Adventure in the Western Cape

I was planning to leave South Africa on Friday, but President Obama seems to be occupying my entire hotel in Dar es Salaam so I had to extend my stay in Oubaai by a few days.  Part of me was disappointed because this means I will only get one weekend to explore Tanzania, but I can't complain too much because Oubaai has been so relaxing and beautiful.  I was determined to find something to keep me occupied for my third and final weekend in South Africa. 

My ears immediately perked up when the concierge recommended shark diving because I love activities that get my heart rate up.  Sadly, as is the theme of this trip, no one else had signed up for diving and the only way the company would take me out on the tour was if I was willing to charter the entire boat.  Donald Trump forgot to wire me an allowance this week, so I had to find another activity.  

The concierge recommended a hiking trail.  My first thought was: *yawn*. I'm a runner, not a walker.  But, in a town with very few things to do,  it seemed to be my only other option.  I started around 10AM at the edge of the golf resort.  Before I even entered nature, I was in awe by some of the houses.  I would love to wake up every morning with a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean - especially with the sunrises I have been witnessing over the past two weeks.  

Amazing views from this little shack. 

As I ventured down towards the coastline, I passed a pond with lots of amazing birds and wondered if I would see any other animals (hopefully not).  They are just as afraid of me as I am of them - at least that's what my Dad always used to say.  The hiking trail started through some wooded areas and was surprisingly well-kept.  Every time I caught a glimpse of the ocean, I took another picture as if it would be my only opportunity to see it.  

Here's my first taste of the Indian Ocean from the hiking trail...

I didn't realize that the view at the end of this trail would be the most amazing coastline I have ever experienced.  I took about an hour to just sit on the rocks and enjoy the peaceful solitude.  I even blasted my ipod and started singing along to the music - something I never do anymore since I don't have any privacy in my life.  

I set my camera in a bush with the self-timer for this picture!

I could have literally sat here all day

When I was finally ready to move along, I hiked across the mountain ridge toward a whale viewing deck that was closer to the water.  From there, I could actually climb along the rocks and get right up to the ocean.  I feel like a kid whenever I get to climb on rocks.  It always reminds me of the days when my family would go up to my grandparents' cottage in New Hampshire and walk through a rocky brook that meandered along the edge of their property.  

Climbing along the rocks near the water. 

I sat on the rocks for a while and just enjoyed the sound of the waves crashing against the coast. Looking out over the vast blue ocean, I could even see a few whale backs emerging along the surface.  It was amazing to think that the next land mass to the south is Antarctica.  I eventually decided it was time to keep moving and started walking back towards the trail.  

From there, the trail continued along the mountain ridge and literally weaved its way through all kinds of terrain imaginable.  There were several parts where I couldn't even tell whether I was following the trail because the trees and shrubs had started growing back.  This portion was considerably more difficult than the route along the coast and it was obvious that most people are not up for the workout.

One of many diverse views along this part of the trail

Silly self picture? yes.  But the views were too good!

Every twist of the trail brought a new and exciting terrain.  Before I knew it, I was alongside a river that reminded me even more of the brook near my grandparents' cottage except that it was surrounded on both sides by lush green mountains.  I must have had a smile on my face the entire time because my surroundings were just so peaceful and relaxing. 

But you know what wasn't relaxing?  The hike!  My gosh, it's no wonder the trails aren't used very often - they were tough!  I think I went up and down the side of the mountain at least 5 times over the course of the day.  By the time I reached the resort again, it was almost 6pm and the sky was almost dark.  My ankle felt like it was ready to pop out any moment, but the pain was totally worthwhile.  

I returned to the hotel and thanked the concierge for the amazing recommendation.  I wasn't initially excited about a full-day hike, but it was just what I needed to rejuvenate myself.  My entire life is on display, as I am constantly watched by everyone in the hotels - from the fitness center attendant to the housekeepers.  It was so nice to get away from it all - even just for one day.  I could sing at the top of my lungs, I could take stupid pictures of myself, and I didn't have to fake-smile to anyone.  It was perfect.