Deep in the Amazon jungle, hidden from all things civilized, day and night exists to protect us from the passion between the sun and the moon. With love so great that the Sun’s heat scorches the earth and the moon’s tears floods the land, having them together would be devastating for the earth, so to remedy this they will only touch through the shadow of an eclipse.
The ancients always had a beautiful way of dealing with the unexplained. Words like passion and love still existed in their lives and still had value and meaning to others. In a way it’s almost sad that science has answered many of these mysteries leaving us with orbits, alignments and gravity instead of gods, fireballs and demons. Why are words like love and passion never acceptable answers anymore?
Anyway this post is actually about a full moon paddle we had on Wednesday night. Here in Cape Town most of the paddling clubs organize full moon paddles when the weather permits. These are usually very popular amongst paddlers from all walks of life and Wednesday was no different … I suppose its got something to do with the “full moon effect”. I was unfortunately a little late due to work so Suz, Caron and I didn’t paddle with the group. As you can see from the pics, the conditions were fantastic. No wind, glassy seas and some really interesting sunset moments. When we arrived at Clifton we passed the group as they were heading back. It was actually quite amazing to see so many kayaks paddling together.
We stopped for snacks before turning round and heading back. At this time the sun was starting to drop below the horizon and it didn’t take long for the darkness to set in. I always find it so amusing to see how people start paddling faster the darker it gets. Another strange phenomenon is how people tend to try to paddle closer to shore when it gets darker - if you cannot see the break, does it not exist?
In retrospect we should have done more trouble to be on the water 05h30 on Thursday morning to paddle during the lunar eclipse. That would have been quite amazing.
Glassy seas with Lions Head and Table Mountain in background
Side view of Lions Head with sunset effects
Boats, birds & sunset
Moon peering around Signal Hill
