The Cape Doctor is the local name for the strong south-eastern wind – also known as the South-Easter – that blows from False Bay and funnels through to Cape Town and Blouberg during the hot summer months. It is said to clear all pollution in the city and across the Cape Flats, offering an amazing clear sky and view of the Mother City.
The wind picks up moisture from False Bay and pushes it up against the flanks of Table Mountain, creating clouds (and rain) along the eastern slope. This phenomenon is locally known as ‘the Table cloth’: the top of Table Mountain is enveloped in a huge cloud, dripping over the mountainside.
TRAVEL WORDS 
Nature is very clever!
Table mountain and table cloth, seem very appropriate descriptions. Maybe the wind should be called “The Waiter”? 🙂
Interestingly, the cooling summer wind in Perth is also called “The Doctor”.
As I understand it a lot of South Africans moved to Western Australia, maybe they took the name with them 😉
Not improbable. And Dirk Hartog (Dutch) did set foot on WA soil in the 1600’s
Now my question is there a Cape Nurse? Gorgeous photos Jude. Table mountain so beautifully captures with it’s cloud topping like whip cream.
It’s not so beautiful when it whips the sand around your bare legs though Sue!! As for nurses I am sure there are lots of lovely ones in the Cape 🙂
Yes wind can be a nasty visitor to a beautiful scene. I shall imagine it calm and peaceful.
How long did you live there Jude? It does look a very interesting place
11 years with a bit of time in Johannesburg. I hated Johannesburg. Too far from the coast for one thing, but plenty of others too…
You must have lots of stories from those times Jude.
Saw it when we visited Cape Town – actually did the touristy ride to the top LOL. Spectacular sight. When that cloud comes pouring over the mountaintop it’s amazing. A perfect choice Jude!!
Thanks Tina. You were lucky to be able to get to the top, many people who are only there for a few days can’t.