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# Firefly the Travel Guy

Promoting travel in the Eastern Cape and beyond

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Travel Blog](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/blog/) - Search the Firefly blog posts Search
- [A war memorial surrounded by greens and fairways](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-war-memorial-surrounded-by-greens-and-fairways/) - Port Elizabeth has several well-known war memorials commemorating the lives lost during the two World Wars. The Cenotaph at St George's Park and the Walmer War Memorial are probably the two main ones. One that very few people know about is the war memorial located on the Walmer Golf Course. When the township of Walmer
- [Camps Bay War memorial](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/camps-bay-war-memorial/) - With the cost of petrol and business being tough, I haven't had much chance to travel lately. It means I'm very quickly running out of new stuff to post. While going through photo folders tonight, I came across something I haven't shared with you yet. Being Port Elizabeth-based means that the majority of my posts
- [Remembering Jeffreys Bay's fishing heritage](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/remembering-jeffreys-bays-fishing-heritage/) - Fishermen and the fishing industry make up a large part of Jeffreys Bay's early history. Long before it became a holiday town or world-famous surf destination. JBay's main beachfront boasts two heritage sites linked to the fishing industry of old. Standing proudly near the shoreline in front of the building housing the famous Jbay Shell
- [Cheetah tracking in the Mountain Zebra National Park](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/cheetah-tracking-in-the-mountain-zebra-national-park/) - I found myself in the Mountain Zebra National Park outside Cradock on a crisp autumn morning. The previous afternoon, I spent some time with Lisa Kerr of Die Tuishuise and Victoria Manor, and when she heard I had never done cheetah tracking in the park, she was on the phone in a jiffy making arrangements.
- [The cannon of Cannonville... in Cape St Francis](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-cannon-of-cannonville-in-cape-st-francis/) - This little cannon stands in the Shipwreck Garden in Cape St Francis, but has a close affiliation to the Sundays River Valley. This 18-pound smooth-bore cannon once stood, with another almost identical gun, at the drift over the Sundays River near Colchester, close to where the present road bridge crosses the river. This area became
- [Sir Frederic Bridge in Nieu-Bethesda](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sir-frederic-bridge-in-nieu-bethesda/) - The Sir Frederic Bridge (also called Jubileum Bridge) creates a quick shortcut over the Gats River between the two sides of the village. The bridge is accessible via Parsonage Street and Pienaar Street and are a great lookout spot. The footbridge was proposed in 1897 and finally approved by the Administrator of the Cape, Sir
- [The Middelburg Cultural History Museum in the Karoo](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-middelburg-cultural-history-museum-in-the-karoo/) - If you want to learn more about the history of a small town, then the best thing to do is to look up the town museum. They're usually a virtual cyclopaedia containing everything you want to know about the town and the region. I've been reading a little about some of the exhibits in the
- [Meander through the Jeffreys Bay Spekboom Labyrinth](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/meander-through-the-jeffreys-bay-spekbook-labyrinth/) - We spent the week between Christmas and New Year in Jeffreys Bay, most of the time on the beach. I did try to break away to visit one or two attractions and do a few Geocaches. One of the places I made sure to pop in was the Spekbook Labyrinth. Opened in 2022, the labyrinth
- [The monuments in Middelburg Karoo's Mayoral Garden](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-monuments-in-middelburg-karoos-mayoral-garden/) - I was really surprised at how many monuments and historic buildings Middelburg Karoo has. The town was founded in 1852 as a midway point between Graaff-Reinet and Colesberg. A site for Middelburg was chosen, as its name implies, in the very centre of a circle of other platteland towns – thus providing a hub for
- [Historic Cemeteries of Middelburg Karoo](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/historic-cemeteries-of-middelburg-karoo/) - I have this fascinating interest in old graveyards and cemeteries. There is a calmness and peacefulness to them, and it's often one of the best ways to learn more about a place's history. A roadtrip to Middelburg Karoo has a checklist of places I wanted to see and historic cemeteries were at the top of
- [Jeffreys Bay Historical Fishermen Cemetery](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/jeffreys-bay-historical-fishermen-cemetery/) - Jeffreys Bay's history is made up of surfers, fishermen, seashells and holiday makers. The town doesn't really have a lot of historical sites or monuments, but between the Kouga Municipality and the Jeffreysbaai Dorp van Drome project, a lot of stories are starting to be told through heritage sites being created. One of these is
- [The Dassiedeur Tunnel - a railway tunnel with no tracks](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-dassiedeur-tunnel-a-railway-tunnel-with-no-tracks/) - I only discovered the Dassiedeur Tunnel near Cradock because there is a Geocache hidden halfway through the tunnel. For some reason, only Geocachers know, all my focus was on the cache and I never took any pictures while I was there. Fast-forward about a decade, and I'm on my way to Cradock, with the tunnel
- [Groendal Nature Reserve - Fernkloof Trail](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/groendal-nature-reserve-fernkloof-trail/) - A couple of weeks ago the Damselfly and I joined Start Hiking Gqeberha for a hike along the Fernkloof Trail in the Groendal Nature Reserve. I'm embarrassed to say that even though Groendal is just around the corner, I've never been, so I was really happy to finally get a chance to go. Surrounding the
- [Cape St Francis Anchor Garden and Shipwreck Display](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/cape-st-francis-anchor-garden-and-shipwreck-display/) - I've been itching to get out to Cape St Francis to have a look at the new Cape St Francis Anchor Garden and Shipwreck Display at the entrance to the Irma Booysen Flora Reserve next to the R330 as you enter the village. It's all a case of time and money. Petrol isn't cheap, and
- [Tafelberg - The Table Mountain of the Karoo Heartland](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tafelberg-the-table-mountain-of-the-karoo-heartland/) - Tafelberg is one of the best-known landmarks in the Middelburg (Karoo) district. The flat-topped mountain is a striking mesa‑like mountain rising above the flat plains 21km south of Middelburg along the N10 in the direction of Cradock. Its name literally means "Table Mountain" in Afrikaans. There's just no Devil's Peak or Lion's Head flanking it,
- [Storms River Mouth walk to the suspension bridge](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/storms-river-mouth-walk-to-the-suspension-bridge/) - The Tsitsikamma National Park, these days called the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park, must be one of the most scenic places in South Africa. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder and some people are going to say, "But what about the Wild Coast or the West Coast?" So
- [Woodlands Dairy - milk production stats that will blow your mind](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/woodlands-dairy-milk-production-stats-that-will-blow-your-mind/) - A grandfather asked his granddaughter where milk came from and she said, "From the shops grandpa." Is she wrong? Well, technically not, but you know what I mean. On the other hand, it's also not as easy and clear cut as most people think. Definitely not just a case of "Have cows, milk cows, bottle
- [The war memorial in Tarkastad](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-war-memorial-in-tarkastad/) - It doesn't matter how big (or small) a town is, you are very likely to find a historic Dutch Reformed Church and a war memorial somewhere in it. Tarkastad in the Eastern Cape is no different. Tarkastad isn't very big. In fact, most people I mention it to have never been there. Some haven't even
- [Tarkastad's White Hope Masonic Lodge](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tarkastads-white-hope-masonic-lodge/) - The first time we visited Tarkastad I knew it was going to be a very small town and I was expecting to see a beautiful historic church or two, hopefully a war memorial, lots of history and even more charm. One of the things I didn't expect to find was a Masonic Lodge. Driving through
- [Commandant William Comley Memorial in Somerset East](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/commandant-william-comley-memorial-in-somerset-east/) - Two of the lesser-known monuments in Somerset East are both memorials to military men from the area who died in the late 1800s. I don't think many people even know these memorials exist. Definitely very few, if any, from outside of Somerset East. It's monuments like this that I like to find, do a little
- [The on-site scale model of the Kouga Dam](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-on-site-scale-model-of-the-kouga-dam/) - I have visited the Kouga Dam near Patensie in the Gamtoos Valley many times over the years. In fact, back when I was a tourist guide I went there every two weeks with British tourists. In all those years I never knew of the scale model of the dam that can be found close to
- [The Great Fish River Museum in Cradock](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-great-fish-river-museum-in-cradock/) - I've always had a thing for museums. It's a love that developed from visiting the Port Elizabeth Museum and Castle Hill No.7 as a child, and it has always stayed with me. Museums aren't everybody's cup of tea, but if you want to learn more about a place's history, then the local museum is the
- [Following the Storms River Pass road through the Tsitsikamma forest](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/following-the-storms-river-pass-road-through-the-tsitsikamma-forest/) - The Tsitsikamma is a combination of beautiful indigenous forests, a rugged coastline, craggy mountains and rivers flowing through the region via deep gorges. All of this made the Tsitsikamma quite a tricky area to travel through in the early days. Life in the Tsitsikamma was tranquil and peaceful, with the animals living in total harmony
- [Winston Churchill's cousin and the Battle of Elands River](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/winston-churchills-cousin-and-the-battle-of-elands-river/) - Sir Winston Churchill became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1940 and is primarily known for his leadership of Britain during the Second World War. He was a prominent statesman, writer, and orator who rallied the British people and guided the nation through the war. Churchill is also remembered for his inspiring speeches and unwavering determination,
- [The St Andrews Anglican Church and Anglo-Boer War memorial in Pearston](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-st-andrews-anglican-church-and-anglo-boer-war-memorial-in-pearston/) - The town of Pearston, like so many of the small towns and villages scattered across the Karoo, had its origins as a parish of the Dutch Reformed Church. A notice to establish a church and a town was published in the Kerkbode in 1858, and the town and church were established in September 1859. The
- [The Anglo Boer War execution in Tarkastad](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-anglo-boer-war-execution-in-tarkastad/) - My son loves visiting old cemeteries and finding war graves from the Anglo Boer War and the two World Wars. So one of the first things he did when we visited him in Tarkastad was to drag me along to the town's cemetery to help him search for a couple of graves he still wanted
- [Visiting Kwaaihoek 500 odd years after Bartholomew Diaz](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/visiting-kwaaihoek-500-odd-years-after-bartholomew-diaz/) - I think back in the day we all learned about Bartholomew Diaz and how, in 1488, he was the first (known) European to discover what we know as South Africa today. I remember when I was in primary school, how we followed the 500th-anniversary voyage of the replica caravel from Portugal and visited it when
- [The sights and sounds of the Elands River Road](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-sights-and-sounds-of-the-elands-river-road/) - I've ventured onto the Elands River Road a couple of times over the years for various reasons, but I've never gone very far down the road. An outing with the Military History Society a little while ago (I really have to catch up on posting everything I have sitting in the "To Post" folder) meant
- [A First World War gun in Tarkastad](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-first-world-war-gun-in-tarkastad/) - Tarkastad isn't a big town with many monuments even though there is a lot of history attached to the town. I was very surprised when discovered an old cannon on the corner of Murray Street and Queen Street, a block away from the Tarkastad War Memorial. On closer inspection I discovered a plaque on the
- [The Twelve Apostles - the back of Table Mountain](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-twelve-apostles-the-back-of-table-mountain/) - When you think of Cape Town, you think of Table Mountain, with Devil's Peak on one side and Lion's Head and Signal Hill on the other. Behind Table Mountain on the Atlantic Seaboard, you'll find the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range with its magnificent crags, ridges, ravines, and gorges running roughly from Kloof Nek (the saddle
- [Kalk Bay Harbour](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/kalk-bay-harbour-2/) - It's been more than just a few years since I last visited (and not just driven through) Kalk Bay. In fact, I think the last time was when I was part of the "Our Beautiful Country" television game show and was put up in Kalk Bay for the recording of my rounds). Spending a little
- [Who was Commandant Paul Erasmus of Somerset East?](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/who-was-commandant-paul-erasmus-of-somerset-east/) - There's a memorial on the Somerset East Dutch Reformed Church grounds in memory of Commandant Paul Erasmus. But who was Paul Erasmus and why is there a memorial dedicated to him? Paul Jacobus Erasmus was born 21 September 1829 in Somerset East. He married Helena Francina Jacoba Vosloo on 24 January 1853. Erasmus was Commandant
- [Tarkastad Dutch Reformed Church - A big church in a small town](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tarkastad-dutch-reformed-church-a-big-church-in-a-small-town/) - The small town of Tarkastad is located between Cradock and Queenstown on the R61. It's off the beaten track and most people passing through are traveling between the Transkei area and the Western Cape. Tarkastad has a PEP stores so it can be termed a town. Anything without I would call a village. It's still
- [The historic Mackay Bridge over the Sundays River](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-historic-mackay-bridge-over-the-sundays-river/) - Back in the early 1800s the first river crossing across the Sundays River going east from Algoa Bay was a drift situated near Addo. As traffic increased there was an urgent need for a more direct route as the route via Addo was a bit of a detour to Grahamstown and the Albany DistrictBy the
- [A Moravian Mission church in Clarkson in the Tsitsikamma](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-moravian-mission-church-in-clarkson-in-the-tsitsikamma/) - I'd like to think I know most of the western part of the Eastern Cape very well. Places like the Tsitsikamma I know like the back of my hand, so I couldn't figure out why I have never been to the Moravian Church in Clarkson when I saw a couple of photos of it on
- [Somerset East's Dutch Reformed Church at the top of Beaufort Street](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/somerset-easts-dutch-reformed-church/) - Whenever I visit a new town the first thing I do is to go and find the town's Dutch Reformed Church. In most small towns in South Africa, they are the oldest church in a place and often a beautiful and interesting building. I did just that the first time I drove into Somerset East.
- [The beautiful stone Dutch Reformed church in Kareedouw](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-beautiful-stone-dutch-reformed-church-in-kareedouw/) - Kareedouw is the first town you get when driving along the R62 through the Langkloof coming from the eastern side. Like the rest of the region, it's a beautiful area with the Tsitsikamma Mountains to the south and the Kouga Mountains to the north. Standing with its back to the Tsitsikamma Mountains facing the town
- [Queen Victoria in the Gamtoos Valley](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/queen-victoria-in-the-gamtoos-valley/) - One of the well known landmarks in the Gamtoos River Valley in the Eastern Cape is the Queen Victoria Profile on the road between Patensie and the Baviaanskloof. The profile is the result of erosion of the sheer cliff and can be seen when driving towards Patensie. About 140 million years ago the Cape Mountains
- [The magnificence of the Kouga Dam overflowing](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-magnificence-of-the-kouga-dam-overflowing/) - It's always a magnificent sight to see any dam overflow and even more so seeing the Kouga Dam overflowing after a prolonged period of severe drought. The Kouga Dam, is located in the Gamtoos Valley about 30km past Patensie en just before the gravel road into the Baviaanskloof. The dam was originally named the Paul
- [Who is the Settler Family of the Grahamstown Settlers Monument?](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/who-is-the-settler-family-of-the-grahamstown-settlers-monument/) - I posted this picture of the Settlers Family statue in Makhanda / Grahamstown on my Encounter the Eastern Cape page on Facebook recently and Dave Bowker told me something I never knew. Firstly what I did know. The monument was designed by the sculptor Ivan Mitford-Barberton and erected in 1969, but this is what I
- [Schreiner House - "A Story of an African Farm" be here](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/schreiner-house-a-story-of-an-african-farm-be-here/) - Cradock is a town filled with history. Frontier Wars, the Groot Trek, Anglo Boer War and more. It's also a town that was called home by a number of historic figures. One of those being Olive Schreiner and there is a museum in the town where you can go and learn more about her. Olive
- [The Storms River Bridge](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-storms-river-bridge/) - I don't know how many times I've crossed the Storms River Bridge over the years. Not even counting the number of times I stopped there back when I was a tourist guide. The other day I stopped for fuel and decided to take a walk onto the bridge for a change again. It's always an
- [The Victorian era designed Dutch Reformed Church of  Jansenville](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-victorian-era-designed-dutch-reformed-church-of-jansenville/) - Each Karoo town has a different charm and atmosphere just like each one has an unique historic Dutch Reformed Church. The town of Jansenville is in no way any different. The Dutch Reformed Church in Jansenville is unusual in that the bell tower is separate from the church. The church is of typical Victorian-era design,
- [The original illustrations of the Roberts Birds of South Africa book](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-original-illustrations-of-the-roberts-birds-of-south-africa-book/) - A little while ago I visited Graaff-Reinet for a Karoo Heartland Marketing Association meeting at the Drostdy hotel. I arrived a little early and noticed tons of bird pictures up on the walls. While admiring them somebody asked if I knew that they were the original illustrations of the Roberts Birds of South Africa book.
- [The Mount Ingwe Anglo Boer War Museum outside Port Elizabeth](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-mount-ingwe-anglo-boer-war-museum-outside-port-elizabeth/) - This past weekend we joined the Eastern Cape Branch of the South African Military History Society on their quarterly outing. The destination. Lukas van der Merwe's Anglo Boer War Museum at Mount Ingwe in the Elandsrivier Valley between Port Elizabeth and Patensie. It's one of those attractions that I have heard of but didn't know
- [Arch Rock near Plettenberg Bay - best done at low tide](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/arch-rock-near-plettenberg-bay-best-done-at-low-tide/) - One of the Garden Route attractions I haven't had a chance to visit is Cathedral Rock (also called Arch Rock) at Keurboomstrand near Plettenberg Bay. It's not for a lack of trying though. Arch Rock is only accessible at low tide and we've never spent a couple of days in Plett so it's only been
- [The All Saints United Church in Somerset East](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-all-saints-united-church-in-somerset-east/) - In 1848, during his travels through the Eastern Cape, Bishop Gray of Cape Town paid a visit to the young town of Somerset. He was struck by the scarcity of clergyman having only seen one in 900 miles of travel from Cape Town. He undertook to arrange for some 20 Anglican ministers to emigrate from
- [The Cradock Four Garden of Remembrance](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-cradock-four-garden-of-remembrance/) - Standing on a hill as you come into the Karoo Heartland town of Cradock from the south are four tall concrete pillars. The four pillars are the main focus point of the Cradock Four Garden of Remembrance in Lingelihle township. The memorial was unveiled in 2007 and upgraded in 2019 and includes a visitor center,
- [Jansenville Townhall and War Memorial plus a bit of history](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/jansenville-townhall-and-war-memorial-plus-a-bit-of-history/) - The town of Jansenville is located in the Noorsveld, an area about 90 kilometers south of Graaff-Reinet and known for its dry, arid climate and its abundance of succulents. The need for a new parish in the district was evident from 1848 and the establishment of the village is largely due to the efforts of
- [The Bloukrans Bridge on the border of the Eastern and Western Cape](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-bloukrans-bridge-on-the-border-of-the-eastern-and-wester-cape/) - The Bloukrans Bridge in the Tsitsikamma is famous for being the site of the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee jump, operated by Bloukrans Bungy (previously known as Face Adrenalin) since 1997. The N2 national road along the Garden Route between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town crosses over the bridge and I'm sure somebody who has
- [The Concentration Camp Memorial at Norvalspont](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-concentration-camp-memorial-at-norvalspont/) - The Anglo Boer War (1899 – 1902) is one of the big turning points in South Africa’s history along with the arrival of Europeans in the country, the Great Trek, the Apartheid years and a new democratic South Africa. Okay, so our history is about more than just those five turning points but that is what came to my
- [Graaff Reinet Kruithuis on Magazine Hill](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/graaff-reinet-kruithuis-on-magazine-hill/) - The hill behind Graaff-Reinet is known as magazine Hill. But do you know why it has the name? Perhaps there was a battle fought here during the Anglo Boar War. Maybe local Burgers shot at the British from here while the town declared independence. Could a rebel have been shot here at some stage during
- [Gill College, the Somerset East school that was supposed to be a university](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/gill-college-2/) - The history of Somerset East dates back to 1815 when Lord Charles Somerset established an experimental farm at the foot of the Boschberg. Somerset Farm was started to supply food to the British troops manning the eastern frontier of the Cape Colony, provide their horses with feed, and partly to cultivate tobacco for export purposes. By
- [From a pear tree to a beautiful church - the story of the Pearston Dutch Reformed Church](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/from-a-pear-tree-to-a-beautiful-church-the-story-of-the-pearston-dutch-reformed-church/) - I get disappointed if I visit a small town and find that there isn't a historic church somewhere to visit and photograph. One of the towns that didn't disappoint was Pearston. Located on a very flat landscape the church is easily spotted in the town's very limited skyline. The village of Pearston is located 48km
- [The old mill building in Somerset East](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-old-mill-building-in-somerset-east/) - One of the buildings in Somerset East that I find the most interesting is the little building on the corner of Paulet and Beaufort Streets. It is one that draws a lot of comments and speculation about its origins although the general thought is that it was a mill dating back to the early days
- [Water over the multi arches of the Churchill Dam](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/water-over-the-multi-arches-of-the-churchill-dam/) - After the big rains in October (2023) both the Kouga and Churchill Dams overflowed. Following a visit to Storms River Village I decided to detour via Kareedouw to the Churchill Dam, somewhere I've never actually been to. I wasn't disappointed that I did. What a sight, especially with the water flowing over the multiple arches.
- [The Chair Monument in the Karoo](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-chair-monument-in-the-karoo/) - Monuments and memorials come in all shapes and sizes and by different names. By name, the Chair Monument outside Middelburg in the Karoo Heartland may have you confused. Why would they put up a memorial to a chair? Was it a simple wooden stool or is somebody celebrating their beloved lazyboy? In fact, although a
- [Compassberg, looking down on the surrounding Karoo Heartland](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/compassberg-looking-down-on-the-surrounding-karoo-heartland/) - If you've ever been to Nieu-Bethesda then you would have spotted Compassberg on the horizon. In fact, it's not difficult to miss. The Compassberg (2502m) is the highest peak in the Sneeuberg range and also the highest peak in South Africa outside the Stormberg-Drakensberg massif. It was named by Colonel Robert Jacob Gordon when he accompanied Governor Joachim van
- [A weird monument of rocks dedicated to Gideon Scheepers outside Graaff-Reinet](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-weird-monument-of-rocks-dedicated-to-gideon-scheepers-outside-graaff-reinet/) - If you drive out of Graaff-Reinet on the Murraysburg road toward the Valley of Desolation, you may notice a strange looking memorial on the left-hand side near the Nqweba Dam. Monuments are normally big marble or stone memorials and statues with a bronze plaque but this one is anything but. The Gideon Scheepers Memorial is
- [The Roodewal historic site outside Cookhouse](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-roodewal-historic-site-outside-cookhouse/) - Big monuments and historic buildings are easy to spot and often stand out. It's the ones that are often a bit obscured that very few people actually know about or get to visit. One such site is the Roodewal historic site next to the N10 near Cookhouse in the Eastern Cape. This site doesn't just
- [An Arctic explorer buried in the Karoo?](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/an-arctic-explorer-buried-in-the-karoo/) - The Cradock cemetery is probably one of the most interesting ones around. You'll find gravestones of settlers, frontiersmen, nuns, soldiers who fell in the Anglo-Boer War and even one Harry Potter. Another grave I learned about and one I just had to go and find belongs to Reginald Koettlitz. You're probably wondering what makes this
- [In search of the Aberdeen bed grave](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/in-search-of-the-aberdeen-bed-grave/) - I would like to believe that I am a true ambassador of the Eastern Cape and know a thing or two about what this beautiful and diverse province has to offer visitors and explorers. Would I go as far as to call myself an expert? Mhe... Not sure. I still have a long list of
- [A Great Trek centenary memorial in Pearston](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-great-trek-centenary-memorial-in-pearston/) - I enjoy exploring small towns and discovering all the interesting spots that most people probably never get to see as they rush through on their way elsewhere. Driving into the small Karoo Heartland town of Pearston I did what I always do when I visit a new place. I headed straight to the historic NG
- [Find solace in the Nieu-Bethesda labyrinth](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/find-solace-in-the-nieu-bethesda-labyrinth/) - If you've never been to Nieu-Bethesda then you really don't know what you're missing. It's not just another Karoo town nor is it a place where nothing grows yay high. Yes, it's a small village, only has dirt roads with no street lights, has no petrol station or a PEP. I once read a travel
- [Take Graaff-Reinet Anglo Boer War memorial](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/take-graaff-reinet-anglo-boer-war-memorial/) - Graaff-Reinet isn't just the sixth oldest town in South Africa or the town with the most historical monuments in the country. The town and its district also have a rich history of Voortrekker history, Anglo-Boer War history and history connected to the freedom struggle. One of the monuments in town that not a lot of
- [The historic Nieu-Bethesda Watermill](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-historic-nieu-bethesda-watermill/) - Nieu-Bethesda is a place you have to explore on foot. Slowly. At your own pace. One of the historic buildings most people miss when visiting the village is the old watermill. The mill was erected in 1860 by Mr B.J. Pienaar, on the original farm, Uitkyk. The original wooden waterwheel was later replaced by the
- [Who-hoo are you? The Spotted Eagle Owl up my tree](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/who-hoo-are-you-the-spotted-eagle-owl-up-my-tree/) - I was busy in the back garden and got the feeling that I was being watched. I looked up into my neighbour's tree and noticed the owner of the eyes sitting on a branch. The owner turned out to be a Spotted Eagle-Owl. They are around as I've heard them on occasion and have spotted
- [The war memorial in Somerset East](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-war-memorial-in-somerset-east/) - No matter how big or small the town in South Africa, you are very likely to find a war memorial of some sort somewhere in or close to it. As you come into the Karoo Heartland town of Somerset East from the Graaff Reinet side the town's war memorial stands on an island on the
- [Exploring the fascinating Somerset East Museum](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/exploring-the-fascinating-somerset-east-museum/) - Nestled against the foot of the Boschberg above Somerset East stands a building just about as old as the town. The land was originally given to Wesleyan missionaries for a chapel and graveyard with the chapel getting consecrated in 1828. A mere four years later in 1832, the property was transferred to the Nederduitse Gereformeerde
- [An angel of victory and peace in Graaff-Reinet](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/an-angel-of-victory-and-peace-in-graaff-reinet/) - When you drive up the main road through Graaff-Reinet the magnificent Dutch Reformed Church (Groot Kerk) awaits you at the top of the street. As you drive around the church you find the town's beautiful Town Hall hiding behind it and perched in the Mayor's Garden stands a statue of an angel holding a sword.
- [A French Huguenot memorial in the Karoo](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-french-huguenot-memorial-in-the-karoo/) - When you think of the French Huguenots you automatically think of Franschhoek surrounded by mountains, greenery, and vineyards. And wine, let's not forget the wine. So try and imagine then a memorial to the French Huguenots in the Karoo Heartland town of Graaff-Reinet. On 31 December 1687 the first group of Huguenots set sail from
- [Remembering the Independence of Graaff-Reinet](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/remembering-the-independence-of-graaff-reinet/) - Did you know that Graaff-Reinet declared independence from the Cape Colony at the end of the 1700s? Or that there is a monument commemorating this event in town? I knew about the shortlived independence but even though I have been to Graaff-Reinet many times before I didn't realise there was a monument to it. On
- [The Union Monument pyramid in Graaff-Reinet](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-union-monument-pyramid-in-graaff-reinet/) - The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt are one of the most famous monuments in the world. At some stage in history, pyramids also became very popular grave markers. Probably the best-known pyramid monument in South Africa is the Donkin Memorial in Port Elizabeth, erected by Sir Rufane Donkin in memory of his wife Elizabeth in
- [Meandering along the Goesa Forest Trail in the Tsitsikamma](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/meandering-along-the-goesa-forest-trail-in-the-tsitsikamma/) - The forest is a place I go to recharge my soul. I don't always have time to venture too far down the old Storms River Pass or onto the Plaatbos forest trails, but just sitting by the stream flowing under the road inside the gate is often enough. On my last visit around I had
- [Looking north with the Andries Pretorius Monument](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/looking-north-with-the-andries-pretorius-monument/) - The Great Trek had a number of leaders that will always be remembered in the Afrikaner history of South Africa. In 1836 Dutch-speaking settlers started moving northeast into the interior of what is today known as South Africa away from the Cape Colony. They were traveling in wagon trains made up of ox wagons and
- [Aloes in the Karoo](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/aloes-in-the-karoo/) - One of the things I realised during lockdown that I was missing out on was seeing the aloes in bloom while driving through the Eastern Cape's Karoo Heartland. It's definitely one of my favorite things to see on a road trip and the thought of missing out on it this year kinda depressed me. Business
- [Tsitsikamma Mountains in shades of blue](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tsitsikamma-mountains-in-shades-of-blue/) - Johannes Kerkorrel did a rendition of the FAK sangbundel song called "Al lê die berge nog so blou" and how could I not help but to start humming it when I saw this sight? It's not a sight that was new to me as I have seen it many times during the years I worked
- [The remains of the Oceanos lifeboat at Schoenmakerskop](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-remains-of-the-oceanos-lifeboat-at-schoenmakerskop/) - It's been a few years since I've been down to the remains of the Oceanos lifeboat at Schoenies, so last Sunday I decided to head on over and take a walk down for a change again. 4 August 1991 was a dramatic and fateful day on the Eastern Cape coastline with the sinking of the
- [A whistlestop visit to Orania](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-whistlestop-visit-to-orania/) - I love exploring small towns. There's just something about them and the history you find there. But what if it's a small town that technically is new and without its own history yet still has a lot of history in it? Sounds confusing, doesn't it? There is one such place that has been on my
- [Brown Hooded Kingfisher](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/brown-hooded-kingfisher-2/) - When you sit playing around with your camera and a Brown Hooded Kingfisher suddenly appears to come and show you what he caught. Even better, when it happens in the Karoo Heartland. I was sitting on the stoep at Lowlands Country House and suddenly he landed nearby, waited for me to snap a pic and
- [Vanderkloof Dam - second largest dam in South Africa](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/vanderkloof-dam-second-largest-dam-in-south-africa/) - I like to detour via the Gariep Dam rather than Colesburg when heading north, usually for work or my daughter's cricket. The same can't be said for the Vanderkloof Dam though. I think the last time I saw it it was still called the PK le Roux Dam and I was still in primary school.
- [The museum ghosts of Somerset East](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-museum-ghosts-of-somerset-east/) - You know that feeling when you walk around a very old place, often on your own? Yes, that feeling when you think to yourself that you really don't want to be alone there after dark. That feeling that you are sure something goes bump in the night there. Yes, thaaaaaatttt feeling. The one when the
- [Spotting the little things](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/spotting-the-little-things/) - We tend to always just notice the big things in life. The ocean or mountain in front of us, the forest or vast plains around us, and the blue sky above or coming rainstorm. Often we don't see the little things around us, looking right over it to something bigger. It's important to stop every
- [Finding yourself in the middle of nowhere](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/finding-yourself-in-the-middle-of-nowhere/) - In this day and age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the internet, connectivity, mobile phones, social media and everything electronic, it's important to do a digital detox every now and then. What is a digital detox, you ask? It is when a person refrains from using electronic devices such as smartphones or computers for a
- [Common Dolphins in Algoa Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/common-dolphins-in-algoa-bay/) - Cruising Algoa Bay with Raggy Charters is like a luxury lucky packet. You kinda know what you could find, but when you do it like wow in overdrive. As a tourism marketer promoting the Eastern Cape I have spoken about Raggy Charters and promoted what Algoa Bay has to offer for years with so many
- [Flowering Noors](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/flowering-noors/) - One of my favorite things about driving through the Karoo Heartland during the winter is seeing the aloes in bloom. But there is another Karoo succulent that grows between the aloes that most people don't really notice called Noors. The Noors is a type of euphorbia and found especially around the town of Jansenville. They
- [The endangered African Unicorn](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-endangered-african-unicorn/) - One of the most precious things one can probably see in nature is a mother and her baby. Even more precious if it is an endangered animal like the White Rhino. The sad part of spotting and photographing rhino is that people get all up in arms when you publish your photos to show off
- [A Karoo view from Dam se Kop](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-view-from-dam-se-kop/) - Today's post isn't one of a well-known or even public spot, but I do want to show you the expanse of the Karoo in the Jansenville / Darlington Dam district. A couple of months ago we spent a weekend with our church cell group on the farm Wortelkuil of Willie de Wet. Willie farms with
- [Graaff-Reinet - a gem discovered](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/graaff-reinet-a-gem-discovered/) - Graaff-Reinet in the Karoo Heartland is often referred to as the Gem of the Karoo. Spending a long weekend in the town just again proved to me that this gem isn't one buried deep under ground somewhere but rather has been unearthed and is mesmerizing those that get to visit it. Located in a horseshoe
- [Steynsburg, the small town with a big church](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/steynsburg-the-small-town-with-a-big-church/) - The town of Steynsburg in the Eastern Cape's Karoo Heartland developed around the Reformed Church which was established in 1872 and was administered by a village management board controlled by the church. Steynsburg is named after Douwe Gerbrandt Steyn, grandfather of President Paul Kruger. The members of the Dutch Reformed Church from the district had
- [Have you seen the pink Karoo church of Hofmeyr?](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/have-you-seen-the-pink-karoo-church-of-hofmeyr/) - The small Karoo town of Hofmeyr is located about 63km northeast of Cradock and was founded in 1873. One of the town’s landmarks is its pink church built in 1933.
- [The Moederkerk in the heart of Cradock](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-moederkerk-in-the-heart-of-cradock/) - The first Dutch Reformed congregation (and also the first church) in Cradock was established back in 1824, 10 years after the town received its name. The present Dutch Reformed Mother Church building, situated on the upper end of Church Street, was completed on the original site as the first church in 1868 at an apparent cost of some
- [A UFO landing site in Rosmead in the Karoo?](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-ufo-landing-site-in-rosmead-in-the-karoo/) - The village of Rosmead near Middelburg in the Eastern Cape Karoo Heartland wouldn't exist if it wasn't for the railway. Most people probably don't even know it exists at all. Middelburg Road as it was initially called, was a Cape Government Railway station and was established around April 1883, when the Railway Line from Cradock
- [Things to do in Port Elizabeth this summer - Grab a backpack and take a hike](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/things-to-do-in-port-elizabeth-this-summer-grab-a-backpack-and-take-a-hike/) - There is an Afrikaans folk song that goes, Dis heerlike Lente, die Winter's verby... (It's time for Spring now that Winter has passed - doesn't quite roll off the tongue the same in English though) which means Summer is fast approaching. Longer days, better weather and spending more time outdoors over weekends. Plus the holiday season
- [The Queen of the Night](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-queen-of-the-night/) - Visiting parts of the Eastern Cape's Karoo Heartland during the summer months you may just spot these clumps of white flowers in the veld or along fences. On closer inspection, you'll see that it's a cactus that is flowering so beautifully. Curious to learn more? The Golden Torch cactus (Echinopsis spachiana), sometimes also called Queen
- [Under the canopy of the winding Bloukrans Pass](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/under-the-canopy-of-the-winding-bloukrans-pass/) - In the late 1870s, master pass builder Thomas Bain arrived in the Tsitsikamma to look at the possibility of building passes through the three gorges standing in the way of a road linking the Plettenberg Bay area to Port Elizabeth in the east. Bain plotted the best and easiest way through the Groot River, Bloukrans
- [A wizard’s grave in Cradock? Here lies Harry Potter](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-wizards-grave-in-cradock-here-lies-harry-potter/) - We all know Harry Potter, the boy wizard with his little round glasses and lightning scar on his forehead, created by JK Rowling for her books and turned into a successful film franchise. But what happened to Harry after the fact? Did he perhaps exchange the cold of England and Hogwarts for the warm sun
- [The Big Tree of the Tsitsikamma](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-big-tree-of-the-tsitsikamma/) - The Tsitsikamma Big Tree has been around for a while. Literally and figuratively. It's not just one of the iconic Tsitsikamma attractions but also one of the most well-known on the Garden Route. The Big Tree is situated on the N2, just east of the entrance to Storms River Village. So why is this specific
- [Hiking along the Somerset East parkrun route](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/hiking-along-the-somerset-east-parkrun-route/) - The Somerset East parkrun has become a popular outdoor activity for both locals and visitors to this beautiful Karoo Heartland town. But the parkrun hasn't just created a Saturday morning outing, it's also created a fantastic safe hiking trail option for the town. What is better than one trail? Two trails, as you can do
- [A hike up Lady's Slipper outside Port Elizabeth](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/walking-up-ladys-slipper/) - In a way, walking up Lady's Slipper has become for Port Elizabeth what walking up Lion's Head is for Cape Town. At one stage only a few people did it, but lately it has become a very popular outing. Not very far distance-wise, but a tough cookie as far as terrain. It has been on
- [Slagtersnek, reminders of a Boer rebellion in the Karoo Heartland](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/slagtersnek-reminders-of-a-boer-rebellion-in-the-karoo-heartland/) - If you're driving along the N10 south of Cookhouse in the Eastern Cape and you keep your eyes open on the eastern side of the road, you'll spot a monument that remembers quite a significant piece of history linked to this district's early years. A sign on the gate identifies it as the Slagtersnek (or
- [High Tea at the Boardwalk Hotel](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/high-tea-at-the-boardwalk-hotel/) - For some reason when I hear somebody mentioning afternoon tea, I tend to imagine ladies in hats and Victorian dresses, men dressed smartly, cucumber sandwiches, and croquet on the lawn. What is the difference between afternoon tea and high tea though? Afternoon tea is a British food tradition of sitting down for an afternoon treat
- [Beervlei Dam, the dam that was built to be empty](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/beervlei-dam-the-dam-that-was-built-to-be-empty/) - Motorists traveling along the N9 from the interior via Graaff Reinet and Aberdeen towards Willowmore would notice a huge empty dam on the right. It’s not empty because of drought though. The Beervlei Dam is supposed to be empty. The dam was completed in 1957 as a flood control dam to help protect areas downstream
- [Discovering South Africa's oldest cake in the town of Graaff Reinet](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-oldest-cake-in-south-africa/) - One of the first things Karoo Girl asked me when she heard I was going to visit her hometown of Graaff-Reinet, as if I was going to go and see the oldest cake in the country. Now I know most of Graaff-Reinet's attractions, but the cake was a first for me. She directed me to
- [Darlington Dam](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/darlington-dam/) - A few months ago we spent a weekend on a friend's farm near Darlington Dam and he took us for a quick drive to see what the dam looked like. Unfortunately we didn't get to go to the dam wall itself, so my picture is of the runoff below the wall. Darlington Dam, also referred
- [Traditional Roly-Poly at DikkopVlakte (recipe)](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/traditional-roly-poly-at-dikkopvlakte-recipe/) - A couple of months ago I spent a night at one of my favourite Karoo farm stay spots, DikkopVlakte Gasteplaas between Grahamstown and Bedford. Although they offer self-catering accommodation in the 6 bedroom main house, we were there for a meeting the next day and the owners Tommy and Carine van Kerken joined us for
- [De Toren on the way to Nieu-Bethesda](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/de-toren-on-the-way-to-nieu-bethesda/) - If you have ever been to Nieu-Bethesda in the Eastern Cape's Karoo Heartland, you would have dropped down the winding pass towards the village and noticed the typical Karoo koppie on the other side of the valley below. Did you wonder what it's called? In case you did, it's called De Toren, translated to English
- [Marveling at a beautiful Karoo Heartland sunset from Bruintjieshoogte](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/marveling-at-a-beautiful-karoo-heartland-sunset-from-bruintjieshoogte/) - If you travel eastwards on the R63 from Graaff Reinet, you drive along fairly flat terrain all the way through the town of Pearston. You will only encounter the first significant change in elevation 20km east of the town when you start to ascend the Bruintjieshoogte Pass on the way to Somerset East. The pass
- [The grave of Ouma Dora Jacobs in Somerset East](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-grave-of-ouma-dora-jacobs-in-somerset-east/) - I have a particular interest in historic graves. They often tell a tale of an era long past in a way books can't. But sometimes a grave from the modern era holds just as many stories. Such a grave I found in Somerset East, set back in the trees at the end of a lane
- [Fungi in the Tsitsikamma forest](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/fungi-in-the-tsitsikamma-forest/) - The Big Tree is one of the Tsitsikamma's most iconic attractions. To get to this 1000-year-old Outeniqua Yellowwood tree you have to walk about 500 meters through the forest on a wooden boardwalk. It takes you less than 10 minutes to get to the tree. Unless you're there on a quiet day with no other
- [Moonlight cactus flowers in the Sundays River Valley](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/moonlight-cactus-flowers-in-the-sundays-river-valley/) - I recently attended the opening of the revamped Sir Percy FitzPatrick Lookout in Sunland hosted by Addo Tourism and was amazed by the beautiful flowers blooming all around it. I knew it wasn't indigenous but had no idea what it was, so I just took loads of photos of it anyway. A little research with
- [Hogsback - a fairy wonderland of forests and waterfalls](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/hogsback-a-fairy-wonderland-of-forests-and-waterfalls/) - Hogsback must be one of the most beautiful areas in the Eastern Cape and one of my favorite destinations in the province yet it's been a good decade and a half since I've last been there. Every year the Damselfly and I threaten to go for a weekend but every time we end up going
- [Karoo views and landscapes along the Swaershoek Pass](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/karoo-views-and-landscapes-along-the-swaershoek-pass/) - I don’t know how many times my tourism friends in Cradock and Somerset East have asked me if I have driven over the Swaershoek Pass yet. I just heard about the beautiful Karoo landscape and stunning views but because the route is 76km of dirt road I’ve been a little hesitant. But that changed recently
- [Plaatbos forest and Storms River Pass](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/plaatbos-forest-and-storms-river-pass/) - The Tsitsikamma is one of my happy places. It is where I go to recharge my soul and get close to nature and that is what we as a family did a couple of week ago. It wasn't a comprehensive charge, but a quick visit one just to breath in the fresh Tsitsikamma air and
- [Chokka Boats and the source of calamari](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/chokka-boats-and-the-source-of-calamari/) - Fishing boats out in Algoa Bay and St Francis Bay are regular sights to residents and visitors of Port Elizabeth, Jeffrey's Bay and St Francis. These boats can often be seen taking shelter in the bays when bad weather is forecasted and at night it looks like a town out on the water with all
- [Penguins at SANCCOB](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/penguins-at-sanccob/) - The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds or SANCCOB centre at Cape Recife in Port Elizabeth does an amazing job as part of the conservation of the African Penguin, especially here in Algoa Bay. The centre was previously known as SAMREC and doesn't just play a huge role in conservation, but also
- [The Lady's Slipper](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-ladys-slipper/) - For years I would drive along the N2 past Lady's Slipper mountain looking at it and wondering where the actual slipper was. At one stage I thought it may be the peak standing out over the mountain, but I just could not see it. That was until I heard that the slipper isn't visible from
- [Maitland River mouth](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/maitland-river-mouth-2/) - The Maitland River west of Port Elizabeth really isn't much to write home about. It originates somewhere between the N2 and the sea so isn't very long. Probably not even close to 20km in length. It flows down through Sleepy Hollow farm and then the Maitland Nature Reserve before the last little bit past the
- [Van Stadens Bridge view](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/van-stadens-bridge-view/) - One of my favorite views around Nelson Mandela Bay. The view of the Van Stadens Bridge from the picnic spot lookout in the Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve
- [Protea raindrops in Van Stadens](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/protea-raindrops-in-van-stadens/) - On Sunday we decided to swing by the Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve west of Port Elizabeth. The reserve really is one of my favorite nature reserves around the city, but it's also home to a huge amount of Geocaches, some that was still awaiting me to turn them into smileys on my map. There was
- [Dusk over Kings Beach](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/dusk-over-kings-beach/) - The Port Elizabeth beachfront faces east which means the sun comes up over Algoa Bay and the sea. I don't think a lot of people realise that the beachfront is also a great place to watch the sun set as it sets over the city centre. The KidZ wanted to go down to the beachfront
- [Crossing the Great Kei River by Pont](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/crossing-the-great-fish-river-mouth-by-pont/) - Crossing the Great Kei River by pont into what used to be the old Transkei has always been on my South African bucket list. That was until I got to do it about 6 years or so ago. Since then I've had the opportunity to do it a couple of times and I always look
- [Addo warning signs](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/addo-warning-signs/) - It is totally against the rules to get out of your vehicle anywhere in the Addo Elephant National Park except for one or two spots. One of those is Domkrag Dam where a new sign has been erected to warn visitors that it is a Big 5 reserve and wild animals do roam freely. Miggie
- [A Bird of Paradise](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-bird-of-paradise/) - Every morning I walk past a patch of Strelitzia on my way to the office and when there are flowers in bloom I can't help but pause for a moment to enjoy it. The Strelitzia reginae is also known as the crane flower or bird of paradise. In Afrikaans it's called a kraanvoëlblom and in
- [Sunset at Sards](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sunset-at-sards/) - Watching the sunset from the dunes at Sards in Port Elizabeth is becoming just as popular as the sunset on Signal Hill in Cape Town.
