We observed 12 different White Sharks today... on one occasion, two Sharks swam parallel next to one another for a few meters, checking each other out, but remaining slow and calm (right). That was amazing!

Two things in particular struck me about the sharks. Firstly that they are a fascinating combination of being both curious and cautious. Secondly that individuals each have their own behavioral traits, some being so full of personality they earn themselves nick-names, such as Stoney. This particular shark was more interested in lazily investigating the boat, itís engines and us on board than making any attempt to go for the bait.

Days when the weather was not permitting for us to go out on the boat we would walk along the beautiful coastline looking at Southern Right whales and a variety of smaller fynbos dwelling creatures. The Gansbaai Mountain is also an enjoyable climb. Or, of course the lazy option of reading.

When the days are followed by a braai (or to the rest of the world aside form South Africa a barbecue) you feel increasingly convinced you never want to leave. So as all such things must come to an end I realised that coming back was the only solution. So a year later I returned to enjoy some more time with the sharks and people of Gansbaai.

Polly Crouch