Flip your switch - Cape Point Route supports Earth Hour

Earth Hour is a WWF sustainability initiative that challenges individuals, businesses, schools, universities, towns and cities to join millions of people across the world in forming part of a global action against Climate Change. By getting involved in Earth Hour 2010, you are pledging to switch off your lights for 1 hour at 8:30pm on 27 March, to show our governments and world leaders that we are serious about tackling Climate Change.

Last year, approximately 3 million South Africans participated in Earth Hour. The official press statement released by Eskom revealed that, from an environmental angle, a staggering 400 tons of carbon dioxide, 224 tons of coal and 576 kilolitres of water was saved due to a staggering 400MW of electricity culmitively conserved during Earth Hour. In laymans terms, this translates into 6,7 million 60W bulbs being switched off.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu has again been deemed South African patron of Earth Hour, and other celebrities who share his passion for this vital initiative and who have pledged to get involved include The Parlotones, Deon Meyer, Charlene Truter, Dave Pepler, Hannes Van Wyk, Jo-Ann Strauss, Marc Lottering, Ryk Neethling, Derek Van Dam, Francios Groepe, The Moroka Swallows and The Stormers.

Earth Hour 2010 aims to recruit as many people as possible to stand together and convince world leaders to deliver a fair, effective and binding climate deal this December at the UN Climate Summit in Mexico. Visit www.wwf.org.za now to join the Earth Hour initiative, pledge to reduce your carbon footprint and become part of the global movement towards a happier, healthier planet.

SA comedian and 2010 Earth Hour Ambassador Marc Lottering says it best: "There is nothing funny about Climate Change. It will ultimately affect us all in a bad way if we don?t consciously act. This year, South Africans will once again have the opportunity to join the rest of the world in doing something positive: So turn your lights off on Saturday, 27 March at 8h30pm for 1 hour. If you want to turn me on, turn your lights off."

All it takes is a flip of a switch.
Click here to act now.

Cape Point Route challenges all accommodation establishments in the Sout Peninsula to switch off your lights for Earth Hour 2010.

Cape Point Route challenges all restaurants in the South Peninsula to switch off their lights during Earth Hour 2010 - after all we love candlelit dinners.

Noordhoek Beach Horse Riding on TV Tonight

Noordhoek Beach Horse Riding will be featured on Top Billing this evening (Thursday 25 March 2010). Show starts at 19:30 on SABC3.

If you have ever dreamt of riding a horse along a pristine white beach, with tranquil blue waters and the footprints in the sand belonging to your horse, then there is an easy solution to make your aspirations come true. One of the most popular activities on the Cape Point Route is horse riding on Noordhoek Beach. Arguably one of the best beach horse rides on the planet – a 2 hour sojourn along the wide white swathe of Kommetjie and Noordhoek beach is easily accessible for complete novices or accomplished riders.

There are 3 commercial horse-riding establishments in the area and it is advisable to book a minimum of 24 hours in advance. Cape Point Route will happily assist with your reservations.
Sleepy Hollow Horse-riding is located in Noordhoek and they offer 3 beach trail rides per day- at 09:00; 13:00 and 16:30. Times vary according to season so best to check with us in advance. The trail is limited to 6 people with an experienced trail guide. Bring long pants or jeans, closed shoes and don’t forget the sunscreen!

On arrival you will be kitted out with a compulsory helmet and introduced to your trusty stead, chosen for your level of experience. The horses at Sleepy Hollow are fit, friendly and obviously lovingly cared for. The guides are very professional and as safety is a priority, the ride begins with a brief riding orientation as the stirrups are adjusted.

The journey starts with a gentle stroll through the leafy residential lanes of Noordhoek, before turning down towards the beach. Arriving on the beach is a jaw-dropping experience- the contrast of white sand, blue water and open space quite literally takes your breath away. The rhythmic motion of the horse and the gentle lapping sound of the waves, is instant therapy to unwind from the hassles of everyday life. A unique feature of this ride is going past the wreck of the Kakapo – a ship that was stranded on the beach in 1900.