- [Laurie's Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/lauries-bay/) - On Saturday morning we joined a couple of friends for a walk from Kini Bay to Laurie's Bay. It's not a long walk, but definitely not easy if you are barefoot or in slops. The beach along the way may be beautiful, but the beach isn't quite soft sand but rather mostly fine broken shells.
- [A stroll around Art in the Park](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-stroll-around-art-in-the-park/) - Art in the Park truly has been a part of Port Elizabeth's being for much longer than I can even remember. 35 years ago I can remember my mom having a stall at Art in the Park and how we spent the whole day playing around St Georges Park and going through the stalls. The
- [St George's Park Ox wagon](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/st-georges-park-ox-wagon/) - I'm sure most Port Elizabethans who grew up here would have played in the playpark at St George's Park at one stage or another as a kid and would remember the oxen and wagon. I remember playing on it and so do my kids. After taking a walk around Art in the Park on Sunday,
- [Gnomesville PE](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/gnomesville-pe/) - Norm Hudlin on Kragga Kamma Road was created to offer mountain bikers a variety of easy routes in a safe environment. Quickly it also became a popular spot for a jog or a walk and lately it is the hub for families enjoying the painted rocks phenomena. Norm Hudlin is now also home to Gnomesville
- [Eastern Cape Bucket List](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/eastern-cape-bucket-list/)
- [Weekend fun on the Sundays River](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/weekend-fun-on-the-sundays-river/) - The day before the president announced that all beaches and rivers will be closed under the adjusted level 3 regulations, we spent the day in the Addo Elephant National Park. After coming out the south gate we took a drive around Cannonville and watched the holiday makers enjoy the river and shoreline. It makes you
- [Late afternoon at Sards](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/late-afternoon-at-sards/) - After it's been raining all morning, the sun is out and it's a beautiful early autumn afternoon at Sardinia Bay. Here's hoping for a stunning sunset.
- [Sards parking](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sards-parking/) - Sardinia Bay parking
- [The Van Stadens Bridge](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-van-stadens-bridge/) - Last Saturday we went for a walk at the Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve and followed the River Walk up to the point where you walk under the Van Stadens Bridge. It truly is a sight from below, but I think I'll keep that photo for a second post. The bridge was completed on 12 October
- [Under Van Stadens bridge](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/under-van-stadens-bridge/) - It's a weird feeling standing under the Van Stadens bridge. It's not an angle many see it from and you get a much better idea of the size and magnitude of the bridge when you are underneath it. Then add the "kadoef kadoef" as the cars and trucks pass overhead. Definitely a weird feeling. It's
- [A (sk)eye full at Sardinia Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-skeye-full-at-sardinia-bay/) - How beautiful is that sky at Sardinia Bay? No wonder it's the most popular spot to go and view the sunset here in Port Elizabeth
- [Addo babies and a few elephant baby facts](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/addo-babies-and-a-few-elephant-baby-facts/) - I think one of visitors to Addo Elephant National Park's favorite parts is seeing baby elephants. They are cute and look cuddly, are very inquisitive and draws many ooohhh's and aaahhh's. Here are a couple of "Did you know" facts about baby elephants. An elephant's gestation period is 22 months. The longest pregnancy of all
- [Buffing at the local waterhole](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/buffing-at-the-local-waterhole/) - A Buffalo having a drink at one of the waterholes in Addo Elephant National Park with the Zuurberg Mountains in the background. The Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is one of Africa's Big 5, are grazers that feed mainly on grass and are known to kill lions while defending their own. A bull can weigh between
- [Domkrag Dam lookout](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/domkrag-dam-lookout/) - One of the spots you can get out of your car in Addo Elephant National Park is Domkrag Dam. It was named after a mountain tortoise called Domkrag that used to walk under cars and looked like he was trying to lift them up. Domkrag is the Afrikaans word for jack, as in a jack
- [Relaxing after a mud bath](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/relaxing-after-a-mud-bath/) - Ellies love to cover themselves in water and mud. You will often see that they arrive at the waterholes in Addo, have a drink and and then start to spray water over their backs or roll around in the water and mud. I have to correct myself though. They don't literally spray themselves, but rather
- [Yawn!](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/yawn/) - It's a lazy and hot Friday morning at Kuzuko Lodge. The sun's already baking down without a cloud in the sky. The pride spots a kudu and the two female take the lead in the hunt. It's a patient wait watching it through the spekboom as it stands browsing unaware. Then the chase is on.
- [Waterhole gatherings](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/waterhole-gatherings/) - The best places to watch elephants in the Addo Elephant National Parks are at the waterholes, most notably Hapoor, Domkrag, Gwarrie Pan, the Woodlands loop dam and Marion Bree. This is often where you see the biggest groups together as well as the most activity and interaction. So that it is possible to sit at
- [Watching sunset](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/watching-sunset/) - The Sardinia Bay dunes are probably the best place in Port Elizabeth to enjoy the sunset. My phone takes stunning photos, I've just realised that it doesn't do so when I zoom. But I just had to get this shot of this guy standing on the dune as the sun was heading for the horizon.
- [The Van Staden's River gorge road bridges](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-van-stadens-river-gorge-road-bridges/) - The Van Staden's River west of Port Elizabeth is the boundary of the Nelson Mandela Bay metro and a major landmark in the area. Most people cross the gorge on the N2 in a couple of seconds using the arch bridge while others take their time and drive through the old pass. But where does
- [The roads of Nieu-Bethesda](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-roads-of-nieu-bethesda/) - The village of Nieu-Bethesda is located about 30 minutes north of Graaff-Reinet and literally feels like another world. It is so different from most small rural towns as there is very little development around which makes the place feel sleepy and peaceful. The road to about 4km from the outskirts of the village was tarred
- [Nieu-Bethesda's historic Dutch Reformed Church](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/nieu-bethesdas-historic-dutch-reformed-church/) - The historic Dutch Reformed Church is probably the biggest landmark in Nieu-Bethesda. It's perhaps not as famous as the Owl House or interesting as the Kitching Fossil Centre, but if it comes to landmarks, it stands out in town. I'm always in awe of the fact that such a magnificent building was constructed in such
- [Inspirational food in Nieu-Bethesda](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/inspirational-food-in-nieu-bethesda/) - One of the things you can always be sure of while traveling through the Karoo Heartland of the Eastern Cape is that you will get good food, fantastic hospitality and a full tummy. Visiting Nieu-Bethesda one would expect your meal to be lamp chops, a hearty stew or something straight from granny's kitchen. So finding
- [Mamma elephant in the lead](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/mamma-elephant-in-the-lead/) - A group of elephants is called a herd and is usually made up of females and youngsters. As soon as a young bull reaches sexual maturity he gets nudged out and joins other bulls in a bachelor herd of some sorts. Each herd is basically a family group led by a matriarch, an older and
- [Nieu-Bethesda accommodation at Outsiders B&B](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/nieu-bethesda-accommodation-at-outsiders-bb/) - The last couple of times I've been in Nieu-Bethesda I stayed with Ian and Katrien Allemann at Outsiders B&B every time. Outsiders is conveniently situated on the main road as you come into town and just about next door to the entrance of the Owl House. Everything is literally walking distance away and you can
- [Addo roadblocks, big butts and all](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/addo-roadblocks-big-butts-and-all/) - Don't you just hate a road block? A lady or gent in uniform with a reflector jacket walking around your car and then asking you for your license. Or the "in thing" lately, the burning tires and throwing stones type roadblock. Or the pothole in the road roadblock where you have to wait for cars
- [Zebra in Addo](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/zebra-in-addo/) - The age old question about zebra that every tourist guide asks his guests when driving through Addo Elephant National Park. Is a zebra white with black stripes or black with white stripes? Today I want to share with you some "Did you know?" facts about these donkeys in pajamas. Addo's zebra are Burchell's zebra (Equus quagga
- [Antie Evelyn se Eetplek in Nieu-Bethesda](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/antie-evelyn-se-eetplek-in-nieu-bethesda/) - Some people have eating in a 3 Michelin star restaurant in Paris on their bucket lists. Others want to eat in a restaurant because a certain famous chef designed the menu. I wanted to have dinner at Antie Evelyn se Eetplek and when the opportunity arose I packed my overnight bag and headed into the
- [Port Elizabeth Then and Now - The Willows Holiday Resort](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/port-elizabeth-then-and-now-the-willows-holiday-resort/) - The Willows Holiday Resort along Port Elizabeth's southern coastline close to Schoenmakerskop has been a popular weekend and holiday destination for a very long time. In the early days people came here, pitched their tents and enjoyed the surroundings with very little else around. Willows Resort after it was constructed in the 1950's consisted of
- [Going on a game drive at Kuzuko Lodge](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/going-on-a-game-drive-at-kuzuko-lodge/) - Over the Zuurberg mountains in the southern part of the Eastern Cape's Karoo Heartland lies a place of glory. That bit should actually be written with caps as Kuzuko Lodge's slogan is Place of Glory. Most game reserves are located in a part of the province where lush subtropical thicket vegetation is prevalent which makes
- [Mountainside cycads at Kuzuko](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/mountainside-cycads-at-kuzuko/) - Cycads, or as we know them in Afrikaans, Broodbome, (all Encephalartos species and Stangeria eriopus) are the most threatened plant group in South Africa. They are also one of the most threatened groups of plants in the world. In South Africa almost 70% of our cycad species are threatened with extinction, with four species on
- [Nieu-Bethesda valley view](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/nieu-bethesda-valley-view/) - Nieu-Bethesda is a quiet little village. One for contemplation and somewhere you go to find yourself again. There are a few places you can do it during a visit, but one of my favorites is with a flask of coffee and a lunch (breakfast) box filled with rusks up at Mariette se bankie at the
- [A Gamtoos Valley outing](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-gamtoos-valley-outing/) - The Gamtoos Valley with it's citrus farms, beautiful scenery and interesting little corners is one of our favorite day excursions to just get out of the city for a bit. The advantage is that it is nice and close to Port Elizabeth, so you are in the valley after like only a 40 minute drive.
- [A Nieu-Bethesda fossil tour](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-nieu-bethesda-fossil-tour/) - Many many millions of moons ago the Karoo was an inland sea which over time slowly started to shrink. About 265 million years ago, the Beaufort Group of rocks within the Karoo sequence was beginning to be deposited by massive rivers draining into the shrinking inland Ecca Sea. As these rivers filled the basin with
- [Blue Cranes at sunset](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/blue-cranes-at-sunset/) - Listen to the call of the Blue Crane The Blue Crane (Anthropoides paradiseus) is South Africa's national bird and endemic to Southern Africa. They are classified as vulnerable and their decline is attributed mostly to loss of habitat and poisoning, both deliberate and accidental. The pale-grey Blue Crane Blue Cranes stand just over a meter
- [Walking at the lighthouse](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/walking-at-the-lighthouse/) - There are so many great trails and paths along the coast around the Seal Point Lighthouse in Cape St Francis. We did some Geocaching in the area and I snapped this pic of Chaos Boy.
- [The Cape St Francis Lighthouse](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-cape-st-francis-lighthouse/) - There are 49 lighthouses (according to Wikipedia) along South Africa's 2800 km long coastline. The oldest is the Green Point Lighthouse built in 1824 while the newest one was built at Groenrivier Mouth in the Northern Cape in 1988. I have a thing for lighthouses and wouldn't mind traveling from lighthouse to lighthouse one day
- [Lion paw prints](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/lion-paw-prints/) - Going on a game drive is nothing like visiting a zoo. The animals in a game reserve are free to roam all over which means there's never a guarantee that you will see them. A recent game drive I went on produced everything we wanted to see except for lion. I have a question though.
- [Blue mountains of the Karoo](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/blue-mountains-of-the-karoo/) - There is an Afrikaans folk song made famous by Johannes Kerkorrel that starts off mentioning the blue mountains. "Al lê die berge nog so blou,al lê die berge nog so blou,al lê die berge nog so blou,haar woorde sal ek steeds onthou."Whenever I see the blue silhouette of mountains on the horizon this song always
- [Sea, surf and fishing](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sea-surf-and-fishing/) - Silver seas, a surfer and a fisherman with his dog at Granny's Pool in St Francis.
- [Elephant and snowy mountain](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/elephant-and-snowy-mountain/) - One day when I'm big I would love to see elephants walking on the plains of Kenya with a snow capped Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. The closest I got to that scene so far was visiting Samara Private Game Reserve outside Graaff-Reinet recently after a cold front that brought snow to the mountains of
- [Water furrows in the Karoo Heartland](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/water-furrows-in-the-karoo-heartland/) - One of my favourite things about Nieu-Bethesda is seeing the water run through the village's water furrows. These ancient stone leivore date back to the early days of the village and supplies water to the village from a spring in the mountain above the village. Residents who have leivore running past their properties pay a
- [Bini's Tea Garden in Nieu-Bethesda](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/binis-tea-garden-in-nieu-bethesda/) - How boring is life if one never explores? How much would we miss out on if we didn't? Nieu-Bethesda may be small but there are so many things to see and places to check out. Although I've been to the village a couple of times, the Damselfly hadn't seen much of it so I loaded
- [Honesty shop on the stoep](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/honesty-shop-on-the-stoep/) - Towards the bottom of Martin Street in the village of Nieu-Bethesda stands a white Karoo house with a blue sign. blue cupboard(on the stoep)honesty shop The two words in the name that caught my eye immediately were "honesty shop". It was peculiar. Interesting. Strangely Karoo Heartland. Definitely worth checking out. On the stoep we found
- [Cape Ground Squirrel](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/ground-squirrel/) - Driving on the gravel road near Nieu-Bethesda something darted across the road. "Don't hit the meerkat!" my wife shouted. "That's not a meerkat," was my response. "Don't hit the mongoose then," she said."Also not a mongoose," I answered. "It's a ground squirrel.""It does look like a squirrel," she observed. The Cape Ground Squirrel (Geosciurus inauris) is found
- [Giraffe spoor](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/giraffe-spoor/) - While on a game drive at Samara Private Game Reserve near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape I spotted a set of tracks next to the road. Too big for an antelope and definitely not a horse or a cow as it's inside a game reserve. Possibly a buffalo? Hoofprint from a giraffe was the answer
- [PE Opera House stained glass window](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/pe-opera-house-stained-glass-window/) - The Port Elizabeth Opera House, now called the Nelson Mandela Bay Theatre Complex, was opened in December 1892 and is the oldest-running Victorian era opera house in Africa and the southern hemisphere. Significant upgrades and additions were done in 1926, 1934, 1985 and lately in 2016. As part of the latest revamp the framed mirror
- [Tracking and double tots at Samara](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tracking-and-double-tots-at-samara/) - Rangers are like the cowboys of a game reserve with their game viewing vehicle as their steed, a cap rather than a cowboy hat and bino's at their side in the place of a revolver. But what about the dude sitting on the bonnet jump seat? Is he the Tonto to our Lone Ranger? Who
- [The canals at St Francis](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-canals-at-st-francis/) - Manuel de Perestrelo, a Portuguese explorer weighed anchor in a sheltered bay in 1575. He was struck with the natural beauty of what he saw and named it Bahia de Sao Francisca after the Patron Saint of Sailors, St Francis of Assissi. As legend has it, the landward side reminded him of the beautiful cloisters of
- [Van Stadens Narrow Gauge Bridge](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/van-stadens-narrow-gauge-bridge/) - A couple of weeks ago we walked to the Lower Van Stadens Dam and got a side view of the narrow-gauge bridge over the gorge from the northern side. The Van Stadens rail bridge is the second highest railway bridge in South Africa and the highest narrow-gauge bridge in the world. Construction on the bridge
- [The Stonefolk of Nieu-Bethesda](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-stonefolk-of-nieu-bethesda/) - Nieu-Bethesda is famous for the Owl House and fossils you find in the area. That's not all you can see in this small Karoo Heartland village though. There's actually so much more and now it has a new addition. A couple of stone figures has made Ongeluksloot on the farm Doornberg their home and we
- [Karoo skies](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/karoo-skies-2/) - The Karoo Heartland of the Eastern Cape is big sky country. The wide open spaces aren't just on the ground. You just need to look up anywhere in the Karoo and you will know what I'm talking about. Blue skies, dramatic skies, thunder clouds rolling in, stunning sunsets and stars at night like you've never
- [Road scenes of Nieu-Bethesda](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/road-scenes-of-nieu-bethesda/) - The village of Nieu-Bethesda really is a special one. High on the to-do list of travelers wanting to visit the Owl House, learn more about fossils or just experience Karoo country life. It's also somewhere to go and find yourself, recharge your soul and rediscover your being. Nieu-Bethesda only had dirt roads, no street lights
- [Chokka boats in Port St Francis](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/chokka_boats_in_port_st_francis/) - Ahhhhh, St Francis Bay. Beaches, canals, luxury homes, a Jack Nicholas designed golf course, laid-back holiday atmosphere, girls in bikinis (I just wanted to put that in), surfer boys, sundowner cruises and lekker seafood. Like any good infomercial and destination, there's always a, "But wait, that's not all..." Located between St Francis Bay and Cape
- [Nieu-Bethesda's owl sellers](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/nieu-bethesdas-owl-sellers/) - Nieu-Bethesda's biggest export item, as in what people take away with them, must be their cement owls. It all started at the Owl House where Helen Martins transformed the house and then the yard, the latter with the help of Koos Malgas. Although there are so many different cement figures in the yard, the owls
- [Nieu-Bethesda's historic NG Kerk](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/nieu-bethesdas-ng-kerk/) - Whenever I visit Nieu-Bethesda I just seem to be attracted to the historic Dutch Reformed Church (Nederduits Gereformeerde Kerk or NG Kerk). There is just something to this beautiful building in this tiny village that has me going back to it time and time again. Also, the fact that there are so many different angles
- [Hiking to the Lower Van Stadens Dam outside Port Elizabeth](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/hiking-to-the-lower-van-stadens-dam-outside-port-elizabeth/) - The history of Port Elizabeth's water supply starts way back when Frames Reservoir was built on the Shark River in present-day Happy Valley back in 1864. As the demand for water increased, the need for a bigger dam was identified and the Van Stadens Water Scheme was initiated. I'm always amazed how people say there
- [Addo's endangered Flightless Dung Beetle](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/addos-endangered-flightless-dung-beetle/) - Driving around Addo Elephant National Park one tends to keep an eye on the bush and the distance fields. If you heed the warning signs close to the gate though you will also keep one eye on the road as well. You may just spot, and safely avoid driving over, one of the park's endangered
- [Swallows planning their winter travels](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/swallows-planning-their-winter-travels/) - I visited the Sundays River Valley in early April and while enjoying the view from the Sir Percy Fitzpatrick Lookout noticed a couple of swallows on an aloe. It looked like they were having a conversation and I imagined it to be about their upcoming trip north. I'm no bird expert so as soon as
- [Percy's Place - the most scenic view in the Sundays River Valley](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/percys-place-the-most-scenic-view-in-the-sundays-river-valley/) - I'm sure most South Africans have read, or at least heard, of the book Jock of the Bushveld. The book was written by Sir Percy FitzPatrick, (24 July 1862 – 24 January 1931) who in his younger years was involved in gold and diamond prospecting in Mpumalanga where Jock of the Bushveld also plays off.
- [A Kite spider's web in the forest](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-kite-spiders-web-in-the-forest/) - An early morning walk on a trail through the bush or forest often leads to the person in front doing strange dancing moves swinging their arms and ducking their heads. It's not due to music playing but rather them walking into a spiderweb spun overnight. Not always the most pleasant feeling, especially if you don't
- [Discovering PE's oldest dam - Frames Dam](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/discovering-pes-oldest-dam-frames-dam/) - Its always nice to discover something or somewhere new. In this case it was something old. A quick geocache outing during lunch time took me into the Shark River Valley in Humewood and to the old Frames Reservoir. In the mid 1800's the fledgling town of Port Elizabeth was having water problems. As a stop-gap measure,
- [Wild Coast lighthouses - Cape Morgan Lighthouse](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/wild-coast-lighthouses-cape-morgan-lighthouse/) - The Wild Coast isn't called the Wild Coast for nothing. It may be paradise but it can get rough out there if it wants. So with that in mind, it's nogal strange that there are only three lighthouses (some websites say four but I'm not sure which the 4th one is) along this whole piece of
- [Oh I wish I had a 4x4](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/oh-i-wish-i-had-a-4x4/) - Oh how I wish I had a 4x4. A proper bakkie (or SUV, I'm not picky) to explore the backroads with. I love my Polo, don't get me wrong, but I feel for her every time I hit a dirt road. But a bigger vehicle would allow me to discover places I've been avoiding. Crossing
- [Geese prints](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/geese-prints/) - Last week while Miggie was playing cricket at Heatherbank Cricket Club / Youth Cricket Academy in Walmer, I strolled around the field to get some pics of her batting. Passing the nets I noticed foot prints in the cement and had a closer look. They weren't dog prints or cat prints or even those of
- [Painted skies](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/painted-skies/) - A drive by shooting just after sunset last night on my way home up Main Road, Walmer.
- [Beautiful beaches](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/beautiful-beaches/) - It is sad to see Port Elizabeth's beaches empty in summer due to Covid19, but whether empty or full of sun worshippers, they stay exotically beautiful.
- [Casino reflection](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/casino-reflection/) - A beautiful day, blue skies, no wind, the Boardwalk casino reflecting in the lake. How can one not want to take a photo of this?
- [Shark Rock Pier selfie frame](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/shark-rock-pier-selfie-frame/) - Towards the end of 2020 the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality's tourism department set up two selfie frames, one at Shark Rock Pier and the other at the Donkin Reserve. A walk and ice cream on the beachfront led us to the pier and Miggie could not wait to get onto the frame to have her
- [Sunset behind the windfarm](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sunset-behind-the-windfarm/) - A couple of days ago we joined a group of fellow Geocachers to solve a puzzle on the Blue Horizon Bay road. While we were busy figuring out the problem, my daughter Miggie made herself comfortable in a camp chair to watch the sunset. She snapped this picture of the sun setting behind the windfarm.
- [Merry Christmas](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/merry-christmas-2/)
- [Longing for the beach at dusk](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/longing-for-the-beach-at-dusk/) - So the beaches have been closed by our brilliant government leaving the kids to looking longingly at the Covid infected sandy areas from the safety bubble of the walk literally meters away. At least they could enjoy the sunset and the view at dusk and weren't chased away by the brave police force taking their
- [Lady's Slipper view](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/ladys-slipper-view/) - Yesterday late afternoon we took a drive out to Blue Horizon Bay to do a little Geocaching and this is the view of Lady's Slipper mountain from the road once you are off the N2 and heading up the hill.
- [The top of Pollok Beach](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-top-of-pollok-beach/) - The top of Pollok Beach, spelled without a "c", with the lollipop beacon in the background. Pollok Beach was named after the Hotel Pollok that used to stand where the present Summer Seas complex is today. As development slowly started to happen in Summerstrand in the 1920s, Mr. J. Graham Wilson took advantage of a
- [Harbour Giraffes at dusk](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/harbour-giraffes-at-dusk/) - The harbour giraffes seen across Kings Beach just after sunset. To tell the truth, they really look like they came straight off the silver screen from a Star Wars movie
- [Stadium from the sea](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/stadium-from-the-sea/) - The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and North End coastline seen from Algoa Bay
- [A white December in PE?](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-white-december-in-pe/) - December is the start of summer which means that, obviously, we celebrate a beach Christmas rather than a white one like in some parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Today is anything but a early summers day though. The south-easterly is pumping properly, the sea looks lank angry and foam is being washed and blown onto
- [Coastline east of Schoenies](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/coastline-east-of-schoenies/) - Enjoying the view from the lookout spot on Periwinkle Lane on the eastern side of Schoenmakerskop
- [Orca in Algoa Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/orca-in-algoa-bay/) - Over the last couple of weeks local whale watching outfit Raggy Charters has spotted two different pods of orcas on two occasions while out cruising in Algoa Bay. Owner Lloyd Edwards also saw the one pod cruise by Seaview a little less than a week ago. Yesterday there was excitement in St Francis Bay when
- [Boardwalk waterlilies](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/boardwalk-waterlilies/) - I really need to get my backside in gear and start blogging on a more regular basis again and the only way is to be more disciplined. And that starts today. I have decided to also work more on the Port Elizabeth Daily Photo side of the blog and here I am going to start
- [First swim of (not yet) summer](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/first-swim-of-not-yet-summer/) - For the last week one waking up out of a Rip von Winkel sleep could easily have thought it was summer here in Port Elizabeth. It's been hot and humid. We headed down to Schoenies this afternoon and rather than just getting our feet wet, we went for a swim at the Tanks. First swim
- [Blue sky day](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/blue-sky-day/) - It's a blue sky day in Port Elizabeth and I just could not help slipping out the office for a quick walk. Need some more Vitamin Sea and an injection of inSunlin.
- [Sacramento trail to Sardinia Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sacramento-trail-to-sardinia-bay/) - Looking down from the start of the Sacramento Trail in Schoenmakerskop towards Sardinia Bay (the sand dunes in the distance) about 4 kilometers away. The 8km round trip is probably Port Elizabeth's best known and most popular hiking trail.
- [Rainbow after the rain](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/rainbow-after-the-rain/) - A beautiful rainbow after the welcome rain yesterday morning. I can do with a bit more to fill up my new water tank though.
- [Penguins on St Croix Island](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/penguins-on-st-croix-island/) - A little while ago I had the fantastic opportunity to go on a cruise on Algoa Bay with Raggy Charters and it felt like we hit the jackpot that day. Whales, dolphins, bait balls, penguins, and the cherry on top, a killer whale. The cruise was the first opportunity for me to see St Croix
- [Another PE beachfront sunrise](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/another-pe-beachfront-sunrise/) - Aaaaahhhhhh, sunrise. Probably the best time of day. Pity its so early in summer and so cold in winter otherwise you would have seen a lot more sunrise photos from me.
- [Madiba on the Donkin](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/madiba-on-the-donkin-2/) - Although the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro is named after South Africa's first post Apartheid president and a world icon, the city does not have a proper Madiba statue for visitors and tourists to visit. Because of this the Route 67 Madiba figure on the Donkin Reserve has become a must stop for especially international visitors
- [Figures in a line](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/figures-in-a-line/) - A lot of the figures in the Voting Line art piece on the Donkin Reserve are based on real people. One of the things I like is the fact that you notice different personal or clothing features on the figures every time you visit.
- [Attractions on the Donkin Reserve](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/attractions-on-the-donkin-reserve/) - Last week I took a group of students on a walking tour around the Donkin Reserve and Route 67 and just realised again how much history Port Elizabeth has. The Donkin Reserve is a combination of history and public art and lining up the mosaic with the pyramid and lighthouse like this shows how easily
- [Behind Schoenies](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/behind-schoenies/) - I'm really enjoying the trail behind Schoenmakerskop lately. It's nice and flat, open all around, yet fairly sheltered from the prevailing south-easterly wind.
- [Schoenies view](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/schoenies-view/) - I've been doing a lot of walking on the jeep track trails behind Schoenmakerskop lately and climbed the one koppie on Sunday afternoon to get a better view of the coastline, the village and surrounding scenery.
- [Farm in the city](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/farm-in-the-city-2/) - Driving up Heatherbank Road between Charlo and Lorraine, one could easily make a head move and think you are driving past a farm and not necessarily still in the middle of the city.
- [Rearview sunset](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/rearview-sunset/) - A week or two ago I had to go on an urgent work-related road trip and popped into two of my favorite villages, Nieu-Bethesda and Hogsback, before heading down to East London for the night. It was literally whistle-stop visits with no sightseeing. All business. Barrelling along the N2 between King William's Town and East
- [Beached citrus](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/beached-citrus/) - A couple of weeks ago a number of containers full of export oranges fell of a ship in Algoa Bay during a storm and those oranges have now made their way to the beach, washing up along the Wild Side, Schoenmakerskop, Sardinia Bay and, in this case, landing up in a rock pool at Beachview.
- [Boardwalk reflection](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/boardwalk-reflection-2/) - The Boardwalk buildings reflecting in the lake on a windless morning
- [Here comes the dune](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/here-comes-the-dune/) - One moment you are leisurely strolling with your toes in the sand next to the Maitland River and the next instant sweat is pouring down your forehead as you climb THE dune.
- [Langkloof Proteas](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/langkloof-proteas/) - The Tsitsikamma and the Langkloof is linked by a short pass over the mountain between Oudebosch and Kareedouw on the eastern side. The pass only has 7 bends, all of them are minor. It does offer sweeping views of the Tsitsikamma mountains to the left (west) with the green valley on the right dotted with
- [A Camdeboo sunset](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-camdeboo-sunset/) - There is nothing as beautiful as a Karoo sunset. Combine that with a late afternoon game drive that includes sundowners with a beautiful view. Jackpot. Wide open spaces, a slight breeze, the sound of the veld, the last light as the sun disappears and colours the clouds shades of red, orange and yellow as the
- [The road past Beachview](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-road-past-beachview/) - How about a little roadtrip around PE? Start on the beachfront and follow Marine Drive along the Wildside to Schoenmakerskop, around to Sardinia Bay and then onto the Seaview Road to Seaview, Beachview and Maitland (perhaps as far as the Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve), before returning along Kragga Kamma Road to Port Elizabeth. This is
- [Pincushion Proteas at Van Stadens](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/pincushion-proteas-at-van-stadens-2/) - One of the protea species that you see quite often in the Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve is the Pincushion Protea. Pincushion Proteas normally have lots of flowers on each plant with the flower heads lasting for quite some time. You get them in yellows, oranges and reds and always make for the most beautiful photographs.
- [Sards dune ridge](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sards-dune-ridge/) - Aaaahhhh, Sardinia Bay. One of my absolute favorite places. Last week we went to Sards for the first time since lock down started for sunset. And a beautiful sunset it was. It is winter though and as soon as the sun is gone it gets cold so we didn't hang around much longer. I did
- [Sunset at Sardinia Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sunset-at-sardinia-bay/) - The dune at Sardinia Bay is probably the best and most popular spot in Port Elizabeth to enjoy a beautiful sunset. We haven't been for ages and I got tired of seeing other people post photos of it on Facebook, so on Tuesday afternoon I made a suggestion to go when I got home from
- [Penguins and dolphins at St Croix](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/penguins-and-dolphins-at-st-croix/) - Port Elizabeth and Algoa Bay are promoted as the Bottlenose Dolphin capital of the world while St Croix Island has the biggest population of African Penguins in the world. I was lucky to get both species in one photo at St Croix on an outing with Raggy Charters a little while ago. Bottlenose Capital of
- [Sunrise over the Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sunrise-over-the-bay-2/) - Yesterday morning I was slightly earlier on my way to work than I have been because of levels 5 (work from home); 4 (still working from home); 3 (back at the office but in no rush to get up in the morning) and 3.86 (ii) section G, subsection purple with a tint of green, paragraph
- [Kragga Kamma aloe fence](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/kragga-kamma-aloe-fence/) - A drive up Kragga Kamma Road towards Colleen Glen may just give you a colourful surprise this time of year. I saw a photo of the stunning aloe fence on Kragga Kamma Road in full bloom on Facebook and just had to go and see it myself. The whole aloe fence is probably a good
- [What is the Sacramento cannon aiming at?](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/what-is-the-sacramento-cannon-aiming-at/) - The name Sacramento is synonymous with Schoenmakerskop. There is the Sacramento Trail, the Sacramento cannon and the Sacramento Restaurant. But what is the Sacramento. She was a Portuguese galleon that aground just off Schoenmakerskop outside Port Elizabeth on 30 June 1647 in foul weather. By the time she hit the rocky coastline, she had a
- [Marine Drive on the Wildside](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/marine-drive-on-the-wildside-2/) - Marine Drive along the Port Elizabeth beachfront and the Wildside all the way out to Schoenmakerskop probably has some of the best scenery in PE. Sea views, a rugged coastline, gullies to enjoy with kids, fishing spots, coastal fynbos, shipwrecks, whales and dolphins, hiking trails, nature reserves, picnic spots, camp sites, tons of photo opportunities
- [Tsitsikamma cattle roadblock](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tsitsikamma-cattle-roadblock/) - We decided to break away to the Tsitsikamma for the day and rather than just driving in and out on the N2, we took the scenic R102. The three biggest industries in the area are forestry, tourism and dairy so everywhere along the way you pass plantations, dairy farms and accommodation and activity establishments. What
- [The Van Stadens Bridges](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-van-stadens-bridges/) - The Van Stadens River is about 35km west of Port Elizabeth and you can either go over or through it to get to the other side. The river and original pass was named after one of the area’s pioneer farmers, Marthinus van Staden, who was the first person to plot a basic route through the Van
- [Port Elizabeth has some blooming good hikes](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/port-elizabeth-has-some-blooming-good-hikes/) - It seems that it doesn't matter where and what time of year you go for a hike along one of the trails around Port Elizabeth, there is always plants flowering. It's one of the great things of especially fynbos which is found along a lot of the coastal trails around here. Something is always blooming,
- [Fun on the Maitland dune](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/fun-on-the-maitland-dune/) - There is nothing more fun for a kid, and I say kid liberally as some of us adults are still kids at heart as well, than to go and climb the Maitland sand dune on a Sunday morning. Even better, take an old boogie board or carton box along and go and slide down the
- [Grahamstown's Bible Monument](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/grahamstowns-bible-monument/) - Grahamstown has some very well known monuments and historic buildings. The 1820 Settlers Monument on the hill, the Cathedral of St Michael and St George, the Angel Statue, Observatory Museum with it's camera obscura and many more. One I didn't know about was the Bible Monument on the outskirts of town and I would never
- [My name is Firefly and I like long walks on the beach](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/my-name-is-firefly-and-i-like-long-walks-on-the-beach/) - One of the things I missed most under lock down is going for a walk, and with that I don't mean taking the dogs for a walk around the block. With restrictions lifting a bit and being allowed to go for a hike again, I'm keen to get into one of the nature reserves around
- [Van Stadens bird hide](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/van-stadens-bird-hide/) - The 600 ha Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve is located about 35km west of Port Elizabeth. The reserve stretches from the Van Stadens mountain to the coast and its main purpose is to protect the area's unique indigenous Fynbos vegetation. It's always worth popping into the reserve because there's always some type of protea in bloom.
- [I'm back... after a hiatus of 2 years](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/im-back-after-a-hiatus-of-2-years/) - It's been two years since I've stopped blogging. What I initially intended to be a three week break was extended to two months and then became an indefinite postponement. My mojo was gone. In fact I didn't even take photos anymore. My camera gathered dust and my writing skills became rusty. The last two years
- [Fire in the sunset](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/fire-in-the-sunset/) - Last night's sunset was something else. Wow, literally fire in the sky. Unfortunately, I was kept busy with visitors leaving and only got to grab my phone for a pic just before it was too late. Still striking!
- [Sunrise over Algoa Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sunrise-over-algoa-bay/) - I'm still here. I may not have posted anything on my blog for a month but I'm still around. It's scary though how busy my life has become between work, family, sport (the kids', not my own) and everything else I'm involved in. The two things that have suffered the most are my blog and
- [A walk on the beach](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-walk-on-the-beach/) - We haven't taken the dogs for a walk on the beach in ages so this morning we gathered up the kids and the sausages and headed down to Pollok Beack. We weren't the only ones who were enjoying the beautiful autumn weather we've been having lately. I left my camera at home wanting to spend
- [We picked strawberries in Hankey](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/we-picked-strawberries-in-hankey/) - I am way behind on my blogging. Like in "get Dr Strange in here with the Time Stone and send me back 6 months so I can try to start and catch up" behind. Life is getting in the way and life is made up of work, family, kids, sport, etc, etc, etc... That plus having
- [Baakens and Tramways](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/baakens-and-tramways/) - The Baakens River flowing past the renovated Tramways Building. The Lower Baakens Valley has become a hub for activities and markets especially since the renovation of this building and the willingness of both private and public sector to invest in the area.
- [Ironman on Seaview Road](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/ironman-on-seaview-road/) - Every year with Ironman we like to go and watch the cycle leg somewhere to support these amazing sportsmen and women. Like last year we joined a big number of other supporters at Grass Roof next to Seaview Road as you can see them going both ways.
- [Ironman supporters](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/ironman-supporters/) - This past weekend was Ironman weekend in the Bay and Port Elizabeth showed off as usual. Beautiful weather, great scenery and, most importantly, excellent support. One of the things most Ironman visitors to PE comment about is the support along the course. We headed out to Seaview Road at Grass Roof and joined a couple
- [Govan Mbeki Road on a Sunday morning](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/govan-mbeki-road-on-a-sunday-morning/) - I don't get down to Govan Mbeki Road that often and most of the time just driving through. A little while ago I was in the area on a Sunday morning which means it was nice and quiet with very few people around.
- [The lady with the chair](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-lady-with-the-chair/) - Have you ever sat down to have a chat with the lady holding the chair on the Donkin Reserve? Asked her about the lives of all women who have lived on the shore of Algoa Bay over the years? About what she sees daily? This Untitled piece of the lady was done by well-known artist Anton
- [Beauty in the abandoned](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/beauty-in-the-abandoned/) - There is always beauty to be found in the abandoned. It could be in the ruins of the building, nature taking back what is her's or just the surroundings. In this case it is an aloe flowering early at the unused and abandoned Humewood Station.
- [Unused railway](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/unused-railway/) - The narrow gauge Humewood Station has been standing abandoned, neglected and unused for probably a decade now although some of it was cleared and fixed up in December for the Apple Express to be able to run through there. It was while waiting for the train to pass wanting to grab some photos when I ended
- [Tjoekepaf, here comes the Apple Express](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tjoekepaf-here-comes-the-apple-express/) - A busy schedule, working till just before Christmas and all kinds of other excuses led to us only being able to go on the Apple Express on the last weekend it was running in January. And it seems I placed the photos in a folder to edit and totally forgot to do so. After nearly
- [Sunday stroll at the beachfront market](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sunday-stroll-at-the-beachfront-market/) - On Sunday at about lunchtime, the Damselfly and I headed down to the beachfront for a walk along the stalls at the Kings Beach Fleamarket. I'm sure many will agree with me that the flea market isn't what it used to be anymore, BUT... and I have to add this as a counter for everybody
- [St Mary's front and back](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/st-marys-front-and-back/) - On Tuesday I posted a picture of St Mary's Cathedral in the Port Elizabeth city centre. I realised that although people may know what the cathedral looks like from the outside, that not many may have been inside the cathedral yet. So today I'm posting two pictures taken inside the building, one looking to the
- [The Cathedral Church of St Mary the Virgin](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-cathedral-church-of-st-mary-the-virgin/) - Before the arrival of the British Settlers in 1820 the needs of the British garrison in Algoa Bay were served by chaplains in passing ships. By 1825 the town of Port Elizabeth had grown to about 500 people and Revd Francis McClelland was appointed Colonial Chaplain. The foundation stone for the Collegiate Church of St
- [Looking up the Campanile](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/looking-up-the-campanile/) - I wonder how many people visiting the Campanile look up before entering and think to themselves, "Self, how am I ever going to climb all those steps to get up there without dying?" Yes, there are 204 steps, but if you take it easy, visit every level and don't think about it too much, you'll
- [Wine made in PE](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/wine-made-in-pe/) - I'm not much of a wine drinker, but I do enjoy tasting wine. Here I'm tasting one of Port Elizabeth's own wines, proudly produced at the Theescombe Estate Wine Farm.
