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Published: September 3rd 2010
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Tuesday (6/7/10)
We left the stormy skies of Cape Town head back on the Baz bus bound for sunny Hermanus. Happy to leave the hype of the World cup. We were collected by our shuttle service to Hermaneus , arrived at the refreshingly bright and friendly Hermanus backpackers and checked into our own room! Both struck down with the 'World Cup flu', we designated the day to a bit of R & R. We regrettably opted for some greasy fish and chips for lunch, a couple hours internet to post some blogs whilst we dropped our washing at the Laundromatte. With the icy winds of the previous night’s storm still whipping around we retreated to the backpackers, whipping up some chicken and veggies for dinner and an early night.
Wednesday
Despite a fantastic sleep we were still feeling under par, we wrapped ourselves up in some warm layers and set out slowly along the Cliff Path walking trail in search of whales. Just through the small township of Hermanus we spotted a whale bobbing up and down not far from the shore. Not interested in putting on much of a show, we carried on stopping another whale further out breaching
creating a huge splash but just too far out to photograph. We did manage to capture a seal snacking on some octopus close to the shore and a Rock Hyrax startled on the footpath. We eventually made it to Grotto beach hoping to stop for a bite to eat at Dutchies restaurant, but Dutchie’s was closed probably still celebrating after Holland’s win the night before. So we turned around and went back to where we started (fortunately slightly quicker). Back in Hermanus, we stopping to watch the last of the days tour de France and tea at Tapa’s.
Thursday-
The long anticipated day had arrived… Shark cage Dive Day.
After a restless night half expecting a cancellation phone call (due to poor weather) we got our pick up to Gansbaai at 6.20am with Shark Dive Co. The effects of our head cold's far out weighing any excitement or nerves of the imminent dive. Our fellow passengers were all but passed out suffering the effects of celebrations from the night before and not adding to the anticipation. After breaky and a shark briefing (the important stuff like where to and not to put your hands/feet if you wanted to return
with them!) we set out. After a short but bumpy fifteen minute ride we arrived at our launching point, the excitement now beginning to build but shortly after the crew had began the jiggin process to attract the sharks we were off again due to the large swell. We cruised to the other side of the small island only to find the swell was worse and not doing any favour’s for our fellow passengers (who we discovered later hadn’t made it to bed) and added a bit of burly to the mix. Back to our original point just when I thought they were going to call it quits our captain miraculously found a relatively calm spot. We couldn’t delay putting on the cold wet wetsuits any longer it was now or never. Having been warned how cold the water was we were hoping to wait til the last group so not to have to sit around wet and cold. But with the rest of the group were hanging over the edge or had secretly retreated to the viewing deck so we were in! Promptly given the hurry on as the sharks had arrived, Carly managed to pull two right foot
booties on (no hood)and Jez climbed into the cage free from bootie and hood, either way the water was freezing. Gripping the cage with all my strength, feet dangling and shaking all over… I began to wonder why I was actually doing this. Then the screams “down, down” from the crew above as a shark passed by the cage, we all ducked under. The first time under I struggled to hold my breathe in the icy water shooting straight back up swallowing a mouthful of salty water on the way only to hear more screams ‘lady down, lady down’. Being the only female on the boat it was hard to ignore. Back under to see the White Pointer cruise past his beady black eye watching my every move. After a couple more passes, numbness had taken over then it went kinda quiet. The moderate swell creating a few more problems even from within the cage as one of our fellow divers began a series of projectile vomiting. The bait of tuna heads wasn’t as alluring all of a sudden and we were told we would have to swap! I couldn’t have been more happy to get out, but then another
Rock Hyrax
Apparently the elephants closest relative! shark appeared but this time not one but two! Another few dunks under my head was beginning to freeze and was desperate to get out but watching the sharks was soo exciting and our colds had termporily disappeared. Buzzing we climbed to the viewing amazed at how clearly you could see the sharks pass by the cage attached to the side of the boat. As we slowly defrosted in the sun it seemed like no time before we were asked if we would like a second look. Jez jumped at the chance not yet to get a good shot on our underwater camera ...not really up to moving targets. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity.. cold or not I was going back in! This time properly suited up hood and all we jumped back into the cage slightly more prepared for the freezing temperatures that awaited us. A shark cruised past then U-turned right in front of us even closer! This time the shark was much more fascinated by the bait following it chomping all the way as it was pulled over the roof of the cage. For the first time that day I (no we on further
investigation) we were scared! It was as if all of a sudden the cage had dissolved and he was coming right for us! Our time was up but this time we jumped out even more excited, we’d been scared now that’s what we had some for! We cruised back to base watched the video, pretty much just a recap of everyone before and after the cage, and a light lunch. Our driver dropped us back to the backpackers for some hot shower’s, we then took the shorter walk to Gecko’s bar situated right on the water’s edge for some sushi and pizza. The effects of the cold water started to take its toll and we headed back for an afternoon nap. We dragged ourselves out of bed for a bite to eat and to watch the Spain v’s Germany semi final.
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Mark and Chrissie
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WOW
love the pics - i am really jellous of the cage diving. Wish i had done it when i was there.