On the sandy stretch of coastline the horses are allowed to trot into the open expanse of kilometers of beach. The scene is framed by the distinctive Sentinel guarding Hout Bay and the dramatic cliffs of Chapman’s Peak Drive. The thrill of cantering along a beach so soft and white it’s like snow, with the wind in your hair is unsurpassed. To top it all off there is an incredible array of indigenous bird life including black oystercatchers who scurry along the beach with their bright red beaks. If you are lucky you could catch a glimpse of the Verreaux Eagles that live in the area.

This glorious ride along Noordhoek beach in a nautralist’s paradise is a fabulous way to hit the beach! Make sure you watch Top Billing this evening to see footage of the activity and the beautiful scenes of Noordhoek. To book a horse ride on Noordhoek Beach please call 021 782 9356 or click here to book.

Shark Cage Diving and Viewing

The Cape Point Route is home to the “flying” great white sharks of False Bay which is a term used for the great white sharks’ ability to breach out of the water. The great white sharks use the breach as a final effort in successful predation and this behavioural trait is seen more regularly at Seal Island in False Bay than anywhere else on the globe. The shark comes from the deep sea, aims at its prey then propels itself out of the water like a torpedo at the unsuspecting seal. The sight is a spectacle and will get your heart rate up and the adrenalin flowing. This phenomenon is best experienced in winter when the concentration of sharks is higher at Seal Island in False Bay - home to 64,000 Cape Fur Seals. June – September is peak time and Cape Point Route recommends booking early for the 2010 season for an educational shark cage diving or viewing trip from Simon’s Town. The boats that take a maximum of 12 people in an uncrowded environment on morning or afternoon trips.

The movie Jaws portrayed the Great White Shark as an evil killing machine. Despite extensive research these huge primeval creatures are little understood, yet remain a fascinating attraction for human mortals. Experience the grace, power and magic of these creatures on a shark cage diving (or viewing!) trip. If you’re not brave enough to dive with great whites, pop into the Save Our Seas centre in Kalk Bay and find out more about sharks and the marine life of South Africa.

If you are not able to experience the winter magic, consider a trip to Shark Alley in Gansbaai which operates all year round and well recommended as the summer alternative to come face to face with this awesome animal. Gansbaai is approximately 2 hours from Cape Town. The premier itinerary includes transport to and from Gansbaai but if you have your own transport the budget itinerary may be the best solution. (Cape Point Route can arrange car hire if you need wheels!). The trip includes the boat trip and all equipment as well as breakfast on arrival, snacks on board and lunch after your dive. Price for the premier itinerary is R1450 per person. Bookings can be made through Cape Point Route.

For additional information, accommodation, venues or activities please complete our Personal Planner and we can advise you on activities and other things to do on the Cape Point Route. Or call us on 021 782 9356

Shipwreck and Lighthouse Full Day Photographic Tour/Workshop Special

Not a lot of people realize that the famous movie Pirates of the Caribbean is actually based on our very own South African legend of The Flying Dutchman.

It all started way back in 1641, when captain Hendrik van der Decken, in the employ of the Dutch East India Company, left Batavia for Amsterdam on Good Friday. This was his first fatal mistake, as departing on a journey on this holy day was an absolute no-no on the list of seafarer’s superstitions...

A fierce southeaster started to blow as he tried to round the Cape of Good Hope, and his ship could not get round the peninsula that had already claimed so many lives. He tried and tried, but to no avail...

But Van der Decken was a fiery and stubborn man, so he strapped himself to the helm of his ship and made another big mistake: he vowed that he would sail around the Cape even if it took until doomsday. According to the legend, an Angel descended from the skies, proclaimed that for this blasphemy the captain would never know calm seas again. He was condemned to sail the oceans for all eternity, with a ghostly crew of dead men, ‘bringing death to all who sight your spectral ship, and never to make port or know a moment’s peace’.