- [Under the freeway](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/under-the-freeway/) - Strand Street under the Settlers Freeway isn't really a place where many of Port Elizabeth's suburban inhabitants wander but if you do you'll encounter interesting scenes, vendors and shops that you won't really find anywhere else. The painting on the freeway support pillar is one of a series of colourful and evocative portraits that depict
- [The Great Fish Point Lighthouse - finally visited](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-great-fish-point-lighthouse-finally-visited/) - I have driven between Port Elizabeth and East London so many times over the years yet the Great Fish Point Lighthouse has always just been a dot on the coastline some distance away. The reason? Word has always been that the track up to the lighthouse is terrible and my Polo isn't quite high clearance
- [A wine farm in PE?](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-wine-farm-in-pe/) - Everybody knows the Winelands in the Western Cape based around Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. Then there is the rapidly developing Plettenberg Bay Wine Route. But did you know Port Elizabeth also have a wine farm? The Theescombe Estate Wine Farm is located on a 2-hectare smallholding in the Theescombe on the western side of Port
- [The 76 Youth remembered on Route 67](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-76-youth-remembered-on-route-67/) - As one follows Route 67 from the city centre up towards the Donkin Reserve you pass the Public Library and St Mary's Cathedral before climbing a set of steps up to Winston Ntshona Street (previously Chapel Street). The art piece on the wall by the steps is a statement about the 76 generation (referring to the
- [A bath with a view in Hogsback](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-bath-with-a-view-in-hogsback/) - Most people would prefer a bath (with the drought, not something I have done in a very long time*) in the privacy of their own bathroom behind a closed door. Most people don't mean everybody though. There are those who would jump at the opportunity to take a bath in what is probably the most famous
- [The Campanile clock and bells mechanism](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-campanile-clock-and-bells-mechanism/) - Ascending the Campanile you don't just get to see the original bell clappers, you also get to see the original clock (below) and bell (above) mechanisim.
- [Campanile bell clappers](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/campanile-bell-clappers/) - During the renovation of the Campanile bells, the original clappers were replaced with more modern ones that could "reset" to ring the bells a lot faster. The old clappers have been renovated themselves and have been put on display on one of the levels as you go up the tower.
- [Export cars on the PE Harbour](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/export-cars-on-the-pe-harbour/) - Looking down onto the harbour from the Campanile observation deck, one just can't help but wonder where in the world these cars are being exported to.
- [A Carillon of bells in the Port Elizabeth Campanile](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-carillon-of-bells-in-the-port-elizabeth-campanile/) - At the top of the Campanile there is a glass trapdoor you can actually see the bells through. I was lucky enough to go on a tour up the Campanile with somebody from the Mandela Bay Development Agency who was in charge of the renovations and he opened the door for me and allowed me to
- [The Public Library renovation finally got going](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-public-library-renovation-finally-got-going/) - The historic Port Elizabeth Public Library in the city centre has been closed to the public for over three years now with promises of renovations but excuses of no budget. Well, if you had to pass the library today you won't be able to see the scene in the photo. It is because the library
- [Campanile Frieze and Wall of Texts](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/campanile-frieze-and-wall-of-texts/) - If you started a walk along Route 67 at the Campanile then the Campanile Frieze and Wall of Texts would be one of the first art pieces you'll see. Both of these are done by artist Mkhonto Gwazela. The frieze at the top celebrates the indigenous heritage of Nelson Mandela Bay and the Eastern Cape
- [The Port Elizabeth harbour wall](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-port-elizabeth-harbour-wall/) - The Port Elizabeth harbour achieved "port" status for the first time in 1825, long before a proper harbour even existed. Back then a harbour master was appointed to regulate and oversee the offloading of ships anchored offshore with goods and people being brought to shore in rowboats. An official surfboat service was established in 1836
- [Nr 7 Castle Hill historical museum](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/nr-7-castle-hill-historical-museum/) - One of Port Elizabeth's favorite museums is No 7 Castle Hill. The history of the building goes right back to the early days of Port Elizabeth with Rev. Francis McCleland building it as his parsonage and family home in 1825. The house is one of the oldest remaining dwelling houses in Port Elizabeth and is
- [St Mary's front on Govan Mbeki Road](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/st-marys-front-on-govan-mbeki-road/) - Anybody who knows Port Elizabeth and has been down to Govan Mbeki Road (Main Street) in the city centre, would know St Mary's Anglican Cathedral near the Public Library. But not just know it. Also be aware of the old United Building Society building that stands on the corner in front of it blocking a proper
- [Around the Cape in a motorbike sidecar](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/around-the-cape-in-a-motorbike-sidecar/) - One of my South African travel bucket list items I got to tick off during 2017 was going on a motorcycle sidecar tour in the Cape. A visit to a conference in Stellenbosch had the opportunity arise to join a tour from Spier via Strand and Gordon's Bay as far as the Stoney Point penguin
- [Capt Francis Evatt's gravestone](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/capt-francis-evatts-gravestone/) - On a walk along Route 67 the other day I popped into St Mary's Cathedral and was reminded that the original gravestone of Captain Francis Evatt was located in the entrance area of the church. Something a lot of people probably didn't know. Captain Evatt was commander of Fort Frederick from 1817 until his death in
- [Trampoline park fun](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/trampoline-park-fun/) - The days of saying there is nothing to do in Port Elizabeth is long gone. Loooonnnngggg gone. Yes, a lot of the activities on offer is going to set you back a few bucks, but it's exactly the same wherever you are in the world. We've had to choose very carefully this summer holiday is
- [Laser games is back in Port Elizabeth](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/laser-games-is-back-in-port-elizabeth/) - Remember Laser Games? Wow, we used to play so often back in the days when there was still an arena at the old tenpin bowling and game centre next to Greenacres. It's probably been a good 20 years since they closed down there so I was very excited to see that there are laser Games
- [Port Elizabeth's Campanile tower](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/port-elizabeths-campanile-tower/) - Although I posted a number of posts featuring the newly renovated and reopened Campanile towards the end of the year, I decided to do another one as a follow up of yesterday's post. The first post of 2018 featured the Donkin Reserve, one of Port Elizabeth's most iconic attractions. The Campanile definitely is another one of those.
- [Donkin Reserve seen from the Campanile](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/donkin-reserve-seen-from-the-campanile/) - And with that 2017 is gone and 2018 have arrived. I have seen a lot of people say that they are glad 2017 is over and done with and I took a little time to contemplate my own 2017. I came to the conclusion that it actually wasn't a bad year for me at all.
- [Lovemore Heights Christmas House](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/lovemore-heights-christmas-house/) - Christmas may be over but we finally got a chance to go and have a look at the Lovemore Heights Christmas House at the top of Melsetter Road. I was actually starting to be embarrassed to say that we haven't been there yet especially after promoting it on social media and via my radio show
- [Day 1 of the 4 day pink ball test](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/day-1-of-the-4-day-pink-ball-test/) - The very first cricket test as well as rugby test in South Africa were played at St George's Park in Port Elizabeth. If I'm right, the first cricket test in South Africa after readmission was also played in Port Elizabeth. Today PE is making history again. Not just did the first pink ball day night
- [Playing the Ghost Bells](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/playing-the-ghost-bells/) - Looking down from the Campanile steps at Miggie playing the Ghost Bells (I posted about yesterday)
- [The Campanile Ghost Bells](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-campanile-ghost-bells/) - One of the new features in the Campanile is the Ghost Bells which can be seen as one climbs up to the top of the tower. The Ghost Bells are installed under the actual 25-bell carillon (the original 23 plus the two new bells) and light up during chiming or when visitors press keys on
- [Scuba diving party in Port Elizabeth](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/scuba-diving-party-in-port-elizabeth/) - Parties are getting more and more sophisticated. Back in our days it was kids coming over and eating cake and sweets while watching a video and playing. These days parents are pulling out all the stops to make a child's birthday party a memorable one and with two kids, a boy and a girl, we've
- [City Hall clock tower](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/city-hall-clock-tower/) - The Port Elizabeth City Hall was built between 1858 and 1862 but the clock tower was only added in 1883
- [Theater icon street names](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/theater-icon-street-names/) - The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality recently (yeh ok, some months ago already) renamed three of the streets around the PE Opera House to celebrate three of Port Elizabeth's theatre legends. John Kani, Athol Fugard and Winston Ntshona are truly three world icons and worked together on Sizwe Banzi is Dead in 1972 and The Island
- [Summer walks on the beach](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/summer-walks-on-the-beach/) - Summer is the perfect time for walks on the beach
- [The Prester John cross figures](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-prester-john-cross-figures/) - Following on the post about the Cross of Prester John and the Portuguese Explorers between City Hall and the old Post Office building, I decided to post a more closeup picture of the two figures sitting inside the cross. The figures represent Prester John on the one side and a Portuguese explorer on the other side. There
- [Hole in the Wall - an icon of the Eastern Cape](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/hole-in-the-wall-an-icon-of-the-eastern-cape/) - The Hole in the Wall near Coffee Bay on the Wild Coast truly is one of the iconic sights (and sites) of the Eastern Cape and South Africa and recognised worldwide. Hole-in-the-Wall was named by Captain Vidal in 1823. Vidal was captain of the Barracouta and was sent by the British to survey the coastline
- [The cross of Prester John and the Portuguese Explorers](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-cross-of-prester-john-and-the-portuguese-explorers/) - Wedged in between City Hall and the Old Post Office building with the Feather Market Centre on the other side of the right is the Cross of Prester John. The monument has no significant link to Port Elizabeth other than the fact that it was a stop en route to the East for Portuguese explorers
- [3, 2, 1 stained glass windows](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/3-2-1-stained-glass-windows/) - A week ago I posted a picture of the big stained glass window in the St Augustine's Cathedral. When I was doing the post I considered posted the three pictures in this post along with it, but decided that it was magnificent enough to warrant a stand-alone post. So here is stained glass post #2
- [The Lovemore Heights Chrismas House lights turning on this weekend](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-lovemore-heights-chrismas-house-lights-turning-on-this-weekend/) - One of the pre-Christmas highlights in Port Elizabeth is the Lovemore Heights Chrismas House's annual event where they turn on the lights, After skipping last year for personal reasons, the Grootendorst family and all their helpers are coming out guns (or in this case Chrismas lights) blazing this year with a full program this coming Saturday evening.
- [The views of Coffee Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-views-of-coffee-bay/) - At the bottom of the beach in Coffee Bay is Bomvu Hill offering stunning views of both Coffee Bay to the north side and Bomvu Bay to the south. The village is located to the left just out of the picture next to the Nenga River. Looking at the Coffee Bay view the white building
- [Looking along Kings Beach from the harbour](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/looking-along-kings-beach-from-the-harbour/) - When was the last time you've walked to the bottom of Kings Beach and back? Been a while or even never? Do reward yourself with this stunning view up the beach looking at the beachfront skyline from the harbour wall.
- [St Augustines stained glass window](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/st-augustines-stained-glass-window/) - St Augustine's Cathedral has some stunning and striking stained glass windows. Dating back to September 1875, the windows are part of the original design and are from F. Barnett of Leith.
- [An Afrikaans inscription in a Catholic Cathedral](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/an-afrikaans-inscription-in-a-catholic-cathedral/) - Imagine my surprise when I found an Afrikaans inscription on a plaque behind the baptismal font in the St Augustine's Catholic Cathedral. Very unusual.
- [I finally got to visit Hole in the Wall](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/i-finally-got-to-visit-hole-in-the-wall/) - One of my absolute travel highlights during 2017 is the fact that I finally got to visit the Hole in the Wall near Coffee Bay on the Wild Coast. It was somewhat of an embarrassment to be somebody promoting and marketing the Eastern Cape but having to say that I have never been there. It's
- [Spending a day in the Tsitsikamma - video](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/spending-a-day-in-the-tsitsikamma-video/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IFafsAvdCQ&w=500&h=400] I have always wanted to make travel videos. When I started working as a tourist guide in 1998 I had a little video camera which I filmed my tours with. Back then I didn't know anything about editing. The video was basically what I shot and I had to make sure the video was
- [St Augustine's tour](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/st-augustines-tour/) - I got to see the inside of St Augustine's Cathedral for the first time a few weeks ago while on a tour of Route 67. The church isn't generally open like St Mary's on the other side of the Public Library, so if you want to see it you need to make special arrangements or alternatively
- [The history of St. Augustine’s Cathedral](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-history-of-st-augustines-cathedral/) - When the first Catholic priest, Father George Corcoran, set foot in Port Elizabeth in 1840 it wasn't just a case of getting off the boat and taking up his position. No, he was shipwrecked in Cape St Francis and had to travel the last 100km to town on horseback. Once he arrived here he found
- [St Mary's church (or cathedral) tower](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/st-marys-church-or-cathedral-tower/) - Port Elizabeth has two cathedrals, both located in the city centre. St Mary's Anglican Cathedral, where the foundation stone was laid in 1825, and St. Augustine's Catholic Cathedral where the first stone was laid in 1861. Standing in front of St Mary's and looking up at the tower, I was wondering if it is referred
- [Google Street View guy in PE](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/google-street-view-guy-in-pe/) - A month or two ago I was down in the city centre on a Sunday morning to take some photos and I noticed a guy with a funny thing on his back come walking up the road towards me. As I passed I realised that it was the Google Street View camera. Cool! There may
- [Going surfing in Coffee Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/going-surfing-in-coffee-bay/) - One of the very popular activities to do when young international backpackers visit Coffee Bay is to learn to surf. Most of the backpacker lodges in the area offer surf lessons and there is always somebody walking around with a surfboard either heading for the waves or out of it. This young lady just finished
- [10 years of Port Elizabeth Daily Photo](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/10-years-of-port-elizabeth-daily-photo/) - Today is the 10th birthday of Port Elizabeth Daily Photo. Yes, exactly 10 years ago to the day PE Daily Photo was started by SAM (Sue and Max Hoppe) with a post featuring some generic facts about Nelson Mandela Bay. Two days later they were off and running, doing 500 posts before passing the baton
- [Prospect Hill](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/prospect-hill/) - I'm posting this just because I like the photo. I was waiting for Chaos Boy to pass during the Urban Run a while ago and was pointing the camera in different directions. This was one I liked.
- [Koffiebus and Teebus on a moody day in the Karoo](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/koffiebus-and-teebus-on-a-moody-day-in-the-karoo/) - The Karoo Heartland has a unique beauty which I have really learned to appreciate more and more as I have gotten older. If you're a forest or beach person then the Karoo may not be for you, but if big skies and open spaces feed your soul then there is no better place. One of
- [Wiggles in the sand at Kings Beach](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/wiggles-in-the-sand-at-kings-beach/) - It seems somewhere I've lost a whole week of posts. No, not in lost, but in just so busy that I haven't even been able to think about blogging. I need days to be extended by 3 or 4 hours so that I can have some extra time to just sit back, relax and, most
- [A Saturday morning stroll](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-saturday-morning-stroll/) - On Saturday morning we went for a walk along Kings Beach to enjoy the beautiful weather we had over the weekend. Miggie was feeling a little under the weather and not her normal bubbly self so strolled along by herself to the one side. Of cause dad always has his camera...
- [Peace and Blessing](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/peace-and-blessing/) - I think I'm going to take a little break from Campanile posts before people get tired of it. I have a few more but will keep it back for a week or two. Route 67 literally has 67 art pieces scattered along the way between the Donkin Reserve and Campanile. Next to the bus station
- [Campanile view - Looking south towards the beachfront](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/campanile-view-looking-south-towards-the-beachfront/) - This is the last of the Campanile View trio of posts (There should have been four but it seems I never took a pic out the new big viewing window of the whole harbour). Unfortunately the south viewing window doesn't open like the north and west windows, probably because the new lift's doors is right
- [A Ninja Turtle problem in East London](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-ninja-turtle-problem-in-east-london/) - I was in East London a couple of weeks ago and noticed the neighbourhood watch board on the guesthouse gate. Neighbourhood watch groups do an amazing job getting residents together and curbing crime in residential areas and I live in a suburb with a very active neighbourhood watch. Looking at this board though I thought
- [Campanile view - Looking west towards Central](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/campanile-view-looking-west-towards-central/) - Yesterday I posted a picture of the view looking north from the Campanile observation floor. It means I have three more directions and what's the use of showing you only one? So here is the view to the west. The Settlers Freeway is at the bottom and slightly to the left of the centre of the picture is
- [Beware the Warthog](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/beware-the-warthog/) - Being from the Eastern Cape we all know that there are areas where you have to be very careful driving at night. Unlike our friends in the Big Smoke it's not robbers and highjackers we have to be careful of, but rather Kudus. These big antelope jump fences up to 2 meters tall and
- [Campanile view - Looking north along the Settlers Freeway](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/campanile-view-looking-north-along-the-settlers-freeway/) - There are four viewing windows at the top of the Campanile. The new full-length viewing window looks out to the east over the Port Elizabeth Harbour. The view south is towards the beachfront, west across the city centre towards the Donkin Reserve and then north along the Settlers Freeway. Looking at the picture the Settlers Freeway
- [The Campanile's new viewing window](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-campaniles-new-viewing-window/) - One of the new features of the recently refurbished Campanile is a full-length viewing window on the harbour side of the tower. The window has caused some ruptions with historic purists but personally I think its a great addition. The window really gives the best view of the adjacent Port Elizabeth Harbour and all its
- [The road is long...](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-road-is-long-2/) - When I downloaded this photo of me sitting in the road near Jansenville in the Karoo Heartland from my camera onto the laptop and saw it, the first thing that came to my mind was "The road is long..." from He ain't heavy, he's my brother by The Hollies. The tune, melody, words, everything. It's probably also
- [A tour of the Campanile](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-tour-of-the-campanile/) - It's very easy to do a self-guided walk around Route 67 but if you really want to get the just of it then you have to do it on a guided tour. There are a number of guides who do the walk and more information is available from the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism info centre
- [Step 67 of 204 going up the Campanile](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/step-67-of-204-going-up-the-campanile/) - The Campanile is actually seen as the starting point of Route 67 going up the hill and ending at the Donkin Reserve. With the refurbishment and re-opening of the Campanile recently, it is now fully part of Route 67 and one of the novel bits that was added to the Campanile was marking step number
- [Renovated Campanile](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/renovated-campanile/) - Have you been to visit the newly renovated Campanile yet? After extensive renovations which included the removal, renovation and return of the bells, total overhaul of the bell structure, installation of a lift (if only they can get it to work properly), the installation of a big full length viewing window on the harbourside, a viewing
- [I'mmmmm baaaaack](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/immmmm-baaaaack/) - When I started blogging in 2008 I didn't do it because I wanted to be a blogger. I did it because I enjoyed traveling (even if it was just around my own city) and taking photos, and wanted to share everything I got to see with others. Over the years I've done over 3000 posts
- [PE historic icons](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/pe-historic-icons/) - The Donkin Lighthouse (actually called The Hill Lighthouse built in 1861) and the Pyramid (actually called the Donkin Memorial built in 1820), two of Port Elizabeth's most iconic historic landmarks.
- [Retha's Trail in Schoenies](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/rethas-trail-in-schoenies/) - One of Port Elizabeth's little gems that very few people seem to know of is Rheta's Trail in Schoenmakerskop. Rheta's Trail stretches behind the houses (from #24 to #40) in Schoenies on Marine Drive between and can be accessed between numbers 22 and 24. The trail is always open and was created by local resident
- [A couple of surprises in the Camdeboo National Park](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-couple-of-surprises-in-the-camdeboo-national-park/) - No visit to Graaff-Reinet will be complete without a visit to the Valley of Desolation yet I wonder how many people actually realise that the Valley of Desolation is located within the Camdeboo National Park, which actually reaches all the way around the town, and that you can also go game viewing in the park.
- [A beachfront New Year timelapse](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-beachfront-new-year-timelapse/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuTKcAdzXgY&w=500&h=400] The past two weeks have been hectic. I've been to the SATSA conference in Stellenbosch and a Karoo Heartland meeting in Jansenville, spent way too much time catching up (and I'm not even there yet) and in the process of all of this missed a few posts in the last week. I even thought
- [Uitenhage Boer War concentration camp site](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/uitenhage-boer-war-concentration-camp-site/) - Last week I did a post about the Uitenhage Concentration Camp Memorial and this week I just want to share another of the pictures I took. This one just a bit closer. The back wall is divided up into nine sections, each representing one of the 9 people who died in the concentration camp.
- [Zola Nqini Statue in Uitenhage](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/zola-nqini-statue-in-uitenhage/) - A few weeks ago we took part in the NG Kerk Uitenhage Oos' Amazing Race around Uitenhage. One of the clues sent us to a picture of a statue which I didn't recognise. After asking a few people we ended up at the Market Square in front of the Uitenhage Townhall at the statue which
- [Humewood Skyline](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/humewood-skyline/) - The Humewood skyline with Shark Rock Pier in the foreground as seen from Pollok Beach
- [North End Defense Force Memorial](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/north-end-defense-force-memorial/) - One of the things I discovered while in North End Cemetery is a Defense Force Memorial remembering soldiers who died in service of their country during the first and second World Wars. According to the main plaque the memorial stones commemorate soldiers that were buried elsewhere but who's glory won't be forgotten.
- [The Jewish Cemetery at North End](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-jewish-cemetery-at-north-end/) - One of the things that really interested me when I visited the North End Cemetery the other day was the walled off Jewish Cemetery. I didn't get to explore it though as the sign by the entrance says, "Code of Conduct. Please note that all visitors to the cemetery must wear appropriate dress. Men and women must
- [Wave Action](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/wave-action/) - Standing at the rock below Something Good (the one with the hole through which the waves crash) and looking back towards Hobie Beach, Bird Rock is quite a prominent landmark in front of you. This photo was taken on a rough day with waves smashing over Bird Rock on the right.
- [Uitenhage Concentration Camp site](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/uitenhage-concentration-camp-site/) - A few weeks ago we took part in an Amazing Race in and around Uitenhage, organised by one of the local churches as a fundraiser. The race started at the old festival grounds on the outskirts of town. While waiting for everybody to arrive I took a walk over to the Concentration Camp Memorial with
- [Coastal view](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/coastal-view/) - The view of the coastline from the road between Beachview and Maitlands
- [The history of North End Cemetery](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-history-of-north-end-cemetery/) - Over the years my interest in cemeteries has taken me to most of the cemeteries around town with the notable exception being the North End Cemetery. Not because I didn't want to but rather a case of never really being in that part of town with time to go. A week or two ago I
- [Waves over Bird Rock](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/waves-over-bird-rock/) - A couple of weeks ago the sea was slightly angry one morning and as I was driving down Marine Drive I noticed that the waves out Pollok Beach way looking quite impressive. Grabbed my camera and headed over to Lovers' Lane, snapping the waves smashing right over Bird Rock.
- [Empty highway](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/empty-highway/) - Some abandoned highway somewhere after the outbreak of the zombie apocalypse? Nope, the N2 just past Coega, taken from the overpass at just the right time to show an empty road.
- [Fishing... or angling?](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/fishing-or-angling/) - A couple of guys fishing, or is it angling, at Humewood Beach.
- [Cruising along the Port Elizabeth beachfront](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/cruising-along-the-port-elizabeth-beachfront/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ieul7OJitcs&w=500&h=400] While looking for a video to share for this week's Video Friday post, I found this one by YouTuber David Everard cruising along the PE beachfront on his skateboard.
- [Giraffe at Kragga Kamma](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/giraffe-at-kragga-kamma/) - Addo Elephant National Park, as with all National Parks, has a policy to only have animals that occurred there naturally. Giraffes didn't thus you won't find them in the park. The best place to see them though is at the Kragga Kamma Game Park just outside Port Elizabeth.
- [Rural Port Elizabeth](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/rural-port-elizabeth/) - Isn't it amazing that we live in a city with so much rural to it as well?
- [A historic walk around Graaff-Reinet](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-historic-walk-around-graaff-reinet/) - History buffs totally love Graaff-Reinet, what with it being the oldest town in the Eastern Cape (fourth oldest in South Africa) with about 220 listed historical buildings. Best of all, you can see just about all the best ones on a relatively short walk around town. And obviously, that is what we did otherwise I
- [Lilies along the Shark River](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/lilies-along-the-shark-river/) - Flowring lilies along the Shark River in Happy Valley
- [Schoenies rocks](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/schoenies-rocks/) - We all know Schoenies rocks! It also has rocks...
- [Donkin after dark](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/donkin-after-dark/) - The Donkin Lighthouse and Pyramid lit up after dark
- [Port Elizabeth Vibes](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/port-elizabeth-vibes/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQei0aJvTNE&w=500&h=400] Videographer Jan Jordaan spent a few days in Port Elizabeth recently to attend a wedding and did some sightseeing with his camera and drone.
- [Fishing off the rocks](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/fishing-off-the-rocks/) - Fishing off the rocks on the Wild Side near Willows
- [The oldest tennis club in South Africa](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-oldest-tennis-club-in-south-africa/) - Did you know that the Port Elizabeth Lawn Tennis Club in St Georges Park was founded on 1 September 1879, making it the oldest active tennis club in South Africa? The club hosted the first South African Lawn Tennis Championship in 1891 and today the club is still situated on its original site.
- [St Phillips](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/st-phillips/) - The St Philips Anglican Church in St Philips Street, Richmond Hill
- [5 to 12 at City Hall](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/5-to-12-at-city-hall/) - The Port Elizabeth City Hall really is one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Port Elizabeth. Did you know City Hall was originally built between 1858 and 1862 with the clock tower being added in 1883.
- [So many activities to do around Addo](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/so-many-activities-to-do-around-addo/) - [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytr7JafvP7o] When you mention Addo, most people think elephants. They wouldn't be wrong though BUT, these days Addo is so much more than just elephants. Crisscross Adventures is a tour and adventure activity company based in the Sundays River Valley and they offer a wide range of activities from tours to the Addo Elephant
- [Port Elizabeth Concentration Camp Memorial](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/port-elizabeth-concentration-camp-memorial/) - Today's post basically is a report of a post I did in 2014. It's one of those little pieces of Port Elizabeth information that very few know about and is worth reposting. When you mention the word concentration camp most people would probably associate it with the Germans during the second World War. Few know
- [Queen Victoria and the library](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/queen-victoria-and-the-library/) - It's really sad that the magnificent historic Public Library in the city centre is still closed with no indication on when the necessary work will be done or at what stage budget will be available to do it. The building was built in 1901 with the façade constructed in England and shipped to Port Elizabeth in
- ["Lost" in an antique store](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/lost-in-an-antique-store/) - Getting lost somewhere doesn't always have to mean you don't know where you are. Sometimes you are so in awe of where you are that you lose track of time and literally get lost in your own mind. While exploring Ira's Antique Shop in Graaff-Reinet while looking for the oldest cake in South Africa, I spotted this guy down
- [Sunrise on the N2](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sunrise-on-the-n2/) - I had to go to East London for a SA Tourism workshop today and hit the road before sunrise and only returning well after sunset. Which means that I enjoyed both whiles on the road today with the sun rising as I was barrelling down the N2 this morning.
- [My Geocaching family](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/my-geocaching-family/) - This morning I attended a Geocaching event to kick off the Friend League challenge over the next few weeks. The challenge is pirate themed and involved finding the Lost Treasure of Mary Hyde. We're not really sure ourselves how exactly the challenge is going to go, but the reason for this post is to show you
- [2018 70.3 Ironman World Champs host city video](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/2018-70-3-ironman-world-champs-host-city-video/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYhdYCsOiiA&w=500&h=400] On the 1st and 2nd of September 2018, Nelson Mandela Bay is playing host to the 70.3 Ironman World Championship here in Port Elizabeth. Check out this stunning host city video that has just been posted by Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism. Not just is Port Elizabeth one of the best Ironman venues in the
- [Russell Road Cemetery](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/russell-road-cemetery/) - The Russell Road Cemetery is another of Port Elizabeth's historic grave yards dating back to the early days of Port Elizabeth. As the town grew the increased demands on the St Mary's Cemetery next to the Baakens River became too much and a solution had to be found, not just for another cemetery but also
- [The Lollipop beacon](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-lollipop-beacon/) - In 1829 two stone beacons were erected near the beach that had to be aligned by ships sailing into Algoa Bay from the west so that they could avoid the very dangerous Roman Rock. In 1858 they were replaced by two new stone beacons. These were painted red and white with a black ball on
- [Rest-a-While on Kragga Kamma Road](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/rest-a-while-on-kragga-kamma-road/) - When was the last time you drove down Kragga Kamma Road to Coleen Glen? Been a while? Have you ever noticed the little building on the right hand side not far from Cow's Corner? Well that little building has a new tenant, a new jacket and a new purpose. Rest-a-While (Pebble Springs) is the biggest little
- [St Mary's and St Peter's](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/st-marys-and-st-peters/) - St Mary's Cemetery at the bottom of the Baakens Valley dates back to as early as 1799 when it was a military cemetery. This changed with the arrival of the 1820 British Settlers and you can still find graves of some of the original Settlers in the grave yard. On the hill above the cemetery
- [The Scottish Cemetery at St George's Park](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-scottish-cemetery-at-st-georges-park/) - In the early days of Port Elizabeth the St Mary's Cemetery was used, first by the military based at Fort Frederick, and later for civilians with the cemetery being under the control of St Mary's Church. As the town grew more burial areas were required by the various Christian denominations and in the 1830's and
- [Done footage of Dolphins on the PE beachfront](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/done-footage-of-dolphins-on-the-pe-beachfront/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvMlOJC3ruY&w=500&h=400] I usually stumble on the videos I post here for Video Friday by accident while looking for something to post. This week is no different but it is a stunning short video taken by Jan Jordaan of the PE beachfront and dolphins cruising along the coast
- [A billowing sunny flag](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-billowing-sunny-flag/) - The Great Flag on the Donkin Reserve billowing in the wind with the sun behind it
- [Sunset over the city](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sunset-over-the-city/) - I know I've said it before, but one of my favorite parts of winter is early sunsets which I can catch if I work a little later than usual. Like I did the other day...
- [Shark Rock Pier waves](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/shark-rock-pier-waves/) - Although Shark Rock Pier is probably photographed more often from the Hobie Beach side, I still think this angle with the rocks in the foreground and waves crashing over them is better.
- [Giant cacti at Obesa](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/giant-cacti-at-obesa/) - I have always had a love for cacti and succulents. Perhaps because there are so many different species, because they often surprise you with the most beautiful little flowers or because they don't need much looking after or water. But nothing I knew about succulents could prepare me for what I encountered at the Obesa
- [Captain Francis Evatt's grave at Fort Frederick](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/captain-francis-evatts-grave-at-fort-frederick/) - Captain Francis Evatt was born in Ireland in 1770 and arrived in the Cape Colony in 1806 with the 21st Dragoon Guards and served together with his brother for a number of years on the frontier. In 1817 he was appointed as Commandant of Fort Frederick at a salary of 90 pounds a year (only
- [Baakens Valley trail view](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/baakens-valley-trail-view/) - Yesterday morning I hit the trails in the Baakens Valley just off Alan Drive with Chaos Boy to go and find a few Geocaches I haven't had a chance to do. It's been a while since I've been on them and just realised again why the area is so popular with trail runners and mountain
- [Yellow and purple in the Baakens Valley](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/yellow-and-purple-in-the-baakens-valley/) - I took a walk along the trails in the Baakens Valley for the first time in ages this morning. The veld is very brown and grey due to it being winter, the fact that we're going through a drought and the fire that burned through the valley a few months ago. There are patches of
- [Winters walk on the pier](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/winters-walk-on-the-pier/) - Taking a Sunday afternoon winters walk along Shark Rock Pier
- [Paddle skiers off the pier](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/paddle-skiers-off-the-pier/) - I've always wanted to try paddle skiing but just never had the chance. Very much like surfing actually. Something I really need to try. But back to paddle skiing. On Sunday while standing on the pier, in perfect conditions, no wind, flat seas and clear waters, three paddle skiers came padding past below. Looked blissful.
- [The King Edward Hotel by the Donkin Reserve](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-king-edward-hotel-by-the-donkin-reserve/) - My fondest memory of the Edward Hotel was having our matric farewell dance in the back hall. And eating there a couple of times. The hotel has been closed for a number of years now and have undergone a revamp and upgrade with plans to reopen later this year. Since the announcement the management group
- [Celebrating 3000 posts on Port Elizabeth Daily Photo](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/celebrating-3000-posts-on-port-elizabeth-daily-photo/) - Today is a milestone day for me here on Port Elizabeth Daily Photo. This day marks the 3000th post I've done on this here blog. When I started blogging on Firefly the Travel Guy (then known as The Firefly Photo Files) on 9 July 2008 I did so because I wanted to share with people
- [Shark Rock Pier on a Sunday afternoon](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/shark-rock-pier-on-a-sunday-afternoon/) - Yesterday afternoon I found myself on the beach without my camera. Perfect weather, emerald green great visibility ocean, clear air... What more could a guy ask for other than to have your camera. Luckily I had my phone and I perched myself on a rock next to the pier for a picture. Seconds later that
- [Enjoying the view from the pier](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/enjoying-the-view-from-the-pier/) - We headed down to the beachfront this afternoon to pop in at the Homemakers Expo at the Boardwalk and afterwards went for a walk along the pier to enjoy the glorious winters weather. Standing out on the pier I realised how long its been since we've done this as a family. Have you been to
- [Sand Sledding at Sundays River Mouth video](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sand-sledding-at-sundays-river-mouth-video/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJGnvnEwN44&w=500&h=400] The guys from Chasing the Rainbow went cruising on the Sundays River Ferry and topped off the trip sand sledding on the Colchester dunes near the river mouth with Captain Les. Check the video they made doing this awesome activity right here on our doorstep.
- [History on the mind](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/history-on-the-mind/) - Port Elizabeth is really fortunate to have a lot of different cultures and heritages come together here over the years and if you have history on your mind, then it's just the place to be. In this case the Donkin Street Houses behind one of the Route 72 Voting Line figures.
- [Schoenies Centenary Garden](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/schoenies-centenary-garden/) - Last year (2016) saw Schoenmakerskop, or as we refer to it, Schoenies, celebrate its centenary year. As part of the celebrations a Centenary Garden has been established in front of the Sacramento Restaurant. The plaque in front of the garden says: "There's not a day when I don't think about how privileged I am to
- [A Port Elizabeth Winter Sunset](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-port-elizabeth-winter-sunset/) - Winter sunsets are the best
- [Indian memorial at the Donkin Reserve](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/indian-memorial-at-the-donkin-reserve/) - I was taking a couple of pictures on the Donkin Reserve the other day and noticed this plaque on the stone wall by the Great Flag. I don't know if it is a recent addition or if I've just never noticed it. Weird, but anyways. The plaque marks the 150th anniversary (as on 16 November
- [The top of the beachfront](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-top-of-the-beachfront/) - Most people go to Kings, Humewood, Hobie and Pollok Beaches when they go to the beachfront but very rarely go right to the top of Pollok Beach just below the Lollipop Beacon. That is unless you participat in the Hoby Beach Parkrun every week. This picture was taken right at the top of the Pollok
- [Peaceful beachfront](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/peaceful-beachfront/) - Amid days with strong winds, lots of fires in Thornhill and Knysna, storms in the Cape, KidZ writing exams, me finally starting to catch up on work and whatever else, we've had a few nice evenings and after working a little late one afternoon I stopped on the beachfront to get some sunset photos. Standing
- [Celebrating Youth Day](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/celebrating-youth-day/) - Youth Day is celebrated in South Africa on 16 June. It commemorates the Soweto uprising of 1976 which took place in response to multiple issues with the Bantu Education Act and the government edict in 1974 that Afrikaans be used as medium of instruction for certain subjects in black schools. Police opened fire on the
- [Country in the city on Route 67](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/country-in-the-city-on-route-67/) - A hint of country in the city - tufts of grass on the Donkin Reserve with a windpomp figure forming part of Route 67 in the background
- [PE's Airforce Museum deserves to be discovered](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/pes-airforce-museum-deserves-to-be-discovered/) - I am often amazed at how many people didn't know that Port Elizabeth has a South African Airforce Museum. Located behind the airport in a restored World War II hanger, the museum has a great collection of planes, choppers, equipment, uniforms, models and other paraphernalia. It's easy to get to, just follow Forrest Hill Drive
- [Happy Valley figures](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/happy-valley-figures/) - I took a walk up Happy Valley last week while I was doing a recce for an Amazing Race I organised. Early morning and with no wind walking there was absolute bliss. Not a soul in sight, birds chirping and the cool air on my face. What a spot and so under-utilised. The lawns were
- [The Graaff-Reinet church - looking rather ghostly](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-graaff-reinet-church-looking-rather-ghostly/) - The last two months have been an absolute blur. Don't ask me where it went, I just know it's gone and I am exhausted. But things are getting back to normal and hopefully I will get my blogging mojo back as well. The pictures from our Graaff-Reinet weekend is lined up and just waiting for
- [Port Elizabeth's Shark River](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/port-elizabeths-shark-river/) - Did you know that the little stream that flows through Happy Valley is called the Shark River? The river valley actually extends up through the old Boet Erasmus Stadium and Forest Hill. Back in the early days of Port Elizabeth the Shark River was one of the town's water sources with the Frames Reservoir being
- [Baby penguins in ICU](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/baby-penguins-in-icu/) - While scouting spots as stops for Miggie's Amazing Race for this past Saturday I popped into SAMREC. I haven't been for a while and had a quick walk around the centre with Keith, one of the guides. He told me they had a lot of babies in at the moment and I got to peek
- [The girl on the dolphin](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-girl-on-the-dolphin/) - Perhaps an easy question for some and slightly more difficult for others. Where in Port Elizabeth would you find this figure of a girl riding a dolphin?
- [An Aloe overlooking the Baakens Valley](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/an-aloe-overlooking-the-baakens-valley/) - I was out on a recce at lunch time today for this Saturday's Amazing Race I'm organising and ended up looking down the Baakens Valley from the Walmer side. For those who aren't sure where this is, that is Upper Valley Road leading down towards Bridge Street with the harbour giraffes in the background.
- [I got to visit Hole in the Wall](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/i-got-to-visit-hole-in-the-wall/) - Regular follower of PE Daily Photo may have noticed (or at least I hope you noticed) that I have been MIA for two days. I had to "pop" up to Coffee Bay for the quarterly Wild Coast Holiday Association meeting and struggled with my internet connection while there so couldn't post. I'll catch up on
- [The view from Lady Slipper](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-view-from-lady-slipper/) - We all know Lady Slipper. When you head west out of Port Elizabeth (or vice versa) on the N2 you drive right past it. But have you ever been on top of the mountain. The easiest way up is by following the road up to the towers from the back of the mountain and this
- [Tsitsikamma, the gateway to the Garden Route](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tsitsikamma-the-gateway-to-the-garden-route/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnNA3elGqLo&w=500&h=400] The Tsitsikamma truly is a special place. This breathtaking stretch of the Garden Route is where mountains, indigenous forests, deep gorges and lush vegetation skirt the rugged coastline of cliffs and sandy beaches. The area has an abundance of indigenous flora – ancient yellowwood trees and magnificent fynbos plants – as well as birdlife.
- [Sunset over Port Elizabeth](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sunset-over-port-elizabeth/) - Yesterday afternoon I worked a little later than usual and as I left the office the sun was starting to head for the horizon. I stopped across the road from Bayworld and grabbed my camera. Those photos are still there... on my camera, but I did snap one with my phone as well. We've
- [Another beautiful morning](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/another-beautiful-morning/) - One of the things I like about this time of the year is the fact that we have so little wind. Over the last few days we've had some stunning days with striking sunsets, but this morning I swung past the beach before work and got a slightly post sunrise photo. The start of another
- [Donation #68](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/donation-68/) - Today's post is a public service announcement. After putting it off for way too long, I finally had time to pop over to the SA National Blood Service HQ next to the Provincial Hospital to do my second donation for the year, bringing my total up to 68 donations. It was wonderful to see the
- [My first photo on Port Elizabeth Daily Photo was...](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/my-first-photo-on-port-elizabeth-daily-photo-was/) - While deciding what to post tonight I started wondering what the first picture was I posted on PE Daily Photo. I went digging through the archives and arrived back at 15 March 2009 when I took over Port Elizabeth Daily Photo from Sue and Max Hoppe and posted my first photo on this blog. It
- [Cemetery fence at St Georges](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/cemetery-fence-at-st-georges/) - The old Scottish Cemetery at St George's Park was established way back in 1854 on what was the western edge of town back then. These days the western edge of town is all the way over at Baywest.
- [Friday cloud formation](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/friday-cloud-formation/) - I know I usually post a video from YouTube on Fridays, but today I want to post a picture I took on y way back to PE from the Tsitsikamma. Just outside Port Elizabeth I noticed a very interesting cloud formation and snapped a quick photo. Not long after a friend posted a picture of
- [A gargoyle and a knight at the Public Library](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-gargoyle-and-a-knight-at-the-public-library/) - Have you ever noticed the knight above the old city emblem on the Public Library in the city centre? Or the figure below? Although probably a gargoyle but it does look like some mythical forest creature.
