November's first southeaster is turning into a real gale. Birds are being buffeted, clouds stand no chance, and the sea is being whipped backwards at such a rate that I don't think the tide was able to come in. At times like this, the backwash from the harbour wall at Kalk Bay provides ideal conditions for massive waves to batter the buildings that face the sea, and I think are actually a great selling point for tables at these restaurants, as patrons are never sure whether the fish on their plates will be returned from whence they came, as smashed windows followed by flooding seawater has become the norm.
A great following of photographers has grown around these spectacular occasions, rather like the storm chasers that follow tornadoes in the American mid-West, hoping to capture that once-in-a-lifetime shot of wild destruction. Although many use zoom lenses and remain at a safe distance, there are those who don't mind a little dicing with death, or at the least getting a good drenching. (Google Kalk Bay waves and I am sure you will find stunning shots.)
These intrepid souls enable us armchair viewers to almost smell the salt spray and shiver a little at nature's power in the comfort of our homes, as a trip to Kalk Bay to watch waves is not an easy undertaking as the roadworks and stop/go arrangement continue to shred tempers. This was alleviated slightly by some good whale-watching opportunities for those stuck in the queue, but all is quiet in False Bay at the moment.
The whale action off Kommetjie is into its third day, as the large pod of probably Bryde's whales feed and frolic in the bay, but they could disappear as suddenly as they appeared. We will enjoy them while we can.
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