Journey North Mystery Class Spring 2004

Introducing Mystery Class #9
Capetown, South Africa (33.917 S, 18.367 E)

Congratulations on finding us. Welcome to Cape Town, South Africa! We are very fortunate to live in Cape Town because everything is so green.

The natural vegetation is called Fynbos. The word "Fynbos" is used collectively to describe a wide range of plants growing only in our region. The Fynbos is in full bloom in spring and it is very beautiful to go for walks up the mountain at that time of year. The other type of vegetation is the alien vegetation. Alien vegetation are plants that were brought in from other countries. Some of the alien plants are Blue Gum, Pine, Rooikraans, Hakea and Port Jackson. Port Jackson is one of the worst invaders. They come from Australia. They were brought into Cape Town to hold up the sand dunes on the Cape Flats. Unfortunately, the natural enemy of the Port Jackson was not brought to Cape Town and with the help of the South Easter, it spread like fire. Only recently a fungus, that attacks the Port Jackson, has been brought into South Africa to kill off these bushes.

When it comes to scenery, beaches and outdoor living there can be few places to match us and we are justly proud of our environment.

Table Mountain

The mountains in Cape Town are also very beautiful. The most famous mountain in the Cape is Table Mountain because it is so flat. It is also a big tourist attraction. It sometimes snows on Table Mountain. There are also lovely walks up the mountain with beautiful views of the Cape Peninsula.

The beaches around the Peninsula are wonderful. One specific beach is called Noordhoek Beach. The water is very cold because it is the Atlantic Ocean.

The climate in Cape Town is very windy. In summer the South Easter blows. The South Easter is also known as the Cape Doctor because it blows away all the smog. In Winter the North Wester blows. It is very stormy when the North Wester howls. In Summer it is very hot and in Winter it is cold and wet. We are very lucky to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.