- [Looking out the museum doorway](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/looking-out-the-museum-doorway/) - I'm finally busy going through and editing the pictures I took in Graaff-Reinet a few weekends ago and will start posting about our visit shortly. One of the photos I found was this one of Miggie standing in the door at the Reinet House museum looking up towards the Drostdy Hotel. She clearly likes being
- [Township take-aways](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/township-take-aways/) - I was going through some older photos of mine and came across this one I took in New Brighton a while back. This lady sells roosterkoek and vetkoek from a container near the Red Location Museum (which is currently still closed) and when I worked for Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism and got to go to
- [Red Hot Poker on the Wild Side](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/red-hot-poker-on-the-wild-side/) - The Latin name for the Red Hot Poker is Kniphofia and its also sometimes known as a Torch lily or Poker plant. According to Wikipedia, it is a genus of plants in the family Xanthorrhoeaceae, subfamily Asphodeloideae, that includes 70 or more species native to Africa. This specific one I found close to Schoenies.
- ["We still Bezzy for the Moument"](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/we-still-bezzy-for-the-moument/) - A walk around the Reinet House Museum in Graaff-Reinet recently had me wander into the mill house in the backyard. They're currently busy with restoration work and a hand written sign on a piece of torn off cardboard caught my eye. I just had to snicker. Clearly somebody asked one of the Afrikaans workers doing
- [Explore PE on an Amazing Race](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/explore-pe-on-an-amazing-race/) - If you're a regular follower of PE Daily Photo you would know that my daughter Miggie was selected to the SA Indoor Cricket Girls Team that is going on an inland tour at the end of September. Even though it's not an international trip it's still going to cost us a pretty penny sending her on
- [Sunrise over the Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sunrise-over-the-bay/) - I'm not an early morning person. Too much of a night owl. So one of the things I like about winter is the fact that the sun comes up later allowing me to get the occasional sunrise pic. This is a recycled one but I'm hoping to get a few again soon.
- [Experience South Africa in one minute](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/experience-south-africa-in-one-minute/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TGQQvIUFt4&w=500&h=400] I spent the week in Durban at the annual Tourism Indaba hosted by South African Tourism and can't but help to feel very positive about the country's tourism industry. To tell the truth, tourism is the industry that has the potential to create the most jobs in South Africa and can become one of
- [Flamingos at Swartkops](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/flamingos-at-swartkops/) - One of the things I really enjoy about driving past Swartkops to Uitenhage is seeing the flamingos in the estuary and salt pans. Usually I'm in a hurry to get to where I have to be and I really need to stop more often and take some more photos of them.
- [Patterns and textures at InniKloof](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/patterns-and-textures-at-innikloof/) - Hiking to the Waterfall at InniKoof outside Hankey wasn't just about the beautiful views and the waterfalls. It was also about patterns, textures and colours. Nature really offers us so much more than the big pictures. I haven't done a Random ... post for a while so here is one. Random patterns and textures from
- [Towers and spires](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/towers-and-spires/) - The historic Public Library along with the even more historic St Mary's Anglican Cathedral in the city centre has a very nice collection of interesting spires and little towers.
- [Schoenies Forward Observation Post view](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/schoenies-forward-observation-post-view/) - The view of the coastline from the World War II Forward Observation Post at Schoenmakerskop. This historic building is now under threat due to a company wanting to mine the sand of the dune on which the FOP is located saying that it "isn't a natural dune". What a load of hogwash!
- [Pincushions at Van Stadens](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/pincushions-at-van-stadens/) - I haven't been to the Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve for a few months so I think it's time to swing by again to see what is in flower. This is a picture from a little while ago with Pincushions in flower.
- [The beacon at Cape Recife](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-beacon-at-cape-recife/) - The beacon out at Cape Recife is one of two beacons that were used for shipping purposes before the invention of modern navigation technology. The second beacon is the lollipop beacon on Marine Drive where Admiralty Road and Marine Drive comes together. Ships sailing along the coast from the west had to line up the
- [#ECMeetUp food](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/ecmeetup-food/) - I attended the third Eastern Cape blogger meetup event at The Plantation this morning and there was food. I mean it was great networking, meeting fellow bloggers, awesome talks and... food. Ok, so I'm not going to post about the event and all the great bloggers who attended, but I am going to show you
- [The Algoa Bay Hope Spot mini documentary](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-algoa-bay-hope-spot-mini-documentary/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrtC9K_z3UA&w=500&h=400] Algoa Bay is one of six marine Hope Spots proclaimed along the South African coastline. Although the Algoa Bay Hope Spots covers the whole diverse marine ecology of the bay it focuses on the African Penguin. The other South African Hope Spots are False Bay, Cape Whale Coast, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and the Aliwal
- [Roosterkoek for lunch](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/roosterkoek-for-lunch/) - I had to drive to East London yesterday (and missed yesterday's post so will slot one in a bit later today) and back today. Along the way I stopped for a quick take away. Want to venture a guess where I stopped? I'll give you a hint. In addition to roosterkoek they also sell the
- [InniKloof cascades](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/innikloof-cascades/) - One of the cascading waterfalls you can see at the end of the InniKloof Waterfall Hike near Hankey. Read more about our outing on the hike to the waterfall at InniKloof.
- [A mountain pool dip](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-mountain-pool-dip/) - A couple of weeks ago I got to finally go on the Waterfall Hike at InniKloof outside Hankey. Something we've been wanting to do for quite a while now. It was a day of beautiful views, huffing and puffing over a mountain, nearly loosing a child in the wilderness and finally taking a swim in
- [Up(s) and down(s) and into the water at the InniKloof Waterfall hike](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/ups-and-downs-and-into-the-water-at-the-innikloof-waterfall-hike/) - Everybody has their travel bucket lists. I'm no different but because I would still like to do a lot of travelling I have divided mine into International, African, South African and Eastern Cape. One of the things that has been on my Eastern Cape travel bucket list for a while now is doing the Innikloof
- [Returning to high school rugby](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/returning-to-high-school-rugby/) - I used enjoy watching DF Malherbe, my alma mater, play rugby and netball on a Saturday. A few years after school I actually helped to coach the u14 team for a year or two but as time went on I got to go less and less as life got more and more busy. Now Chaos
- [Cape Recife and Schoenmakerskop from the air](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/cape-recife-and-schoenmakerskop-from-the-air/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4NLbP9Qedc&w=500&h=400] This week's Video Friday post is another one of Renaldo Gouws' drone aerial videos, this time of the striking coastline of the Wildside featuring Cape Recife and Schoenmakerskop.
- [Thankful for the rain](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/thankful-for-the-rain/) - What an absolute pleasure the rain was today. From the sound of it not much fell in the catchment areas which means we need a lot more but I'm sure at least the lawns around town sighed a sigh of relief.
- [Underneath the bridge](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/underneath-the-bridge/) - A couple of years ago I got to walk underneath the Van Stadens Bridge for the first time while following one of the trails in the Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve in search of a Geocache. A couple of days ago I saw a friend post a similar picture and I decided to go and dig
- [Clouds over Port Elizabeth](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/clouds-over-port-elizabeth/) - Last weekend while on the beach I noticed this line of clouds moving over Port Elizabeth. If I didn't know better I would have thought it was a cold front coming in, but these clouds were moving away and this was the back of it. Was rather striking...
- [St George's Park fountain](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/st-georges-park-fountain/) - The centre piece fountain of the Pearson Conservatory in St George's Park was made by Andrew Handyside at the Duke Street Foundry "Britannia Iron Works" in Derby in the UK around the same year the Conservatory was built in 1882.
- [Sardinia Bay from the air video](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sardinia-bay-from-the-air-video/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pHOCFiUm70&w=500&h=400] This week's Video Friday post is another of Renaldo Gouws' aerial drone videos, this time of what is probably Port Elizabeth's most special beach. Sardinia Bay. Enough said.
- [Shipwreck memorial in South End Cemetery](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/shipwreck-memorial-in-south-end-cemetery/) - Probably the biggest maritime disaster that ever took place on the Port Elizabeth coastline happened way back during the Great Gale of 1902. On Sunday, 31 August 1902 there were 38 ships at anchor along the then North End Beach. Rain and a south-easterly wind started to lash the bay and by midnight the storm
- [Drakensberg Amphitheater views](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/drakensberg-amphitheater-views/) - South Africa has two iconic "flat" mountains. Table Mountain in the west and the Drakensberg's Amphitheater in the east. It is below the Amphitheater in the Royal Natal National Park that we camped at Mahai during December and like with Table Mountain I just could not get enough of looking up at the Amphitheater. Well
- [Oupa en Ouma sit op die strand](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/oupa-en-ouma-sit-op-die-strand/) - There is a fun little Afrikaans rhyme that starts with "Oupa en Ouma sit op die stoep..." (Grandpa and Grandma sit on the porch) and it was this rhyme that popped into my mind on Sunday when I saw this elderly couple sitting on the rocks at the beach.
- [How old is St George's Park?](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/how-old-is-st-georges-park/) - I took a walk through St George's Park a week or so ago and along the way I wondered how many people actually know how old St George's Park is. St George's Park was laid out and opened on 6 August 1861 to commemorate the visit of Prince Alfred, second son of Queen Victoria, to
- [Lions Head Sunset](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/lions-head-sunset/) - Last week I spent some time in Cape Town attending the annual World Travel Market Africa tourism trade show. The one afternoon after the show I headed up to Table Mountain Road for a walk just before sunset and could kick myself for leaving my camera at the guesthouse the morning. My phone had to
- [Building sand castles](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/building-sand-castles/) - While we were on the beach yesterday and Miggie and her friend were swimming, my 15 year old son chose to rather dig holes and build sand castles. Perhaps we should all take a break every now and then and build sand castles.
- [Beach fun at "The Rock"](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/beach-fun-at-the-rock/) - When we were small one of our favorite places to go on a Sunday afternoon was "The Rock". The Rock refers to the rock below Something Good with the gap through which the waves wash into the little natural tidal pool. Today we spent a couple of hours on the beach and Miggie and her
- [Conservatory lines](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/conservatory-lines/) - I just can't get enough of the lines in the Pearson Conservatory in St George's Park. Great for photography.
- [Maitlands from the air](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/maitlands-from-the-air/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3lvc_XWa1A&w=500&h=400] Last week's Video Friday post was one by Renaldo Gouws showing off Shark Rock Pier and surrounds. This week I'm sharing his video with drone footage of the Maitlands area. We really are fortunate to have such beautiful coastal areas around Port Elizabeth and it's great seeing it from another angle in Renaldo's videos.
- [Forgotten Footbridge flowers](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/forgotten-footbridge-flowers/) - Behind the South End Cemetery is an old footbridge over the narrow gauge railway line which most people probably have never seen. It's not really something significant but I know of it because I have a Geocache hidden there. I went to check up on it the other day after the recent fire and snapped
- [Garden stroll](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/garden-stroll/) - A weekend or two ago we went for a photo shoot in St Georges Park. No, I don't mean I went to take photos in St Georges. In February the Damselfly gave me a voucher for a couples shoot with Champayne Creations for Valentines Day and we were in St Georges to have our photos taken.
- [South End Cemetery in sepia](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/south-end-cemetery-in-sepia/) - I stopped by the South End Cemetery last week to check up on my Geocaches in the area and took a slow drive around the cemetery. It's really sad to see how much vandalism has taken place in the cemetery. Pity the municipality can't put aside a bit of budget to restore a lot of
- [Splash Festival crowds](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/splash-festival-crowds/) - It was Splash Festival time again this Easter weekend and after a bit of a damp squib on Friday, the rest of the weekend turned out rather nicely. I spent some time at Splash as part of the Luister FM outside broadcast on Sunday and was quite impressed with the amount of people around. When
- [Our little SA champions](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/our-little-sa-champions/) - Over the past week the South African Indoor Cricket junior championships took place in Port Elizabeth and Miggie was in the under 10 EP Elephants side taking part in the tournament. It's been close to 8 months of preparations and the team did not disappoint. They came through the round robin rounds undefeated although they
- [Lone fishing boat at dawn](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/lone-fishing-boat-at-dawn/) - A lone fishing boat out in Algoa Bay at dawn
- [Drone footage around Shark Rock Pier](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/drone-footage-around-shark-rock-pier/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqiGwcSwfpE&w=500&h=400] I was very excited when I saw that Renaldo Gouws had uploaded some drone footage on YouTube again. Renaldo may be best known for his political and social comment videos, but his drone videos truly are exceptional. He has upload three which I will be sharing with you on Video Friday over the next three
- [The beach at Bluewater Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-beach-at-bluewater-bay/) - Bluewater Bay Beach stretching away towards the Coega Harbour hidden somewhere in the haze on the horizon. I made a quick stop to snap a picture or two while on my way elsewhere but have to make a plan to return some time soon for a walk along the beach. The beach is great for
- [A blooming nice trail](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-blooming-nice-trail/) - A patch of yellow flowers along the Sacramento Trail at Schoenmakerskop
- [Black Oyster Catcher nest on the Wild Coast](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/black-oyster-catcher-nest-on-the-wild-coast/) - The Wild Coast is all about the rugged coastline, beautiful beaches, rolling green hills, dramatic waterfalls, spectacular river mouths, friendly and hospitable people. So in fact that many visitors often miss the little things. And y'all know how I can go on about not just looking at the bigger picture when you are travelling. A
- [A royal perch](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-royal-perch/) - "There is a pigeon sitting on my head. I am not amused!"
- [St Francis the patron saint of animals](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/st-francis-the-patron-saint-of-animals/) - The Animal Welfare Society on Victoria Drive truly needs all the help it can get with so many people who care for animals it is also clear that there are even more who don't really care for animals. Outside the Animal Welfare building stands a statue and I wonder how many people notice it or
- [St Mary's arch figure](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/st-marys-arch-figure/) - The figure on the arch entrance way outside St Mary's Anglican Cathedral next to the Public Library in the Port Elizabeth city centre
- [Port Elizabeth from the air](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/port-elizabeth-from-the-air/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNZM98qs0oE&w=500&h=400] I found this clip by Hurricane Productions on YouTube this morning and I see I have commented on it so there is a chance that I have shared it before. But even if I have, it's worth sharing again. The drone footage of Port Elizabeth is among some of the most stunning I have
- [Piggies in Happy Valley](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/piggies-in-happy-valley/) - Two little piggies in Happy Valley looking for their brother
- [A grey day on Kings Beach](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-grey-day-on-kings-beach/) - This is what Kings Beach looks like on a grey and dreary day. Empty. This week is going to be different though with the 2017 LSA Surf Nipper National Championships taking place at Kings Beach here in Port Elizabeth from tomorrow till Saturday.
- [Pizza, World Famous in Nieu-Bethesda](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/pizza-world-famous-in-nieu-bethesda/) - The Karoo Heartland village of Nieu-Bethesda is weird and quirky, but in a nice way. It has a lot of interesting nooks and crannies which include a couple of fascinating attractions, authentic Nieu-Bethesdian accommodation and slightly off the regular type of mainstream restaurants and eateries. When you pass a little restaurant with a sign saying Bruno's Alfresco Pizzeria
- [Final preparation](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/final-preparation/) - Life has been hectic and everything is coming in the way of blogging. Or more importantly, taking photos for the blog. I'm just not finding time to get out there with my camera and has been snapping pics with my phone to keep going.But like I said, life gets in the way. Work, family, kids
- [Bayworld's Sacramento canon](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/bayworlds-sacramento-canon/) - The Shipwreck Hall in the Port Elizabeth Museum at Bayworld has some excellent information on shipwrecks around Port Elizabeth. The displays contain a lot of artifacts salvaged from wrecks like the Sacramento, Amsterdam and Doddington. One of the items that form the centerpiece display is a cannon salvaged from the wreck site of the Portuguese
- [Clouds over PE](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/clouds-over-pe/) - We've been having beautiful skies around Port Elizabeth over the last week or so with tonight's sunset being a particular stunning one from what I see on Facebook. Unfortunately I'm in Cape Town at the annual Cape Getaway Show so wasn't able to photograph it. I did photograph this beautiful sky scene the other day
- [Highlights of the 2016 Ironman African Champs in PE](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/highlights-of-the-2016-ironman-african-champs-in-pe/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBokxilvWjI&w=500&h=400] This Sunday its time for the 2017 Ironman African Championship here in Port Elizabeth. The excitement is building up and the vibe is especially evident on the beachfront. To get you in the spirit of the event, here is the highlights package from last year's event.
- [Ironman is coming](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/ironman-is-coming/) - Preparations for this weekend's Ironman African Championship along with the related events, Ironkids and the Corporate Challenge, taking place on Saturday is in full swing on the beachfront.
- [Beachfront Mussels](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/beachfront-mussels/) - I took a break on the beachfront yesterday at low tide and walked out on the little wall between Deville and Humewood Beach. Out at the end there are loads of mussels on the wall and it made a nice different foreground for a picture looking towards Kings Beach in the back.
- [A silver morning](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-silver-morning/) - This morning on the way to work I just had to stop below Brookes Hill and enjoy the sight of the silver ocean sparkling all the way to the horizon
- [Going digital at the Owl House](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/going-digital-at-the-owl-house/) - The last time I was at the Owl House in Nieu-Bethesda I got a nice picture of a gent standing in contemplation between the cement figures. On this visit to the village I was at the Owl House with two friends and colleagues and I really thought there would be a good chance to catch one
- [Tidal pool overflow](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tidal-pool-overflow/) - Everybody loves a waterfall. Imagine my surprise when I spotted this unusual waterfall at Willows Resort on Saturday afternoon. It's the overflow out of the tidal pool at high(ish) tide.
- [Willows view](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/willows-view/) - Miggie was invited to a party at Willows this afternoon and when we went to pick her up I took a walk up to the corner next to the top of their water worm. A beautiful on a stunning Saturday afternoon. Actually very sorry that we're not camping there this weekend because the weather was
- [Why have you never visited Nieu-Bethesda?](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/why-have-you-never-visited-nieu-bethesda/) - It feels like most people I speak to about travelling in the Karoo Heartland of the Eastern Cape have been to Graaff-Reinet, yet many didn't venture much further to also visit Nieu-Bethesda. Nieu-Bethesda truly is a very special village located barely 30 minutes from Graaff-Reinet and have a truly off the beaten track feeling to
- [Orcas off Port Elizabeth with Expert Tours](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/orcas-off-port-elizabeth-with-expert-tours/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2cnvy1qMu8&w=500&h=400] Usually this time of the year the sardines start to gather off the Port Elizabeth coastline before they start their run up the east coast. It gives divers and film crews the ideal opportunity to observe the bait balls along with all the dolphin, whale, shark and bird activity that accompanies it. Expert Tours
- [Seaview coastline](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/seaview-coastline/) - A hazy late afternoon on the coast at Seaview with an approaching thunderstorm
- [Landman's Lake is a little on the low side](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/landmans-lake-is-a-little-on-the-low-side/) - I drove past Landman's Lake (the lake on Lakeside Road) today and could not believe my eyes how low the water level currently is because of the ongoing drought. PE's biggest fresh water lake is but a shadow of its former self. It is so low in fact that there is a beach all around
- [Car wash waiting room](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/car-wash-waiting-room/) - With the drought and accompanying water restrictions I have refrained from washing my car in my support for saving water. Unfortunately it got to the point where my car started becoming an embarrassment so I popped by Soapy Joe car wash in Circular Drive. While they returned my car to respectability I had look around
- [When it rains in Nieu-Bethesda](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/when-it-rains-in-nieu-bethesda/) - A couple of weeks ago I headed up to Nieu-Bethesda in the Karoo Heartland with a colleague for a tourism meeting. En route we encountered the Fish River in full flow at Jansenville, puddles and pools next to the road approaching Graaff-Reinet and a very wet village at our destination. The word Karoo comes from
- [Cooling down at Supertube](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/cooling-down-at-supertube/) - I love spending time at the Supertube at Kings Beach. Once I get going I just can't stop. Yes, I slow down a bit after an hour or so but I'm like a tank. I keep going long after the kids have stopped to look for something to eat or to warm up a bit
- [Low tide next to Hobie Beach](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/low-tide-next-to-hobie-beach/) - At high tide the rocky stretch of beach between Hobie Beach and Pollok Beach is mostly covered by water, but at low tide it's all exposed and looks rather barren. Bird Rock can be seen on the horizon in the middle of the picture and Chop Rock to the left.
- [The Volkswagen plant in Uitenhage](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-volkswagen-plant-in-uitenhage/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCW9f4nXcCg&w=500&h=400] Have you ever wondered what it looks like inside the Volsawagen plant in Uitenhage but have never had a chance to go and do the factory tour? Let me show you through this video I discovered on the Rivista Automobilismo channel on YouTube this morning.
- [Bottom of Russell Road](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/bottom-of-russell-road/) - I know today's photo isn't the typical touristy photo nor one anybody would use to promote the city with. It's still one I would like to share with you. I was at a meeting at Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism in Donkin Street the other day and ventured down to Chapel Street and over to the
- [A little surprise from SA Tourism](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-little-surprise-from-sa-tourism/) - I received a little surprise from SA Tourism in the mail this week. A pair of coffee mugs with the SA Tourim"Welcome" figure on one side and "FireflyAfrica" on the other. I don't get to deal directly with SA Tourism often, probably because I'm not based in Cape Town of Johannesburg where they do a
- [Tee off at PE Golf Club](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tee-off-at-pe-golf-club/) - I'm not a golfer. Not really by choice, more by the fact that I just don't still have time for it as well. I'd rather be out looking for Geocaches somewhere. It's not that I've never tried though. I played the 9 hole Kragga Kamma course probably three times and twice at Sardinia Bay's 9
- [Looking down on Walmer](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/looking-down-on-walmer/) - In yesterday's post I showed you a photo I took while out on a bit of a Geocaching adventure looking down at Target Kloof. Today's pic was taken from exactly the same spot but this time looking down on Walmer. The Baakens Valley leading up towards Dodd's Farm is on the left with the river
- [Looking down on Target Kloof](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/looking-down-on-target-kloof/) - On Saturday morning I went on a little Geocaching expedition at the bottom of Target Kloof. I had to follow a path to the top of the cliffs overlooking the surrounding suburb and river below and ended up snapping this pic from close to the cache location. Now I would never have seen this view
- [Karoo farm scene](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/karoo-farm-scene/) - I took this picture on a recent visit to Lowlands Country House in the Karoo Heartland outside Cradock. The scene just grabbed me and if I was a painter then I would have loved to paint it. It really shows the importance of water in this arid environment and how it can change things from
- [The Baakens River still has water](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-baakens-river-still-has-water/) - I went to pick up a few Geocaches this morning, one which was next to the Baakens River close to Target Kloof. It's good to see that there is still water in the river even though we are struggling through a severe drought at the moment and levels are quite low.
- [An invitation to discover the Eastern Cape](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/an-invitation-to-discover-the-eastern-cape/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E43jHVxDaA4&w=500&h=400] We truly live in a magnificent province with so much to offer in scenery and experiences. Why not explore it a little bit more? #ExperienceEastCape
- [The waterfall at InniKloof](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-waterfall-at-innikloof/) - Two weekends ago we got to do the waterfall hike at Innikloof outside Hankey and I was amazed that even though we are in a severe drought situation, the river and waterfall still had a decent flow to it.
- [Looking down the Baakens Valley](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/looking-down-the-baakens-valley/) - At had a meeting with Nadine of Passing the Open Window, a fellow travel blogger, yesterday and got to take this photo from their balcony looking down the Baakens Valley towards the harbour. Nice!
- [The welcome sight of a campsite rainbow](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-welcome-sight-of-a-campsite-rainbow/) - At the end of each thunderstorm in the Drakensberg there is a rainbow. Something campers look forward to when the first drops come down.
- [Tramways Building mural](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tramways-building-mural/) - On passing through Lower Valley Road today I decided to sop and have a closer look at the new mural that has been put up at the Tramways Building. The mural, in black and white, depicts scenes and items linked to the harbour, South End and Central. Included are lots of harbour cranes, trams, city
- [Sunday Falls Trail - Royal Natal National Park](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sunday-falls-trail-royal-natal-national-park/) - How can one visit the Drakesnberg and not do some of the amazing hiking trails the Berg has to offer to take in the magnificent mountain views, streams and waterfalls around? Over the ten days we spent camping at Mahai in the Royal Natal National Park in the Northern Drakensberg we split our time between
- [Sunday afternoon on Main Road](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sunday-afternoon-on-main-road/) - If you sit in traffic on Main Road through Walmer every day then it would be hard to think its the same road when you look at it on a Sunday afternoon
- [America First, South Africa Second](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/america-first-south-africa-second/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAmpHcbEAKc&w=500&h=400] Everybody has been making America First, whatever country Second videos so why should South Africa be left behind. I think we've all been waiting for it and now KFM radio station in the Western Cape has done it. An America First, South Africa Second video. I know it's not a Port Elizabeth related video
- [Shooting arrows like a boss](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/shooting-arrows-like-a-boss/) - Robin Hood does it. Legolas killed orcs doing it, Princess Merida did it in Brave, Hawkeye and Green Arrow are seen as superheroes for doing it, Katniss Everdeen has been doing it and Rambo even took down a helicopter doing it. Did you know there is an archery club at Londt Park? Well, on the
- [No better way to explore PE than with an Amazing Race](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/no-better-way-to-explore-pe-than-with-an-amazing-race/) - A couple of weeks ago I participated in the annual SAACI Amazing Race along with my friend Stefan of Fish River Sun. These Amazing Race type fundraisers is a great way to explore the city and take participants to places they've never been to or haven't been to for a while. It does also bring
- [Hiking to Tiger Falls - Royal Natal National Park](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/hiking-to-tiger-falls-royal-natal-national-park/) - The Drakensberg is famous for the trails that crisscross her spine, meanders across her back, explore her valleys, marvel at her fabulous buttresses, enter her wooded vales, wade through her streams and end up at waterfalls flowing over her. It's enough to want to throw your head back and shout in ecstasy. Yes I know
- [Pine Lodge Zipline](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/pine-lodge-zipline/) - Did you know you can zipline right here in Port Elizabeth? No? Well now you do. Pine Lodge has a three cable zipline as well as a high ropes course that is well worth the visit if you don't have the time to travel to the Addo or Tsitsikamma areas.
- [Black Oyster Catchers](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/black-oyster-catchers/) - I remember how people were moaning when they banned all driving on beaches back in 2002. One of the reasons given for the ban was the Black Oyster Catcher and how vehicles driving on the beaches destroyed nests, and thus eggs, as well as killed chicks. The pro beach driving group blew this off as
- [Swimming at Cascades - Royal Natal National Park](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/swimming-at-cascades-royal-natal-national-park/) - When you arrive at Mahai campsite in the Royal Natal National Park in the Drakensberg, one of the first things you notice is that there is no swimming pool. "What! No swimming pool? How is one supposed to cool down on those hot barmy summers days while camping?" you ask. Mahai doesn't have a swimming
- [The final Great Moscow Circus performance in PE](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-final-great-moscow-circus-performance-in-pe/) - I got to attend the final performance of the Great Moscow Circus in Port Elizabeth tonight (Sunday 26 Feb) before the pack up and move on to Durban. Wow, what a performance. I commented earlier in the week how I felt that it is affordable to take a family to see the show and I
- [Checking the river](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/checking-the-river/) - A Cormorant checking the tide to see if everything is in order for this Sunday's River Mile at on the Sundays River at Colchester
- [This is Winter on the Wild Coast](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/this-is-winter-on-the-wild-coast/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iSDCRg7sI4&w=500&h=400] With summer in full swing, the Wild Coast Holiday Association has just launched a destination promotion video promoting the Wild Coast as a winter destination for the upcoming winter season. I'm sure a lot of the Wild Coast locals would ask you what winter is as they have stunning weather over this period and
- [Campsite Cricket](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/campsite-cricket/) - Having a budding young cricket player on our hands, it wasn't difficult finding Miggie around the campsite at Mahai in the Drakensberg during December when we were looking for her. Just find the nearest cricket game and she will be there. Preferably one with adults playing as "they bowl better", to quote her.
- [The Slides at MacArthur's](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-slides-at-macarthurs/) - On Saturday Miggie had her birthday party at MacArthur Pool and the kids spent most of the day on MacArthur's slides. Even though they really are kiddie slides, even I decided to go down once or twice... or five times. Who's counting?
- [Party by the pool](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/party-by-the-pool/) - On Saturday we had Miggie's birthday party at MacArthur Baths on the beachfront. At R40 an adult and R20 for kids 12 and under it really is a bargain venue to have a party. We didn't book before hand and just took up minimum space to put down our stuff, but there were four other
- [Taking a swim at the MacArthur Baths](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/taking-a-swim-at-the-macarthur-baths/) - I remember spending a lot of time at the MacArthur swimming pools when I was a kid. The fresh water pool, the salt water pool with the diving board and the sea splashing over into it at high tide and the slides. I remember when we were small we used to slide at the old
- [Flat Rocks at high tide](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/flat-rocks-at-high-tide/) - Flat Rocks was named so for the exposed reefs of flattish rocks that you find along this piece of Algoa Bay's coastline. But when you visit at high tide there aren't any visible flat rocks so you won't have any idea what the locals are talking about.
- [A beach cleanup on Kings Beach](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-beach-cleanup-on-kings-beach/) - We spent the day at MacArthur Baths and I spotted this group of kids busy with a beach cleanup on King's Beach. Well done guys on doing your part to keep our coastline clean and beautiful.
- [Promoting the Boardwalk AND Port Elizabeth](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/promoting-the-boardwalk-and-port-elizabeth/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEv4jItKb6k&w=500&h=400] I was looking for a video to post for today's Video Friday post and found this stunning video by Sun International promoting the Boardwalk Hotel and Casino complex. More importantly, they are promoting Port Elizabeth along with the Boardwalk. Whoever commissioned this video and worked on the project gets that everybody has to be
- [Mahai Campsite - heaven in the Drakensberg](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/mahai-campsite-heaven-in-the-drakensberg/) - Nestled in a beautiful valley in the Royal Natal National Park of the Northern Drakensberg is a campsite that regularly makes lists of top campsites in South Africa. Six years ago we discovered Mahai Campsite for the first time and spend an unfortunate holiday there during major floods that hit the area that summer. Even
- [Finding bracket fungus while out caching](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/finding-bracket-fungus-while-out-caching/) - On my way home this afternoon I stopped to pick up a few Geocaches and at one of the cache locations on Kragga Kamma Road I found this very distinctive bracket fungus growing on the back of the tree. Polypores are a group of fungi that form fruiting bodies with pores or tubes on
- [Little Miss Cricket](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/little-miss-cricket/) - Today's post is a more personal one. Why? Because I can and I feel like bragging a bit. When your daughter's idols are Kagiso Rabada, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Imran Tahir then you know she's a cricket fan. The difference from other girls who are just cricket fans though is that mine
- [The Untitled Woman on the Donkin Reserve](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-untitled-woman-on-the-donkin-reserve/) - Standing at the top of the Donkin Reserve stands a lone woman on a pedestal holding a chair while looking across the square. She is one of the art pieces which is part of Route 67 and is the work of well known artist Anton Momberg. Do you know what she represents? Take a guess.
- [The Donkin Mosaic](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-donkin-mosaic/) - Isn't the 470 square meter mosaic on the Donkin Reserve just the most awesome piece of mosaic art in the city? The piece represents the multi-cultural, the heritages, the diverse histories and the abundant fauna and flora that characterises the city and province.
- [Camping in the Drakensberg](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/camping-in-the-drakensberg/) - The general holiday question is always, BEACH or BUSH? I will probably choose bush over beach 7 out of 10 times but that's because I live on the coast. It's also because I love getting away to a forest, the bush, a game reserve or the wide open spaces of the Karoo. Although I feel
- [The UFO has landed](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-ufo-has-landed/) - One of the Route 67 art pieces that gets the most discussion by visitors is artist Mxolisi Dolla Sapeta's bird-like statue. The Fish-Bird looks like a UFO that has landed and visitors would be excused if they looked around for little green men running around. The Fish-Bird represents the fish in Algoa bay and the
- [Memorials in the Donkin Memorial Garden](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/memorials-in-the-donkin-memorial-garden/) - Visitors to the Donkin Reserve will notice a number of memorials located next to the lighthouse building in a memorial garden made up of spekboom and euphorbia. This section of the Donkin Reserve has been dedicated to the memory of municipal councilors who have died while serving the city. The garden was unveiled to remember
- [NMMU mass line dance - 2013](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/nmmu-mass-line-dance-2013/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=702mrIEEyIU&w=500&h=400] I came across this video of a mass line dance that was done at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University on 21 February 2013. Don't know how I haven't seen it before, but I just have to share it with you for today's Video Friday post.
- [A Mandela quote for today](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-mandela-quote-for-today/) - The time for healing of the wounds has come, The moment to bridge the chasm that divides us has come, The time to build is upon us. These words were spoken by Nelson Mandela in 1994 and is on display along Route 67 on the Donkin Reserve. Words which are as appropriate today as it
- [Chomp up the city](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/chomp-up-the-city/) - If you stand at the right angle it really looks like one of the seats on the Donkin Reserve is chomping away at the city behind it. The art is by well known Port Elizabeth graffiti artist Joff,
- [The Drakensberg Amphitheatre](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-drakensberg-amphitheatre/) - The Amphitheatre must surely be the most recognised and best know feature of the Drakensberg and looked down over us while we were camping in the Royal Natal National Park in December. The Amphitheatre is over 5 kilometers in length and the cliffs along its entire face is about 1 220 meters high at
- [Port Elizabeth's Mandela figure](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/port-elizabeths-mandela-figure/) - The Mandela figure at the head of The Voting Line piece on the Donkin Reserve has become a very popular photographic subject since it's installation as part of Route 67 either on it's own or with people posing next to it. It is sad though that this is the only Mandela figure that visitors get
- [Vygies in the veld outside Matatiele](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/vygies-in-the-veld-outside-matatiele/) - Vygies come in all shapes, sizes and colours. These little ones I found on the mountain above Matatiele on a visit to the Matatiele Mountain Lake. I have two types of vygies in my garden, both creeper type plants with tin green leaves. This specific one has ticker and rounder leaves and look a more
- [Donkin Reserve intersection](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/donkin-reserve-intersection/) - Even though I've been to the Donkin Reserve so many times (I don't want to say hundreds of times but probably can), I still enjoy walking around the reserve and look at the Route 67 art pieces. It really is one of Port Elizabeth's ultimate iconic sites.
- [A pigeon pair](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-pigeon-pair/) - There are so many pictures being taken of The Voting Line on the Donkin Reserve but often it is of the sculpture as a whole and the little details are missed. Like this pair of pigeons sitting on the wall.
- [Donkin Lighthouse and Memorial](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/donkin-lighthouse-and-memorial/) - The Donkin Reserve is one of Port Elizabeth's iconic tourism sites and combines history and public art. The pyramid, called the Donkin Memorial, was commissioned by Sir Rufane Donkin in 1820 as a memorial to his wife Lady Elizabeth Donkin after whom he also named the town. The lighthouse, actually called the Hill Lighthouse, was
- [Aerial Impressions of Port Elizabeth](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/aerial-impressions-of-port-elizabeth/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1Xe1HtbjlY&w=500&h=400] Today's Video Friday post is a video by toasted2010 showing some nice aerial footage of the Donkin Reserve and Summerstrand area filmed in December 2013.
- [Kings Beach Lake walkway](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/kings-beach-lake-walkway/) - Crossing the Kings Beach Park Lake on a Sunday morning on the way to the flea market
- [A day on the beach at Denville](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-day-on-the-beach-at-denville/) - It's summer and that means warm weather and lazy days on the beach
- [Kings Beach market](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/kings-beach-market/) - Last Sunday we went for a walk along the Kings Beach Flea-market. Something we haven't had time for on a Sunday for quite a while. Although you can still pick up a few very nice things for gifts and souvenirs (and there were a few tourists and locals doing just that), it really isn't what
- [A visit to Matatiele in the Eastern Cape highlands](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-visit-to-matatiele-in-the-eastern-cape-highlands/) - I haven't really had the opportunity to venture into the North Eastern Cape so a first visit to Matatiele in the Eastern Cape highlands near boundary with Kwa-Zulu Natal was on the cards while en route to the Drakensberg in December. Matatiele services the surrounding villages and farming community and gives a very good first
- [Lister Memorial - reposted](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/lister-memorial-reposted/) - During my weekly tourism slot on LuisterFM 90.6 last week the Lister Memorial in Summerstrand came up in the conversation. Even though the presenter had seen the stone monument before he had never knew what it was for. I just realised again that there aren't many people who did know about it and even if
- [Noordhoek Skiboat Club](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/noordhoek-skiboat-club/) - Last night I got to go to a function at the Noordhoek Skiboat Club for the first time. It's hidden away on the coastline just below Marine Drive on the Wildside and consist of a nice big bar / restaurant space and an outside undercover braai area, all overlooking the coastline. Actually a very nice
- [Cricket at St George's](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/cricket-at-st-georges/) - The first One Day International of the cricket series between South Africa and Sri Lanka took place here in Port Elizabeth today and I was there. It's been a while since I've been to an international cricket game and it was really a treat being able to go and enjoy it with Drama Princess. Other
- [Liberation Struggle Heritage Tour - Nelson Mandela Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/liberation-struggle-heritage-tour-nelson-mandela-bay/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frEWhOLnS8c&w=500&h=400] Township tours are very popular with international tourist visiting our beautiful city but its not really something many locals go on. I've had the opportunity to explore the townships on a few occations in the past and with a variety of guides and I have to say that it is something every South African
- [Athletics at the Oval](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/athletics-at-the-oval/) - Drama Princess' school had their interhouse athletics at the Oval today and I volunteered to help out on track side. Arriving and walking onto the track immediately brought back memories of my own school athletics days. The smell of the tartan track, kids singing on the stand, cheers for the runners, chants of "hou bene
- [A spider's pantry](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-spiders-pantry/) - We always say that we have to look at the bigger picture and not just be narrow minded and get stuck in the same rut over and over. When you travel though you should really pry your eyes away from a bigger picture at times and look for the little things as well. Travelling up
- [The hallowed green grass of St George's Park](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-hallowed-green-grass-of-st-georges-park/) - With the first ODI in the series between the Proteas and Sri Lanka taking place in Port Elizabeth this Saturday I thought it appropriate to post a photo featuring the hallowed green grass of St George's with the Duckpond Pavilion in the background. Hope the boys make the home crowd proud.
- [The Swartkops N2 bridge](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-swartkops-n2-bridge/) - The N2 bridge running over the Swartkops River at Bluewater Bay
- [Breakfast views on the beachfront](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/breakfast-views-on-the-beachfront/) - This morning I joined a couple of colleagues for breakfast at Angelo's on the beachfront to celebrate one of their birthdays. Sitting there watching a couple of dolphins pass by we all just realised again how privileged we are living in this beautiful coastal city where we can sit and have a meal with a
- [Inside Fort Frederick](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/inside-fort-frederick/) - Fort Frederick sits above the Baakens Valley overlooking the Port Elizabeth Harbour and was built in 1799 by the British Forces to defend the mouth of the Baakens River to prevent a possible landing of French troops to assist the Graaff-Reinet rebels. The fort was named after Frederick, Duke of York who was the Colonial
- [A Saturday night institution](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-saturday-night-institution/) - I spent my day in the garden mowing the lawn and cleaning my rock garden. Weeding the garden wasn't that hard because it so dry at the moment that even the weeds are dying. We seriously need rain. But my day also meant that I didn't get to go out and take a few pictures
- [Discover Freedom destination video](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/discover-freedom-destination-video/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SO5kb_-nrhA&w=500&h=400] For a big period of the time that I worked for Nelson Mandela Bay the tagline used by the organisation was "Discover Freedom". It was a play on words using the link of Nelson Mandela's name and freedom from Apartheid but also referred to the freedom the city offers visitors to choose what they
- [Coega wind turbine](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/coega-wind-turbine/) - Before all these wind farm that have been going up at Jbay, the Tsitsikamma, Blue Horizon Bay and on the Addo Road there was only one. The very first wind turbine to be erected in the area was the one close to the N2 in the Coega Industrial Development zone. One that's still standing all
- [Colourful Elegant Grasshopper at Coega](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/colourful-elegant-grasshopper-at-coega/) - So how high does one jump when you're walking around in the grass looking at the horizon and see movement from the corner of your eye to find about 10 of these colourful Elegant Grasshoppers all around your legs. In my case pretty high as I did taking some photos with my phone in the
- [Donkin Mosaic Steps](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/donkin-mosaic-steps/) - The view up the Mosaic Steps at the Donkin Reserve must be one of my favorite views of this iconic spot.
- [Approaching thunderstorms in the Drakensberg](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/approaching-thunderstorms-in-the-drakensberg/) - Everybody who has ever been on holiday, weekend away or a hiking trip in the Drakensberg in summer will tell you that you are very likely to have your afternoon interrupted by a little, or sometimes a rather big, thunderstorm bringing along with it some thunder and lighting and a few (which could also be
- [Approaching front](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/approaching-front/) - I was on the Wild Coast for a meeting this morning and drove back this afternoon with rain just about all the way. As I was approaching Port Elizabeth there were more clear sky around and coming down the hill towards Colchester and the Sundays River the clouds looked like an approaching front. With my
- [A little PE footage from the 60's](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-little-pe-footage-from-the-60s/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBfPkYiARHs&w=500&h=400] While looking around YouTube in search of a video to post for this week's Video Friday post I came across this one featuring video footage from the late 50's and 60's. Not a lot of vintage footage like this around.
- [The park named after John Shelton](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-park-named-after-john-shelton/) - For the second time in a week I visited a park with a little monument and plaque while Geocaching. This time it was John Shelton Park in Humewood. So who was John Shelton? John Shelton was the Director of Parks for Port Elizabeth until his retirement in the late 1970's and played an important
- [The Full Wolf Moon](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-full-wolf-moon/) - Oh wow, what a balmy evening we had tonight. Popped out to try and cool down a bit earlier and snapped a photo of the full moon with my phone. As I'm typing this now at 11:40 pm I am drying off after a light night swim. And I'm still hot. Tonight's full moon by
- [Fire's biggest victims](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/fires-biggest-victims/) - Walking along the Fynbos Trail at Schoenmakerskop observing the devastation of the recent fires I just realised again how the little guys, like tortoises and snails, are the biggest victims.
