hitting the water or the sea kayak guide pointing out places of interest and sharing news on this historical town.

The most popular sea kayak trip takes you to the penguin colony at BouldersBeach, which takes 1 ½ - 2 hours which includes a short stop on the beach. The penguins who are so accustomed to human movement on land, react differently when you are in the water and seem more wary and suspicious of the cruising kayaks. With a colony of approximately 4000 African penguins they are very visible both on land and swimming in the water next to you. It is a startlingly different perspective and experience to gazing at the quirky characters from an elevated boardwalk.

Other popular kayak trips go to Cape Point itself or on a Simon’s Town harbour paddle but Simon’s TownSea kayakers are flexible and can arrange a sea kayak trip to almost any of the coves and bays that make up this magnificent stretch of coastline. You could request a paddle to Fish Hoek and stop for a meal at Fish Hoek Galley or head out to the Atlantic side if the wind is blowing in a South Easterly direction for a paddle at the base of Chapman’s Peak. The options are endless, you just have to ask.

To enhance your kayaking experience, we recommend spending a night or more on the Cape Point Route, trying out some of the great restaurants, browsing the shops, museums and galleries, going for long ambling walks and soaking up the sights, sounds and smells.

For more fun ideas of what to do and where to go, contact the Cape Point Route on 021 782 9356 or visit the website: www.capepointroute.co.za

Keep the Spirits Up

From ghostly ships to haunted houses, the Cape Point Route abounds with mysteries.

Since the first vessels called in Table Bay more than 500 years ago, more than 450 known ships have been lost to the treacherous coastline of the Cape Peninsula. And some more than once…

Perhaps the most famous of these ghosts is the “Flying Dutchman” of the Cape of Good Hope – a ship that haunts the seas in bad weather whilst still attempting to sail around Cape Point. The ghostly ship has given its name to the funicular that takes visitors up to the old lighthouse and viewpoint at the Cape Point Nature Reserve.

The legend dates from about 1640 or so when a Dutch ship under command of a Captain van der Decken sank off Cape Point during a storm (by the way, there are no records of this. As the ship went down he apparently cursed ‘I will round this Cape even if I have to keep sailing to doomsday!’

So whenever a storm brews off the Cape and you look carefully enough, you will be able to see the ship. Don’t look too closely though, for it is claimed that whoever sights it will die a terrible death. Many people have claimed to have seen the Flying Dutchman, including the crew of a German submarine during World War 2.
The most famous viewer was King George V, who experienced it off the Cape while he was a midshipman on HMS Bacchante in July 1881. He wrote that the lookout and the officer of the watch had also seen a ghost ship. He described it as ‘a strange red light as of a phantom ship all aglow, in the midst of which light the mast, spars and sails of a brig 200 yards distant stood out in strong relief’. The lookout fell to his death a few hours later but the young midshipman survived the curse- fortunately for the British royal family.

Diaz and Da Gama – early Portuguese explorers were approached by a large dark cloud, in the shape of a human, who warned them of the dangers in trying to sail around the Cape of Storms. This figure is known as Adamastor in mythology and the gods turned him into a mountain at Cape Point to guard the seas of the south.

Simon’s Town is a naval town and it’s well known for its hauntings. The most famous is at the Simon’s Town museum. Photographs of a mural on the wall are often blurred or even blank and 2 women spirits have been sighted both inside and outside the building. Admiralty House (home to the SA Navy) is also said to be haunted and the Palace Barracks are rumoured to have at least 3 ghosts including that of Mary Kingsley – the famous female West African explorer. The Anglican Church, St George’s Church and even Black’s Lane all claim haunted nooks and corners.

Whether or not you believe in ghosts or have a fascination with legends, the Cape Point Route abounds with mysteries waiting to be discovered. Anyone who stays longer will be glad they did as the history and the secrets reveal themselves to those who take the time to experience the richness of the Cape Peninsula in addition to its beauty.

For more secrets, things to do, places to stay or eat, please contact the Cape Point Route: www.capepointroute.co.za or Call 021 782 9356.

What's on the Cape Point Route this weekend: 3rd & 4th October...

Summer seems to have arrived and there are lots of active events on the Cape Point Route this weekend.

Join Dog walkers, who are walking 75km to raise money for the SPCA; The monthly Moonlight Meander is on Muizenberg Beach on Saturday evening promoting safety together and there is a Guinness World Record attempt in Muizenberg - trying to get the most surfers on a wave.

Some great live music and free kids activities... check out our recommendations below. Have fun on the Cape Point Route this weekend.

EARTHWAVE 2009:

The third annual edition of Earthwave will be staged at Muizenberg and on beaches worldwide on Saturday & Sunday, 3 & 4 October 2009.
Earthwave is a global environmental initiative that promotes sustainable lifestyle choices by harnessing the huge interest surrounding local surfing communities attempting to set a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for the highest number of surfers riding the same wave simultaneously.

