Western Cape Archives - Page 2 of 7

“YOU ARE MY LIGHTHOUSE”

This iconic lighthouse which sits upon a rocky feature in Mossel Bay was first lit on 15th of March, 1864, about 100 years before I was even a twinkle in my parents’ eyes – by no means a modern observation post! So, why named Cape St Blaize? It is so-named because Bartolomeu Dias, the Portuguese explorer, and his crew first landed in Mossel Bay on St. Blaizes Day (3 February) in 1488. Originally the lamp was visible as a single red light for 15 nautical miles but after several upgrades and electrification on the 6th of April 1931, today it can be seen at 22 nautical miles. Then in 1914 the lighthouse received its first foghorn and later a radio beacon with the call sign ZRF was added. This manned lighthouse with a tower height of 14.9 metres is open to the public and is situated at E22 09 25… Read more >

A LONDON RED BUS IN MOSSEL BAY?

A ride on a red London bus is still on my bucket list, but I was not really expecting to find a red London bus parked in the Garden Route. This was a leisurely Saturday outing on a winter’s day in August in search for some good old-fashioned, value-for-money food. And this is just what we found here. This no frills-no-fuss fish and chips take away is located on the water’s edge in Mossel Bay Harbour. Things work simple here – decide what you want from the minimalistic menu, place your order, pay at the window, get your order slip and go on the top deck until your food is served in a white Styrofoam dish. That’s it. With the smell of sea and fresh fish in your nostrils you have a fantastic view over the glistening water of the bay towards the Outeniqua Mountains, which also forms the back… Read more >

FLOWER SPOTTING IN NAMAQUALAND

Apart from September being tourism month in South Africa the West Coast is well known for its spring flowers, because in a blink of an eye it appears after some good rain. First you have to understand what Namaqualand is about. This is a very dry area with little rain throughout the year. Then when the warmer weather arrives, the vibrant flowers appear on the barren landscapes. You might feel that you do not need any tips on flower spotting, – how difficult can that be? – but there are some points that you need to consider in making your experience memorable. It is always difficult to predict when the flowers are going to bloom, as like many things in nature, they are weather dependent, but keep the following in mind to ease you into flower spotting: The flowers are dependent on the sun to show their faces. So, the… Read more >

5 “LEKKER” PICNIC SPOTS IN THE GARDEN ROUTE

Well let’s first start with the word lekker for those who are not familiar with the Afrikaans language. It can be translated as a lot of things such as great, tasty, nice , scenic, pretty – it all depends in what sentence it is used – but what I mean with lekker is more the use of pleasurable and relaxing with a scenic view. There is not one word in the English language that can describe it quite the same. SPOT #1 : EBB AND FLOW (NORTH) Situated on the northern banks of the Touw river it falls within the Garden Route National Park, but day visitors are welcomed. You will be rewarded with some shade under old wild fig trees, a demarcated fire pit, clean ablution facilities and a Knysna Loerie (Turaco) or two. Need to know: Report to reception and pay your day visitor fee. If you have a… Read more >

OUR OWN LOVE LOCK BRIDGE

There are not a lot of swing bridges left in this modern world of ours, but it always brings some nostalgia for me. One of them are the one that spans the churning waters of the Storms River in the Tsitsikamma National Park. If you start at the restaurant/shop follow the 900 metre wooden walk under the indigenous tree canopy to the mouth. It is a fairly easy walk, but when reaching the end of the walkway you will need to descend some steep steps into the gorge to get to the bridge ……. just remember you have to return the same way …… so if the knees are not in that brilliant state anymore take note! After you crossed the 77 metre long bridge that hangs just seven metres above the river one arrives at a small pebbled cove which is protected from the elements and is a nice… Read more >

RIVIER DECK, BUFFALO BAY (BUFFELSBAAI)

On a Sunday morning, we went for a bit of exploring in our own region and stumbled upon this little gem right next to the N2 at the Buffels Bay turn-off. I have passed this establishment numerous times in the past, but never made the effort to check it out. Hubby and I were looking for a place to have breakfast where we have never been before. So, River Deck it is! I think we were a bit early as we were the first patrons to pay a visit, but the wooden stove with the kettles already simmering radiated its warmth and welcomed us. Nice, as the sun was not out yet and it was still a bit chilly next to the river. Today was not the type of weather for canoes and peddle boats, however as I have observed during the past summer months this is a favourite spot… Read more >

ATHINA SHIPWRECK, ROBBERG

Shipwrecks are tragic events, but for me a shipwreck is always shrouded with some mystery and stories on what went wrong, what freight did they have on board when tragedy struck, were there any loss of life and what were the weather conditions, etcetera. Around Plettenberg Bay there are 18 hidden shipwrecks, the earliest one dating back to 1630, according to some research that I have done on the internet. I am not giving away my age, but some of you who are old enough will remember the stranding of the Athina at Robberg Beach, Plettenberg Bay. Some members in my family were still little boys and girls when this happened back on the 1st of August 1967. During the summer holiday of December 1967 my father in law swam out to the wreck, as I think a lot of holiday makers did too. At the date of the incident… Read more >

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