- [Admiring the Amphitheatre in the Northern Drakensberg](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/admiring-the-amphitheatre-in-the-northern-drakensberg/) - 2017 has kicked off and the ball is in the air with all the players jostling for places below trying to catch what the year is kicking their way. We ended off 2016 with two weeks camping in the Royal Natal National Park (RNNP) in the Drakensberg hence my little stretch of silence. I have
- [The Fynbos Trail after the December fire](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-fynbos-trail-after-the-december-fire/) - In early December a huge fire swept through the bush on the Wildside in the Schoenmakerskop area. One of the specific spots effected by the fire was the Fynbos Trail that starts next to Sappershoek in Schoenies. I am the cache owner of the PE series of Geocaches that is located along the Fynbos Trail
- [Life returns after the fire](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/life-returns-after-the-fire/) - Life returning to the Fynbos Trail at Schoenmakerskop after the devastating fire of late 2016
- [Having a ball at Baywest](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/having-a-ball-at-baywest/) - We're usually home having a braai on a Saturday evening but today we headed to Baywest for some late afternoon shopping and dinner while Chaosboy went ice skating with a friend. The entertainment area and food court was buzzing all afternoon and got even busier as the sun went down with people (young and /
- [The PE to East London Surfski Challenge](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-pe-to-east-london-surfski-challenge/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXkWK9u1lPU&w=500&h=400] The Port Elizabeth to East London Surfski Challenge takes place every two years and this year about 80 paddlers participated. This week's Video Friday post is one by Mark Roach showing a couple of highlights of the 2016 challenge.
- [British Settler John Parkin's farm](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/british-settler-john-parkins-farm/) - This morning a quick Geocaching outing took me to a small park in Fernglen where I found an equally small monument located to the one side of the park. The monument stated: IN MEMORY OF JOHN PARKIN 1787 - 1856 LEADER OF A PARTY OF SETTLERS FROM DEVON TO SOUTH AFRICA IN 1820, AND PROMINENT
- [Upper Seaview](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/upper-seaview/) - Driving from Mount Pleasant to Seaview most people always seem to be in a hurry and fly down Seaview Road. I enjoy taking the slower more scenic option and drive along the Old and Upper Seaview roads. There are much better views from up there.
- [Lovemore Heights view](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/lovemore-heights-view/) - I have always thought that the view from the top of Melsetter Road on Lovemore Heights are one of the best panoramic views of the city. I passed through the suburb again yesterday and tried to take a photo to share with you. It's impossible to show the view properly by using the camera. Your
- [The lazy days of Summer](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-lazy-days-of-summer/) - Oh the lazy days of Summer. There is about a week left before school starts, some people are back at work tomorrow and most will be back by Monday so make the most of these beautiful summer days we have. Love the rain that fell this afternoon though. We really need it badly.
- [Happy New Year from PE Daily Photo](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/happy-new-year-from-pe-daily-photo/) - As I'm typing this post the first day of the new year is nearly over. Although I didn't do much today, I really did not have the time to do this post. Pretty much sums up my 2016. Too much to do and not enough time to do it in. It also means that often
- [Dolphins of Port Elizabeth video](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/dolphins-of-port-elizabeth-video/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_K90dB3ZAo&w=500&h=400] Port Elizabeth and Algoa Bay isn't called the Bottlenose Dolphin Capital of the World for nothing. I picked up on this video posted by Judy Venter on YouTube which Judy filmed off the pier from her kayak. Amazing seeing these animals so close up in the wild.
- [PE food trucks](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/pe-food-trucks/) - The food truck culture has definitely reached Port Elizabeth and Food Truck Friday down in the Baakens Valley (once a month at this stage) has proved it. The Makoy Food Truck, one of PE's originals, did the catering at a function I attended in November and if that is the food that comes from food
- [St George's Wild Fig Trees](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/st-georges-wild-fig-trees/) - There are a number of giant Wild Fig Trees in and around St George's Park, all well over 100 years old. The one in the centre of the park next to the Pearson Conservatory must be one of my favorite trees around Port Elizabeth. I always marvel at it's size and love walking over the
- [Richmond Hill Brewing Co](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/richmond-hill-brewing-co/) - I got to peek into the new Richmond Hill Brewing Co undercover beer yard and brewery in the Baakens Valley the other day. Unfortunately it was literally just a peek in as I was attending an event next door so I didn't get to try the beers or check out the brewery, but I'm sure
- [Beach access](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/beach-access/) - We are truly blessed with a beautiful coastline here in Port Elizabeth both inside Algoa Bay and on the Wild Side. The stretch of beach between Hobie Beach and Pollok Beach is ideal for a short beach walk close to parking and other amenities.
- [Wishing you a Merry Christmas](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/wishing-you-a-merry-christmas/) - As Oom Oubaas on 7de Laan would say, "Gun my die verleendheid om 'n paar gevleulde woorde te spreek." As Christmas Day comes around, I would like to wish all my Christian friends and followers a Merry Christmas. May this day be a blessed one full of good times with friends, family and loved ones.
- [Donkey sanctuary kitty cat](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/donkey-sanctuary-kitty-cat/) - We popped in for a quick visit with the donkeys at the East Cape Horse Care Unit the other morning and Drama Princess nearly left with their friendly cat. I don't think our Daxies would have been too happy if she did though.
- [Summerwood Wind Band performing Mary's Boy Child](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/summerwood-wind-band-performing-marys-boy-child/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV6lIWS4JJY&w=500&h=400] With Christmas two days away this week's Video Friday post features a performance of "Mary's Boy Child" by the Summerwood Primary School's wind band at the recent Christmas in the Home exhibit at The Boardwalk posted by Derrick Badenhorst on YouTube.
- [Then and Now: Pearson Conservatory Fountain](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/then-and-now-pearson-conservatory-fountain/) - The Pearson Conservatory was originally built in 1882 and restored to its former glory between 2009 and 2011. The centre piece of the Pearson Conservatory is an ornamental fountain made by Andrew Handyside at the Duke Street Foundry "Britannia Iron Works" in Derby in the UK around the same year the Conservatory was built (1882).
- [Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve bridge view](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/van-stadens-wildflower-reserve-bridge-view/) - When you're walking along the trails in the Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve you get to see glimpses and different angles of the Van Stadens Bridge all the time. The bridge, over which the N2 highway crosses, was opened on 11 November 1971. The bridge used to be a notorious suicide spot until barriers were set
- [Rock hoppings at Schoenies](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/rock-hoppings-at-schoenies/) - The coastline at Schoenmakerskop with all its rocks, pools and gullies really lends itself to exploring youngsters. Like a free treasure hunt jungle gym exploration facility.
- [Early morning on Pollok Beach](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/early-morning-on-pollok-beach/) - You know its summer in the Bay when therer are people on the beach before 8am in the morning
- [Low tide on the beachfront](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/low-tide-on-the-beachfront/) - Low tide on the beach between Hobie Beach and Pollok Beach with Bird Rock on the horison in the center of the picture and Chop Rock to the left.
- [Nelson Mandela Bay from the air](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/nelson-mandela-bay-from-the-air/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNZM98qs0oE&w=500&h=400] I just realised that I don't have a photo on hand to post for today so I have decided to swop tomorrow's Video Friday post with today and post a video instead. This week's featured video is a stunning one by Hurricane Productions showing some of Nelson Mandela Bay's favorite destinations and attractions from the
- [Hogsback Labyrinth flowers](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/hogsback-labyrinth-flowers/) - While the KidZ were negotiating the Labyrinth at The Edge in Hogsback in the rain, I was photographing flowers
- [Searching for the oldest Geocache in Port Elizabeth](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/searching-for-the-oldest-geocache-in-port-elizabeth/) - I've been Geocaching for four years and have found just short of 2000 caches, yet, and I should probably be ashamed to say it, I have never gone to look for the oldest cache in Port Elizabeth. The cache, located in the Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve, is called Van Stadens Flower Power and was originally
- [Discover Freedom this holiday season](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/discover-freedom-this-holiday-season/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX1AWtOKPtc&w=500&h=400] I know I've posted this video before, but with summer holidays here and holiday makers and tourists flocking into the city I though it would be appropriate to post it again. When I was working for Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism this destination marketing video was one of my projects and I still get excited
- [Courtyard pooldeck](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/courtyard-pooldeck/) - I attended a tourism workshop at the Courtyard Hotel this morning and was reminded once again how stunning a setting some of the hotels on the beachfront has.
- [A new Welcome to Despatch](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-new-welcome-to-despatch/) - The waterwheel at the PE side entrance to Despatch has recently been taken away and renovated. A few weeks ago an old photo of mine was reposted by somebody on Facebook and my sister messaged me asking if it was a picture of the old or new one as it didn't look the same. So
- [Then and Now - Pearson Conservatory](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/then-and-now-pearson-conservatory/) - The Victorian conservatory in St George's Park was completed and opened on 12 September 1882 and named the Pearson Conservatory after the then Mayor of Port Elizabeth, Mr HW Pearson. The conservatory cost £3,800 to put up and arrived in South Africa as a 'kit of parts' and was constructed in the park. This conservatory was imported
- [Forest, ferns, lilies and fog](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/forest-ferns-lilies-and-fog/) - I don't know why but when I think of Hogsback I either think of streams and waterfalls or forests, ferns, lilies and fog. I think I nailed the latter in this picture.
- [Chicky's Yard](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/chickys-yard/) - Last week I attended the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism AGM at a spot called Chicky's Yard in the lower Baakens Valley. Chicky's Yard basically is an events venue but I have a feeling that it's going to evolve into more than just that what with the Richmond Hill Brewing Co right next door and so
- [St George's Park water lilies](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/st-georges-park-water-lilies/) - I took a walk around St George's Park the other day. Yes, alone and with my camera in hand. It really isn't as bad as so many people would like to make it out to be. It's just important to stay alert and observant but I didn't notice any unsavory characters hanging out in the
- [The St Georges Park Oak that isn't anymore](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-st-georges-park-oak-that-isnt-anymore/) - In 1861, Mayor William Smith planted an Oak tree at the spot in the then new St Georges Park to commemorate the visit in 1860 of His Royal Highness Prince Alfred. The tree unfortunately blew over in January 2001 with the original inscription then being moved to the Parks Division offices nearby. Today the spot
- [Nelson Mandela Bay - An African Wildlife Adventure Hotspot](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/nelson-mandela-bay-an-african-wildlife-adventure-hotspot/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRkfQuaVq7M&w=500&h=400] Today I want to post a promotional video done for Nelson Mandela Bay by Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism a few months ago featuring our wonderful wildlife and natural offering. Algoa Bay, the coastal region of Nelson Mandela Bay, boasts 40 km of magnificent golden beaches as well as one of the most diverse marine
- [Guess the PE spot](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/guess-the-pe-spot/) - A friend sent me a WhatApp with this picture. I immediately know where he was. Do you?
- [An evening at St Georges](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/an-evening-at-st-georges/) - The cricket season is in full swing and the Warriors were playing the Knights in a T20 match in PE tonight. Having a cricket mad daughter we headed over to St Georges for a bit of action and action we got. The Warriors totally outplayed the Knights on all fronts and we even got to
- [The hog will lead the way](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-hog-will-lead-the-way/) - One of the most famous trail markers in South Africa must be the hogs marking all the hiking trails around the village of Hogsback in the Eastern Cape. We slipped and slid around some of the trails in Hogsback over a wet weekend recently but as we say in Afrikaans, "Mooi bly maar mooi" meaning
- [Tuesday sunset](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tuesday-sunset/) - With the huge fire at Schoenmakerskop and a fire in Fairview there is a lot of smoke in the air which means orange sunsets. Getting home this evening I noticed that the wind was blowing westerly so no smoke between me and the sunset. By the time I got home the sun was gone but
- [Signs that summer is here - Pleasureland arrives](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/signs-that-summer-is-here-pleasureland-arrives/) - Driving down Marine Drive past Kings Beach this morning I saw one of the signs that summer is here. The trucks carrying Pleasureland's equipment has pulled in. Within a week or so all the rides should be set up and that will mean it's time for the holiday hordes to start appearing on the N2.
- [Van Stadens mountain bike trails](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/van-stadens-mountain-bike-trails/) - The Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve doesn't only have great hiking trails, it also has a few very nice mountain biking trails.
- [Wyd & Syd - the Best Program Insert on Luister FM](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/wyd-syd-the-best-program-insert-on-luister-fm/) - At the first Luister FM 90.6 awards evening last night my Wyd & Syd travel slot on a Friday between 12:00 and 1pm was announced as the best program insert on the station for the year. What an absolute honor and privilege it was to receive the award. I'm really proud to be part of
- [The story of Mastertons](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-story-of-mastertons/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOTKUkCKO-o&w=500&h=400] This past week the iconic Port Elizabeth coffee roastery, Mastertons, launched their new proudly Port Elizabeth BLEND OF THE BAY coffee mix. Mastertons have been around the city since 1924 and for today's Video Friday post I am posting a video by Lunaticscentral featuring owner James Masterton relating the history of Mastertons and some
- [Have you ever heard of Tufa stromatolite?](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/have-you-ever-heard-of-tufa-stromatolite/) - One of the aspects of Geocaching is something called an Earth Cache. An Earth Cache isn 't a physical cache where you have to find a container but rather something that teaches you about the earth and it's geology. Last weekend I did an Earth Cache in Schoenmakerskop set up by Seekoei NMB called PE Tufa
- [Sunset from Signal Hill](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sunset-from-signal-hill/) - They say that you can't really say you've visited Cape Town if you haven't been up Table Mountain. We've done Table Mountain before and with a family of four it's a bit of an expensive exercise so on our whistle stop visit to the Mother City for the Cape Town Mega event we decided on
- [Pincushion Proteas at Van Stadens](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/pincushion-proteas-at-van-stadens/) - We stopped by the Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve on Sunday afternoon for a quick walk. I've always found that it doesn't matter what time of year I visit the reserve, there is always something in flower. At the moment it's the Pincushion Proteas.
- [The N2 near Lady Slipper](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-n2-near-lady-slipper/) - Standing on the road bridge over the N2 in the Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve looking down the highway towards Port Elizabeth. Looking down on this dual carriage way it's hard to believe that it is the main highway just west of Port Elizabeth. Nice and quiet. Just the way we like our roads.
- [The Bethulie Concentration Camp cemetery - a sad part of our history](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-bethulie-concentration-camp-cemetery-a-sad-part-of-our-history/) - Bethulie in the southern Free State is one of those places not many people pass through as it's not really on any of the main thoroughfares going south (or north, depending how you look at it). On my last trip up to Johannesburg I deviated off the normal route to see what this town on
- [The Van Stadens Gorge](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-van-stadens-gorge/) - Looking down the zig zagging Van Stadens River gorge towards the N2 Van Stadens Bridge while hiking in the Wildflower Reserve yesterday
- [A quick hike at Van Stadens](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-quick-hike-at-van-stadens/) - This afternoon we headed out to the Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve for a quick walk to go and find the oldest Geocache in Port Elizabeth. While the Damselfly waited in the car, Drama Princess and I headed down one of the trails in search of this very significant cache. The Pincushion Proteas are stunning at
- [Schoenies coastline](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/schoenies-coastline/) - The beautiful Schoenmakerskop coastline
- [Bird Island Gannets at Sunrise](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/bird-island-gannets-at-sunrise/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIPULi8q1h0&w=500&h=400] The 19 hectare Bird Island in Algoa Bay is home to 250,000 Cape gannets, the largest breeding colony of these birds on the planet. In 2014 Alan Straton of MyPE did this great time lapse of Gannets on Bird Island at sunrise.
- [The town of Despatch](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-town-of-despatch/) - The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is made up of Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage, Despatch and the surrounding area. But how much do you really know of Despatch? The Despatch area was originally occupied by a flourishing brick industry based here due to the rich clay soil you find in the district. It got its name from
- [All the views from Signal Hill](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/all-the-views-from-signal-hill/) - Signal Hill in Cape Town isn't just a great spot to view the sunset from, but it's also has some awesome views which is ideal if you don't have the time or budget to go up Table Mountain. Green Point with the Cape Town Stadium and Table Bay with Robben Island in the distance on
- [Hardy little yellow flowers](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/hardy-little-yellow-flowers/) - I am always amazed when I see flowers right on the coast like these at Schoenies. I know they are hardy but how they survive growing in sand and bad soil and getting battered by the salty sea winds all the time and still flower like this is above me.
- [Feeding the donkeys](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/feeding-the-donkeys/) - On Saturday we stopped by the East Cape Horse Care Unit based at Animal Welfare on Victoria Drive for the first time in a while to visit the donkeys. Naturally we took a bag of carrots along but clearly we didn't have enough. Will have to visit again quite soon. "Hey, did you bring us
- [Walking the Animal Welfare dogs](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/walking-the-animal-welfare-dogs/) - Not everybody are in the position to adopt a dog from the Animal Welfare, but everybody are able to put some time aside to go and walk the dogs. Visiting the donkeys at the adjacent East Cape Horse Care Unit it gladdened the heart to see how many people are volunteering their time to walk
- [Saturday morning parkrun](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/saturday-morning-parkrun/) - We've started doing the weekly Hobie Beach parkrun as a family, both to get us all active and more fitter as well as for the Discovery Vitality points. Chaos Boy is running a lot faster than what I've ever been able to do while the Damselfly is walking it at this stage as she's not
- [Shopping Centre Train](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/shopping-centre-train/) - I wonder how many shopping centres have a kiddies train that do rounds though the centre like the one at Moffet-on-Main. Moffet-on-Main is quite a popular spot for families with small children what with the Funky Frogs kiddies play area and a coffee shop for the moms (and dads) right next door. Whoever added the
- [Expedition Africa Baviaans 2017 promo](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/expedition-africa-baviaans-2017-promo/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15kOffwlrR4&w=500&h=400] Expedition Africa is the South African leg of the Adventure Racing World Series. A race normally covers a distance of about 500 km during which teams of four (usually three men and a woman) cover the distance by running, cycling, paddling, swimming, climbing and doing rope work. The teams have to plot the easiest
- [Richmond Hill Jacaranda](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/richmond-hill-jacaranda/) - I don't know why but I am noticing the blooming Jacaranda trees around Port Elizabeth a lot more this year than in the past. Then I saw a picture of this specific Jacaranda Tree in Richmond Hill on Facebook earlier in the week and this morning while in the area recognised it. So I just
- [Still my Table Mountain](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/still-my-table-mountain/) - Table Mountain My Table Mountain Just because I love that flat mountain so much Would love to still spend some time exploring her on foot one day and not just look up at her One day
- [Then and Now - North End coastline](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/then-and-now-north-end-coastline/) - North End Beach back in the days. A stretch of sand all the way to the Swartkops River which could possible have become one of Port Elizabeth's prime beachfront real estate areas if it didn't fall in the hands of Railways and municipality. This pictures dates back to 1902 right after the Grate Gale when
- [Fresh fish on the PE Harbour](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/fresh-fish-on-the-pe-harbour/) - We've never been to the fish shops on the harbour to buy fresh fish but a Saturday or two ago, in search of finding something else to make for dinner than just the usual stuff, we decided to go and have a look. We landed up in Fisherman Fresh (throw a left as you enter
- [Who was Louw Wepener and why does he have a monument in the Free State?](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/who-was-louw-wepener-and-why-does-he-have-a-monument-in-the-free-state/) - How are you going to explore, discover new places and see interesting things if you don't road trip and venture off the beaten track? A little detour past Bethulie in the southern Free State while heading north had me cross the second longest bridge in South Africa, take a walk through the Bethulie Concentration Camp Cemetery
- [Humewood coastline](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/humewood-coastline/) - Some of the landmarks around Humewood Beach. The promenant Humewood slipway pillars, Shark Rock Pier in the background, the cement wall in the front, the steps where the old lifeguard tower used to be and the tripod the rope out to the pillars used to hang from in yester year.
- [Richmond Hill park](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/richmond-hill-park/) - Last Sunday Drama Princess and her school choir sang at the Doxa Deo Artuo church in Richmond Hill. This beautiful little park with the old Erica building is right across the road from the church. Imagine having a park like this close to home to walk the dogs, play ball with the kids or just
- [Video shoot on the beach](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/video-shoot-on-the-beach/) - I stopped along Beach Road on Thursday morning to enjoy the nice weather we had for a change and noticed a bit of activity going on at Denville Beach next to McArthur Pool. It was way to early for people to just be on the beach and then I noticed the with the camera. They
- [The longest surfski wave in the world](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-longest-surfski-wave-in-the-world/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx36W5WpxSE&w=500&h=400] Every now and then I see a video pop up on Facebook or YouTube and just wish that I could do it. Yesterday was a day like that again. It shows a couple of surfski paddlers grab a wave off Cape Recife and ride it for over 2 minutes. How can one not want
- [Reading the travel book one page at a time - Tree lined lane](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/reading-the-travel-book-one-page-at-a-time-tree-lined-lane/) - The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page - St Augustine Very true words indeed. But I also believe that while travelling you need to go off the beaten track every now and then as well otherwise you will just keep seeing what everybody else sees. There really
- [The red shirt man](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-red-shirt-man/) - After so much wind lately I could not let a much calmer morning go by without at least stopping for a look out over the Bay. I wasn't the only one it seems and I really liked the picture with this guy in his red shirt standing on the wall between McArthur Pool and Humewood.
- [Looking up at Fort Frederick](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/looking-up-at-fort-frederick/) - The view of Fort Frederick looking up from Valley Road
- [The (second) longest bridge in South Africa](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-second-longest-bridge-in-south-africa/) - My normal route through the Karoo Heartland of the Eastern Cape when heading up north is over Cradock and Steynsburg towards Venterstad and then a short left to the Gariep Dam before hitting the N1 for Bloemfontein. Before my last trip to Johannesburg I had a closer look at the Geocaching map to see if
- [Tsitsikamma Forest stream](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tsitsikamma-forest-stream/) - I was in the Tsitsikamma for a meeting today and pinched off a few minutes to go and sit in the forest next to a stream to plug in my soul for a quick charge. It needs a lot more than just a quick charge but it will have to do for now. I have
- [The trail to Flat Rocks](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-trail-to-flat-rocks/) - The beachfront walkway continues beyond the lollipop beacon at the bottom of Admiralty Way all the way to Flat Rocks. The section of the walk from the beacon is actually called the Humpback Dolphin Trail although you're probably more likely to see Bottlenose Dolphins swimming along the coast. The walkway in picture is the last
- [Setting off on a hike](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/setting-off-on-a-hike/) - A group of people setting off on the very popular Sacramento Tail between Schoenmakerskop and Sardinia Bay during the late afternoon.
- [Van Stadens King Protea](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/van-stadens-king-protea/) - The Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve must be one of the best places around to see Proteas and other Fynbos species growing in the wild. Not just is it great to view wild flowers, but the reserve also has a number of excellent trails for you to go and stretch you legs along. The trails range
- [A garage on an island?](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-garage-on-an-island/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZla8ZJytEQ&w=500&h=400] This week's Video Friday post is one featuring a video by Alan Straton of MyPE he uploaded after a visit to Bird Island in 2014. It shows the old Bird Island Keeper's house... with a garage. Curious? Have a look.
- [Coral Aloes in flower](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/coral-aloes-in-flower/) - The flowering Coral Aloes in the Karoo just north of Olifantskop was stunning again this year. We really don't have to go very far from Port Elizabeth to see nature in all it's splendor.
- [Cape Town's Noon Gun. An almighty BOOM!](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/cape-towns-noon-gun-an-almighty-boom/) - It's a beautiful late morning in the Cape Town City Bowl. Not much of a breeze blowing and Table Mountain, without a table cloth draped over it, rises up behind the city in all her glory. Peaceful. Visitors and locals alike are going about their daily routine, heading between meetings, window shopping, grabbing a quick
- [The view outside my office](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-view-outside-my-office/) - This is my view when I walk out of my office. Hobie Beach, Shark Rock Pier and Algoa Bay. Pity I have no window or view from my desk though... What is your office view like?
- [My other air plant is flowering as well](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/my-other-air-plant-is-flowering-as-well/) - Last week I posted a picture of my air plants flowering and received quite a few questions about in, especially on Facebook. Most people asked what I do to make them flower as their's don't. I have to types of air plants around my yard (don't ask me what they are called cause I don't
- [Roses are red](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/roses-are-red/) - Roses are red, I didn't see any Violets blue, these roses are all waiting at Floradale for you
- [Flowers flowers everywhere](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/flowers-flowers-everywhere/) - I spent most of my Saturday in the garden and feeling a little in need of gardening inspiration we headed to Floradale Nursery on Circular Drive. Now I know even less what I want to plant. Wow, the options are endless and so many plants are flowering. Going to have to plan the garden better
- [Fields of flowers in the Karoo](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/fields-of-flowers-in-the-karoo/) - It's dry in the Karoo. The word Karoo doesn't mean "Place of Thirst" for nothing. But the smallest amount of rain in the last winter of early spring means that there will be flowers. And flowers there were when I drove through the Karoo Heartland late in September. On the road north of Steynsburg I
- [Ironman 70.3 World Champs coming to Port Elizabeth in 2018](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/ironman-70-3-world-champs-coming-to-port-elizabeth-in-2018/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IadgC9ls0k&w=500&h=400] Probably one of the biggest pieces of sport news of the year broke about two or three weeks ago when Port Elizabeth and Nelson Mandela Bay was announced at hosts for the Ironman 70.3 (also known as Half Ironman) World Champs in 2018. The event is even bigger than the annual Ironman African Championship
- [Cricket at Handhaaf](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/cricket-at-handhaaf/) - This afternoon Drama Princess played cricket at Handhaaf Primary School in Uitenhage. The view from up at the clubhouse is actually quite nice with the mountains in the distance. Much better than the view from most other schools.
- [A window on Table Mountain](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-window-on-table-mountain/) - Two weeks ago we had a whistle stop visit to Cape Town to attend the Geocaching MEGA that takes place somewhere in South Africa only every two years. We literally drove the 800 km down to Cape Town on the Friday afternoon, attended the MEGA on the Saturday and returned on the Sunday. One of
- [My air plants are flowering](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/my-air-plants-are-flowering/) - I don't have big flowerbeds in my garden. For that I just don't have enough time and green enough fingers. I do have a few different plants and lots of succulents though and one of those I probably get most excited about when they flower is my air plants. Air plants (Tillandsia) is a
- [Rough seas, again](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/rough-seas-again/) - When there's more white than blue and green along the coast you know the wind was blowing again
- [A windless evening](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-windless-evening/) - I'm sure everybody in PE would agree with me that we are slightly tired of wind. It's been blowing just about nonstop for close to a month now so it was great to walk outside just now and realising that there is absolutely now wind blowing. So not to jinx it I just want to
- [Lilizela Tourism Awards 2016](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/lilizela-tourism-awards-2016/) - The Lilizela Tourism Awards organised by South African Tourism and hosted by the Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, took place in the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg tonight (16 October 2016). This year I was invited to be one of the judges for the third year in a row and it really is a great
- [Geek World SA is open in PE](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/geek-world-sa-is-open-in-pe/) - Port Elizabeth geeks, fanboys (and girls), cosplayers and comic book lovers rejoiced today with the opening of Geek World SA at 189 Main Road Walmer. Geek World SA stocks cosplay outfits, comic books, figurines, unique clothing, board games, fandom jewelry and lots more. Looking at some people as they walked in to day was like watching
- [NMMU performing at Varsity Sing](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/nmmu-performing-at-varsity-sing/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eelyvUZ1GXI&w=500&h=400] The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University choir really showed their worth at the recent Varsity Sing choir competition up to where the judges screwed them over in the final placing them fourth where they should have ended second at worse. But let's not show sour grapes cause sour grapes do not make good wine. Anyhow,
- [Harbour view from Humerail](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/harbour-view-from-humerail/) - I had to stop at the Spar in Humerail this morning and stopped to admire the view of the harbour from the parking area. Some people wouldn't term this as a beautiful view but I like to call it an interesting view. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera so a cell phone photo will have
- [Things to do in Port Elizabeth #Blogathon](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/things-to-do-in-port-elizabeth-blogathon/) - Nine bloggers (seven of those based in PE) were asked to create posts about things to do in Port Elizabeth as part of the Cheap Flights Port Elizabeth #Blogathon 2016 in collaboration with Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism and Travel Concept Solution. All nine posts have been published in the last two days and covered a
- [PE's favorite walks and hiking trails](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/pes-favorite-walks-and-hiking-trails/) - I was invited to participate in the #SharetheBay Port Elizabeth #Blogathon 2016 campaign in collaboration with Cheap Flights, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism and Travel Concept Solution this week. As one of eight bloggers taking part I decided not to do the usual "Things to do in PE" kind of blog but rather focused on my favorite nine
- [A Hadida called Petal](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-hadida-called-petal/) - Another flower picture sent to me by Gerhard Burger, this one of a Hadida Ibis between the flowers. Wonder if his name is Petal the flower (bird) child? Picture taken in Glendinningvale.
- [Fields of Coral Aloe](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/fields-of-coral-aloe/) - Just as the "normal" Aloes in the Karoo Heartland is done flowering, it's the turn of the Coral Aloes. A drive through the southern Karoo Heartland (on the N10 just over the Olifantskop Pass from Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape two weeks ago had me stop a couple of times and grabbing for my camera
- [The flowers in Mandelakwaland](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-flowers-in-mandelakwaland/) - About two weeks ago I received a mail from regular PE Daily Photo follower Gerhard Burger (and apologies to Gerhard for not replying but my laptop has packed up and I haven't been able to reply to emails from my phone. At least I've been able to upload the pic from my phone to the
- [Tramways and the Baakens](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tramways-and-the-baakens/) - The newly restored Tramways Building reflecting in the Baakens River. Truly an old yet new landmark in Port Elizabeth. Can you see Fort Frederick on the hill in the background?
- [PE's 100 years since becoming a city video](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/pes-100-years-since-becoming-a-city-video/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtKlQTbxcHc&w=500&h=400] On 23 July 2013 Port Elizabeth celebrated 100 years since officially becoming a city. This video was put together to celebrate the fact and shows a nice collection of historic photos and current footage
- [Jewish Museum on Raleigh Street](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/jewish-museum-on-raleigh-street/) - I quick drive around Richmond Hill the other day had me stop in front of the Jewish Pioneer Memorial Museum in Richmond Hill. Standing there I realised that I have actually never been inside the museum so I can't really tell you what is inside from a first hand perspective. I can tell you this
- [The Donkin's colourful mosaic](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-donkins-colourful-mosaic/) - The Piazza Mosaic next to the Donkin Pyramid is one of the most impressive art pieces making up Route 67 on the Donkin Reserve. The 470 square meter mosaic was made by a NMMU ceramic collective and depicts the Port Elizabeth and the Eastern Cape's cultures, heritage, diverse histories and abundant of fauna and flora.
- [A Donkin Reserve view](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-donkin-reserve-view/) - Looking across the Donkin Reserve from the lady with the chair Untitled art piece with the flowers of one of the Coral Trees in the foreground. After nearly two weeks of wind I wonder how many flowers there still are on the Coral Trees around town.
- [Freeway graffiti by 3 Blind Mice](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/freeway-graffiti-by-3-blind-mice/) - If you drive from the city centre up towards Humewood you pass under the freeways before passing the Green Mosque. A few months ago a brand new art piece appeared on the wall next to the parking area under the freeway. I've been glancing at it every time I passed but a week or two
- [Shadow lines on the GFI Art Gallery](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/shadow-lines-on-the-gfi-art-gallery/) - I was invited to be the speaker at the first Port Elizabeth #TravelTalk event hosted in Port Elizabeth by Urban-Econ which took place at the GFI Art Gallery this week. The GFI Gallery, previously known as the Ron Belling Art Gallery, have recently seen a big renovation and expansion and is looking stunning. If you
- [Enjoy some PEness from the air](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/enjoy-some-peness-from-the-air/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t917uAleNsc&w=500&h=400] I often wish I had a drone to be able to shoot some aerial views of all the fantastic places and attractions around Port Elizabeth. Check out this awesome video I found on YouTube showing off PE from the air done by Jayme Thompson in collaboration with Indian Swell Productions and Jared Lotz. PEness is
- [Head-on with a Sable antelope](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/head-on-with-a-sable-antelope/) - Mount Camdeboo Game Reserve outside Graaff-Reinet has a Sable antelope breeding program and while on the game drive we stopped next to the camp for a closer look. This young male came walking towards the fence and stood still watching us long enough for me to get a nice head-on photo of him. Just a
- [The Holy Trinity Church fence](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-holy-trinity-church-fence/) - The old fence on the wall around the Holy Trinity Church in Central has always fascinated me and it makes for a nice foreground for photos of the church as well.
- [The Baakens River Mouth](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-baakens-river-mouth/) - It's sad to think that the Baakens River mouth was once a big lagoon where passing ships came to collect fresh water for their voyages yet today it's a cement canal under the Settlers Freeway which flows into the PE Harbour. Some major revamping and restoration needed to give this river mouth any dignity again.
- [Coral Trees - PE's Jacarandas](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/coral-trees-pes-jacarandas/) - Port Elizabeth can't boast with Jacaranda Trees flowering so beautifully around town in Spring as Pretoria and Bloemfontein can, but I just luuuvvveee all the Coral Trees flowering around the city.
- [When a game ranger goes above and beyond](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/when-a-game-ranger-goes-above-and-beyond/) - A lot of people have the policy that if you want something done you have to do it yourself, especially if you don't really have anybody to delegate to. But even then you need somebody to push a rock out of the way for you every now and then. I had a funny "push a
- [Voting Line shadows](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/voting-line-shadows/) - It turns out that the Voting Line on the Donkin Reserve isn't just made up of interesting and diverse silhouettes, it also throws the most interesting shadows.
- [Looking across the Donkin](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/looking-across-the-donkin/) - The woman with the chair, Anton Momberg's Untitled art piece forming part of Route 67, looks across the Donkin Reserve towards the Donkin Lighthouse and Pyramid.
- [The sad angel](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-sad-angel/) - This past week I posted two posts featuring the historic St Mary's Cemetery at the bottom of the Baakens Valley. There are so many interesting bits to photograph in a cemetery like this one of what looks like such a sad angel.
- [Baakens Valley mountain biking](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/baakens-valley-mountain-biking/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLuHT9CAWgI&w=500&h=400] Last week's Video Friday post was a video featuring mountain biking in the Baakens Valley. Following that post I found another video about mountain biking through the Baakens Valley and seeing that it's such an awesome mountain biking venue I decided to post it as well.
- [Wild flowers along Sardinia Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/wild-flowers-along-sardinia-bay/) - While walking in the Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve last weekend I realised that you don't need to travel to the West Coast to see flowers. We also have a huge variety of wild flowers in bloom during spring. We may not have the quantity but we definitely have the variety and the beauty.
- [Another view of St Mary's Cemetery](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/another-view-of-st-marys-cemetery/) - Yesterday I posted a photo of the St Mary's Cemetery along with the grave yard's history. I decided to follow it up with another photo of the cemetery but from a totally different angle. This one is standing at the bottom and looking away from the road and up the terraces.
- [The history of St Mary's Cemetery](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-history-of-st-marys-cemetery/) - I got to attend Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism's launch of Tourism Month at the newly refurbished Tramways Buildings a week or two ago and had some time on my hands before the event began so went for a walk through St Mary's Cemetery. It's really sad to see the state the cemetery is in specially
- [Lines old and new](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/lines-old-and-new/) - The Voting Line on the Donkin Reserve is on of my favorite art pieces forming part of Route 67. Most people usually photograph them from the other side but this time I wanted to include the row of Donkin Houses in the background. Built in the mid 1800's the houses have recently been refurbished, forming
- [The road to Noodhulp](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-road-to-noodhulp/) - The road to Noodhulp (Afrikaans for First Aid) is not what you call the route somebody takes when they are cruising for a bruising and looking for trouble with a big oke. Not that kind of thing at all. I found the road to Noodhulp while en route to Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve
- [A selfie while walking in the Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-selfie-while-walking-in-the-sardinia-bay-nature-reserve/) - After a morning of mowing the law and doing some things around the house I headed out for a spot of Geocaching this afternoon. Rather than just doing a few park and grab caches, I opted to go for a walk in the Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve and pick up a series of 12 caches
- [Coastal cleanup with the local Geocachers](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/coastal-cleanup-with-the-local-geocachers/) - Every year thousands of people worldwide pitch in and do their bit on International Coastal Cleanup Day. Anualy thousands of tons of garbage winds up in the oceans, with 60% of that being composed of plastic material. Plastics especially last a very long time in the ocean, and are in such abundance that there are
- [Mountain biking in the Baakens Valley](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/mountain-biking-in-the-baakens-valley/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hh-AqM29ms&w=500&h=400] We are so fortunate to have the Baakens Valley green belt running through Port Elizabeth. The area truly has the potential to become a prime outdoors activities part of the city and already is very popular with mountain bikers and trail runners. When I found this great video on YouTube showing off the great
- [There is no end to the adventures we can have](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/there-is-no-end-to-the-adventures-we-can-have/) - On a game drive at Mount Camdeboo Game Reserve near Graaff-Reinet recently we stopped to watch a couple of Gemsbok on the side of a hill. Strangely enough my attention wandered from the antelope to the road in front of us and I snapped this picture. Looking at it afterwards I wondered how to use
- [Share the Bay through your lens exhibition](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/share-the-bay-through-your-lens-exhibition/) - I did a presentation at a SACCI meetings at the Athenaeum in Central this morning and grabbed the opportunity to go and have a look at the Share the Bay through your lens exhibition currently on in one of the exhibition rooms. Share the Bay through your lens is an exhibition hosted by Nelson Mandela
- [Blood donation #65](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/blood-donation-65/) - This is a public service announcement... of some sort. The need for blood is real and at any time the blood bank only has a few days worth of blood in stock. It shouldn't be necessary for special appeals to go out every time the holidays come round or something happens where somebody needs blood
- [The perfect Karoo sunset](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-perfect-karoo-sunset/) - Take the big sky of the Eastern Cape's Karoo Heartland, add some rain the previous night, a few distant mountains, an old building, a thorn tree and throw in a sunset for good measure. What do you get? This, as observed while on a game drive at Mount Camdeboo Game Reserve outside Graaff-Reinet recently. All
- [St Phillips in Richmond Hill](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/st-phillips-in-richmond-hill/) - Driving around Richmond Hill last week I just couldn't help but to stop in front of St Phillips for a photo. When Sue and Max started Port Elizabeth Daily Photo St Phillips was featured quite often as they live nearby. Me on the other hand live across town and don't get to come here that
- [Central view](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/central-view/) - I sometimes think I don't do nearly enough urban photography. I was waiting for a meeting in Richmond Hill last week and went for a quick walk around the block with my camera and snapped this pic looking across towards Central and the Donkin Reserve. I really like the mix of urban and nature with
- [Proteas in the city](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/proteas-in-the-city/) - I went Geocaching in Lorraine this afternoon and had to follow a trail into the bush in the area to go and find a cache up a tree. You can see it is spring by the amount of wild flowers in bloom and I specially liked these Pincushion Proteas close to the cache location.
- [Karoo mountain road](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/karoo-mountain-road/) - A weekend or two ago I found myself spending a night at Mount Camdeboo Game Reserve outside Graaff-Reinet before an early morning meeting. What is spending time on a game reserve without a game drive so we headed out for a drive late afternoon. The road took us right into the mountains on the reserve
- [Karoo Heartland - where the land meets the sky](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/karoo-heartland-where-the-land-meets-the-sky/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3mMnBzvdEk&w=500&h=400] Last week I posted the new promotional video for the Greater Addo and Sundays River Valley area. This week I want to present to you the new video for the Karoo Heartland which covers the towns of Somerset East, Cradock, Middleburg, Nieu-Bethesda, Graaff-Reinet and Jansenville. The perfect weekend breakaway from Port Elizabeth and truly
- [Then and Now - Cradock Place](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/then-and-now-cradock-place/) - Frederick Korsten, a Dutch entrepreneur, came to Algoa Bay in 1810 and over the following years established himself as a merchant, farmer and owner of a whale fishery. In 1812 Korsten purchased a farm called Papenkuilsfontein from Thomas Ignatius Ferreira and named it Cradock Place after Sir John Cradock who was the Governor of the Cape Colony from 1811 until 1814. The farm
- [Sunday afternoon fishing off the rocks](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sunday-afternoon-fishing-off-the-rocks/) - I'm not a fisherman not an angler. I just don't have the patience for it. What with a spot of ADD in the middle age now that I've been called middle aged on a public platform. But do you know the difference between an angler and a fisherman? Apparently fishermen actually catch fish while anglers
- [A romantic evening at The Plantation](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-romantic-evening-at-the-plantation/) - When you are young and in love you go out your way to be romantic. Flowers, movies, open the door, whispers in the ear, special dinners and and and. When you get slightly older and have kids, just spending a little time together on your own without the kids is seen as romantic. For us
- [Port Elizabeth's beautiful wild coastline](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/port-elizabeths-beautiful-wild-coastline/) - One of the things that Port Elizabeth and Nelson Mandela Bay is very proud of and which gets promoted by Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism often is that the metro has 40 kilometers of beautiful white sandy beaches ideal for swimming, long walks and building sand castles. But what is in between because the metro has
- [Kamma Heights view](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/kamma-heights-view/) - I went for a walk on the hillside above Kamma Heights yesterday in search of a Geocache and some alone time and this is the view that greeted me from the cache location.
