On February 5th, after another dive with the seven gill sharks (or cowsharks, as they’re called here) off of Miller’s Point, Steve Benjamin (Animal Ocean) took me up to Cape Point at the Cape of Good Hope, the most south-western point of Africa. Although it’s not the tip of Africa, it’s definitely the photogenic tip of Africa, and Steve and I had a good time taking pictures and hiking up to the new lighthouse. We saw ostriches and baboons as well!
Myfanwy Rowlands at Cape Point
In the afternoon, we toured the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, which are absolutely stunning. So much botanical knowledge in one place, it was mind-boggling and academically very inspiring — but to those friends who are all-too-familiar with my vocational ADD, I’m happy to report that despite the amazing visit I’m still planning on studying marine biology & conservation, not botany. Although I do have my sights set on marine plants.
For the past three days (Feb. 6-9), I’ve had the privilege of accompanying Thomas Peschak, Chief Photographer for the Save Our Seas Foundation, on an underwater photo shoot here in Cape Town. We’ve been out every day on Steve Benjamin’s Animal Oceans boat, and it’s been amazing to watch such a high-calibre photographer at work.
Thomas is also a tremendous advocate for shark conservation and a member of the International League of Conservation Photographers; I would not have been able to come to South Africa if it weren’t for his help in finding experiences in South Africa for me on my scholarship.
Today the swell was up, so Steve Benjamin (Animal Ocean) and I took a group of professional photographers out chasing the big wave surfers at Sunset Reef, a surf spot here in Cape Town with a reputation almost as deadly as Dungeons. We were out there for half the day, and I was absolutely blown away what these guys can do on the water. Below is a picture by Jean Tresfon — the surfer is Sean Holmes, one of South Africa’s finest big-wave surfers.
The waves were unbelievable. Browse below if will, and try and imagine riding down the face of one of these. Also out there today were Mike Baleta, Simon Lowe, Dave Smith and Mickey Dufus.
Sean Holmes first wave on the tow at Sunset
Over the falls
