Chasing the Big Whites

To get to Gansbaai we had to get up at 4:50 AM for a 2 hour van ride. The 8 of us were jammed into a small van where 4 people were already sitting, front seats of course. The good part was that the scenery was stunning. We aimed for a sheer rock face which we somehow got over. After that it was a slow descent to the sea, through the lovely town of Hermanus. All around us was the feinbos, punctuated by eucalyptus and umbrella palms.

When we got to Gansbaai about 40 of us jammed into a room where we were given breakfast as well as a video on the Sharks. Soon we boarded the boat and we're off over a light emerald sea heaving with swells. Honestly, even the seagulls are majestic here with their black backs trimmed with a white edge.

Within 10 minutes we reached the shark cage. It was soon attached to the boat and people began to don wetsuits. A guy at the back was mixing a vile concoction which was slowly released into the water to create a scent trail. Within a few minutes a 3 to 4 meter shark showed up and tried to eat the fish heads bait. 8 people at a time clammered into the cage but visibility was only a half meter. The 4 kids and Jeff all tried it. I could hear the girls giggling. Once in a while a shark thrillingly banged into the cage.

After several hours everyone who wanted to had a turn in the cage. The 2 hour drive back was a complete blur because we all slept. For me it was all a bit too long but I think the kids loved it. Tomorrow we get picked up at a decent 9 AM for the first of our guided walks.