- [A path inviting you to explore](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-path-inviting-you-to-explore/) - I had 30 minutes on my hands yesterday afternoon and did a quick detour to Mangold Park to find a new Geocache on the edge of the Baakens Valley. From the parking coords at the bottom of a cul-de-sac there were two paths splitting off. A paved one to the right which I had to
- [Discover the Sundays River Valley and Greater Addo route](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/discover-the-sundays-river-valley-and-greater-addo-route/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COrcRmcqGlI&w=500&h=400] The brand new destination promotion video for the Sundays River Valley and Greater Addo area have recently been released by Addo Tourism and ECTOUR showing how stunning this area right on Port Elizabeth's doorstep is. It also illustrates what I'vebeen saying for a while now, that Addo is a fully fledged destination now and
- [The Port Elizabeth beachfront](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-port-elizabeth-beachfront/) - We are really privileged here in Port Elizabeth that we have so little over development along the beachfront. No heavy traffic congestion and narrow roads like in Durban or lack of parking like Cape Town. Our beaches are generally clean and driving along Beach Road and Marine Drive you can keep one eye on the
- [Sunset and scenic views at the Valley of Desolation](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sunset-and-scenic-views-at-the-valley-of-desolation/) - What is the first thing you think of if I had to ask you to name one thing to see or do if you visited the Karoo Heartland town of Graaff-Reinet? I don't know about you, but my answer would be the Valley of Desolation in the Camdeboo National Park. For some reason every time
- [A Schoenies bench](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-schoenies-bench/) - The perfect spot to enjoy the view of the beautiful coastline at Schoenmakerskop from
- [Pollok Beach rock pool](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/pollok-beach-rock-pool/) - Growing up we spent many a Sunday afternoon down at the "the rock" (as we called it) below Something Good. You know the one I'm referring to. The one where the water washed through between the rocks and into the little natural tidal pool. Yes, the one in the picture. Stopping by there on Sunday
- [Enjoying a Schoenies view](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/enjoying-a-schoenies-view/) - Yesterday we took a drive around Marine Drive to Schoenmakerskop and after a walk to the Oceanos lifeboat ended up having a picnic with this stunning view. Just another reason I love this beautiful city we live in.
- [Valley of Desolation sunset](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/valley-of-desolation-sunset/) - One of my absolute favorite places to enjoy an Eastern Cape sunset is from the Valley of Desolation outside Graaff-Renet. Other than that, I will let the picture do the talking. #ExperienceEastCape
- [Summer in winter](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/summer-in-winter/) - Any visitor from outer space who landed up in Port Elizabeth over this weekend would have been very mistaken to think that it is the middle of summer. With temperatures touching 30C, people seem to be have summer withdrawal symptoms and flocked to the beaches in numbers you rarely see in summer. Check out how
- [Saturday braai time](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/saturday-braai-time/) - It's winter... or wait, perhaps summer. With the temperature hitting around 30C today the perfect end to this lekker day was a lekker braai.
- [Sunshine Saunter with Chasing the Rainbow](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sunshine-saunter-with-chasing-the-rainbow/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDWIRMptkoY&w=500&h=400] This week's Video Friday post is another featuring a video by Chasing the Rainbow. In this one they explore the southern and western outskirts of Port Elizabeth while traveling along the Sunshine Saunter.
- [A quick fire Panorama Route tour - just enough to make me want to visit again](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-quick-fire-panorama-route-tour-just-enough-to-make-me-want-to-visit-again/) - We all have our travel bucket lists. In actual fact, I have three. One for South Africa, one for Africa and the other for international travel. I have never been to Mpumalanga so both Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route were very high on my South African travel bucket list until I got the
- [Beachfront walkway](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/beachfront-walkway/) - If you continue along the beachfront walkway past the lollipop beacon onto the boardwalk it feels like the coastline suddenly transforms. You feel just that little bit further away from the city. I did it during the week early one morning and there wasn't another soul around until I encountered another walker on the way
- [Beaches around Kob Inn on the Wild Coast](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/beaches-around-kob-inn-on-the-wild-coast/) - The Wild Coast is famous for it's magnificent coastline which can be explored in various ways ranging from hotel to hotel slack packing, spending time with locals or while staying at one of the excellent family hotels along the coast. I spent a night at Kob Inn at the Qora River mouth and got to have
- [#womenintourism breakfast](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/womenintourism-breakfast/) - This morning I had the honour and privilege to be involved in the organising and execution of the Port Elizabeth leg of the Travel Massive / National Department of Tourism #womenintourism breakfast event at the Summerstrand Hotel. It coincided with Women's Month and we made use of the opportunity to celebrate the involvement of women
- [Boardwalk to Cape Recife](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/boardwalk-to-cape-recife/) - Have you ever walked further along the beachfront boardwalk than the lollipop beacon on the corner of Admiralty Road and Marine Drive. This morning I had 20 minutes or so before a workshop at the Summerstrand Hotel and decided to venture a little further down than usual. A beautiful morning with the sea on the
- [Winter is back... or still here](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/winter-is-back-or-still-here/) - Just yesterday I asked somebody if they also thought that we didn't have a very cold winter this year as I stood sweating in the sun outside the lodge at Mount Camdeboo Game Reserve outside Graaff-Reinet. This morning we woke up to a freezing wind and snow on the mountains in the area. On my
- [Paddling on the Bushmans](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/paddling-on-the-bushmans/) - Blue skies, no wind, flat water, warm winters day... Sounds like the perfect day to paddle on the Bushmans River at Kenton-on-Sea. Or at least sit on a jetty and watch somebody do it like we did.
- [Chilling with some gnomes](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/chilling-with-some-gnomes/) - Every now and then I post a photo or two that wasn't taken in Port Elizabeth or the greater Nelson Mandela Bay. Normally it's because I have run out of PE photos or haven't had a chance to take one. Today is one of those days. I'm posting this from Mount Camdeboo Game Reserve outside
- [Kings Beach Lake Reflection](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/kings-beach-lake-reflection/) - It is as if the palm trees in Kings Beach Park were planted there for photographers to get pics of their reflection in the lake.
- [Port Elizabeth / Nelson Mandela Bay - An African Wildlife Hotspot](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/port-elizabeth-nelson-mandela-bay-an-african-wildlife-hotspot/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRkfQuaVq7M&w=500&h=400] Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism has a brand new destination marketing video promoting the fact that Port Elizabeth with Algoa Bay and all it's adjacent game reserve truly is an African Wildlife Hotspot. At a recent tourism conference I attended, a representative of Kruger Lowveld Tourism in Mpumalanga implied during one of the panel discussions
- [Driving the Woody Cape dirt road between Kenton and Alexandria](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/driving-the-woody-cape-dirt-road-between-kenton-and-alexandria/) - I have always just driven the R72 between Alexandria and Kenton-on-Sea and have only just seen the coastline and Alexandria dune field from the air on the occasion that the plane did fly this way en-route to or from PE airport. I have also always just heard how beautiful the drive along the loop past
- [Hello Aliens. Are you among us?](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/hello-aliens-are-you-among-us/) - Yesterday morning while taking a walk around Kings Beach Park, my eye caught this piece of graffiti at the top of the steps at the water feature. HELLO ALIENS along with pictures of a rainbow, pegasys, two unicorns and a bunch of butterflies. Does this mean that there are aliens walking among us or is
- [Kings Beach lake water feature](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/kings-beach-lake-water-feature/) - I went for a quick early morning walk around Kings Beach Park before work and got stuck at the water feature next to the lake trying to get a picture of both the waterfall and the lake without getting my work pants wet.
- [Kenton selfie and a broken tablet](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/kenton-selfie-and-a-broken-tablet/) - A week or two ago we spent a fabulous weekend in Kenton-on-Sea on Route 72 on the Sunshine Coast. The main reason for being there was to get away for a few days and we made good use of the opportunity to explore the stunning piece of coastline between the mouths of the Bushmans and
- [Baakens Bench](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/baakens-bench/) - A bench ideal for contemplation. The difference between this one and others with similar views is that you don't have to hike for an hour to get to it to enjoy it. It's located next to the Baakens Valley on the corner at the bottom of 2nd Avenue and Fordyce Road in Walmer
- [Golden glow on the beachfront](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/golden-glow-on-the-beachfront/) - Regular Port Elizabeth Daily Photo follower Gerhard Burger sent me this picture last week. Isn't that just the perfect winters afternoon in the Bay?
- [Giraffes on the beachfront](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/giraffes-on-the-beachfront/) - The harbour giraffes aren't the only giraffes you see on the beachfront. There are also twenty kiddie giraffe rides at the Kings Beach Park play area.
- [Swartkops Bridge](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/swartkops-bridge/) - Looking up at the N2 bridge over the Swartkops River from the river mouth
- [Master Chef judging, the Firefly version - Ginger Restaurant](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/master-chef-judging-the-firefly-version-ginger-restaurant/) - Port Elizabeth is very quickly getting a reputation as a good food destination with visiting bloggers and journalists raving about the variety and quality of restaurants and food markets available around the city in their articles. Now I'm not food expert although I am known to enjoy a good steak / pizza / chop and
- [Hoisting the Campanile Bells](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/hoisting-the-campanile-bells/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fKyTXTvpBg&w=500&h=400] After taking down the Campanile bells and the renovation process, the bells have just been hoisted back into the top of the Campanile with Bell #23 going up on Wednesday. Somebody thought it may be a good idea to attache a GoPro to the bell before it went up and thus we can all
- [Swartkops estuary birds](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/swartkops-estuary-birds/) - Not a lot of non-twitchers would know that the Swartkops River estuary is one of the best places around Port Elizabeth for bird watching. It is home to a huge amount of estuarine and water birds and the ideal spot to tick off a few feathered friends from your bird list.
- [Silver seas at Hobie Beach](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/silver-seas-at-hobie-beach/) - I needed to clear my head a bit this morning and took a walk across the road from the office and down onto Hobie Beach. Not a lot of people around to enjoy the view of the sun glistening silver on the slightly choppy sea. At least I could snap a pic to share with
- [Entrance to the Boardwalk](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/entrance-to-the-boardwalk/) - The Marine Drive entrance to the Boardwalk must be one of the most photographed landmarks in Port Elizabeth. My office is above the tourism info centre just on the left as you walk under the arch and I literally see visitors taking pictures of the entrance every time I go outside. Some of it on it's own,
- [Down the hill into Sundays](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/down-the-hill-into-sundays/) - We spent the weekend in Kenton and heading back along the N2 this afternoon I asked the Damselfly to snap a pic with my phone as we came down the hill towards Colchester. I've got to say this is one of those views that is a lot better in person than on a photo. I'm
- [Lifeguards not currently on duty](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/lifeguards-not-currently-on-duty/) - It's winter at the moment and the beach is pretty much empty, especially during the week. But the lifeguard tower, although not manned at the moment, is waiting. Summer will come again and so will the beach-goers.
- [Geocaching in the rain but under cover](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/geocaching-in-the-rain-but-under-cover/) - Tuesday morning I was out early to make my mark in the local elections. A little later the morning we headed over to Baywest for Drama Princess to join some of her friends at the ice rink. On our way though we did a quick detour to find a Geocache. The KidZ quickly, and slightly
- [A Kuzuko Lodge Safari](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-kuzuko-lodge-safari/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXG5yRclnms&w=500&h=400] Last week's Video Friday post featured a video by Chasing the Rainbow about a Kragga Kamma Game Park photo safari. This week we're sticking to the game theme with another Chasing the Rainbow video, this time of their visit to Kuzuko Lodge.
- [Sunset from Newton Park](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sunset-from-newton-park/) - I had to go and drop Drama Princess off at school tonight for the last night of their school concert and this was post sunset looking from Newton Park side across the Baakens Valley towards William Moffet.
- [An Express Holiday In(n) Umhlanga](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/an-express-holiday-inn-umhlanga/) - Everybody knows I like to explore and in South Africa we really have so much to discover. So when an invitation to visit Umhlanga and bring the Damselfly along came from the Holiday Inn Express Umhlanga, I jumped at the chance to see a new place and share it with my wife. With two nights
- [Relaunching Ginger](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/relaunching-ginger/) - If you're looking for fine dining in Port Elizabeth you don't have to really look any further than Ginger Restaurant at the Beach Hotel across the road from Hobie Beach. The Damselfly and I were invited to come and try out their seven course relaunch set menu tonight. The restaurant has just had a complete
- [Primary School Musical](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/primary-school-musical/) - Drama Princess and all her fellow pupils (and obviously all the teachers) at Newton Park Primary School have been hard over the last few weeks rehearsing for the schools musical play that gets staged every few years. The production includes each and every child with each class contributing a different scene to the show. This
- [Late early still... is tired](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/late-early-still-is-tired/) - I are tired... tired is I. Probably more like exhausted. Makes it feel even worse when you go home, got to stop at the shop and join a queue of 30 people to buy electricity (yes I know I've got to register to do it from my phone if I can find the time), pick
- [EP Indoor Cricket trials](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/ep-indoor-cricket-trials/) - Drama Princess started playing Indoor Cricket at the Hunters Retreat Indoor Cricket Arena about two months ago and over the last two Sundays played in the EP junior trials. The SA junior champs take place right here in Port Elizabeth in April next year with teams being selected to represent the province in the u10, u12,
- [CON.ECT geek convention](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/con-ect-geek-convention/) - This weekend the 3rd annual CON.ECT geek convention took place at the NMMU Indoor Sports Centre. The expo covers everything geeky from books, games and figurines to craft, technology displays and movie memorabilia. Except for the stalls on display there were various activities taking place over both days with both table top games (board and
- [A Kragga Kamma photo safari with Chasing the Rainbow](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-kragga-kamma-photo-safari-with-chasing-the-rainbow/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXHYQ3wTVL8&w=500&h=400] I'm still working my way through Chasing the Rainbow's videos featuring Port Elizabeth and the surrounding areas as I find them excellent material for my Video Friday posts and at the same time (hopefully) getting more of my followers to follow them as well. Today's video features Kragga Kamma Game Park and shows how
- [Snake interaction at Animals in Wonderland](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/snake-interaction-at-animals-in-wonderland/) - Over the last couple of days I have done a few posts about the PE Geocaching community's visit to Animals in Wonderland. The main reason for our visit was an event celebrating World Snake Day and that was also the reason Animals in Wonderland was selected as the venue for the event. Juan and Jeru
- [Wallace the pig dog](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/wallace-the-pig-dog/) - We have a couple of Daxies at home who think they are people and I have a friend who has a African Grey who barks like a dog and then says "I'm not a dog". But have you ever seen a warthog who thinks he's a dog? Spending an afternoon at Animals in Wonderland I met
- [Wild seas at Bird Rock](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/wild-seas-at-bird-rock/) - On my way to work this morning I noticed how the waves were washing over the Port Elizabeth harbour wall. I decided to take a drive down the beachfront before going to the office and stood pulled over on Lovers' Lane across from Bird Rock. The waves were washing right over it. The sea she
- [Roadside gnomes in the Karoo](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/roadside-gnomes-in-the-karoo/) - I always go on about all the treasures one get to discover when road tripping. Well known landmarks, inadequately marked but well worth taking turnoffs, interesting attractions, beautiful views, fascination people, lekker food, unusual sights and so much more. Driving back to Port Elizabeth from Graaff-Reinet the other day I passed through the town of
- [Interesting tit bits at Animals in Wonderland](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/interesting-tit-bits-at-animals-in-wonderland/) - Part of the experience at Animals in Wonderland is a room full of interesting tit bits where both kids and adults can discover new and fascinating things. Among them there is a tank with a platanna frog and one with mudskippers. Yes, mudskippers. Those fish that walk (or more like hop or skip - hence
- [Animals in Wonderland](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/animals-in-wonderland/) - Last weekend I got to visit Animals in Wonderland for the first time during a Geocaching event we had there to celebrate World Snake Day. Animals in Wonderland is an environmental education facility located out in Greenbushes. They're not a rescue and rehabilitation facility but rather take in animals and birds that cannot be released
- [Geocaching at Falcon Rock](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/geocaching-at-falcon-rock/) - On Thursday I posted a picture of Falcon Rock where I mentioned that while there I went to look for the Geocache hidden at the rock. As we were climbing up to the top I gave my camera to Drama Princess to hold and afterwards noticed that she took this picture as I was climbing up.
- [Ziplining in Addo with Chasing the Rainbow](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/ziplining-in-addo-with-chasing-the-rainbow/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i525U1q3CaE&w=500&h=400] Follow the guys of Chasing the Raibow as they go zipling along the longest duel zipline in Africa. Right here in the Sundays River Valley at Sunland near Addo.
- [The real Falcon Rock](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-real-falcon-rock/) - We stopped by Falcon Rock Country Restaurant for the first time on Saturday and discovered a really nice and affordable spot. Just after we got there I headed off along the trails to go and find a Geocacher and along the way discovered the actual Falcon Rock. If it wasn't for all the gum trees
- [Team building at Falcon Rock](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/team-building-at-falcon-rock/) - After a morning coffee at Crossroads Country Kitchen we headed to Falcon Rock for lunch (it was all about checking these places out as options for the Damselfly's office Christmas lunch at the end of the year). There was a youth group busy with team building activities and I enjoyed watching them for a bit
- [Veggie garden at Crossroads Country Kitchen](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/veggie-garden-at-crossroads-country-kitchen/) - Behind the Crossroads Country Kitchen next to the kiddies play area is a veggie garden. Not just a veggie patch with a few things growing there but a proper dincum vegetable garden from where they get a lot of the veggies and salad used in the restaurant. Not just is it a veggie garden, it's
- [A Sunday morning drive up the Montagu Pass](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-sunday-morning-drive-up-the-montagu-pass/) - The Garden Route has many iconic passes. Some crossing over mountains and others through gorges. Some are part of main routes and are accessible to all, some are off the beaten track and only 4x4's are recommended while others are only accessible on foot or bicycle. The Montagu Pass outside of George is one that
- [Crossways pies](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/crossways-pies/) - Who doesn't love a pie? I don't mean those heartburn for hours garage pies but rather a proper "home made" farm stall type pie with real meat. Like the ones that caught my eye at Crossways Country Kitchen on Saturday. Beef or Venison. Take your pick.
- [Mountain biking at Crossways](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/mountain-biking-at-crossways/) - An activity I would really like to take up if I had the time and the money for a proper bike, is mountain biking. We have some great mountain bike tracks around Port Elizabeth at places like Norm Hundlin, the Baakens Valley, Hopewell Reserve and then out at Crossways where I stopped by on Saturday
- [Early morning at Crossways](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/early-morning-at-crossways/) - We went out to Crossways Country Kitchen for coffee with friends this morning but I probably spent more time walking around outside on a crisp winters morning than inside. And when it looked like this outside, how couldn't I?
- [Beachfront fun by Chasing the Rainbow](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/beachfront-fun-by-chasing-the-rainbow/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gcllx2CdgvM&w=500&h=400] As I mentioned yesterday, although it's winter, we've had a few gloriously nice summery days which goes great with the fact that it is school holidays at the moment as well. So in the spirit of nice weather and fun times, today's Video Friday post is one from Chasing Rainbow showing fun activities they
- [Isn't it supposed to be winter?](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/isnt-it-supposed-to-be-winter/) - I took a walk down to the Pier over lunch time as it is a beautiful day outside. Not just a typical beautiful winters day, but a warm one to boot as well. Plus it is still school holidays so there are lots of people around strolling along the boardwalk, on the pier and even
- [Gliding around the Wilderness lakes on a segway](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/gliding-around-the-wilderness-lakes-on-a-segway/) - Mountain biking has become a very popular pastime of late and something I'd like to find the time for to try out. Time and the money for a proper mountain bike. I really wouldn't mind a proper off road bike to travel with. You know, one of those big BMW ones. But I can barely
- [North End Lake picnic spot](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/north-end-lake-picnic-spot/) - I found myself in North End today, driving on the road adjacent to the North End Lake. I haven't been here for a while and stopped for a look around before heading off again. I realised that where I was standing was an angle you don't see that often. It's always either looking across the
- [Humble Ways Road](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/humble-ways-road/) - This afternoon I went for a drive up to Humble Ways private nature reserve on Lovemore Heights. It wasn't that I wanted to go for a walk, I just wanted to drive down the track to the gate through the vegetation tunnel around the track.
- [Honeymoon suite at Plantation](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/honeymoon-suite-at-plantation/) - It feels weird to be married for 15 years and then to say you're staying in the honeymoon suite. That's what happened to us a little while ago when we spent an evening at the Plantation courtesy of a prize I won at the #ECMeetup bloggers event. If you think the room looks cool you
- [Plantation chapel](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/plantation-chapel/) - I won a night at The Plantation at the #ECMeetup recently and a few weeks ago the Damselfly and I made use of my prize (which I still need to post about). The afternoon after checking in we took a walk around the property and I snapped this pic of the chapel entrance - seeing
- [Driving between Wilderness and George along the back roads](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/driving-between-wilderness-and-george-along-the-back-roads/) - Last Thursday morning I did a presentation at a tourism stakeholder workshop in the Tsitsikamma and after lunch moved on to George for a weekend exhibit. Having had some time on my hands I decided to veer off the main road and pick up a few Geocaches along Bo-Langvlei Road, the dirt road running behind
- [Pollok to Hobie](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/pollok-to-hobie/) - I took this picture looking from the rocks at Pollok Beach back towards Hobie Beach the other day just as the little army chopper came flying past. Was wondering if I should post the picture when I saw somebody with a similar pic as their masthead pic on Facebook. At least I'm not the only
- [Learning to surf in PE with the guys from Chasing the Rainbow](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/learning-to-surf-in-pe-with-the-guys-from-chasing-the-rainbow/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2frVCrCcfGs&w=500&h=400] I love the fact that the family from Chasing the Rainbow also do video posts in addition to their general travel blogs and today I feature one of their videos as my Video Friday post again. With non of them having surfed before they decided to go for a surfing lesson at Oceanside Surf
- [Butcher Block Umhlanga - the BEST steak I have ever had](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/butcher-block-umhlanga-the-best-steak-i-have-ever-had/) - I don't think there is anybody out there (except obviously vegetarians or vegans) who doesn't love a good steak. Not everybody can make a good steak though. I have tried many times and just can't get it right. It's always either done to much or not enough and I think the Damselfly may even have given up
- [Aloes along the beachfront boardwalk](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/aloes-along-the-beachfront-boardwalk/) - Aloes flowering next to the beachfront boardwalk just beyond the lollipop beacon on the corner of Marine Drive and Admiralty Way.
- [Pollok Beach in reverse](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/pollok-beach-in-reverse/) - We all know where Pollok Beach is and what it looks like. We normally look at it from the side of the parking area at Something Good. Have you ever walked down to the far side and looked back along Pollock Beach? Ok, so you're not allowed to answer this question if you take part
- [Splash pool at low tide](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/splash-pool-at-low-tide/) - Yesterday afternoon I had a workshop to attend at the Summerstand Hotel and on the way realised I was slightly early. I pulled over at the Pollok Beach parking area and took a walk down to the natural tidal pool by the hole in the rock. We spent many Sunday afternoons swimming in this pool
- [Sunrise at Shark Rock Pier](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sunrise-at-shark-rock-pier/) - I was early getting to work this morning so I kept going past my normal turnoff and pulled into the parking at Hobie Beach to see if I can snap a nice sunrise picture at the pier...
- [Sunset over the Knysna Lagoon](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sunset-over-the-knysna-lagoon/) - I spent the weekend in Knysna for work and didn't have a lot of free time, but that did not stop me from dashing down to the Knysna Heads just in time to catch the sunset. It's been a few years since I've spent some quality time in Knysna and I seriously need to make
- [Aloes in flower](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/aloes-in-flower/) - One of the things I love most about winter is the fact that the aloes are in bloom. Here is Port Elizabeth we are very fortunate that we are surrounded by areas where aloes grow in abundance. Areas like the Gamtoos Valley, Baviaanskloof, Addo region, the Karoo Heartland and the Grahamstown district.
- [Up above](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/up-above/) - Sometimes you've just got to look up every now and then
- [Vintage Port Elizabeth](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/vintage-port-elizabeth/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okXCbpCPDaI&w=500&h=400] For this week's Video Friday post I'm posting a video made up of vintage Port Elizabeth pictures I found on YouTube. I'm sure it will bring back fond memories for a lot of people while the younger readers of the blog will probably barely be able to recognise some of the places featured.
- [Sunset at the Qora River Mouth](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sunset-at-the-qora-river-mouth/) - Don't let the name of the Wild Coast put you under a wrong impression. The Wild Coast isn't all rough and tumble with storms and shipwrecks. It's also a place of beauty, untouched pieces of coastline, stunning river mouths, beautiful beaches, villages on rolling hills overlooking the sea and Nguni cattle on the beach. I
- [Shark Rock Pier compass](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/shark-rock-pier-compass/) - If you've ever been on the Port Elizabeth beachfront you would know Shark Rock Pier, one of Port Elizabeth's most prominent and well known landmarks. Most of us (and I say most of us because not everybody gets the opportunity to visit the beachfront on a leisure basis) have walked on the Pier, but have
- [Summerstrand beachfront](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/summerstrand-beachfront/) - I think one of the things I love most about the Port Elizabeth beachfront is that it isn't over developed like that of Durban or even Cape Town, plus that there is minimal development that has taken place between Marine Drive and the beach. Can you imagine what out beachfront would have looked like if
- [Picnic in St Georges Park](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/picnic-in-st-georges-park/) - Two Saturdays ago I joined the local Geocaching community for a picnic event in St Georges Park. I just realised again what an amazing place we have right here in the city where we can go and picnic while the kids run around and play on the park equipment. Really something more people should do.
- [Travel Massive Port Elizabeth networking event](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/travel-massive-port-elizabeth-networking-event/) - Travel Massive is a worldwide network of travel industry insiders getting together on a regular basis, connecting with each other and sharing information. There are a 128 chapters worldwide with each chapter headed up by locals who give their time bring people within the industry together. South Africa has six chapters in Cape Town, Johannesburg,
- [Early morning beachfront](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/early-morning-beachfront/) - Early morning looking down the Marine Drive wall in Humewood
- [Just the way to start a morning](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/just-the-way-to-start-a-morning/) - The weatherman promised us a beautiful weekend and that's exactly how it started yesterday. On my way to work yesterday morning I just had to pull over and snap a pic. How can one not?
- [Dolphin watching in Algoa Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/dolphin-watching-in-algoa-bay/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plhAc7DcLhQ&w=500&h=400] Port Elizabeth and Algoa Bay was recently branded as the Bottlenose Dolphin Capital of the World because of the fact that the area is home to probably the biggest population of Bottlenose Dolphins in the world. Join Lloyd Edwards and the team of Raggy Charters on a virtual cruise of Algoa Bay out to
- [Zip Zap Circus at the Wildsfees](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/zip-zap-circus-at-the-wildsfees/) - I got to attend the opening function of the SPAR Kirkwood Wildfees tonight and the highlight of the evening was definitely the performance of the Cape Town based Zip Zap Circus. Zip Zap is featured at the Wildfees for the first time this year and is definitely going to be a very popular addition to
- [Roadtrip gems - The sun setting in the Karoo](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/roadtrip-gems-the-sun-setting-in-the-karoo/) - Road tripping bring you the possibility of many memorable things. Beautiful destinations, interesting people, scrumptious food, fascinating places and, in this case, a beautiful Karoo Heartland sunset. Although it was probably still another hour before sunset, the sun heading for the distant mountains through hazy skies made for a sight beautiful enough to make me
- [Laden with citrus](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/laden-with-citrus/) - I know it's not Port Elizabeth, but I just have to share this with you. I was in Patensie for a tourism workshop this morning and the citrus orchards are just packed with fruit at the moment. The Gamtoos Valley is one of the biggest citrus producing areas in South Africa and it's well worth
- [Baakens Valley graffiti by Joff](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/baakens-valley-graffiti-by-joff/) - Joff's latest piece of graffiti down in the lower Baakens Valley literally has the whole city talking. It even made television news the other day. Last week I posted this picture on Instagram and a number of people have shared it via Facebook. I really hope we'll start to see a lot more of this
- ["Surprise surprise" at Holiday Inn Express Umhlanga](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/surprise-surprise-at-holiday-inn-express-umhlanga/) - "How about a weekend in Umhlanga with the Damselfly?" So the email I received from the InterContinental Hotels Group didn't quite say that, but it could just as well have. A weekend at any of their South African hotels and I got to choose which one. I could have chosen the luxury Intercontinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers or
- [Looking down on Bridge Street in the Baakens Valley](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/looking-down-on-bridge-street-in-the-baakens-valley/) - A climb up the side of the Lower Baakens Valley to find a Geocache last week gave me a bird's eye view (or was it a Geocacher's eye view) of the Lower Baakens Valley below me. The is the view looking west with the Bridge Street building (where Bridge Street Brewery and Boomtown is located)
- [Doggy walk for Animal Welfare](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/doggy-walk-for-animal-welfare/) - Yesterday (Saturday) morning we took the sausages for a walk on the beach along with probably a hundred or so other pooches as part of a fundraiser for Animal Welfare. The weather was perfect and the dogs and their human servants had a great time out. So interesting watching everybody with the dogs of different
- [Early morning view down the lower Baakens Valley](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/early-morning-view-down-the-lower-baakens-valley/) - Friday morning I made an early morning stop in the lower Baakens Valley before work to find a newly published Geocache. Turned out the cache was high up the side of the valley which didn't just leave me out of breath when I got up there, but also with a great view down towards the
- [Port Elizabeth From Above by Chasing the Rainbow](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/port-elizabeth-from-above-by-chasing-the-rainbow/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBMuJ49YFxs&w=500&h=400] Oh how I would love to have a drone and to be able to shoot Port Elizabeth and the Eastern Cape from the air. Unfortunately for me I have other financial priorities and just don't have the budget to buy one. Maybe one day when I'm big. One day. In the meantime I'll just
- [Geocaching Monkey](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/geocaching-monkey/) - So this morning I was woken up by my neighbour's contractor starting early on this public holiday, spent a little time in bed with the wife and the daxies, played some Play Station with the KidZ and then we cleaned house, cleansed house and... yes, cleaned house. Late afternoon I headed out for a little
- [What is Jukskei?](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/what-is-jukskei/) - A couple of months ago on a road trip to Johannesburg I detoured through the town of Kroonstad in the Northern Free State to stretch my legs and... well... you know... find a geocache or two. One of the caches I was after is located at a holiday resort called Jukskei Park and on arrival
- [Courtyard Hotel pool](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/courtyard-hotel-pool/) - Last night Travel Massive Port Elizabeth hosted a networking event at the Courtyard Hotel sponsored by the Courtyard and Town Lodge. Before the formalities we had drinks outside by the pool and I must say that the hotel must have one of the best pool views around. The best part is that one would
- [Then and Now - Baakens River Bridge](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/then-and-now-baakens-river-bridge/) - We all know the Baakens River flows through Port Elizabeth and that most of the Baakens Valley is protected green open spaces all the way from Sunridge Park, past the 3rd Avenue Dip, through Walmer and Mill Park to Settlres Park. It really is a pity that the municipality doesn't look after the well being
- [It's not just always out and about with me](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/its-not-just-always-out-and-about-with-me/) - Some people think I'm always out and about, traveling all over getting to explore, experience, have fun and take photos. Well, let's just say I put in way more office time driving my desk than being out there. It just looks the other way around. Today is such a day and with no photos in
- [Then and Now - Donkin Reserve - the lighthouse and pyramid](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/then-and-now-donkin-reserve-the-lighthouse-and-pyramid/) - About two and a half years ago (can it really be so long already?) I did a Then and Now for the Donkin Reserve featuring photos taken from the sea side of the lighthouse and pyramid. Last week I passed by the Donkin on my way to a meeting and snapped one from the other
- [Why we love The Pier - Herald LIVE](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/why-we-love-the-pier-herald-live/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBk_afcrTKA&w=500&h=400] I don't make videos for my blogs. I wish I had time to do so, but it's a luxury I don't have much of. Instead I have to normally surf the net and in particular YouTube to find videos to post for Video Friday. I have seen a lot of good drone footage on
- [The Aloes are in bloom](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-aloes-are-in-bloom/) - One of my favorite things about this time of the year (early winter) is the fact that the aloes are in bloom. A little road trip through the Karoo Heartland had me stop once or twice to snap a few pictures, but mostly I just enjoyed the sight of them next to the road. A
- [The chair lady of the Donkin](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-chair-lady-of-the-donkin/) - Anton Momberg's "Untitled Piece", forming part of Route 67, standing proud on the Donkin Reserve. Some call her the lady with the chair but for the first time did I realise that she could also be the "chairlady" of the Donkin Reserve
- [Calm day on the Donkin](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/calm-day-on-the-donkin/) - I had to drop something off at the Donkin yesterday and found this tranquil scene. Warm day, not a breeze and barely anybody out and about. At least I got to enjoy it for 5 minutes before I had to hit the road again.
- [Humewood Station standing empty](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/humewood-station-standing-empty/) - The difference between the Port Elizabeth Railway Station (opened in 1899) and the Humewood Railway Station (opened in 1905) is that Humewood was built to accommodate narrow gauge - 2 ft (610 mm) - trains that made use of the Avontuur Railway (or Apple Express line as most of us know it) to the Gamtoos
- [Then and Now - The Green Mosque](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/then-and-now-the-green-mosque/) - With the month of Ramadan starting today, I thought it would be appropriate to do a Then and Now featuring the Masjied-Ul-Aziz (also known as the Pier Street Mosque or Green Mosque). The mosque was officially opened in July 1901 and the first Imam was Abdul Wahab Salie . The mosque was destined to be
- [Lazy days on the Sundays River](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/lazy-days-on-the-sundays-river/) - Standing on the deck at Dungbeetle River Lodge on the Sundays River in Colchester, this is the view you have. Ahhh, lazy days on the banks of the Sundays River.
- [Lunch time at This is Eat](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/lunch-time-at-this-is-eat/) - Have you ever had lunch at This is Eat at the harbour? Not? You're only missing the best takeaway fish and calamari at the best prices in town. Last week we had a quick lunch time Geocaching event at the restaurant and as I'm on diet I had to sit and watch my friends eat.
- [Despatch at sunset from the air](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/despatch-at-sunset-from-the-air/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SKAymZxmm4&w=500&h=400] It's not often that you find much about Despatch on the internet and definitely not many videos. So I was quite surprised to find this one done by Renaldo Gouws featuring some aerial footage he shot with his drone over the town at sunset.
- [Pork passanger](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/pork-passanger/) - We've all seen pictures (or in real life) of Red Bill Oxpeckers sitting on rhino, buffalo, giraffe or some of the other bigger animals. Taking a drive through Addo the other day I got to see a similar scene but it didn't include a Red Bill Oxpecker nor a big animal. This time it was
- [Qora River at Kob Inn](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/qora-river-at-kob-inn/) - The Wild Coast is famous for it's beautiful and rugged coastline and one of my favorite aspects of it is all the rivers that flow through the area and into the sea. I got to discover another one for myself when I stayed at Kob Inn recently. The Qora River Mouth is located only two
- [Shark Spotters over Muizenberg](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/shark-spotters-over-muizenberg/) - On my last visit to Cape Town I had to make a stop in Noordhoek and returned to Cape Town via Fish Hoek and Boyes Drive. At the top of Boys Drive I pulled over to enjoy the view of Muizenberg Beach from the lookout where one of the shark spotters is based. The Shark
- [Then and Now - The South End Fig Tree](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/then-and-now-the-south-end-fig-tree/) - The old Fig Tree in South End (across the road on the harbour side from the South End Museum) predates all living memory and is said to be well over 100 years old. Back in the days pre the removal of everybody and everything from South End due to the implementation of the Group Areas
- [Riverside breakfast](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/riverside-breakfast/) - Late last week I had a meeting at Dungbeetle River Lodge on the Sundays River in Colchester. The owners always have lekker snacks and lunch lined up when we have a meeting there and this time was no different. Best of all, the weather was perfect and we could have our meeting on the deck
- [Getting lost in the Redberry Maze in George](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/getting-lost-in-the-redberry-maze-in-george/) - Literally for the last couple of years now the Damselfly has wanted to visit Redberry Farm in George on the Garden Route. We just never had the opportunity to be in the area long enough to do so until we spent a long weekend in the town recently. It meant that Redberry Farm was at the
- [End of the line](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/end-of-the-line/) - It is sad to see all the unused railway infrastructure around Port Elizabeth either on the harbour, around Humewood or next to the Settlers Freeway. After a lunchtime event at This is Eat on the harbour I grabbed the camera for a couple of photos before heading back to the office.
- [Trains, trains and some other stuff at the Outeniqua Transport Museum](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/trains-trains-and-some-other-stuff-at-the-outeniqua-transport-museum/) - When in George the one attraction you have to visit is the Outenique Transport Museum (also known as the Outenique Railway Museum). It used to be one of my regular stops on the Garden Route back when I was working as a tourist guide and the Outenique Choo Tjie steam train was still running. Spending
- [Enjoying the view from Fort Frederick](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/enjoying-the-view-from-fort-frederick/) - Today's photo is just proof that I don't always gallivant around town on my own but sometimes take the family along to explore with me. It's also proof that you can take your family to historic spots like Fort Frederick without having to fear for your life, like so many want others to believe.
- [Buffalo portrait](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/buffalo-portrait/) - I know I posted a picture of a couple of Addo buffs earlier on in the week, but I wanted to share this one with you as well. It's nice when they look straight at you. Makes for great pics. Or I hope he was looking at me...
- ["Living in PE" - sing along, you know the words](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/living-in-pe-sing-along-you-know-the-words/) - ?feature=player_embedded About a week ago I saw a clip on Facebook where the "Living in PE" song was performed on Morning Espresso on SABC 3. I really wanted to share the clip with you, but... you guessed it, I can't rememeber where I saw it. So in it's place I am reposting the original Jannie
- [Three easy on the pocket George attractions](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/three-easy-on-the-pocket-george-attractions/) - I don't think George is very high on anybody's list of possible holiday destinations. Yes, as part of the Garden Route but not standing on it's own. If that is how you think then I'm going to have to tell you how wrong your thinking is. Spending Easter Weekend in George showed me in four
- [Pale Chanting Goshawk](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/pale-chanting-goshawk/) - One of my favorite birds to see in the Addo Elephant National Park is the Pale Chanting Goshawk. You normally find them perched on a bush like this scanning the surrounding area for prey.
- [Striped donkey portrait](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/striped-donkey-portrait/) - This male zebra seemed to have had a run-in with something and was standing in the road in Addo's southern section. He was probably feeling sorry for himself and nursed his wounds and standing in the middle of the road meant he could see any approaching predator coming a long way away. It also meant
- [A beautiful sunrise at Pipe](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-beautiful-sunrise-at-pipe/) - One of the best parts of winter is the fact that the sun comes up later which gives us a much better chance to see a sunrise than in summer. This morning Elzabe Boshoff was down at Pipe (at Pollok Beach) at sunrise and snapped this breathtaking photo of sunrise. Wow! What a way to
- [Addo Buffs](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/addo-buffs/) - My quick trip through Addo last week didn't produce a big amount of elephants as usual. I did get three separate Cape Buffalo sightings. When I started working as a tourist guide 18 years ago the Cape Buffalo sightings were very few and far apart. The Addo buffalo was basically nocturnal due to the hunting
- [Wild Coast Lizard](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/wild-coast-lizard/) - There aren't any crocodiles on the Wild Coast, but I did see one of their small cousins though
- [Big boy drinking](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/big-boy-drinking/) - There is nothing wrong with drinking alone. Pity about the paparazzi audience...
- [Addo landscape](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/addo-landscape/) - I was invited to the launch of the SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees at the Addo Elephant National Park main camp yesterday and decided to take the scenic route through the park from Colchester. Back when I was a tourist guide I used to visit the park as often as 5 or 6 times a week at
- [Feel Free in Nelson Mandela Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/feel-free-in-nelson-mandela-bay/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SO5kb_-nrhA&w=500&h=400] I was looking for a video to post for today's Video Friday post and found a little bit of nostalgia for me. I worked for Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism from 2008 to 2014 and when I started there this video was the destination marketing video used to promote the city. I think it dates
- [The little things on the Wild Coast](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-little-things-on-the-wild-coast/) - I'm a big advocate of keeping one's eyes open for the little things as much as the big stuff. Spending a night at Kob Inn on the Wild Coast I went for an afternoon stroll down to the Qora River and while the coastline and river held my attention, I still spotted this little scene.
- [Sunset is getting earlier](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sunset-is-getting-earlier/) - Heading home after work this afternoon I just realised again how quickly winter is approaching. Other than the chill in the air the biggest indicator is the sun. In summer it goes down after 7:30pm but this time of year it heads to the horizon not long after five. So this afternoon I got to
- [Beachfront pano](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/beachfront-pano/) - A panorama (of some sorts) of the beachfront looking from Lovers Lane back towards Hobie Beach and Shark Rock Pier with the city in the background.
- [The lake at Mount Pleasant](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-lake-at-mount-pleasant/) - If you enjoy photographing birds and is looking for a nice urban location around Port Elizabeth to do so then you don't need to look any further than Lovemore Lake at the bottom of Boundary Lane in Mount Pleasant. Every time I pass there I'm amazed at the amount of different birds around. On Saturday
- [Coega from the sky](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/coega-from-the-sky/) - Fly to Durban the other day I leaned over the Damselfly who was sitting by the window to snap a pic of the Coega Harbour down below. Not the best picture but a different angle from what you see passing on the N2
- [Out the plane window](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/out-the-plane-window/) - Three weeks ago the Damselfly and I flew to Durban for a weekend in Umhlanga courtesy of the InterContinental Hotels Group and Holiday Inn Express Umhlanga. Here the Damselfly looks out over PE through the plane window after we took off. Ah, but we really live in a beautiful city doesn't matter what angle you
- [When bloggers get together - #ECMeetUp](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/when-bloggers-get-together-ecmeetup/)
- [A selection of Port Elizabeth's Haunted Venues](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-selection-of-port-elizabeths-haunted-venues/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sAkt8ltCkc&w=500&h=400] I was looking for a video to share for this week's Video Friday and came across this video by Mark Rose-Christie of the Mystery Ghost Bus of South Africa featuring a selection of Port Elizabeth's haunted venues. Spooky stuff and many well known PE places.