In 2009 people worldwide are aware of the climate crisis through the efforts of allied organisations such as Earth Day, Earthdance, Earth Hour, Live Earth, WWF and others. This year the events will promote the sustainable lifestyle choices that are now available as we seek to reduce our impact on the environment. These choices include renewable energy; recycling; reducing waste and energy use; re-usable rather than disposable items; bio-degradable, organic and local products and packaging, all of which not only help the environment but save money at the same time.

PROGRAM OF EVENTS Sunday 4 October
08.30 – 12.00 Earthwave Longboard Classic
10.00 Registration opens for Guinness World Record attempt
11.00 Free surf lessons by Roxy Surf Club & Surf Shack
11.30 Talk on “Climate Change – How can you help”
Estate Manager : Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
12.00 – 12.30 SUP Expression Session by Coreban
12.00 Dig For Gold – Over R20 000 in prizes buried in sand
12.30 – 13.00 Line-up for Guinness World Record attempt
12.15 – 12.30 Diski Dance by CODA and Cape Town Tourism
13.00 – 14.00 Guinness World Record attempt
14.00 – 16.30 Semis & Finals of Earthwave Longboard Classic
17.30 – Late After-party at Brass Bell in conjunction with Zigzag
19.00 Official numbers at Earthwave SA announced – Brass Bell
19.30 Comedy spot by Mark Sampson – Brass Bell
21.00 Official numbers at Earthwave Brazil & Argentina announced
All day Activities
* Miss Earth South Africa – Chanel Grantham
* Presentations on preserving waterways + beach cleanups by Ocean Minded
* Displays by Save Our Seas and Shark Spotters
* Exhibition of SUP equipment and free lessons by Coreban
* Sticker showers and Give-Aways
* Raffles and fund-raising for worthy causes

SPCA KILOMETRES FOR CANINES TABLE MOUNTAIN WALK:
On the 3rd and 4th October of 2009 a group of dog walking Capetonians aim to walk non stop, from Cape Point to the bottom of Platteklip gorge. A distance of 75km. The group will start at 9am from Cape Point, going through the reserve. Onto main road, through Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek and Kalk Bay.

The first 35km, will be along the main road as far as Kalk Bay, from where we will head into the mountain. We hope to take around 26 hours to complete the entire distance. There are 12 people doing the entire route but about 20 people participating in the early session. Enthusiastic walkers are welcome to join in at any stage.

We will be accompanied on sections our walk by a variety of dogs. Many of the dogs have been adopted from the SPCA. Our special message to everyone is to adopt a dog. There are so many in need of a good home.
The monies raised will go towards refurbishing the kennels and providing for the care of all the dogs,cats, horses and other animals, waiting to be adopted.
Please give generously by contacting Binny Ridgeway: binnyridgway@gmail.com

Click here on how to sponsor: http://www.doit4charity.co.za/fundraising/Ridgway.Rambler

MUIZENBERG MOONLIGHT MEANDER ON MUIZENBERG BEACH:Sat 3rd October is full moon. Join the SAFER TOGETHER group who meet in front of Knead Bakery at 18h00. Walk starts at 18h30 and all walkers are accompanies by the Neighbourhood Watch Association. The MMM was started in December 2008, with the idea of “taking the beach back for the community” so that people can walk in safety at night on the Saturday evening closest to full moon. Members of neighbourhood watches walk with the Meanderers. There are many regulars, also many newcomers and family groups. People came from as far as Kenilworth and Simonstown. It seems the word is spreading, and the project can only grow as the weather improves. Knead specially opens on Meander Saturday evenings. Pictures – wrapped up warmly for walking in the dark.

For more information contact Cape Town Tourism Muizenberg 021 787 9140

LIVE MUSIC
1. Come and watch the well known Kolo Novo Movie Band at Polana in Kalk Bay on Sat 3rd October 09. Entrance is free, and for more info, call Polana on 021 788 4133.

2. Tim Parr & friends will be playing live music at Fogeys Railway House in Muizenberg on Friday the 2nd Oct. Also at Fogeys Railway House, catch Jamie Jupiter & Interplanetary Insanity. Cover is R40 and music starts at 20h00.
For more info on Fogeys live music events this weekend, call them on 021 788 3252.

3. Afro-Fiesta & Mapumba will be at Cape Farmhouse on Saturday afternoon for their weekly outdoor concert showcasing South African musicians. The gates open at 13:30 and the shows start at 15:30. There is a cash bar and food on sale. R50 gets you in or if you can prove you're a student, you're in for R40. Sweet!

Afro-Fiesta and Mapumba: Singing in French, English, Chiluba and Swahili, Mapumba has a sound that can only be simply called world music..!" His music is a simple sound inspired by different styles from his ethnic elements to modern sounds of soul music. All blended by his rich velvet voice and unique style of musical arrangement. Mapumba sings about personal stories of his life and moral issues most of all portraying the message
of love and unity.

