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As a result of the high winds and storm the previous day, the beach was strewn with Portuguese Man O’War (Physalia physalis). These creatures have no form of independent locomotion and are simply blown by the wind and carried by the currents. The posses stinging cells which can deliver a very painful sting and unfortunately Kili was stung on the foot. The pain subsided after about 30 minutes and he was able to complete the walk.

The storm had also blown a young seal onshore and although he looked healthy sitting on the rocks, we were concerned for his wellbeing.

We stopped to consider the unfortunate history of  the ship “The Kakapo” which ran aground here in 1900. In the picture below you can see the remains of the boiler-room in the background. In the foreground with the group you can see Kili licking the site of the sting on his foot (poor Kili).

By this time we had experienced high winds, cold and some rain. Not long afterwards the sun appeared for a while but by lunchtime it had begun to rain again. It was classic Cape Town weather, with all four seasons in one day.