Over the centuries the Cape of Storms have claimed about 2000 ships to a watery grave, with only about 800 of them named and recorded.

Join Peter Haarhoff from the Cape Photographic Company on his famous “Shipwreck and Lighthouse” photographic tour and workshop around Cape Point, as we revisit some of these shipwrecks of old on a funtastic limited offer. Peter always says:” If you want to take more interesting photographs, get your camera to more interesting places”

SHIPWRECK AND LIGHTHOUSE FULL DAY PHOTOGRAPHIC TOUR/ WORKSHOP SPECIAL PROMOTION

Normal Price R1200 Promotion Price ONLY R900 per person

DATES:
Wednesday 7 April 2010 and Sunday 25 April 2010

RESERVATIONS:
Call Cape Point Route on 021 782 9356
Email: info@capepointroute.co.za
Click here to send enquiry

Meet for coffee and snacks at their premises in Capri Village, Noordhoek, where you will depart for the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, and find out why Cape Point has two lighthouses and photograph the wreck of the Thomas T Tucker.

After a picnic lunch at Cape Point, and learning more about composition and depth of field at Slangkop lighthouse in Kommetjie, we visit the wreck of the Kakapo.

The Kakapo ran aground in 1900 after the captain mistook Chapman’s Peak for Cape Point and ordered the ship full steam ahead. He hit the beach at full steam and the crew could get off without getting their feet wet!

THE WAY PETER SEES IT...
There is this story of a radio conversation that happened between a US Naval ship and the Canadian authorities. On a foggy evening a US Navy ship spotted a light in the gloom, and worked out that a collision was likely unless the other vessel changed its course. So they send a radio message.

US ship: Please divert your course 0.5 degrees south to avoid a collision.
Reply: Recommended you divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.

US ship: This is the captain of a US Navy Ship. I say again, you divert your course.
Reply: Negative. I say again, you divert YOUR course!

US ship: THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER ‘USS WAKA WAKA WHAT YOU TALK’. WE ARE A LARGE WARSHIP OF THE US NAVY. DIVERT YOUR COURSE NOW!!!
Reply: This is a lighthouse. Your call.

PHOTOGRAPHIC NOTES:
(all photos courtesy of Cape Photographic company - Peter Haarhof)
1. The way Peter sees it from the top of Slangkoppunt lighthouse
2. Wreck of the Thomas T Tucker, taken on a shutter speed of 1/160 and aperture f6.3 on a 100 ISO.
3. This photograph of Slangkop Lighthouse in Kommetjie demonstrates foreground interest, as well as rules of third. The photograph was taken using selective focusing to ensure the foreground is in focus with an aperture of f20 for maximum depth of field; and a polarizer filter was attached to the lens to saturate the blue sky.
4. Kakapo Shipwreck in May 1900
5. Kakapo Shipwreck today (a feast for photographers). The photograph was taken demonstating "worms view" photography with an aperture of f10 and a shutter speed of 1/400 and a 100 ISO

1960’s surfers' reunion in Muizenberg, Cape Town.

Surfer’s Corner in Muizenberg has long been known as a hot spot of surfing culture and this weekend will be a memorable one with a reunion of surfers, lifesavers, girls, beachbums, musicians and others from the 1960’s.

Venue: Muizenberg Pavillion
Date: Friday 19 March 2010
Time: Doors open at 6.00pm
Dress: The dress for the reunion will be casual with a hint of Hawaii. Guys can wear floral shirts and leis and ladies can wear leis (flower garlands) and a flower behind one ear. In Hawaii a flower behind the left ear means being taken, or married. A flower behind the right ear means still available.

Programme of Events:

Arrival and Registration followed by Hula Dancing.
Welcome by Paul Botha, with a toast to “the Oom” John Whitmore and other absent friends, followed by a video tribute.
At 8pm a documentary produced by Carlos Feyder will be screened “you should have been here yesterday” – the Surfer’s Corner Story.
Then it’s party time – live music and raffle of some incredible prizes!

