A "Thank You" to Remember

After a great week in Gansbaai, we were offered an opportunity to partake in a local treat as a sign of appreciation for our travel and efforts on the field. Initially I thought it might be a taste of some exotic food like the famed "Iseinben?" but I learned quickly that there were bigger things in mind -- GREAT WHITE SHARKS! My heart skipped a beat with excitement as I had for years enjoyed Shark Week, once co-hosting a superb viewing party, if I do say so myself. The location we would be headed to was known as Shark Alley, a known hang out for Cape fur seals. Fitted in our fancy wet suits, as water temperatures were in the low 50's, we set out on the eco-friendly boat with some scientists who would be conducting some research during our journey. I learned, with a bit of despair, that the whole trek to Shark Alley was only 10 minutes from the dock. Wait, that doesn't quite seem far enough for me to feel comfortable going back in the ocean after this?? Anyway, we sailed out, saw a picturesque Right Whale on the starboard side, yes, I am a licensed sea captain, and took in the sights, sounds, and awful smell of the Cape Fur seals before heading closer to shore where we would seek out the deep water (shallow water) predators of the sea. In only one minute, with some fish oil in the water, we (Nick) saw our first shark. I was told the 12 foot beast was small, but he did seem capable of fitting my giant torso into his mouth. A few minutes later, I found myself jumping into the cage with goggles on, a rapid heartbeat and a fear that my foot would slip out of the cage. Once I caught on to twisting my ankle to the side to prevent any slippage, the experience became one to remember and I enjoyed the 6 Great Whites that grazed our cage. In case anyone doesn't know, Great Whites have a massive, muscular body, giant, razor sharp teeth, and just look mean when they rise through the water and attack. And, when you are a few feet from them in their element, that can leave a visual deposit in your memory bank that you hope your Mephloquine never withdraws for its night time games. When I had finished with a second stint in the cage, I could appreciate how this "thank you" would be a bit more lasting than any culinary treat. The Big 2 Town knows what it is doing and is worth a visit!

From the depths of the African continent,
Christian