- [Surfs up and coffee is served](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/surfs-up-and-coffee-is-served/) - I'm not a surfer nor have I ever tried to surf. Not that I wouldn't want to try, I just never had the opportunity. I don't get to stop down at Pipe that often so last week I pulled in to grab a photo or two. Parked in the parking lot is a coffee trailer
- [Sunny day in Wilderness](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sunny-day-in-wilderness/) - Ahhh, a sunny autumn's day in the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park. What more is there to say?
- [Railway Station damage - how long down the line](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/railway-station-damage-how-long-down-the-line/) - A few years ago (quite a few if I'm correct), the historic Port Elizabeth Railway Station was damaged in an underground gas explosion. The spot was cordoned off and the building "braced" with wooden poles. So sad that all this time later and Spoornet (Transnet) still haven't done anything to restore and fix the building.
- [Strand Street vendor](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/strand-street-vendor/) - Not a lot of people from the 'burbs ever walk around much in downtown Port Elizabeth. I think I need to do it a bit more as there are a lot interesting things to see and photograph. Waiting around the Campanile for the bells to be lowered a week ago, I noticed a vendor selling
- [Splish splash over Bird Rock](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/splish-splash-over-bird-rock/) - Last week we had some big swells around. So big that a cruise ship had to dock in PE for a while due to a bit of damage it picked up after swellsflooded one of its decks. Driving along Marine Drive I always look towards Bird Rock. Probably because I have a Geocache located on
- [Looking down the Langkloof from the Potjiesberg Pass](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/looking-down-the-langkloof-from-the-potjiesberg-pass/) - If you drive through the Langkloof from East to West you enter the valley just past Humansdorp and pass towns like Kareedouw, Jobertina, Krakeel, Louterwater, Misgund, Haarlem and Avontuur. The valley is about 160 km long and the R62 (the road running through the Langkloof) then meets up with the N9 near the town of
- [Driving down Strand Street](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/driving-down-strand-street/) - Last week when I popped down to the Campanile to take some photos of the bells, I also took a photo of Strand Street where it runs under the freeways. Don't think it's anybody's favorite part of town what with being covered by the freeways, having a bad reputation dating back some time for crime
- [The pipe at Pipe](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-pipe-at-pipe/) - Pipe at Pollok each is probably Port Elizabeth's best known and most popular surf spot. But have you eve wondered where Pipe got it's name from? The perfect barrel (like a pipe) to surf? Piping hot waves? Waves piping in one after another? (Is there even a saying like that?) Nope, it's very simple. There
- [A ray of light in the mountains](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-ray-of-light-in-the-mountains/) - On my last trip to Cape Town I connected from Robertson to Grabouw via a back road past Villiersdorp. It was late afternoon and the sun was heading towards the mountain on my right hand side at a speed. Suddenly it broke through the clouds and a sun ray reached down and touched the mountain
- [Skateboarders and Instagrammers unite](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/skateboarders-and-instagrammers-unite/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m50OA9kRAZc&w=500&h=400] The King's Beach Skateboarding Crew jointed the Port Elizabeth Instagram community for a fun couple of hours out in the city center a Sunday or two ago. Other than a whole bunch of Instagram pictures being taken, the skateboarders also filmed their own video which I'm sharing with you today.
- [Perfectly Pollok](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/perfectly-pollok/) - I think people are so used to Kings Beach, Humewood and Hobie that they often forget how awesome a beach Pollok Beach is. It is a dangerous beach to swim at when the lifeguards aren't on duty, but it's great for a walk, to watch the surfers and dolphins or to splash around with the
- [A historic water trough in Mowbray](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-historic-water-trough-in-mowbray/) - I often wonder if people really realise how many historic places and objects there are around our cities and towns. I'm not only referring to the big and well known historic attractions but rather to smaller ones many people probably drive past without even a second look. One of these I discovered in the Cape
- [Crisp winters day](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/crisp-winters-day/) - One of the things are enjoy most about winter is those crisp clear days. They just make for much better photos than hot summer days.
- [Off the off the beaten track in the Langkloof](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/off-the-off-the-beaten-track-in-the-langkloof/) - Most tourists and holiday makers traveling from the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape (or vice versa) do so along the world famous Garden Route. It means that they miss out on the very scenic Route 62 through the Langkloof which runs parallel to the Garden Route on the other side of the mountain. You
- [Then and Now - The Campanile bells](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/then-and-now-the-campanile-bells/) - The Campanile, wedged between the Port Elizabeth Railway Station, the PE Harbour and the Settlers Freeway, was built to celebrate the centenary of the landing of the British Settlers in 1820. The tower was built on the landing beach where the Settlers came ashore with the foundation stone being laid in 1921. It was officially
- [Lowering the Campanile bells](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/lowering-the-campanile-bells/) - The Campanile was opened in 1923 with the bells installed in 1936. Although the bells have received renovations while in position, the tower has only had cosmetic work done over the years. Recently an inspection of the Campanile showed that the structure holding the bells was in a bad state and in need of urgent
- [Encountering the Campanile bells](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/encountering-the-campanile-bells/) - On Tuesday morning I noticed a post on Facebook where the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) announced that the Campanile bells would be coming down that morning, if the weather allowed, as part of the restoration of the Campanile building. I was stuck in a workshop and very disappointed that I was going to miss
- [The beach is calling](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-beach-is-calling/) - I don't think it matters if its summer or winter, living in Port Elizabeth means that the beach is always calling. You don't have to go swim to go to the beach, just go for a walk or lets the kids run free a little.
- [A penguin party video, kinda](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-penguin-party-video-kinda/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qiBBaWWLv0&w=500&h=400] On 25 April we celebrated World Penguin Day. Here in Algoa Bay we are very fortunate to have the biggest breeding colony of African Penguins on St Croix Island. But we're not just fortunate to have them here, we are thus also aware of the desperate plight of the African Penguin. Penguin numbers have
- [Exploring (and not ghost hunting) the Somerset East Museum](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/exploring-and-not-ghost-hunting-the-somerset-east-museum/) - I struggle to pass by a small town museum if I have time on hand and time on hand I had the last time I visited the Karoo Heartland town of Somerset East. I immediately headed up to the Somerset East Museum standing in the shadow of the Boschberg Mountain at the top end of
- [Sidewalk dining](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sidewalk-dining/) - A new restaurant recently opened in the McArthur's Pool complex. This post isn't about the restaurant as I don't even know what its name is, but rather about the people who sat outside having a meal or drink on the evening of Ironman.
- [An Anglo Boer War lookout near Springfontein](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/an-anglo-boer-war-lookout-near-springfontein/) - About 35 clicks north of the Gariep Dam just off the N1 towards Bloemfontein stand a blockhouse looking out over the surrounding landscape. Most passing motorists probably don't even notice it but the fact that there is a Geocache located there has put it on my radar. On the previous two road trips north
- [Winter is coming... But not just yet](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/winter-is-coming-but-not-just-yet/) - The new series of Game of Thrones may have started this week and yes, over here winter is also coming, but we're still having fits of good weather and some people are still enjoying the beach a bit before it gets too cold to do son.
- [A little bit of Bo-Kaap in the Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-little-bit-of-bo-kaap-in-the-bay/) - This row of colourful houses in Alfred Terrace, Central always fascinate me. It shows that if all the old Settler homes in the area gets a proper revamp and a lick of paint that we can have our own colourful historic area like the Bo-Kaap in Cape Town. The only difference will be that we
- [Walter Battiss Art Gallery - the home of Fook Island](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/walter-battiss-art-gallery-the-home-of-fook-island/) - The Karoo Heartland town of Somerset East is a place full of interesting and quirky attractions. One of them is the Walter Battiss Art Gallery which also houses the local tourism information office. Battiss (6 January 1906 – 20 August 1982) was generally considered to be the foremost South African abstract painter but is probably
- [The Algoa Bay Yacht Club after dark](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-algoa-bay-yacht-club-after-dark/) - Last week while attending the launch of Algoa Bay as the Bottlenose Dolphin Capital of the World I sneaked outside for a quick photo of the Yacht basin and the harbour lights. Wish one could get onto more areas in the harbour to take photos.
- [Madiba gazing over Bloem](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/madiba-gazing-over-bloem/) - Naval Hill in Bloemfontein has always been a beacon in the Free State capitol and known for the magnificent views of the surrounding city. In 2012 an eight meter tall bronze sculpture, made by the same sculptor as the one standing in Mandela Square in Sandton, was revealed. Last year during the #MeetSouthAfrica bloggers trip
- [A head-on Slipway](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-head-on-slipway/) - I know I've posted quite a few photos of the Humewood slipway before but as it is one of the best known landmarks along the PE beachfront I am sure I will still post many in the future. I hear rumours that there are big plans afoot to possibly include them in an iconic art
- [Abandoned tennis courts](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/abandoned-tennis-courts/) - A little Geocaching detour allowed me to take notice of something I have passed many times before. Have you ever driven down Conynham Road in Parsons Hill and noticed the abandoned tennis courts on the right next to St Peter's Greek Orthodox Church. I've noticed them but I've never taken notice till this week. I
- [Chasing the Rainbow hiking in The Island Nature Reserve](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/chasing-the-rainbow-hiking-in-the-island-nature-reserve/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ck6YfO5YZ3s&w=500&h=400] Sarah and Ralph from Chasing the Rainbow dragged the kids (ok, so they did go willingly but you know teenagers) off for a hike through The Island Nature Reserve just outside Port Elizabeth last weekend. I've done the Bushbuck Trail through the reserve and it is one of my favorite trails in PE. Check
- [The wedge building in Central](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-wedge-building-in-central/) - A couple of years ago I got an inquiry to find out if I had any information on the "wedge building" near the Donkin Reserve in Central. After doing a bit of research and not finding much, I posted the question on the ExPE 60's 70's and 80's page where I received a wide range
- [The Settlers Family in Grahamstown](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-settlers-family-in-grahamstown/) - Grahamstown has two monuments to the 1820 British Settlers on top of Gun Fire Hill overlooking the town. The most prominent is the Settlers Monument building, heart of the Grahamstown National Arts Festival, with its huge auditorium. I prefer the second one a few hundred meters away from the building a lot more. It depicts
- [St Peter's Greek Orthodox Church](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/st-peters-greek-orthodox-church/) - Since taking over PE Daily Photo (which has been over 7 years already), I don't think I've posted a photo of the Greek church in Parsons Hill yet. Every time I pass it I think I should stop but always either didn't have my camera or didn't have time. This week I passed again and
- [Port Elizabeth is the Bottlenose Dolphin Capital of the World](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/port-elizabeth-is-the-bottlenose-dolphin-capital-of-the-world/) - Last night I attended the launch of Port Elizabeth and Algoa Bay as the Bottlenose Dolphin Capital of the World at the Algoa Bay Yacht Club. The initiative was the brainchild of Lloyd Edwards of Raggy Charters and isn't sommer maar so. It's not like Lloyd just got up one morning and decided that he
- [Three Karoo Heartland icons](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/three-karoo-heartland-icons/) - Three Karoo Heartland icons, all in one picture. Big open sky, Karoo koppies (in this case Koffiebus and Teebus outside Steynsburg) and the good ol' reliable Windpomp.
- [McArthur's and Kings Beach at night](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/mcarthurs-and-kings-beach-at-night/) - Another one of the pictures I took while supporting the Ironman competitors last Sunday evening. This time from next to Denville Beach looking past the McArthur's towards Kings Beach and the Port Elizabeth Harbour. See if you can see the fisherman on the beach...
- [Dolphin's Leap complex](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/dolphins-leap-complex/) - Last weekend with Ironman we headed down to the beachfront to support the runners and set up our spot in front of McDonald's. I don't think I've ever posted a picture of the Dolphin's Leap complex next to Bayworld and decided to snap a pic. Dolphin's Leap is made up of mostly restaurants and pubs
- [Opera House contemplation](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/opera-house-contemplation/) - While on a tour of the Opera House a week or two (jeez, it could be three already) ago, I caught my friend - and fellow tourism peep - Seekoei taking in the view of the main auditorium from the stage while in deep contemplation. Wonder if there was a bit of a "wouldn't it
- [Vrystaatse Vlaktes](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/vrystaatse-vlaktes/) - I have come to love the wide open spaces of the Karoo Heartland in the Eastern Cape but just haven't been able to get used to the, what we call in Afrikaans, Vrystaatse vlaktes. Vrystaat is the Afrikaans name for the Free State, South Africa's central province while vlaktes is an very descriptive Afrikaans work for
- [Nelson Mandela Bay - The place I call home.](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/nelson-mandela-bay-the-place-i-call-home/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOjV06tAIak&w=500&h=400] Earlier in the week I came across this awesome YouTube video on Facebook posted by Renaldo Gouws. Renaldo is well known for his political related comments but this time he sent his drone up to show off this beautiful place he (and I) call home. This particular video shows off a bit of the Kings
- [Remembering the Slagtersnek hangings](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/remembering-the-slagtersnek-hangings/) - If you are flying along in a northerly direction through the Karoo Heartland on the N10, the main drag between Port Elizabeth and Cradock, do slow down a bit after you pass the first turnoff to Somerset East and keep a look out on the right hand side of the road for a cenotaph like
- [Sparkling and blue at McArthur's pool](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/sparkling-and-blue-at-mcarthurs-pool/) - No doesn't that just look inviting? And before somebody comments about the fact that the water is probably cold because there are all those people on the side and nobody in the pool. This was taken at the Ironkids event last weekend. The people are parents and supporters watching the kids in the water
- [The Windpomp](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-windpomp/) - The windpomp is one of the icons of the Karoo Heartland and as part of the landscape as Karoo koppies, sheep and Angora goats and a good ol' farm gate. But have you ever wondered where the windpomp came from and how long they've been around? The first windpumps were used to pump water since
- [Run dad, keep up](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/run-dad-keep-up/) - This is a scene that played itself off over and over at Saturday's Ironkids event. Fathers doing the run leg along with their kids (often with mothers a few steps behind). But if it only was as easy as it sounds. Most of us huffed and puffed along carrying bags and cameras, taking photos, encouraging
- [Supporting the Ironman runners till late](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/supporting-the-ironman-runners-till-late/) - One of the main reasons we wanted to go down and support the runners along Beach Road during Ironman was to cheer on four of our friends taking part. We parked our camp chairs in front of the McArthur pool complex and settled in for the evening. Our friend B had a tough time on
- [Moenie omkyk nie - the Ironman run](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/moenie-omkyk-nie-the-ironman-run/) - After we spent most of the day on Sunday supporting the Ironman cyclists we headed down to the beachfront after dinner to spent some time supporting those same Ironmen and women on their running leg. Loved Die Burger's poster that said "Moenie omkyk nie" (Don't look back). I don't think I saw anybody look back.
- [A shady spot for the Ironman cycle leg](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-shady-spot-for-the-ironman-cycle-leg/) - Due to the change of route for Ironman this year we couldn't watch the cycle leg from our usual spot next to Buffelsfontein Road at Mount Pleasant. After church this morning we packed our lunch in a cooler box, grabbed the camp chairs and headed off to the intersection of Victoria Drive and Sardinia Bay
- [Drama Princess at Ironkids 2016](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/drama-princess-at-ironkids-2016/) - Ironkids takes place the day before Ironman and consists of a swim and a run. The Ironkids in Port Elizabeth is the biggest Ironkids competition in the world and would probably have been mush bigger if they didn't have to cap entries. Drama Princess took park in her 5th Ironkids competition this year and had
- [Ironkids video](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/ironkids-video/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GucppFH6TxU&w=500&h=400] Ironman weekend is upon us and tomorrow (Saturday 9 April 2016) we will be in the beachfront to support Drama Princess participation in the Ironkids event. Ironkids take place on the Saturday afternoon and is made up of a swim in McArthur's pool and a run to the main Ironman finish line at Hobie
- [The new Opera House stained glass feature](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-new-opera-house-stained-glass-feature/) - One of the new additions to the newly revamped Port Elizabeth Opera House is a stained glass window featuring the only three Africans on the continent to win the prestigious Tony Award – John Kani, Winston Ntshona and Athol Fugard. And best of all, they're all from our city. Forty years ago, the trio were nominated
- [Inside the Port Elizabeth Opera House](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/inside-the-port-elizabeth-opera-house/) - When last have you attended a performance at the Opera House? Do you even know what it looks like in the main theatre? I am ashamed to say that I haven't been there for many many years, but I got to see it while on a tour of the facility last week. The curtain isn't
- [Somerset East's whiskey bar in a church](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/somerset-easts-whiskey-bar-in-a-church/) - I'm not much of a drinker preferring to do the sacrilegious thing of making beer shandy by throwing lemonade into a perfectly good beer. But I am known to enjoy a good beer or wine tasting so it shouldn't come as a huge surprise that I'm doing a post on a place where you can do
- [The new Opera House extension and renovations](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-new-opera-house-extension-and-renovations/) - Yesterday's post was a Then and Now post featuring the Port Elizabeth Opera House. As the photo was taken from the street corner, the latest addition to the building wasn't really that visible so I decided to post a second photo. The wine coloured section is is the part that was built on to the
- [Hofmeyr's pink church](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/hofmeyrs-pink-church/) - Most Karoo towns have a historic church with a church tower that keeps an eye out over it. The Karoo Heartland town of Hofmeyr is no different... or perhaps it is. Why? Because it has a pink church tower standing out above the town. The Dutch Reformed Church in Hofmeyr was built in 1875 and
- [Then and Now - The Port Elizabeth Opera House](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/then-and-now-the-port-elizabeth-opera-house/) - The first meeting to discuss a new theatre for Port Elizabeth took place in 1890 after which a company was formed, shares sold and a site was agreed upon with the Town Council. The building was designed by G.W. Smith and opened on 1 December 1892. The first lessees of the building was B and
- [A new coffee shop at the Athenaeum](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-new-coffee-shop-at-the-athenaeum/) - There seems to be a coffee shop around every second corner these days, so you tend to look for the special ones. Last week I got to visit the newest one in town and it may just become one of those special ones. It is located inside the historic Athenaeum building in Central and is
- [Taxis in Whites Road](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/taxis-in-whites-road/) - One of the Route 67 art pieces that gets the most comment from visitors is the taxis on the wall in front of the PE Opera House in Whites Road. The taxis represent the mode of public transport used by most South Africans. "History is often shaped by momentus events, while cities with their alleys,
- [Ironman African Championship 2015 highlights](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/ironman-african-championship-2015-highlights/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE4BkXrfXpA&w=500&h=400] Next weekend the 2016 edition of the Ironman African Championship takes place here in Port Elizabeth. The Ironman vibe is going to be picking up around the beachfront and Boardwalk over the next week and to put you all in the mood, here is the highlights video of the 2015 event.
- [Then and Now - The Athenaeum building](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/then-and-now-the-athenaeum-building/) - The Port Elizabeth Athenaeum Society of Port Elizabeth was founded in 1856 to promote the interests of science and literature among the members and general public. In 1859 land was granted for the erection of the Town Hall and it stated that the building had to provide space for a library and athenaem as well.
- [Harmony in Nature on Route 67](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/harmony-in-nature-on-route-67/) - One of the more unusual art pieces along Roue 67 is the Harmony in Nature piece in front of the Atheneaum building. The piece uses an old optical technique used by the likes of Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo and uses optical illusion and mathematics to create a 3D picture that reflects from the flat
- [Then and Now - Lower Baakens Valley](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/then-and-now-lower-baakens-valley/) - Way back in the early days when the first ships started coming past our coastline they used to sail into the bay to get fresh water in the lagoon near the mouth of the Baakens River. The Baakens River got it's name from the Dutch East Indian Company beacon that was placed at the fountain
- [Moonrise over pink clouds](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/moonrise-over-pink-clouds/) - Not long ago I spent a night at Angler and Antelope Guesthouse in Somerset East. Coming out of the guesthouse on my way to dinner, the near full moon was rising in the east over clouds painted bright pink by the setting sun behind me. I rushed back to my room to grab my car
- [Driving down Heugh Road](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/driving-down-heugh-road/) - For some reason I also loved the view of the Harbour, with the Rudolph Street Mosque in the foreground, as you come down Heugh Road. I always wanted to take a picture of the view and this morning I set up my camera on the dash and snapped that picture. So the picture doesn't have
- [Baakens Valley - PE's green lung](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/baakens-valley-pes-green-lung/) - The Baakens Valley truly is Port Elizabeth's green lung stretching all the way from the west of the city through to the harbour. The valley really has so much potential to be one of the city's playgrounds, but the stigma of crime is sticking to it like velcro. Mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers use
- [Early morning reflections](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/early-morning-reflections/) - Early morning reflections on the lake at Kings Beach Park
- [Splash Festival weekend - video](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/splash-festival-weekend-video/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxuqZOgdFEE&w=500&h=400] It is Easter Weekend and time for the annual Splash Festival. After a few lean years, the municipality allocated a proper budget for this year's event again and hopefully it would mean that quality artists and activities would attract more people back to one of the city's flagship event. The last few years the
- [Then and Now - Kings Beach kiddies slide](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/then-and-now-kings-beach-kiddies-slide/) - When we were small we often went to swim at the pools (both the pool by the Smartie Train and the kiddie slide pool) at Kings Beach. I remember the day so well when I decided that I was big enough to go and try out the "big" slide at McArthur's Pool. The kiddies slide
- [A Karoo road - doesn't matter which way you go](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-karoo-road-doesnt-matter-which-way-you-go/) - “Would you please tell me, which way I ought to go from here?” “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the cat. “I don’t much care where … ” said Alice. “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the cat.” — Lewis Carroll
- [Early morning robots](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/early-morning-robots/) - One of the things I like most about the school holidays is the fact that there is so much less traffic on the way to work in the mornings. This morning I stopped at the Walmer Library to replace a Geocache that needed some maintenance and snapped a picture of a road with absolutely no
- [Chokka boat lights off Seaview](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/chokka-boat-lights-off-seaview/) - Drama Princess went to sleep over at a friend's house in Seaview a few nights ago. We dropped her off a little late and it was dark by the time we got there. I just love the view from Seaview over the ocean. The bright lights are chokka boats fishing off the coast. In the
- [Coffee with Geocachers](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/coffee-with-geocachers/) - I joined a couple of my fellow Geocachers for a lunch time coffee "event" at the new Urban Express Coffee Shop at the Donkin Village development. I can see this spot becoming very popular, specially for meetings over coffee, seeing its location and how central it is. And yes, that's our bunch on the right.
- [Donkin Village redevelopment](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/donkin-village-redevelopment/) - I met up with a few friends for coffee over lunch time at the new coffee shop at the Donkin Village. I've seen the work being done on the Donkin Street Houses but this was the first time I got to see the development from the back. I really think once the work is done
- [A braai with Drama Princess](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-braai-with-drama-princess/) - Last weekend I was tiling in the kitchen and at some stage during the afternoon we realised that we just won't be able to braai and will probably just get something quick to eat. Drama Princess wanted nothing of that and packed the wood, lit the fire and braai'd the meat. Today we've been busy
- [Snorkeling with an otter at Schoenies](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/snorkeling-with-an-otter-at-schoenies/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CZRcQfR3DA&w=500&h=400] After seeing all the reaction on the video about snorkeling around the Humewood slipway I shared two weeks ago I went looking for another snorkeling video to share with you. I came across this amazing video by Brad Taylor. Brad went snorkeling at Schoenies with his brother and dad and they were joined by
- [Boardwalk Hotel lobby lounge](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/boardwalk-hotel-lobby-lounge/) - The first time I entered the Boardwalk Hotel I was fascinated by the huge lobby space. The hotel's lobby area is more than just a space where you enter and exit as well as check in. They created a whole lounge area in the lobby. Hence the name Lobby Lounge. Other than a waiting area
- [Museum lane](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/museum-lane/) - Looking up Museum lane to the Somerset East Museum at the foot of the Boschberg. The museum is at the top of Beaufort Street with the Dutch Reformed Church at the other end.
- [Then and Now - Target Kloof](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/then-and-now-target-kloof/) - I am sure all of us who live in Port Elizabeth drive through Target Kloof between Walmer and the Central / Cape Road area every now and then. Some on a more regular basis than others. But do we ever think about the history of the road and area? Probably not. So here is a
- [Friendly Stranger fare](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/friendly-stranger-fare/) - Third post about the Friendly Stranger this week so by now it's not really a stranger anymore. I met my friends Poekie and Shefetswe for coffee and to discuss a bit of work (seeing that we're all in the same industry). Shefetswe had the breaky while Poekie and I decided to try out their cakes.
- [The Dutch Reformed Church in Somerset East](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-dutch-reformed-church-in-somerset-east/) - Somerset East's historic Dutch Reformed Church stand on the main drag through town at the intersection with Beaufort Road. After the village of Somerset (with the East only being added 30 years later) was established, a need started to arise for a church. The corner stone of the church was laid in 1830 and it
- [A Friendly Stranger and the Fig Tree](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-friendly-stranger-and-the-fig-tree/) - Down at the bottom of the Baakens Valley in front of the Bridge Street complex, stands a little historic building next to a Wild Fig tree. I joined a couple of friends for coffee there the other day and was just reminded once again what a love little coffee shop this is. But it's not
- [Even Rasputin's ghost stops for coffee at the Friendly Stranger](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/even-rasputins-ghost-stops-for-coffee-at-the-friendly-stranger/) - Is it just me or does this graffiti figure outside the Friendly Stranger in the Baakens Valley look like Rasputin's ghost?
- [A view of the Pier from the Boardwalk](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-view-of-the-pier-from-the-boardwalk/) - The view of Hobie Beach and Shark Rock Pier from the Boardwalk Hotel's pool deck
- [The town of Somerset East](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-town-of-somerset-east/) - The town of Somerset East lies in the southern Karoo Heartland at the foot of the Boschberg mountain. Somerset East was established by Lord Charles Somerset in 1815 as an experimental farm to provide meat and fresh produce to the soldiers on the Eastern Frontier. The site was chosen over sites in the Gamtoos Valley
- [Skateboarding around Port Elizabeth](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/skateboarding-around-port-elizabeth/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwzYy__-MDU&w=500&h=400] I'm not a skateboarder. Fell way too hard off my skateboard trying it out as a kid. Drama Princess loves to Jboard though. But that's beyond the point. Anyhow, I was looking for a video to post for this week's Video Friday post and found this one on the King's Beach Skateboarding YouTube channel. Although
- [Then and Now - Trinder Square](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/then-and-now-trinder-square/) - Back in the early days of Port Elizabeth there used to be a vlei area where Trinder Square in Central is located today. The "Vlei" was a natural drainage point and in the early and mid 1800's it was used to provide water for animals with a lot of farmers coming to do business at
- [Then and Now - The Beach Hotel](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/then-and-now-the-beach-hotel/) - Yesterday morning Errol Somerville posted two old photos of the Beach Hotel on the Friendly City of Port Elizabeth Facebook group. The first one dates from round about 1924, the year the hotel was built. I went to have a look on the Beach Hotel's website to see if they had any history about the
- [Somerset East's beautiful Beaufort Street](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/somerset-easts-beautiful-beaufort-street/) - I spent a day in Somerset East recently just driving around town and visiting some of the historic building and attractions. At first I thought about just doing one post featuring it all, but because there wasn't really a story to my visit (other than the fact that I was actually there for a Karoo
- [Drinks on the deck at the Kelway Hotel](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/drinks-on-the-deck-at-the-kelway-hotel/) - The fourth Travel Massive Port Elizabeth event took place at the Kelway Hotel tonight and I was just reminded once again how an awesome place their deck is to enjoy drinks after work.
- [Refreshing rain](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/refreshing-rain/) - I've done a lot of travelling over the last two weeks but aren't complaining. I love to road trip for work cause it also gives me the chance to sight see and Geocache while I'm at it. I had to dash up to East London yesterday and drove back this afternoon. It's been a hot
- [The Noordhoek dune field](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-noordhoek-dune-field/) - Standing at the view point on Marine Drive close to Noordhoek looking back at Cape Recife you can see a section of sand dunes in the middle of the coastline. These dunes form part of the Noordhoek dune field, one of three driftsand bypass systems that used to take sand into Algoa Bay. The other
- [Wildside's rocky coastline](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/wildsides-rocky-coastline/) - Port Elizabeth's southern coastline is generally referred to as the Wildside. The coastline is stunning on the best of days, but if the prevailing south-westerly really pumps and the rollers break white water on the mostly rocky coastline, then it's no surprise why it's called the Wildside.
- [You better not come any closer](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/you-better-not-come-any-closer/) - My yard seems to be a bit of a magnet for paper wasps (South African Paper Wasp - Polistes marginalis) with about three or four nests all around the house. I know a couple of Geocachers who would be able to tell you all about the fact that unlike honey bees that only sting once,
- [Snorkeling at Humewood Slipway](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/snorkeling-at-humewood-slipway/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCzHbEcB_U4&w=500&h=400] Check out this awesome video Keith Hamilton shot while snorkeling around the six pillars of the old Humewood slipway. Just shows that we have some stunning snorkeling spots along our coastline with this one being right here on the main beachfront.
- [Boardwalk Hotel pool deck](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/boardwalk-hotel-pool-deck/) - The Boardwalk Hotel pool deck feels like an amphitheater with the hotel building on three sides of it. Ideal to block the southerly and westerly winds off.
- [Off the beaten track](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/off-the-beaten-track/) - Everybody should head off the beaten track at some stage or another. Stop in the middle of a Karoo dirt road and switch off the engine. Get out and stand in the middle of the road. Feel the sun on your face and the breeze in your hair. Listen to the cecadas with no car
- [Then and Now: St Peters Church (ruins)](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/then-and-now-st-peters-church-ruins/) - When the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship was in the PE Harbour a few weeks ago I took a drive to the St Peters Church ruins in South End as it has a great view of the harbour. It's been a year or two since I've last been there so I took a walk around the
- [Then and Now - Top of Whites Road](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/then-and-now-top-of-whites-road/) - The Port Elizabeth tramway network was opened on 14 May 1881 and was initially operated horse-cars. On 16 June 1897 the network was converted to electrical power and the system operated until it was closed on 17 December 1948. One of the most challenging parts of the tramway network was going up Whites Road past the Opera House. Apparently at one stage boys with buckets
- [Trinder Square development](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/trinder-square-development/) - Trinder Square is the latest addition to the Route 67 public art pieces. All around the central grassy area mosaic covered benches have been erected. The benches have been inspired by the exposed roots of the wild fig trees growing in the park and can be used to watch the locals play soccer in the
- [From the top of Olifantskop](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/from-the-top-of-olifantskop/) - Looking back over the Karoo from the top of the Olifantskop Pass
- [St Georges Park Wild Fig](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/st-georges-park-wild-fig/) - There is a number of Wild Fig trees in and around St Georges Park that is over a century old. This one stands between the PE Bowling Club and the Park Drive Bowling Club.
- [SS Mendi disaster remembered during Armed Forces Day](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/ss-mendi-disaster-remembered-during-armed-forces-day/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gam0-9b1w-c&w=500&h=400] Armed Forces Day took place on 21 February in Port Elizabeth. The date isn't just one chosen out the air but rather was selected to commemorate the sinking of the SS Mendi. SS Mendi was a British 4,222 GRT passenger steamship that was built in 1905 . In 1916 during the First World War the UK Admiralty chartered her as a troopship. On 21 February 1917,
- [Settlers Park view east](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/settlers-park-view-east/) - In yesterday's post I showed you the view of Settlers Park looking west from the parking area off How Avenue. Today's post is the view looking east from the same spot showing the little dam in the park.
- [Settlers Park view west](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/settlers-park-view-west/) - I wonder how many people have asked me how to get to Settlers Park. They know where the park is, but not how to get to it. The best way is turn off Park Drive down How Avenue next to the St Georges Hospital. The entrance to the main parking is just a short distance
- [North End view from Parsons Hill](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/north-end-view-from-parsons-hill/) - I stopped in Parsons Hill to do a Geocache last week and ended up spending time enjoying the view across North End towards Algoa Bay. Yes, I always have my camera with me so I can share the view with you.
- [Late afternoon chill spot](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/late-afternoon-chill-spot/) - Other than perhaps looking out over the sea, the best chill spot around on a beautiful late summers afternoon must be on the deck overlooking the Boardwalk lake.
- [Beachfront icon](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/beachfront-icon/) - Since its revamp the pier is looking great at night, especially with the new brighter lighting. It's actually so bright that it is possible to swim at night, like the little boy is doing.
- [Zebras in the city](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/zebras-in-the-city/) - It's not often that you get the opportunity to see game right in the city. An early morning walk on the Grysbok Trail in the NMMU Nature Reserve gave us the opportunity to see zebra fairly close up and while on foot.
- [Explore Nelson Mandela Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/explore-nelson-mandela-bay/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjSUxRPPe7U&w=500&h=400] This destination marketing video was produced in 2009 by Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism for the Chinese market and it combined both information about Port Elizabeth, the greater Nelson Mandela Bay and the rest of the Eastern Cape. Watching this just reminds one again what a beautiful area we live in.
- [Boardwalk Fountain Spectacular seen from the pier](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/boardwalk-fountain-spectacular-seen-from-the-pier/) - The spectacular view of the Boardwalk Hotel, with the extra bonus of the fountains in full flight, at night from the pier
- [Zipping at Pine Lodge](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/zipping-at-pine-lodge/) - One of the three slides that is part of the zipline experience at Pine Lodge in Cape Recife
- [Then and Now - Port Elizabeth Airport](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/then-and-now-port-elizabeth-airport/) - I've been collecting historic photos from the Port Elizabeth groups on Facebook to be able to do Then and Now posts and found the "Then" one in this post showing the Port Elizabeth Airport in what I guess was probable somewhere in the 60's. Perhaps the older folk around here can help me out on this one. The day
- [Camping at Vloedbos in the Overberg - a winning option all around](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/camping-at-vloedbos-in-the-overberg-a-winning-option-all-around/) - Every year we go on a camping over the summer school holiday. We're not the "return to the same place year after year" type of campers as we want to explore and discover new places. As we live in Port Elizabeth and by the sea, we're also not bothered by coastal holidays which tends to
- [Then and Now: The Humewood Slipway](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/then-and-now-the-humewood-slipway/) - Last week I did a post Then and Now : Humewood Beach showing a couple of historic photos of Humewood beach along with a modern one. I purposely didn't post the two historic photos of the Humewood Slipway below as they were taken from a different direction and I decided to make a separate post
- [The sun setting over Seaview](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-sun-setting-over-seaview/) - Chaos Boy spent Saturday afternoon at a friend's place in Seaview and I headed out there late afternoon to fetch him. It wasn't quite sunset time yet, but the sun was starting to head towards the horizon so I pulled over to snap this pic. I'm still trying to figure out the best setting on
- [Fort Cannon](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/fort-cannon/) - Fort Frederick, built in 1799, was originally defended by two 8-pounder guns and one 5.5 inch Howitzer. These guns, that never fired a shot in anger, was removed when the fort was decommissioned. But what is a fort, even a historic one that has been declared a national monument, without guns? So a selection of muzzle-loaders dating from the later part of
- [3 minutes by train from Uitenhage to Port Elizabeth](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/3-minutes-by-train-from-uitenhage-to-port-elizabeth/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OIy08BSKNo&w=500&h=400] When last have you been on a train? It's something most of us don't get to do and I really think it's leaving gap in our lives. And to think it's something our parents probably did quite often when they were young. Alan Straton of MyPE took the train from Uitenhage to Port Elizabeth and
- [Agulhas - the most Southern point of Africa](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/agulhas-the-most-southern-point-of-africa/) - I have finally had the opportunity to take the family to see Cape Agulhas. I got to visit it the first time when I was doing my tourist guide training for the Western Cape but as a family we have never been in the area. A day of exploring along the coast took us from
- [Then and Now - Humewood Beach](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/then-and-now-humewood-beach/) - Humewood Beach is one of Port Elizabeth's flagship beaches and one that is popular with just about everybody. Being a Blue Flag Beach it has to adhere to international standards of safety and cleanliness and with the bridge overhead creating shade and nearby parking it's a great family beach. But where did Humewood get it's name
- [Humewood Beach](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/humewood-beach/) - Humewood Beach is one of Port Elizabeth's premier beaches and is the oldest Blue Flag Beach in South Africa having received Blue Flag status from the first year of implementation.
- [St Peter's Church ruins](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/st-peters-church-ruins/) - Looking into the ruins of the St Peter's Church above the St Mary's Cemetery in South End
- [Garden services at rest](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/garden-services-at-rest/) - With the Walmer Township so close to the airport it's nothing strange to see cattle or goats grazing in the area around 3rd Avenue and Allister Miller Drive. Normally, in between people complaining about it, there are jokes about the garden services at work. Natural garden services that is often more effective than the municipality
- [St Peter's windows](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/st-peters-windows/) - Just imagine what these windows of the St Peter's church ruins would have looked like with stained glass windows in a beautiful historic church compared to this.
- [Paddling on the Sundays River](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/paddling-on-the-sundays-river/) - The Sundays River Valley and Addo is synonymous with the Addo Elephant National Park and have never really been a holiday destination unless you went to visit the Addo Park. But this has all changed. The Addo area is about so much more than just elephants these days. It has actually developed into a holiday destination all on its
- [Paddling on the PE beachfront](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/paddling-on-the-pe-beachfront/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsGP32pagw8&w=500&h=400] Port Elizabeth offers so many water sport and activity opportunities. We really are super fortunate to live on Algoa Bay with everything it offers. Check out this YouTube video of MyLifeInTransit and his dad going paddling along the Port Elizabeth beachfront. Along the way they came across a pod of dolphins which can only be described
- [The Riderless Horse Memorial](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-riderless-horse-memorial/) - The Horse Memorial has always been one of my favorite monuments around Port Elizabeth. Not just for what it looks like, but more importantly for what it stands for. Port Elizabeth was the main port of entry for horses and mules used by the British forces during the Anglo Boar War (1899 - 1902). During
- [Heading home after a day at the beach](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/heading-home-after-a-day-at-the-beach/) - We went for a late afternoon walk on the beachfront last Saturday and at one stage walked behind these two ladies with their kids heading home after a day at the beach. I'm not big on people photography but I love this pic. Perhaps I should try more of it.
- [Inter house athletics](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/inter-house-athletics/) - It is summer and schools have started so it means that it is athletics time. Over the last week and a half I attended both KidZ' inter house athletics meets. First it was Chaos Boy who is in DF Malherbe High School and had their inter house day at the NMMU track. A week
- [Shades of blue at Struisbaai](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/shades-of-blue-at-struisbaai/) - A picture perfect day at Struisbaai fishing harbour in the Overberg
- [Kings Beach and the giraffes](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/kings-beach-and-the-giraffes/) - Beach-goers and bathers on Kings Beach under the watchful eye of the harbour giraffes
- [Splish Splash](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/splish-splash/) - A late Saturday afternoon walk along the beachfront and the water looked very inviting. Unfortunately we were on our way to friends for dinner and I didn't have my costume on. I did have my camera though.
- [The Queen Elizabeth visits Port Elizabeth](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/the-queen-elizabeth-visits-port-elizabeth/) - Port Elizabeth is slowly becoming a more and more popular stopover spot for cruise ships. Today the city was extremely fortunate to have the Queen Elizabeth visit for the day. The Queen Elizabeth is a Vista-class cruise ship operated by the Cunard Line. She is the second largest ship constructed for Conurd, exceeded only by
- [A Labyrinth is not a Maze](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/a-labyrinth-is-not-a-maze/) - What is the difference between a maze and a labyrinth. Although the two terms are basically synonymous, there is a difference. In this case a maze refers to a complex branching multicursal puzzle with choices of path and direction, while a unicursal labyrinth has only a single path to the center. A labyrinth in this sense has
- [Cape St Francis fires in video](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/cape-st-francis-fires-in-video/) - For just about the last week the residents of Cape St Francis and St Francis Bay along with numerous fire fighters, helicopter pilots, volunteers and more have been fighting a huge fire that threatened their homes, properties, lives and livelihoods. This wasn't just another little bush fire but one that seriously could be referred to
- [St Cuthberts church steeple](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/st-cuthberts-church-steeple/) - I was at the Westbourne Oval this morning for Drama Princess' school's athletics but couldn't help but to snap a pic of St Cuthberts Anglican Church's steeple down the road before heading inside.
- [Beach Aquatic Safety Zones](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/beach-aquatic-safety-zones/) - The Port Elizabeth beachfront isn't just utilised by bathers and swimmers. Port Elizabeth and Algoa Bay isn't called the Watersports Capital of Africa for nothing. To ensure everybody's safety the main beachfront, or Southern Beaches, have been divided into Beach Aquatic Safety Zones allowing for specific areas for bathers, paddlers, motorised water craft, surfers, kite
- [White horses at Pollok Beach](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/white-horses-at-pollok-beach/) - Standing at Pipe on Pollok Beach on a windy day there wasn't many of people (non actually) on the beach. There were a lot of white horses coming ashore though.
- [Pink piggy at the Red Windmill](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/pink-piggy-at-the-red-windmill/) - A bit of exploring through the Overberg brought us to the Red Windmill farm stall and restaurant outside the town of Napier. Next to the entrance we discovered this pink pig and how can one not want a photo with a pink pig? We opted for a family photo for a change and as I
- [High tide at Bird Rock](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/high-tide-at-bird-rock/) - High tide on the beach between Hobie Beach and Pollok Beach with Bird Rock just offshore. Believe me, Bird Rock looks a lot closer at low tide.