For more info contact Cape Farmhouse on 021 780 1246 or email info@capefarmhouse.co.za

4. Crimson will get you ready to start the weekend at The Toad in the Village at Noordhoek Farm Village on Friday 2 Oct. Also at The Toad, catch Mac & Morris blow the Sunday blues away on Sunday 4th Oct.

For more info call The Toad in the Village at Noordhoek Farm Village on 021 789 2973.

KIDS ACTIVITIES AT NOORDHOEK FARM VILLAGE3 Oct: Craft Day
Make wonderfully simple things at our craft tables using household items. This initiates the kids awareness of recycling and reusing materials in the home. Educational themes bring out creative and motor skills from design to production and a whole lot of fun.
VENUE: The Bandstand, Noordhoek Farm Village
COST: Event is free
TIME: 10h30 – 12h30
CONTACT: 021 789 2812
WEBSITE: www.noordhoekvillage.co.za

Don't forget to watch out for the whales all along the False Bay Coastline!

Have a great one!!

Romantic Experiences for all sorts on the Cape Point Route...

Adventure loving romantics can paddle into quaint coves in sea kayaks from Simon’s Town, before saddling up for a canter on horseback at sunset along Noordhoek’s Long Beach. Love and nature have something in common and given the right circumstances both can be reliable methods to get the pulse pounding. The Cape Point Route with its’ fynbos covered mountain slopes and oceans throbbing with marine life is only limited in romantic possibilities by your own imagination. Have no fear if you run out of amorous yet active ideas, we have plenty.

Surround yourself with the outdoors and try hiking in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Don’t rush to the lighthouse for a snapshot, but take the time to absorb the grandeur of some of the highest sea cliffs and freshest air in South Africa. There are countless hikes, following rocky sea paths with a fascinating history of shipwrecks scattered along the coastline. The park is home to 1 200 species of indigenous plants, various small mammals and antelope. The changing moods, the physical certainty of the landscape and the tangible sensations will inspire the least romantic of souls. If in any doubt, take the traditional route of a long lazy lunch overlooking the sea at the Two Oceans Restaurant – one of the most dramatic locations of any restaurant I have ever eaten in. They have finished a new look with a wooden deck, delectable modern menus and they are even offering catering for picnics, cocktail functions and oyster tastings. It’s one of those places that you go back to whenever you can, and think about whenever you can’t.

Bagging a 60 -70 kg tuna on an all day deep sea fishing trip may not seem romantic to some, but catching the proverbial fish in the sea can be as much of a love tonic as catching the girl. Bait, hook, strike and fight for the fish. Feel the rush of adrenalin as you seize the slippery silver creature into your possession. Admire your catch with pride, then gloat as you cook it over the fire with a chilled Cape wine with your loved one. The methodology is a dead cert for some and the analogy is not lost on me!

Yes adventure lovers, there is romance at every surface. Discover the intimacy of an underwater world with a scuba diving experience. Think cool water at dawn, the soft blue light of a submerged eco-system, a watery peaceful silence and stolen kisses amidst the kelp forests. The heroes of romance novels move beyond the ordinary laws of nature, transcended by their abilities to overcome what seems unnatural to most of us. How often does the hero glide around a shipwreck in the ocean depths, diving off the boat into the unknown below the surface? On the Cape Point Route you can become the star of your personal romance by conquering the ocean.

A love story should be emotionally satisfying and have an optimistic ending. The tale does not have to include drama and adventure. An unhurried romantic retreat is more suited to many couples. Taking a leisurely drive to a scenic location with a picnic hamper in tow is as pleasurable and invigorating as your first kiss. Meandering along the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive with waves crashing below you on one side and mountains towering above you on the other is a blissful experience. The hot tip from Cape Point Route is to cruise this scenic wonder just before sunset and stop at one of the picnic sites to watch the golden hues in a vortex of beautiful energy. Cuddling your favourite someone at sunset with an uninterrupted ocean view with bottled bubbles is romance reincarnated.

As you descend into Noordhoek after your leisurely drive, turn into Noordhoek Farm Village. The charming character of this small white cottaged village, set amongst large oak trees is a peaceful haven for lovers. Being romantic means different things to different people and Noordhoek Farm Village offers countless options to woo your loved one. If you show affection by giving gifts, there is a range of quality stores to select an item of memorablia reflecting your love. If your idea of romance is a leisurely meal, then linger at one of the excellent restaurants or simply visit the studios of the local artists who display their works at “the Cellars”.

Romance after all is about indulging in your companion and the gift of time with your partner. Technically you could be at the end of the earth as long as you are with your loved one. Let’s be honest though – a seductive retreat, with the smell of salt in the air, the feel of sand between the toes, bird song on the breeze and the sight of a shimmering ocean in the moonlight sure beats the middle of nowhere to get you swooning. The Cape Point Route is perfect for lovebirds, whether you’re wanting to pop the question, tieing the knot, renewing your vows or simply in the mood for romance.

For more information on romantic venues, attractions or activities please contact the Cape Point Route. Tel: 021 – 782 9356 or visit www.capepointroute.co.za