A local legend...

I would like to tell you a legend that many Capetonians hold dear to their heart. It is a legend that has been passed on down through the years and is still fondly shared today. It is the legend of Table Mountain’s snowy table cloth and where it came from. It is the legend of how Devil’s Peak got its name. It is the legend of Van Hunks and the Devil.

In summer months, the South Easter blows a cloud cover over Table Mountain, which has become fondly identified as its table cloth. It is a peculiar phenomenon and here is the legend that explains it...

Van Hunks and the Devil, taken from1horsetown.co.za

A retired pirate named Van Hunks (in some adaptations he is said to have been the fierce pirate Blackbeard) had had enough of the cruel seas and had decided to settle down in Cape Town with his wife. They lived in a little house at the base of Table Mountain and every sunny day Van Hunks would climb the mountain to the slope now known as Devil’s Peak to smoke his beloved tobacco as his wife could not handle the smell. He would light his pipe as he watched the boats in the harbour. He believed no one could smoke as much tobacco as he could.

One day he climbed to his favourite spot to find a stranger in a black cloak and wide-brimmed hat already sitting there. The stranger greeted him by name. Out of manners, Van Hunks decided to sit with the man and smoke his pipe. The stranger lit his own pipe with a flame conjured out of thin air. Van Hunks did not pay much attention.

The two men began to chat and soon an argument about who could smoke the most tobacco ensued. This led to a smoking competition between the two men. They smoked throughout that day, into the night and were still puffing away the next day. The clouds of smoke they created covered the mountain.

Soon the stranger started turning green and fell off his seat. His hat fell off, showing the two horns that were hiding under it. Van Hunks was delighted at beating the devil but his victory was short-lived.  The devil disappeared with Van Hunks and he was never seen again. Today when the cloudy table cloth covers Table Mountain, Capetonians will tell you that Van Hunks and the Devil are at it again. It is from this legend that the slope received its name, Devil’s Peak.

Table Mountain's table cloth taken from andrewcurrie.ca

Devil's Peak taken from pamgolding.co.za

Feeling Blue Peter?!

If you are visiting the Blouberg/Table View side of Cape Town, it is my recommendation that you visit the good old Blue Peter Hotel. This is the perfect place to sit down for a meal and sundowners, whilst enjoying the immaculate view of Table Mountain, Robben Island and Blouberg beach.  No other place can offer you such an enjoyable, casual environment and give you that “just-off-the-beach” feel.



Blue Peter front view.

In my opinion, Blue Peter has the best wood-fired pizzas around. Their Fish and Chips is also spectacular. In the summer months it is hard to find a seat but many people are content to place their bums on its large grass lawn to enjoy the sunset and vibe.  There is no dress code and no superficiality like other beach restaurants in Camps Bay. It is an awesome place for all family members to enjoy and perfect for those looking for a meal after building their appetites on the beach all day. Even pets are allowed!

The view of Table Mountain from the Blue Peter.

It is one of the oldest sites in Blouberg, dating back to the 19^th century when it was just a little tea room aptly called “The Springbok Café”. It has grown and developed into a beloved place for all locals and is constantly undergoing face-lifts to keep up with the ever-trendy Cape Town’s demands. It is reasonably priced and live music entertainment is offered on weekends. So what are you waiting for? Hop in the car with the whole family and come see what I am talking about!  



Sunset views from Blue peter's grass lawn.

Our natural wonder!

Let me just tell you that if you live in Cape Town or are just visiting and you haven’t been up Table Mountain, then you are missing out in a big way! Last week, when the weather was perfect, I made my mission to the cable car station and had a stunning day on my favourite mountain.

For so many Capetonians, Table Mountain symbolises home.  We see it every day in its flat-topped from, but rarely get to experience the beauty of the rest of Cape Town from a bird’s-eye-view.  A trip up Table Mountain in their state-of-the-art rotating cable car will cost you about R195 per person. Every cent is worth it. Just some advice; get there early to avoid long queues.

The trip in the cable car is pleasant. It can take 65 people up at a time. It rotates the whole ride up so that everyone gets to see our beautiful city. When you reach the top, you are in for the treat of your life. The views from the top will take your breath away.  You can view all of Cape Town from the top, from Camp’s Bay’s white beaches to the Green Point Stadium in miniature. The magnificence of the place we live in makes me proud to say I’m Capetonian! On a clear, sunny day, Cape Town looks like Never Never Land from this viewpoint!

If you haven’t been, make plans to go soon before we hit winter. It is no wonder that Table Mountain has been officially named as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the world!

The rotating cable car.



Never Never Land :)



Camps Bay