Western Cape

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Wilderness Beach from Dolphin Point

The Garden Route has some stunning scenic view points.  Storms River Bridge, Bloukrans Bridge, Natures Valley, Plettenberg Bay looking to Beacon Isle and Robberg, Kranshoek and the Knysna Heads just to name a few.  Heck, the Garden Route is one continuous scenic view.  Right up there with the best amongst them is the view from Dolphin Point looking east along Wilderness beach.  How can one not stand in awe at a sight like this? Dolphin Point also used to be a great spot to watch the…

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28/03/2014
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Pie and strawberry milk at Ou Meul

Some people travel with purpose along the N2 between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth while others take it nice and easy while on holiday.  Doesn't matter which one of the two you are one, you always find somewhere to stop, stretch your legs and get something to fill that hollow spot with.  I always like to try out new places and saw a Geocacher recommend a spot in Riviersonderend in the Overberg in a cache description.His description included the words…

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24/03/2014
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Montagu view

For the last two summers we spent part of our December holidays in Montagu on both occasions and the town has crept deep into my heart.  This year we're not heading that far west and I already miss this beautiful place.  On our last visit I actually said that if I could find something there in my line of work I would really consider moving there.  So as you can gather, this is a "I miss Montague" post,The picture was taken from…

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19/12/2013
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Harbour beacon

Although it looks like a lighthouse it isn't a lighthouse, not quite.  It does have a light though.  What is it then and where did I see it?  It is a beacon at the end of the breakwater forming part of the Port Elizabeth Harbour wall.

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21/11/2013
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Wilgewandel – something for the whole family

 In all the years working as a tourist guide I drove past Wilgewandel near the Cango Caves countless times and never stopped.  It wasn't that I didn't want to, but there was just never time on a busy itinerary.  I often just referred to it as the place with the camel rides.  That was until a visit to the Cango Caves with the family while on holiday.  Drama Princess really wanted to ride a camel and the nagging started when we…

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11/11/2013
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Potjiekos 101

In South Africa a braai (and please note how I say braai and not barbecue as barbecue is a chips flavour) is as part of the nation's heritage as ice is part of the North Pole.  In my opinion a braai is also just a proper braai when you start with burning wood to create coals.  But that is a discussion for a whole other day.  Something that is very much part of the braai culture is potjiekos.  Potjiekos literally translates…

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24/09/2013
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Egret nesting ground

Ornithologists, or just plain bird lovers for those who don't know the big word, visiting the town of Montagu in the Western Cape gets drawn to the Leidam like a mouse to cheese.  For the last two years we spent a week in Montagu during our summer holiday and during both visits I spent some time just watching the birds in the trees around the dam.  The Leidam was originally built to supply water to the town via canals with each…

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16/09/2013
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Icons of the Karoo – Roadside Aloes

During the hot dry summer the Karoo veld can be somewhat of a bleak affair, but during the winter it's a different matter.  Aloes bloom in all their fiery glory decorating the landscape like Christmas lights.  Aloes, like proteas, are often found in the most unlikely and inhospitable places, growing in hot temperature and low rainfall areas and not needing the delicate hands of somebody with green fingers to nurture it.  One of natures natural wonders.The post is part of the…

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07/08/2013
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Moyo at Spier – The ultimate buffet lunch

I remember the first time I went to Spier Wine Estate after Moyo opened thinking that it so doesn't fit in with Spier and it surroundings at all.  But just walking past the outside and going inside to experience it are two totally different things and after having lunch at Moyo's the other day I have so changed my opinion.  Its the difference between Spier's Cape Dutch and colonial look and the free spirit African feel under the ancient oak trees that make the two ideal…

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29/07/2013
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Robertson Dutch Reformed Church

 Most small towns around South Africa's histories are very closely woven into that of the church and often these towns got started because of a church.  In this case the town of Robertson in the Western Cape is no different.  In 1728 a large piece of land which fell within the very large boundaries of Swellendam district, was let to a Mr. P Joubert.  Soon farmers requiring grazing for their sheep started moving into the area, many purchasing land from…

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26/07/2013