The organisers have been overwhelmed by the response. They were expecting a casual gathering of a 100 people or so, but the event has turned into a confirmed guestlist of around 500 people flying in from all over the country and the globe.

The reunion details can be found on the Facebook group “Surfers Corner Sixties Reunion” with a wonderful collection of photos and old stories emerging. We have taken the liberty of pulling a selection of photographs from the contributions on the Facebook group to give you an idea of the life and times of surfing in Muizenberg in the 1960’s! Friendships are being rekindled and the hey day of surfing in Muizenberg is on everyone’s lips.

Muizenberg is still THE place to learn to surf in Cape Town. If you want to learn how to surf please contact Cape Point Route who can book surf lessons for those wanting in on the action.
If you can't find what you are looking for then please complete our personal planner form and we will advise you on activities and other things to do in Muizenberg based on your interests, We can also advise you on accommodation and venues in Muizenberg and the surrounding area. Alternatively check out our adventure packages for suggestions or visit our website for ideas www.capepointroute.co.za

When the Wind Blows - Fly a Kite

The Cape Town south-easterly wind has been blasting the Cape Point Route and whilst it feels a little wild we mustn't forget the cleansing nature of the wind that blows the smog from Cape Town. It's one of the reasons we have amongst the cleanest air in the world - particularly at Cape Point Nature Reserve itself - fresh air is a guarantee!

BUT - if the wind is blowing what does one do?
I have just looked out of my office window at Glencairn beach to see a windsurfer having the best time in the wind - flying with speed across the white water, jumping and flipping. Watching a show like this is better than Television!

Head down to Scarborough beach which is a lovely little beach and more suited to those who like watching the sea than those who like people watching. On a windy Cape Town day however, Scarborough beach is heaven for kite sufers and the specatacle will often draw a crowd of supporters. If you want to give Kitesurfing a try - you can book lessons through Cape Point Route and try balancing board and sail in Muizenberg.

Needless to say if the wind blows then sails are up. Wednesday evenings are sailing night at False Bay Yacht Club in Simon's Town. If you head down to the club then you can often get one of the crews to take you out into False Bay.

Windy days often bring white water on one side of the Cape Point Route coastline and a blissfully calm ocean on the other side of the Cape Peninsula. One of the best activities when the wind blows is to go scuba diving. The local operators know the conditions and adapt the dive according to the conditions, leaving you free to enjoy the magic of the underwater world.

Hiking can be another fabulous windy day activity - with countless hiking routes on the Cape Point Route mountains - many are in kloofs and protected from the wind. Again we suggest using an experienced hiking guide recommended by Cape Point Route.

Golfing can be a challenge in windy conditions but tightening up your skills in all weather conditions can only improve your game. Try one of the Cape Point Route golf courses for a real challenge on a windy day!

If in doubt, stop in the quaint and bohemian Kalk Bay and browse the museums, art galleries and stores in this charming fishing village. Simon's Town boasts 4 museums so plenty of indoor discoveries to be made in the naval town. The penguin colony at Boulders Beach is one of the most wind free zones on the False Bay Coastline and the good news is that the penguins are always there. or pop down to Noordhoek Farm Village which is one of the most sheltered spots on the Cape Point Route and pop into the shops or one of the 3 restaurants for a sheltered meal! Close by is the new Cape Point Vineyards tasting room where you can sample the award winning wines produced by the Cape Point Vineyards estate.

And if all else fails - take a walk on the wild side - let the wind blow the cobwebs from your hair as you walk on one of the crisp beaches and if in doubt TAKE A KITE!

Cape Point Route is proud to feature a new company on our website. Zizamele Ceramics are live on our BUY IT, shopping page with some cool photos and interesting information.

