We took the shoreline track towards the Cape of Good Hope, a pleasant amble alongside stretches of flat rocks and sandy beaches, just high enough to avoid being sandblasted and low enough to be away from the bushy vegetation. We passed a flock of Pied Avocets, curved beaks pointed into the wind to make the most of their natural aerodynamics, but even so, the wind kept blowing them backwards across the sand and they had to scurry forward again to form a tighter group to withstand the onslaught. They are particularly pretty with their striking black and white markings being most evident with wings outstretched. They migrate from Europe to escape the harsh winter and return to breed when our winter sets in. To give an idea of their size and delicacy, a relatively stocky African Black Oystercatcher made a fine contrast against the flock.
The strong offshore wind attracted about 20 obviously seasoned windsurfers and a lone kiteboarder who streaked backwards and forwards over a considerable distance, far out to sea at unimaginable speed and only slightly slower shorewards. The word exhilarating was never more fitting to describe this sport and the levels of adrenalin must have been akin to bungee jumping! We sat for a very soul-soothing half hour on the rocks, watching the colourful sails - airborne over the waves on a rising tide - and perhaps envying their youth and strength just a little!
The sea was a translucent turquoise (the result of the prolonged offshore gale this week) and just magnificent to behold, with plumes of bright white surf splashing skyward against the rocks. There was no doubt that this alternative to a blustery battle above was infinitely better and there were no regrets!
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