Some time ago, I wrote about Jake having been chosen to become a junior ranger. The process involved a formal application and only a handful of kids were chosen. Jake didn't make it on his first attempt and had to wait a year to reapply, but was very excited when he was accepted into the program. Sadly, one year in, SAN Parks pulled the funding on the program and it was closed down. The woman who was running it for SAN Parks, Christa, decided to run with the Junior Rangers program on a private level and it's also open to anyone who's prepared to pay the quarterly fees. It's something that Jake looks forward to ever month. Well, mostly, besides the early morning wake up on rangers day. 2 weeks ago we went down Venus Pools at Cape Point for the rangers lesson on star fish.
It was a stunning day, the weather was perfect and the cold water crystal clear. The pool was unexpectedly gorgeous and the water was tempting - if I'd had a ozzie, I might even have braved a swim. I left my camera at home, so these photos are all from my phone (sorry, not the best). They're all taken looking into the water...
The kids bravely waded into the water to have a look below the surface at the hidden treasures below...
Jake overslept, so didn't have anything with him- he's such a pain to get up and going in the mornings. The joy of being a teenager...
Fortunately, Christa had bowls and managed to get them big star fish to check out on land...
Everybody wanted a touch...
The absolutely stunning Venus Pools. they're tidal pools, but if you're looking for somewhere to spend a day at the beach, a little off the beaten track, this is your spot. No sand, no crowds and this gorgeous pool almost all to yourself! Just check the tide times, it's a tidal pool and the waves do come crashing in...
Out in nature, in his happy place. You wouldn't say that if you saw him slobbing on his bed playing Xbox, but he does love being outdoors. It totally energizes him...
The star fish set free, with the sun's reflection glowing on the water...
Some of the kids checking out a little red sea slug that Christa found for them...
Looking for treasures. This pool was full of little fish and snails and mussels and star fish - so much to look at...
If you do go visiting this pool, please be careful of the sea urchins. Their spikes are not your friends! Flip flops or water shoes or flippers are a good idea...
Some pretty cushion star fish in an assortment of colours. Teeny tiny stripey snails too...
So Junior Rangers still exists as Cape Town Rangers. The program is great. Jake's meeting up with the group this coming Saturday at St James to explore the sea anemones there. Hopefully he gets up in time to actually take his costume with this time! He's made some awesome friends, as have I. Long live rangers!!
Love
Sue xxx
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