Zizamele Ceramics is about making art that makes a difference. Not only to the buyer but to the lives of the sellers and the artists too. Zizamele Ceramics is an SMME that trains previously unemployed (and often previously destitute) artists in ceramic creation, life skills and business management. Located on the corner of Chasmay & Kommetjie Rd in Sunnydale - Zizamele is open Monday to Friday from 08h30 - 16h30 and on weekends by appointment only.

While South Africa has no shortage of extremely talented artists, the challenge lies in finding ways for them to use these raw skills to create a better life and a sustainable income. This is where Zizamele comes in.

Experience It
Visitors may watch and engage with a group of previously unemployed artists who have created a successful business creating and selling export-quality ceramics. You may even pick up a bargain or two! Products include everything fom Bambanani bowls to tealight candle -holders, soccer inspired products and candlestick holders.

Zizamele artists create highly sought after and collectable ceramic pieces that can now be found in homes, offices and galleries around the world.
Buyers of Zizamele’s award-winning pieces range from the Office of the Premier of the Western Cape to gift shops around South Africa and is increasingly exporting to international stores and galleries.

Argus Cycle Tour –Road Closures on the Cape Point Route

CYCLE TOUR PICTURES COURTESY OF JACQUES MARAIS

It’s COUNTDOWN to the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour Race Day on Sunday 14 March 2010!
Cape Point Route wishes all the cyclists a safe ride. We hope it’s not too hot or too windy and wish for perfect conditions on Race Day! Cape Point Route encourages the citizens of Cape Town to get out on the road to cheer and support all 30 000 cyclists. Not only will your support help the cyclists but it creates the warm welcome that Cape Town is becoming known for sharing. Supporting the cyclists is a fun day out and there will be some celebrity spotting this year as well. Lance Armstrong, Gabriella Sabatini (Previously 3rd ranked women’s tennis player); Hugo Porta (Argentian Rugby Player) and our own local celebs – Bob Skinstad, Francois Pienaar, Makhaya Ntini amongst others will be participating in the race so keep your eyes peeled for the stars!

The Cycle Tour is about so much more than just riding on race day. Cape Town welcomes all visitors and encourages them to get out and enjoy the offerings, activities and attractions that Cape Town has to offer. The Cape Point Route runs from Muizenberg on the False Bay Coastline, down to Cape Point and up the Atlantic coastline to Hout Bay – thus forming a major portion of the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour route. We encourage cyclists and supporters to explore the area before or after the race and take advantage of the coastal towns Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, Simon’s Town, Scarborough, Kommetjie, Noordhoek and Hout Bay and all the activities on offer, in addition to the sightseeing!

As with any major event there will be some interruptions to normal traffic conditions and we provide you with a list of the road closures on the Cape Point Route so you can plan ahead. The Cape Point Route is almost entirely closed to vehicular traffic on Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour Race Day, however there are some alternative routes and methods of transport.

Try the scenic train journey along the False Bay Coastline. One of the most beautiful train journeys will also get you to the towns of Muizenberg, St James, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, Glencairn and Simon’s Town. For a different experience you could catch the train to Kalk Bay, then get the water taxi to Simon’s Town (which leaves every half past the hour from Kalk Bay and costs R100 for a single one way or R150 for a single return trip – return trips every hour on the hour from Simon’s Town) and you could get the train to head north when the day is over.

Please be aware that there are road works on the Main Rd (M4) between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay hence the Cycle Tour route will be travelling over Boyes Drive.

On the other coastline, access to Noordhoek at Noordhoek Farm Village is possible if one travels along the M42 from Constantia, past Tokai forest. Turn right onto Ou Kaapse Weg (M64) and first right onto Silvermine Road once you are “over the mountain”. Turn right into Village lane and wind your way down the leafy lane to the entrance gates for Noordhoek Farm Village on your left hand side for one of the best viewing spots on the route.

