Not far from our guesthouse is the West Coast Fossil Park, another trip back in time. This one boasts one of the most spectacular collections of prehistoric animals - in situ - thanks to a flood that trapped a number of them. Most have been left where they fell, making for a mother lode of fossils. Our guide Wendy, describing the fossils we're seeing . . .
This jawbone is from a giraffe . . . the animals drowned, were swept up by the flood waters, and deposited in pieces all over this valley.
- a short-necked, long-horned giraffe. Quite odd!
Wendy explaining the contents of this area of the dig.
A short walk from a parking area is a 'bird hide' (never been in one of these!) and within seconds this charming fellow makes an appearance, within arm's reach. I'm no birder but he was absolutely beautiful and fearless!
And a flock of flamingoes which remained in the shallows, . . .
Then it's off to an idyllic little beach who there are actually of couple of houseboats on moorings! Too bad we didn't have our swimsuits in hand.
And finally a trip to Lambert's Bay about an hour north and home of the Western Cape Gannet Colony. I don't know if you can call a flock of 30,000 gannets a colony - maybe more like a city. These birds are absolutely amazing!
We watch spellbound as the birds circle, announcing to their mates that they're 'comin' home' After a few circles, they but on the brakes and make what looks like a most ungraceful landing but landing in this so small feat! And these are all breeding pairs! We're so fortunate to have come when they're here as two months from now they will all have migrated to Mozambique or Angola. Now the chicks are nearly full grown but still being fed by the parents regurgitating the fruits of their hunt.
Gannets dive bomb toward the water at upwards of 30mph and in the last few seconds before they hit the surface they tuck their wings into their body, become an underwater guided missile, and after scooping up unsuspecting fish make their way to the surface and fly off. Amazing!
This imaginative sculpture - St somebody or Other - guards the entrance to the harbor as well as the gannet colony - made me want to get home and start creating something clever with all our 'treasures'! Yes, there is still an active fishing industry in Lambert's Bay and we have a fabulous lunch.
Time for us to head to Hermanus to celebrate Christmas and New Year's - and, my birthday!
This jawbone is from a giraffe . . . the animals drowned, were swept up by the flood waters, and deposited in pieces all over this valley.
Wendy explaining the contents of this area of the dig.
Another must see sight near Pater Noster is the Western Cape National Park, renowned for its birds. We are not disappointed.
A short walk from a parking area is a 'bird hide' (never been in one of these!) and within seconds this charming fellow makes an appearance, within arm's reach. I'm no birder but he was absolutely beautiful and fearless!
And a flock of flamingoes which remained in the shallows, . . .
Then it's off to an idyllic little beach who there are actually of couple of houseboats on moorings! Too bad we didn't have our swimsuits in hand.
And finally a trip to Lambert's Bay about an hour north and home of the Western Cape Gannet Colony. I don't know if you can call a flock of 30,000 gannets a colony - maybe more like a city. These birds are absolutely amazing!
We watch spellbound as the birds circle, announcing to their mates that they're 'comin' home' After a few circles, they but on the brakes and make what looks like a most ungraceful landing but landing in this so small feat! And these are all breeding pairs! We're so fortunate to have come when they're here as two months from now they will all have migrated to Mozambique or Angola. Now the chicks are nearly full grown but still being fed by the parents regurgitating the fruits of their hunt.
Gannets dive bomb toward the water at upwards of 30mph and in the last few seconds before they hit the surface they tuck their wings into their body, become an underwater guided missile, and after scooping up unsuspecting fish make their way to the surface and fly off. Amazing!
Time for us to head to Hermanus to celebrate Christmas and New Year's - and, my birthday!
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