Not Too Shabby . . . Redux!
The cache, a small, camo-taped, flip-topped pot, is hidden at this popular and often busy spot which provides spectacular views especially to the south along the beautiful long sandy Noordhoek Beach.
It was placed in recognition of an earlier cache at this location – Paddawan’s GC237EQ Not too shabby! which was hidden on 22/1/2010 and archived on 10/4/2012 with 89 finds.
The location is also the viewpoint for the EarthCache GC2WZGQ Shifting sands, wind, waves and waterbodies, so you can have two caches for the one visit!
The main challenge here (after finding suitable parking – see Notes below) which is reflected in the difficulty rating, will be muggles who typically will be coming and going almost all day in fine weather conditions. However, if you are patient, you can wait a few minutes for a gap in the ‘traffic’ long enough to enable you to complete your mission.
To facilitate this process, the hint is very specific, so locating the cache should be possible in <10 seconds!
***If you are unable to physically log the cache, a photo of the cache container (only!) will be OK!***
Notes on parking: two waypoints are provided on different sides of the road:
a) North side (recommended): @ S 34 05.720 E 18 21.550 about 120m east of the cache but which allows you to approach from, turn around and return to the Noordhoek side if required, and if approaching from the Hout Bay side will enable you to park when the south side parking (at the viewpoint cache location) is full - which is often the case
b) South side (next to the cache): but only has space for 3 cars. Also, if approaching from the Noordhoek side, and it is full, you will be unable to turn around (should you wish to return to Noordhoek) until you reach the parking at the top of Chapman's Peak Drive some 3km up the road.
The stunning Noordhoek Beach is over 8 km long, and the most unspoiled and best protected beach on the Atlantic Cape coast of the Cape Peninsula. At its north end it is defined by Chapman’s peak plunging into the sea, and at its south end by the Kommetjie lighthouse. It is backed by National Park-protected wetlands, and as a result is free of the urban sprawl typical of many other Cape Town bays.
Behind the wetlands rise magnificent mountain slopes, densely overgrown with green coastal fynbos. Horses are a common sight on the beach and surrounding areas as many residents keep them on their properties. Riding schools make good use of the many trails through the wetlands and along the beach.
Facing due west, the beach has some of the best sunsets on the Cape Peninsula. Crashing waves, a huge beach and often great cloudscapes make it a great spot for sun-downers.
The beach has one of the most interesting tidal lagoons around. Temporary home to many types of birds, including flamingos and oystercatchers, it is a fascinating feature. However, it is not a permanent and can appear or disappear overnight depending on wind and wave conditions.
Towards its southern end is the wreck of the 665 ton SS Kakapo which can be seen poking out of the sand well above the high water mark. Among the many wrecks along this coast, this one had a relatively quiet and undramatic ending.
On a voyage from England to Australia (in ballast), it put into Cape Town to take on coal. On 26th May 1900, the day after setting sail again, during a north-westerly gale wind and driving rain it ran aground on a lonely stretch of beach. The Cape Times reported rumours of a ship aground somewhere between Hout Bay and Simons Town.
The Captain and crew declined to be interviewed and all efforts to free her from the sands were futile. Maybe with poor visibility Captain NP Nicolaysen mistook Chapman’s Peak for Cape Point and turned to port too soon - hence the article title Mysterious Mishap. See here for a time-lapse video at the wreck
In January 1970 the wreck was used as a set in David Lean’s film, Ryan’s Daughter.
See here and here for drone videos of the beach and here for some fine evening video images with surfers towards the southern end of the beach.
Make sure to check the cache Gallery for some fine images of the beach – and don’t forget to upload your own to the collection and for the record!