ROAD CLOSURES:

Tokai, Lakeside, Muizenberg, False Bay Coast to Cape Point, Scarborough

• 06h15 – 12h15 Main Road (M4) NB: Northbound & Southbound
• 06h15 – 12h30 Steenberg Road to Boyes Drive, Boyes Drive to Clairvaux Road
• 06h15 – 12h50 Clairvaux Road to Fish Hoek Traffic Circle
• 06h30 – 13h00 Fish Hoek Traffic Circle to Glen Road, Glencairn
• 06h30 – 13h15 Glen Road to Simon’s Town
• 06h45 – 14h30 Simon’s Town to entrance of Cape Point Nature Reserve
• 07h00 – 14h30 Entrance of Cape Point Nature Reserve (M4) to Perdekloof (M65)
• 07h00 – 15h00 Perdekloof to Soetwater (Sweet Water)

Cape Point, Scarborough, Kommetjie, Ocean View

• 06h45 – 15h00 Slangkop Road (M82), Soetwater to Kommetjie Road (M65)

Kommetjie, Ocean View, Masiphumelele

• 06h45 – 15h30 Kommetjie Road (M65), Slangkop Road to Glencairn Expressway (M6)

Noordhoek, Sun Valley

• 06h45 – 15h30 Ou Kaapse Weg Ext. (M64), Kommetjie Road (M65) to Noordhoek Road (M6)

Noordhoek, Sun Valley

• 06h45 – 16h00 Noordhoek Road (M6), Ou Kaapse Weg Ext. (M64) to base of Chapman’s Peak Drive

Noordhoek, Hout Bay

• 06h45 – 16h30 Chapman’s Peak Drive (M6), Noordhoek Road (M6) to Princess Road

Hout Bay, Llandudno

• 07h00 – 17h00 Princess Street (M90), Chapman’s Peak Drive to Victoria Avenue (M6) Hout Bay

Hout Bay, Llandudno, Camps Bay, Bakoven

• 07h00 – 17h15 Victoria Road (M6) Northbound and Southbound, Princess Road (M90) Hout Bay to Camps Bay

We will be supplying a list of the best viewing spots on the Cape Point Route but if there are any questions or you need advice on what to do and where to go on the Cape Peninsula, please visit www.capepointroute.co.za or call 021 782 9356

It's Navy Festival time again!

The South African Navy once again opens its doors to the people of South Africa to come and be part of this fun-filled festival in Simon’s Town on 05-07 March 2010 at the East Dockyard.
Entrance to the festival is free and gates will open daily at 10am until 6pm. There will be various events in the main arena that both young and old will find entertaining. This year the German Navy will also be part of the festivities.
Here are some of the standard attractions to look forward to during the festival
• South African Navy ships and submarines including the German Naval Ships will be open for public viewing.
• Tug rides
• Flea Market
• Children’s activities
The following events will take place in the Arena area
• Gun Run Display
• Navy Band performance
• Fire Fighting Display Competition
• Naval Dog Display
• Mast Display
• SA Navy Precision Drill
• The Sea Cadets Precision Drill
• Izivunguvungu Youth Band
There will be various live displays such as:
• Ship boarding display by the Maritime Reaction Squadron;
• Lynx & Oryx Helicopters display;
• Live cannon firings;
• South African Navy diving display;
• Tug ballet; and
• Silver Falcons.
The following major events will also take place during Navy festival
05 March 20:00 Dry Dock Concert at (Free Entry)
06 March 09:00 Right of Entry Parade through Simon’s Town
06 March 17:45 Navy Choir performance in SAS SIMONSBERG Cinema (Free Entry)
06 March 20:00 Night Gunnery Shoot from Lower North Gun Battery
07 March 17:20 - 18:00 Retreat Ceremony

For direct Enquiries regarding the SA Navy Festival Please contact Sub-Lieutenant Leverne Benjamin on (021) 787 4620

For more information on Simon’s Town or where to stay in or near Simon’s Town please contact Cape Point Route. We look forward to welcoming you to Simon’s Town.