- [Boardwalk Hotel passage](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/boardwalk-hotel-passage/) - Have you ever looked down a hotel passage while on your way to your room and noticed how symmetrical it is? Well that was my thought exactly while spending a night at the magnificent Boardwalk Hotel recently.
- [We have quiet beaches again](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/we-have-quiet-beaches-again/) - After a busy holiday season, life in Port Elizabeth has returned to normal. I popped out to the beach during lunchtime one day this week and just enjoyed the wonderful beach we have between Hobie and Pollok, sharing it with only one or two others.
- [Danger Point not looking too dangerous](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/danger-point-not-looking-too-dangerous/) - The Danger Point and the Danger Point Lighthouse near Gansbaai in the Overberg has a descriptive name very apt to how dangerous the coast here can really be. It doesn't looks as dangerous though when you photograph it with little pink wildflowers in the foreground.
- [Animals in the Sardinia Bay Conservancy - Chasing the Rainbow](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/animals-in-the-sardinia-bay-conservancy-chasing-the-rainbow/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFQyRBDgwKs&w=500&h=400] Chasing the Rainbow is a fellow travel blog based here in Port Elizabeth. The blog is done by Sarah and Ralph Dirsuwei and covers mostly family travel which means that they involve their three sons Jacob, Luke and Cian. The family lives in the Sardinia Bay area within the Sardinia Bay Conservancy. For the last few months Jacob
- [City farm](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/city-farm/) - Would you guess that this picture was taken in the middle of Port Elizabeth? It is the area of small holdings between Charlo, Lovemore Heights and Lorraine. Literally a farm in the middle of the city. The pic was snapped from The Pink Fig coffee shop on Heatherbank Road.
- [Scaredy-cat](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/scaredy-cat/) - After climbing the Danger Point Lighthouse outside Gansbaai in the Overberg in December, Drama Princess and I headed down the path towards the rocks to find a Geocache hidden nearby. As we hit the trail down we encountered this sign. Damn, those must be big spiders if there is a warning sign including them along
- [Celebrating 3000 posts](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/celebrating-3000-posts/) - I often hear and see comments that there is nothing to see or do in and around Port Elizabeth. If that was true, would Port Elizabeth Daily Photo be passing post # 3000 today? Yes, you read correctly. Today is PEDP's 3000th daily post. Port Elizabeth Daily Photo was started on 7 November 2007 by
- [Discovering Danger Point Lighthouse](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/discovering-danger-point-lighthouse/) - South Africa has some famous lighthouses. Cape Point, Green Point, Agulhas, Great Fish and Umhlanga just to name a few. There are close to 50 lighthouse along the South African coast though and some often receive very little publicity because they are very much off the beaten track or just don't get visited as often
- [Shark warning flag out at Hobie Beach](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/shark-warning-flag-out-at-hobie-beach/) - I could not believe my eyes at about lunch time today when I spotted a post of Facebook about a shark warning flag flying at Hobie Beach. I just had to go and look for myself. Jip, there it was. Fluttering on the breeze on this warm and muggy Tuesday afternoon. I snapped a pic
- [Port Elizabeth Beachfront Sunrise](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/port-elizabeth-beachfront-sunrise/) - This morning when I got to work I got a message from a friend who took his mountain bike out for a change again. He wanted to show off the pic he took with his phone on the beachfront at sunrise this morning and I just had to share it with you. Perhaps I need
- [Baby Club goes to high school](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/baby-club-goes-to-high-school/) - All you saw on social media, especially Facebook, on Wednesday was back to school photos. Kids off to pre-school, grade 1, grade 8 and everything in between for the first time. The Damselfly posted a back to school pic but I never did. So today it is my turn with a back to school post
- [Drama Princess' dedicated Geocache](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/drama-princess-dedicated-geocache/) - One of the local Geocachers, Team Navimate, have been honouring Eastern Cape cachers by placing caches in their honour along the Grysbok Trail in the NMMU Nature Reserve. I first discovered the trial when I went to find a cache placed in my honour about a year ago. Just after New Year I received an
- [Bluewater Bay beach aerial](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/bluewater-bay-beach-aerial/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmU6Ez3Wyq8&w=500&h=400] I was looking for a video for this week's Video Friday post and found this aerial drone footage of Bluewater Bay beach by Christopher Moodley of Epic Moovies on YouTube. Bluewater Bay is probably Port Elizabeth's most underrated beach and this video shows how beautiful a stretch of white beach it is. UPDATE: My sincerest
- [Fish and chips at Struibaai Harbour](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/fish-and-chips-at-struibaai-harbour/) - I always think that the guys along the coast in the Western Cape are very fortunate because of the amount of fresh fish available to them from all the fishing harbours. Whenever we get to travel in the province we like to go and have fish and chips from a local takeaway, usually overlooking the harbour
- [Watching zebras on foot](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/watching-zebras-on-foot/) - One of the things Drama Princess enjoyed most about walking through the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Nature Reserve was the fact that we spotted a lot of zebra along the way and could get fairly close to some of them without a problem. How often does city kids get the opportunity to get things like
- [Lauries Bay cottages](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/lauries-bay-cottages/) - The cottages along the coast at Lauries Bay near Kini Bay. The cottages, or shacks as a lot of owners refer to them, stand on private land and if you buy one you only have limited rights and not ownership of the land on which your cottage stands. The cottages are mostly self sufficient as
- [Overberg patterns at sunset](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/overberg-patterns-at-sunset/) - The brown stubble covered fields in the Overberg during summer isn't always perceived as the most beautiful scenery by travelers. That is until you look a little closer, especially just before sunset.
- [Walking in the NMMU Nature Reserve](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/walking-in-the-nmmu-nature-reserve/) - Drama Princess on the Grysbok Trail in the NMMU Nature Reserve
- [Overberg stubble](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/overberg-stubble/) - Driving through the Overberg region of the Western Cape in late winter and spring you are met with rolling hills covered in green and yellow. By the time summer comes around the grains like wheat, oats and barley as well as the canola have been harvested leaving nothing more than field after field of brown stubble
- [Did you know there is a nature reserve and hiking trail at NMMU?](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/did-you-know-there-is-a-nature-reserve-and-hiking-trail-at-nmmu/) - I went for an early morning walk along the Grysbok Trail in the NMMU Nature Reserve with Drama Princess last weekend and this was the view back towards the campus and university buildings from the reserve. The university campus was declared a private nature reserve in 1983. The reserve covers 830 ha and is dominated
- [Padlangs on Luister FM 90.5](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/padlangs-on-luister-fm-90-5/) - Every Sunday afternoon just after 12 I head over to the Luister FM studio in Newton Park for the weekly Padlangs insert on the Skop uit jou skoene program with Sarel Botha and Marius Erasmus. Luister FM 90.5 is an Afrikaans community radio station that started a few months ago and has shown some serious
- [Geocaching at Shelly Beach](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/geocaching-at-shelly-beach/) - One of the things I enjoy most about Geocaching is the fact that it takes you to interesting and beautiful places. A good example is a cache I placed at Shelly Beach at Lauries Bay about 2 km along the beach from Kini Bay. I took a walk down the coast from Kini Bay on
- [Diving with Raggies in Algoa Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/diving-with-raggies-in-algoa-bay/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUMfH7Y8qCA] Port Elizabeth offers excellent diving options both inside Algoa Bay as well as on the Wildside. Although I haven't gone scuba diving for years, I really enjoyed it when I did. When I first did a sea dive I really worried about encountering a shark. But that was until I actually encountered one. We
- [Nature reserve wild flowers](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/nature-reserve-wild-flowers/) - Some of the wild flowers Drama Princess and I encountered on the Grysbos Trail through the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Nature Reserve this past weekend.
- [Kini Bay coastline](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/kini-bay-coastline/) - Taking a walk along the Kini Bay coastline with Chaos Boy on New Year's Day
- [Christmas full moon](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/christmas-full-moon/) - We spent 10 days over the December holidays camping at Vloedbos Holiday Resort in the Overberg and I have a couple of days left before heading back to work on Monday. So between chilling in the pool, keeping the KidZ busy and doing a few chores around the house, plus sleeping a little late for a
- [New Year at Kini Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/new-year-at-kini-bay/) - New Year's Day is known as the one day in the year when people flock to the beaches in their hundreds thousands millions to wash off the dust from the past year and celebrate the arrival of the new one. A few years ago we discovered that the gully in Kini Bay gets bypassed by
- [Boardwalk pool deck](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/boardwalk-pool-deck/) - It's summer and we have been having some pretty summery weather these last few weeks. The pool at the Boardwalk Hotel looks very inviting right now.
- [Yummy baked goods at Just Knead More](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/yummy-baked-goods-at-just-knead-more/) - The Port Elizabeth Geocachers have a WhatsApp group where we chat about caching as well as anything and everything else. One day George C12 mentioned a bakery and posted a picture of some yummy goodies he bought. A few days later he did it again and people got curious. Where was this place George C12
- [Road sign Geocaching](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/road-sign-geocaching/) - A Geocacher looks at each and every thing they pass along the way as a potential hiding place for a cache (as long as it isn't closer than 161 meters from the next cache). Road signs are no different and this week I went Geocaching with Drama Princess and this was exactly where she found
- [Boardwalk fountains video](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/boardwalk-fountains-video/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aMuytsdCbE&w=500&h=400] We kick off 2016 with the first Video Friday post of the year and I chose one showing the Boardwalk Fountain Spectacular in it's full glory. I couldn't find a video on YouTube showing last night's fireworks on the beachfront, but the fountains are just as good if not better. The video is by LimeWave.
- [New Year's Eve braai with the family](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/new-years-eve-braai-with-the-family/) - As we were away over Christmas we didn't have a Christmas lunch with the family. We decided to rather do it on New Year's Eve and both Ouma and the In-Laws came over for a braai tonight. Chicken sosaties, cheese sausage, kabernossies (a smoked russian type of sausage), skildpaadjies (minced liver in net fat) and
- [Cool off on ice this summer](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/cool-off-on-ice-this-summer/) - We had to go and do a little shopping at Baywest Mall this morning and as always stopped to watch the skaters on the ice rink. I tried to think how long it's been since the one at the old Tramways building closed down. 20 odd years? The folk of PE had to wait a
- [Fort Frederick and Central](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/fort-frederick-and-central/) - Standing in Fort Frederick looking towards Central the Donkin Lighthouse and Great Flag can be seen on the Donkin Reserve. The building obscuring the lower part of the lighthouse is the Prince Alfred Guard Drill Hall.
- [Lower Baakens Valley view](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/lower-baakens-valley-view/) - Looking down on the lower Baakens Valley from Fort Frederick
- [Guarding the harbour](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/guarding-the-harbour/) - When last have you been to Fort Frederick? Most of us get to visit the fort as kids while on a school tour of the city, but I bet a big number of Port Elizabethans have never been back there as adults.
- [Pollok Beach wave pool time lapse](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/pollok-beach-wave-pool-time-lapse/) - [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZ_089qMYVI&w=500&h=400] Seeing that yesterday was Christmas there was no Video Friday post. I decided to not skip the video of the week though so here it is today. How many of us didn't swim in the "wave pool" in front of Something Good at Pollok Beach when we were kids? To think of it, I
- [Christmas selfie](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/christmas-selfie/) - This year rather than posting a Christmas tree or Christmas scene I decided to post a Christmas selfie. Ok, so I admit it's both a tree and a scene, but it is a selfie after all. I would like to wish all my Christian friends and family as well as all my blog and
- [Wishing you all a Merry Christmas](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/wishing-you-all-a-merry-christmas/) - I want to take this opportunity to wish all my Christian friends, family and Port Elizabeth Daily Photo followers a MERRY CHRISTMAS. May this day be a special one full of love, happiness and lots of blessings. The Christmas tree in the picture was photographed in the Boardwalk Hotel lobby.
- [Lady Elizabeth Donkin - Then and Now](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/lady-elizabeth-donkin-then-and-now/) - I wonder how many people who have seen the mosaic art piece on the Donkin Reserve next to the pyramid have noticed that the only known portrait of Lady Elizabeth Donkin has been incorporated into it. Elizabeth Frances néeMarkham was the young wife of Sir Rufane Shaw Donkin and died of fever shortly after child birth

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- [July 2024](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/july-2024/) - Encounter the Eastern Cape Travel Mailer – July 2024 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser The winter has well and truly set in. At least Winter Solstice has passed and the days are getting longer again. Welcome to the July 2024 issue of Firefly the Travel Guy’s Encounter the Eastern Cape Travel Mailer.
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- [March 2024](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/march-2024/) - Encounter the Eastern Cape Travel Mailer – March 2024 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser Is it just me or was 2024 a very long year… Oh wait, it’s only March. Summer is still around but according to the calendar it’s Autumn now so we are entering the best weather months of the
- [February 2024](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/february-2024/) - Encounter the Eastern Cape Travel Mailer – February 2024 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser The hot months of summer are here. The days are long and the weather is ideal for exploring. Here are a few ideas of places and things to discover in the beautiful province of the Eastern Cape Welcome
- [Insta Gallery](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/gallery/) - The Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town is the oldest We took a shortcut through Addo Elephant National If it wasn't for Geocaching I would never have kno The Overberg is a visual wonderland of green field Port Elizabeth has several well-known war memorial With the cost of petrol and business being tough, The
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- [December 2023](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/december-2023/) - Encounter the Eastern Cape Travel Mailer – December 2023 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser It’s summer time and the December school holidays are here as well. Everybody is (hopefully) busy and making hay while the sun shines. Spring is in the air and the fields are full of flowers. But why not
- [November 2023](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/november-2023/) - Encounter the Eastern Cape Travel Mailer - November 2023 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser Summer is around the corner and the highlight of this past winter must surely be the Rugby World Cup coming straight back home. Peak season is about to kick off but take a few minutes, grab a coffee
- [September 2023](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/september-2023/) - Encounter the Eastern Cape Travel Mailer - September 2023 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser Spring is in the air. Take a moment and smell the fresh air while you read a little bit about our beautiful province. Welcome to the September 2023 issue of Firefly the Travel Guy’s Encounter the Eastern Cape
- [October 2023](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/october-2023/) - Encounter the Eastern Cape Travel Mailer - October 2023 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser Spring is in the air and the fields are full of flowers. Take a moment and smell the fresh air while you read a little bit about our beautiful province. Welcome to the October 2023 issue of Firefly
- [August 2023](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/august-2023/) - Encounter the Eastern Cape Travel Mailer - August 2023 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser The year is starting to gain momentum and its downhill towards . Take a breather and read a little bit about our beautiful province. Welcome to the August 2023 issue of Firefly the Travel Guy’s Encounter the Eastern
- [July 2023](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/july-2023/) - Encounter the Eastern Cape Travel Mailer - July 2023 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser The first half of the year is behind us and now its downhill towards the end of the year. Welcome to the July 2023 issue of Firefly the Travel Guy’s Encounter the Eastern Cape Travel Mailer. This month
- [June 2023](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/june-2023/) - Encounter the Eastern Cape Travel Mailer - June 2023 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser Welcome to the June 2023 issue of Firefly the Travel Guy’s Encounter the Eastern Cape Travel Mailer. This month we look at the following: Walk the Goesa Trail in Storms River Enjoy the view at the Valley of
- [April 2023](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/april-2023/) - Encounter the Eastern Cape Travel Mailer - April 2023 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser Welcome to the April 2023 issue of Firefly the Travel Guy’s Encounter the Eastern Cape Travel Mailer. This month we look at the following: Discover the Colchester sand dunes, part of the Alexandria Dune Field Cross the old
- [May 2023](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/may-2023/) - Encounter the Eastern Cape Travel Mailer - April 2023 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser Welcome to the May 2023 issue of Firefly the Travel Guy’s Encounter the Eastern Cape Travel Mailer. This month we look at the following: Learn about the Bible Monument in Grahamstown Explore the Langkloof Go for a walk
- [March 2023](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/march-2023/) - Encounter our Eastern Cape Info Letter - March 2023 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser Welcome to the March 2023 issue of Firefly the Travel Guy’s Encounter our Eastern Cape Travel Mailer. This month we look at the following: Learn about the Cape Hermes Lighthouse in Port St Johns Learn more about Steytlerville’s
- [February 2023](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/february-2023/) - Encounter our Eastern Cape Info Letter - February 2023 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser Welcome to the February 2023 issue of Firefly the Travel Guy’s Encounter our Eastern Cape Travel Mailer. This month we look at the following: Discover the village of Riebeek East Go on a Frog Safari in St Francis
- [January 2023](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/january-2023/) - Encounter our Eastern Cape Info Letter - January 2023 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser The discovery of a living fossil fish Coelacanths (seel-a-canths) were once known only from fossils and were thought to have gone extinct approximately 65 million years ago during the great extinction in which the dinosaurs disappeared. In December
- [December 2022](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/december-2022/) - Encounter our Eastern Cape Info Letter - December 2022 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser In the December 2022 issue of Firefly the Travel Guy’s Encounter our Eastern Cape Travel Mailer Discover fossils at the Kitching Fossil Center in Nieu-Bethesda Experience the marine wonders of Algoa Bay Hiking the Assegaai Trails near Grahamstown
- [October 2022](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/october-2022/) - Encounter our Eastern Cape Info Letter - October 2022 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser In the October 2022 issue of Firefly the Travel Guy’s Encounter our Eastern Cape Travel Mailer Learn more about Colchester’s historic Mackay Bridge Discover the chess board edging in the Mountain Zebra National Park View rock art in
- [November 2022](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/november-2022/) - Encounter our Eastern Cape Info Letter - November 2022 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser In the November 2022 issue of Firefly the Travel Guy’s Encounter our Eastern Cape Travel Mailer Somerset East, Expect the Unexpected Discover the South African Museum of Literature in Grahamstown Remember the Blaauwkrantz Bridge disaster of 1911 Visit
- [August 2022](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/august-2022/) - Encounter our Eastern Cape Info Letter - August 2022 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser In the August 2022 issue of Firefly the Travel Guy’s Encounter our Eastern Cape Travel Letter Walk the Jeffreys Bay Spekboom Labyrinth Visit St Patrick on the Hill in Hogsback Discover Harry Potter’s grave in Cradock Cruise the
- [September 2022](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/september-2022/) - Encounter our Eastern Cape Info Letter - September 2022 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser In the September 2022 issue of Firefly the Travel Guy’s Encounter our Eastern Cape Travel Letter Stop at the Slagtersnek Monument near Cookhouse Walking up Lady Slipper Mountain outside Port Elizabeth Discover the Phillip’s Tunnel in Hankey The
- [July 2022](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/july-2022/) - Encounter our Eastern Cape Info Letter - July 2022 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser In the July 2022 issue of Firefly the Travel Guy’s Encounter our Eastern Cape Travel Letter Go ghost hunting in the museums of Somerset East Enjoy the outdoors at Norm Hudlin outside Port Elizabeth Explore Kenton-on-Sea’s beaches and
- [June 2022](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/june-2022/) - Encounter our Eastern Cape Info Letter - June 2022 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser In the June 2022 issue of Firefly the Travel Guy’s Encounter our Eastern Cape Travel Letter Encounter the spirit of the wolf at the Tsitsikamma Wolf Sanctuary Learn more about the Kouga Dam near Patensie Discover Somerset East’s
- [May 2022](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/may-2022/) - Encounter our Eastern Cape Info Letter - May 2022 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser In the May 2022 issue of Firefly the Travel Guy’s Encounter our Eastern Cape Travel Letter The history of Bathurst’s Pig and Whistle Hotel Discover Somerset East’s Glen Avon Waterfall Learn more about Beervlei Dam near Willowmore Animals
- [April 2022](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/april-2022/) - Encounter our Eastern Cape Info Letter - April 2022 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser In the April 2022 issue of Firefly the Travel Guy’s Encounter our Eastern Cape Travel Letter The history of Hankey in the Gamtoos Valley Visit the museums of Graaff Reinet Learn more about Darlington Dam Animals of the
- [March 2022](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/march-2022/) - Encounter our Eastern Cape Info Letter - March 2022 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser In the March 2022 issue of Firefly the Travel Guy’s Encounter our Eastern Cape Travel Letter Slide down the Rabbit Hole near Middelburg with food out of this world Marvel at Hogsback’s Madonna and Child Waterfall Visit Port
- [February 2022](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/february-2022/) - Encounter our Eastern Cape Info Letter - February 2022 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser Algoa Bay, South Africa Whale Heritage Sites are a global accreditation scheme developed by the World Cetacean Alliance and supported by World Animal Protection, that recognise a community´s commitment to respect and celebrate whales, dolphins and other cetaceans.
- [November 2021](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/november-2021/) - Experience our Eastern Cape Info Letter - November 2021 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser This issue of ECTOUR’s Experience our Eastern Cape Travel Letter Explore the Shell Museum in Jeffrey’s Bay Marvel at the Tsitsikamma’s Big Tree Learn more about the town of Alexandria on Route 72 Meet the Stone Folk of
- [October 2021](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/october-2021/) - Experience our Eastern Cape Info Letter - October 2021 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser This issue of ECTOUR’s Experience our Eastern Cape Travel Letter Discover the secret cove at Shelly Beach in Kenton Walk the Waterfall Trail in the Tsitsikamma Taste honey at Pabala in the Gamtoos Valley A breakdown of all
- [September 2021](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/september-2021/) - Experience our Eastern Cape Info Letter - September 2021 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser This issue of ECTOUR’s Experience our Eastern Cape Travel Letter The oldest cake in South Africa is found in Graaff-Reinet More information about Storms River Bridge St Francis Bay’s Seal Point Lighthouse The Diaz Cross at Kwaaihoek on
- [August 2021](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/august-2021/) - Experience our Eastern Cape Info Letter - August 2021 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser August has arrived and the end of the year is one month closer. There are still so much uncertainty on when the tourism industry will go back to normal, but it doesn’t mean that we should sit back
- [July 2021](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/july-2021/) - Experience our Eastern Cape Info Letter - July 2021 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser The year is halfway and the Covid19 restrictions is making life tough for a lot of people in the hospitality and tourism industry. This is the time to encourage locals to travel and to promote everything there is
- [June 2021](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/june-2021/) - Experience our Eastern Cape Info Letter - June 2021 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser The aim of the Experience our Eastern Cape “travel letters” is to be more than a conventional newsletter. We want it to teach you something, show you places you may never have been and wet your whistle on
- [May 2021](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/may-2021/) - Experience our Eastern Cape Info Letter - May 2021 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser Welcome to the first of the new Experience our Eastern Cape “travel letters”. It’s definitely not a newsletter anymore. No more news you get in tourism publications, stats you receive via email or boring stuff that get’s put
- [January 2022](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/january-2022/) - Experience our Eastern Cape Info Letter - January 2022 *|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* View this email in your browser In this issue of ECTOUR’s Experience our Eastern Cape Travel Letter Discover Eersterivier, the Tsitsikamma’s beach Explore the dune fields along the Alexandria Hiking Trail Climb up to Hankey’s Bergvenster Learn more about the village of Rhodes Did

## Listings

- [Sample Business](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/listings/sample-business/) - Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry.

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/category/uncategorized/)
- [Firefly the Travel Guy](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/category/firefly-the-travel-guy/)
- [Port Elizabeth Daily Photo](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/category/port-elizabeth-daily-photo/)

## Tags

- [big 5](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/big-5/)
- [game reserves](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/game-reserves/)
- [Kuzuko Lodge](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/kuzuko-lodge/)
- [lion](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/lion/)
- [Eastern Cape](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/eastern-cape/)
- [plants](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/plants/)
- [bridge](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/bridge/)
- [bridges](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/bridges/)
- [passes](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/passes/)
- [port elizabeth](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/port-elizabeth/)
- [van stadens](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/van-stadens/)
- [accommodation establishment](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/accommodation-establishment/)
- [Karoo](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/karoo/)
- [Nieu Bethesda](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/nieu-bethesda/)
- [small town](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/small-town/)
- [Gamtoos](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/gamtoos/)
- [Gamtoos Valley](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/gamtoos-valley/)
- [fossils](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/fossils/)
- [food](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/food/)
- [restaurants](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/restaurants/)
- [reviews](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/reviews/)
- [townships](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/townships/)
- [church](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/church/)
- [churches](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/churches/)
- [road scenes](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/road-scenes/)
- [roads](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/roads/)
- [views](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/views/)
- [schoenmakerskop](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/schoenmakerskop/)
- [Then and Now](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/then-and-now/)
- [wildside](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/wildside/)
- [Opera House](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/opera-house/)
- [stained glass windows](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/stained-glass-windows/)
- [cape st francis](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/cape-st-francis/)
- [surfing](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/surfing/)
- [mountains](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/mountains/)
- [windpomp](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/windpomp/)
- [Samara Game Reserve](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/samara-game-reserve/)
- [giraffe](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/giraffe/)
- [birds](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/birds/)
- [Graaff Reinet](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/graaff-reinet/)
- [cheetah](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/cheetah/)
- [elephant](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/elephant/)
- [people](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/people/)
- [coastal](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/coastal/)
- [Kouga](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/kouga/)
- [lighthouse](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/lighthouse/)
- [coffee shop](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/coffee-shop/)
- [shops](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/shops/)
- [animals](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/animals/)
- [railway](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/railway/)
- [tourist attractions](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/tourist-attractions/)
- [skywatch](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/skywatch/)
- [East London](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/east-london/)
- [Instagram](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/instagram/)
- [monuments](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/monuments/)
- [sunrise / sunsets](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/sunrise-sunsets/)
- [Sunshine Coast](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/sunshine-coast/)
- [Transkei](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/transkei/)
- [Cape Town](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/cape-town/)
- [CT City](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/ct-city/)
- [Western Cape](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/western-cape/)
- [night](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/night/)
- [tourist facilities](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/tourist-facilities/)
- [V'nA Waterfront](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/vna-waterfront/)
- [signs](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/signs/)
- [Wild Coast](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/wild-coast/)
- [Sho't Left](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/shot-left/)
- [nature](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/nature/)
- [Tsitsikamma](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/tsitsikamma/)
- [Random theme](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/random-theme/)
- [panorama](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/panorama/)
- [river/stream](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/river-stream/)
- [Table Mountain](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/table-mountain/)
- [cape recife](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/cape-recife/)
- [penguins](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/penguins/)
- [Garden Route](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/garden-route/)
- [Nature's Valley](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/natures-valley/)
- [dam](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/dam/)
- [Overberg](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/overberg/)
- [Mossel Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/mossel-bay/)
- [sepia](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/sepia/)
- [Klein Karoo](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/klein-karoo/)
- [museums](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/museums/)
- [Oudtshoorn](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/oudtshoorn/)
- [Sedgefield](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/sedgefield/)
- [Addo Elephant National Park](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/addo-elephant-national-park/)
- [lighthouses](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/lighthouses/)
- [maitland river mouth](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/maitland-river-mouth/)
- [nature reserves](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/nature-reserves/)
- [trails](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/trails/)
- [Kragga Kamma](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/kragga-kamma/)
- [videos](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/videos/)
- [addo](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/addo/)
- [selfie](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/selfie/)
- [sport](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/sport/)
- [university](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/university/)
- [Surrounding Areas](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/surrounding-areas/)
- [SAMREC](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/samrec/)
- [Central](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/central/)
- [city centre](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/city-centre/)
- [monument](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/monument/)
- [boardwalk](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/boardwalk/)
- [North End](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/north-end/)
- [world cup soccer stadium](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/world-cup-soccer-stadium/)
- [adventure](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/adventure/)
- [culture](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/culture/)
- [events](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/events/)
- [flowers](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/flowers/)
- [artwork](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/artwork/)
- [donkin](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/donkin/)
- [Route 67](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/route-67/)
- [architecture](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/architecture/)
- [history](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/history/)
- [Richmond Hill](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/richmond-hill/)
- [SAM posts pre Firefly](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/sam-posts-pre-firefly/)
- [heritage](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/heritage/)
- [library](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/library/)
- [insects](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/insects/)
- [campanile](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/campanile/)
- [Geocaching](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/geocaching/)
- [algoa bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/algoa-bay/)
- [Ships](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/ships/)
- [Boer War](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/boer-war/)
- [Settlers Park](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/settlers-park/)
- [Bayworld](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/bayworld/)
- [beachfront](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/beachfront/)
- [museum](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/museum/)
- [succulents](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/succulents/)
- [Parks](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/parks/)
- [st georges park](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/st-georges-park/)
- [kings beach](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/kings-beach/)
- [harbour](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/harbour/)
- [cars](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/cars/)
- [Sardinia Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/sardinia-bay/)
- [sunrise/sunset](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/sunrise-sunset/)
- [schools](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/schools/)
- [pollock beach](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/pollock-beach/)
- [Lady Slipper](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/lady-slipper/)
- [the coast](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/the-coast/)
- [fynbos](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/fynbos/)
- [Hobie Beach](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/hobie-beach/)
- [Shark Rock Pier](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/shark-rock-pier/)
- [forest](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/forest/)
- [trees](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/trees/)
- [Jeffreys Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/jeffreys-bay/)
- [national symbols](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/national-symbols/)
- [Tsitsikamma National Park](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/tsitsikamma-national-park/)
- [Eersterivier](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/eersterivier/)
- [family](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/family/)
- [farm stall](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/farm-stall/)
- [farming](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/farming/)
- [fort](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/fort/)
- [Langkloof](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/langkloof/)
- [Uniondale](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/uniondale/)
- [Free State](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/free-state/)
- [Gariep Dam](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/gariep-dam/)
- [waterfalls](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/waterfalls/)
- [Sundays River](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/sundays-river/)
- [Robertson Valley](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/robertson-valley/)
- [Cradock](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/cradock/)
- [Middleton](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/middleton/)
- [Barrydale](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/barrydale/)
- [fish](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/fish/)
- [fun](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/fun/)
- [Riviersonderend](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/riviersonderend/)
- [Swellendam](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/swellendam/)
- [Peninsula](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/peninsula/)
- [Frontier Country](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/frontier-country/)
- [video](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/video/)
- [apple express](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/apple-express/)
- [Humewood](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/humewood/)
- [railways](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/railways/)
- [celebrations](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/celebrations/)
- [Lovemore Heights](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/lovemore-heights/)
- [whales](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/whales/)
- [Humewood Beach](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/humewood-beach/)
- [aircraft](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/aircraft/)
- [airport](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/airport/)
- [Nelson Mandela](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/nelson-mandela/)
- [graffiti](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/graffiti/)
- [guest photographer](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/guest-photographer/)
- [Swartkops area](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/swartkops-area/)
- [Yacht Club series](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/yacht-club-series/)
- [Happy Valley](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/happy-valley/)
- [south end](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/south-end/)
- [baakens river](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/baakens-river/)
- [dolphins](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/dolphins/)
- [st croix island](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/st-croix-island/)
- [markets](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/markets/)
- [hotel](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/hotel/)
- [Despatch](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/despatch/)
- [Gauteng](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/gauteng/)
- [Johannesburg](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/johannesburg/)
- [Soweto](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/soweto/)
- [self portrait](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/self-portrait/)
- [city scenes](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/city-scenes/)
- [Somerset East](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/somerset-east/)
- [reptiles / amphibians](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/reptiles-amphibians/)
- [graves](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/graves/)
- [Northern Cape](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/northern-cape/)
- [mushrooms](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/mushrooms/)
- [fishing](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/fishing/)
- [seaview](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/seaview/)
- [beaches](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/beaches/)
- [cemetary](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/cemetary/)
- [memorials](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/memorials/)
- [Uitenhage](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/uitenhage/)
- [PE Attractions](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/pe-attractions/)
- [summerstrand](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/summerstrand/)
- [aerial](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/aerial/)
- [kids activities](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/kids-activities/)
- [aloe](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/aloe/)
- [buffalo](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/buffalo/)
- [beach treasures](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/beach-treasures/)
- [art](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/art/)
- [fruit](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/fruit/)
- [Elands River Valley](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/elands-river-valley/)
- [Campsites](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/campsites/)
- [Kirkwood](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/kirkwood/)
- [surf spot names](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/surf-spot-names/)
- [Sleepy Hollow](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/sleepy-hollow/)
- [fort frederick](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/fort-frederick/)
- [Colchester](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/colchester/)
- [transport](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/transport/)
- [mohair](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/mohair/)
- [walmer](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/walmer/)
- [watersport](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/watersport/)
- [Ironman](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/ironman/)
- [marine life](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/marine-life/)
- [Baviaanskloof](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/baviaanskloof/)
- [rock paintings](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/rock-paintings/)
- [boats](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/boats/)
- [sun/moon](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/sun-moon/)
- [countryside](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/countryside/)
- [awards](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/awards/)
- [windfarm](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/windfarm/)
- [Camdeboo National Park](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/camdeboo-national-park/)
- [war memorial](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/war-memorial/)
- [coega](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/coega/)
- [Bluewater Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/bluewater-bay/)
- [emergency services](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/emergency-services/)
- [weather](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/weather/)
- [media](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/media/)
- [PE Monuments](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/pe-monuments/)
- [ferry series](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/ferry-series/)
- [festivals/markets](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/festivals-markets/)
- [entertainment](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/entertainment/)
- [scuba diving](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/scuba-diving/)
- [garden](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/garden/)
- [Kabega](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/kabega/)
- [Madiba](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/madiba/)
- [seasons](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/seasons/)
- [news](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/news/)
- [Nanaga](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/nanaga/)
- [brewery](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/brewery/)
- [nursery](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/nursery/)
- [Newton Park](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/newton-park/)
- [galleries](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/galleries/)
- [Mount Pleasant](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/mount-pleasant/)
- [PE Beaches](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/pe-beaches/)
- [Knysna](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/knysna/)
- [Plettenberg Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/plettenberg-bay/)
- [wine estate](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/wine-estate/)
- [North West Province](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/north-west-province/)
- [Crags](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/crags/)
- [mill park](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/mill-park/)
- [beachview](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/beachview/)
- [dams](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/dams/)
- [shipwrecks](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/shipwrecks/)
- [Agulhas](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/agulhas/)
- [ruins](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/ruins/)
- [Grahamstown](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/grahamstown/)
- [theatres](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/theatres/)
- [development](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/development/)
- [accommodation](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/accommodation/)
- [mountains Surrounding Areas](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/mountains-surrounding-areas/)
- [new brighton](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/new-brighton/)
- [Trains](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/trains/)
- [township life](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/township-life/)
- [suburbs](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/suburbs/)
- [Hofmeyr](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/hofmeyr/)
- [charities](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/charities/)
- [places of worship](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/places-of-worship/)
- [road](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/road/)
- [bloggers](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/bloggers/)
- [Durban](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/durban/)
- [KwaZulu Natal](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/kwazulu-natal/)
- [George](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/george/)
- [Kidz outings](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/kidz-outings/)
- [lists](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/lists/)
- [Garden Route National Park](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/garden-route-national-park/)
- [Wilderness](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/wilderness/)
- [HDR](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/hdr/)
- [Bloemfontein](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/bloemfontein/)
- [proteas](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/proteas/)
- [wildlife](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/wildlife/)
- [outskirts](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/outskirts/)
- [aloes](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/aloes/)
- [Mpumalanga](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/mpumalanga/)
- [Panorama Route](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/panorama-route/)
- [Kenton-on-Sea](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/kenton-on-sea/)
- [Baakens Valley](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/baakens-valley/)
- [Bird island](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/bird-island/)
- [East Cape Horse Care Unit](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/east-cape-horse-care-unit/)
- [Hogsback](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/hogsback/)
- [Blogathon](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/blogathon/)
- [streets](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/streets/)
- [party venues](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/party-venues/)
- [British Settlers](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/british-settlers/)
- [Drakensberg](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/drakensberg/)
- [reflections](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/reflections/)
- [competitions](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/competitions/)
- [sky watch](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/sky-watch/)
- [Theescombe](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/theescombe/)
- [industry](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/industry/)
- [golf](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/golf/)
- [official buildings](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/official-buildings/)
- [Firefly video](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/firefly-video/)
- [warthog](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/warthog/)
- [main street](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/main-street/)
- [Morgan Bay](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/morgan-bay/)
- [Voortrekkers](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/voortrekkers/)
- [marine drive](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/marine-drive/)
- [rhino](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/rhino/)
- [recipes](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/recipes/)
- [sea creatures](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/sea-creatures/)
- [PEDP](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/pedp/)
- [drops](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/drops/)
- [zebra](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/zebra/)
- [old post office](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/old-post-office/)
- [red location](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/red-location/)
- [Montagu](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/montagu/)
- [Groendal](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/groendal/)
- [environment](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/environment/)
- [Afrikaans](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/afrikaans/)
- [Raakreis](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/raakreis/)
- [Somerset West](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/somerset-west/)
- [barb wire](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/barb-wire/)
- [Feather Market Centre](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/feather-market-centre/)
- [celebs](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/celebs/)
- [television crew](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/television-crew/)
- [Skylines](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/skylines/)
- [Great Trek](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/great-trek/)
- [Pretoria](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/pretoria/)
- [tales and rhymes](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/tales-and-rhymes/)
- [Golden Gate National Park](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/golden-gate-national-park/)
- [leopard](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/leopard/)
- [elements](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/elements/)
- [water supply](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/water-supply/)
- [construction](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/construction/)
- [Pumba Game Reserve](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/pumba-game-reserve/)
- [bird](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/bird/)
- [photojournalism](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/photojournalism/)
- [Botanical Garden](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/botanical-garden/)
- [hippo](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/hippo/)
- [Lalibela Game Reserve](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/lalibela-game-reserve/)
- [apartheid](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/apartheid/)
- [caves](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/caves/)
- [portraits](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/portraits/)
- [2010 FIFA World Cup](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/2010-fifa-world-cup/)
- [Sydneham](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/sydneham/)
- [TGCSA Cape Town 2013](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/tgcsa-cape-town-2013/)
- [Spier](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/spier/)
- [Amsterdamhoek](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/amsterdamhoek/)
- [electricity](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/electricity/)
- [Redhouse](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/redhouse/)
- [agriculture](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/agriculture/)
- [pollution](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/pollution/)
- [skull](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/skull/)
- [biomes](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/biomes/)
- [People of PE](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/people-of-pe/)
- [Holmeleigh Farmyard](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/holmeleigh-farmyard/)
- [big](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/big/)
- [songs](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/songs/)
- [horse riding](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/horse-riding/)
- [Wells Estate](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/wells-estate/)
- [Flashback](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/flashback/)
- [Heidelberg (WC)](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/heidelberg-wc/)
- [Riversdale](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/riversdale/)
- [bethelsdorp](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/bethelsdorp/)
- [Africa](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/africa/)
- [United Kingdom](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/united-kingdom/)
- [Germany](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/germany/)
- [Dylan](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/dylan/)
- [Megan](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/megan/)
- [tiger](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/tiger/)
- [monkeys](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/monkeys/)
- [objects](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/objects/)
- [creepy](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/creepy/)
- [Fire station](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/fire-station/)
- [antelope](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/antelope/)
- [The Poetry Project](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/the-poetry-project/)
- [Fairview](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/fairview/)
- [published pics](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/published-pics/)
- [Cannon Rocks](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/cannon-rocks/)
- [shipwreck](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/shipwreck/)
- [wedding](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/wedding/)
- [NMBM](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/nmbm/)
- [photo walk](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/photo-walk/)
- [archaeology](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/archaeology/)
- [grave search](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/grave-search/)
- [Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/inkwenkwezi-game-reserve/)
- [Mini vs Maxi 2011](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/mini-vs-maxi-2011/)
- [social responsibility](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/social-responsibility/)
- [emblems](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/emblems/)
- [Albany Road](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/albany-road/)
- [monthly theme](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/monthly-theme/)
- [eating out](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/eating-out/)
- [crime](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/crime/)
- [lamp posts](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/lamp-posts/)
- [lamp posts boardwalk](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/lamp-posts-boardwalk/)
- [Albany Road roads](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/albany-road-roads/)
- [MyPE](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/mype/)
- [chimneys](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/chimneys/)
- [making a living](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/making-a-living/)
- [new brighton pier](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/new-brighton-pier/)
- [denton](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/denton/)
- [different cultures](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/different-cultures/)
- [headstone](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/headstone/)
- [Raggy Charters](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/raggy-charters/)
- [urban renewal](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/urban-renewal/)
- [abstract](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/abstract/)
- [Louise Eksteen](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/louise-eksteen/)
- [town planning](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/town-planning/)
- [China](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/china/)
- [South America](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/south-america/)
- [Bathurst](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/bathurst/)
- [1st world/3rd world](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/1st-world-3rd-world/)
- [rememerance day](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/rememerance-day/)
- [porcupine](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/porcupine/)
- [vegetation](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/vegetation/)
- [cinema](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/cinema/)
- [friends](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/friends/)
- [cheers](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/cheers/)
- [Pilanesberg National Park](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/pilanesberg-national-park/)
- [Sun City](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/sun-city/)
- [secret army](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/secret-army/)
- [toys](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/toys/)
- [pics used](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/pics-used/)
- [ghosts](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/ghosts/)
- [Willowmore](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/willowmore/)
- [cookhouse](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/cookhouse/)
- [middelburg](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/middelburg/)
- [supernatural](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/supernatural/)
- [legends](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/legends/)
- [life](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/life/)
- [Aberdeen](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/aberdeen/)
- [pearston](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/pearston/)
- [jansenville](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/jansenville/)
- [Tarkastad](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/tarkastad/)
- [route 72](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/route-72/)
- [Mountain Zebra National Park](https://fireflyafrica.co.za/tag/mountain-zebra-national-park/)