The trawler trip was a close-run thing. We had returned with just a day to spare before my flight home. But I've got one last mission before I go.
On the last morning, I pick Peter Ryan up at 4.30 am, and we head east past Stellenbosch to Sir Lowry's Pass. Here we walk up a steep bluff and find Cape rockjumpers, one of the Western Cape's star birds, resplendent in dark burgundy back and plum red chest.
So starts a 250 km thrash around some wonderful areas, and by the time we return to Cape Town I've seen another 25 species, including the wonderfully elusive Victorin's warbler (we had one four feet in front of us and still never got a clear view!).
With just a few hours to spare, I pack my bags and head for the airport for the long overnight flight home.