What beautiful weather for a west Coast road trip. We left on Wednesday morning and headed out. I had packed all my gear for a photo / bird watching safari and we were all keen to see the stunning West Coast in all its glory. We were not disappointed!
But first coffee … Rosemead in Yzerfontein. They bake artisan bread and pastries, Sourdoughs, baguettes, croissants and more. Brett Nortier is the Master Baker.
This dedicated young man had his original induction into the artisan world of breads through his aunt’s small bakery in Kalk Bay. Here, as a teenager he earned pocket money learning the trade that applied strict measures to avoid the mass-produced and preservative-laden breads we can find on any supermarket shelf today.
We had a quick stop at Church Haven. Idyllic seems like an understatement for the views. The crystal blue waters, small white sandy hidden beaches with rocky edges and flowers in little colourful pockets …. A mini Greek break while exploring the West Coast.
The flowers put on a stunning show for us. Every view seemed better than the last and you could not help but get out of the car and kneel down and really try and be part of the spectacle. With all the flowers around the wildlife was incredible active … this included one or two ticks that tried to hitch a ride on my legs while I was “getting down and dirty” with the surrounds.
Being way laid by the beauty of all around we then had to rush to our lunch reservation at Leeto in Paternoster.
Leeto is situated in the Strandloper Hotel. From the car park we followed a board walk through the coastal bossies and on entering the doors we found ourselves on the beach. Leeto looks onto a small stream following in the ocean and past this is the open wide beach of Paternoster. In the distance is a giant rock in the ocean. It looks very much like and elephant partial submerged and starting the crossing to Argentina.
Leeto offers “A fusion of refined and contemporary cuisine in a prime location which boasts magnificent ocean and nature views. We will take you on an exceptional culinary journey showcasing the best the West Coast has to offer. All meals served at the intimate Leeto Restaurant showcase fresh local cuisine prepared with unique flair, that reflect the finest offerings of the area – all conjured up and prepared with finesse by Chef Garth.
Then onto our home for the adventure – the Blouhuisie in St Helena Bay / Britannia Bay
How beautiful it was to be on the beach surrounded by West Coast bossie and the sea. The bush was alive with the singing of Yellow Canaries.
Yellow canaries are beautiful birds, widely found around the world but in South Africa, mainly in karoo and coastal scrub. The yellow canary doesn’t only appear to be beautiful, the singing quality of this bird is extraordinary. It has a whistled song, and they enjoy human companionship, eager to stay nearby the house.
The next day was an adventure day, following our “wim hof” swim and a little paddle (the HF and the middle OS) we set off to explore the West Coast … but we only had one day.
First stop Bokkomlaan in Velddrift. Time stands still on a walk along Bokkomlaan, the heritage heart of Velddrift. A wander down this dirt road enjoying the sun with the locals (people, birds and geese) and stopping for a coffee and then a delicious toasted sarmie ready to start the day. When we complimented the waitress / chef on the food, she only replied with a wry smile (“so you could taste the love”) I personally also thought the setting had something to do with it!
Velddrif is the heart of the fishing industry on the West Coast.
Bokkomlaan is named after the salted silvery fish that are strung into bunches and hung to dry
Fringed by the Great Berg River the road is scattered with a cluster of historic buildings and jetties
Take it slowly
The birdlife is amongst the best on the coastline. From flamingos and spoonbills to pelicans and pied kingfishers.
From the outside, all buildings look like they are used as bokkom fisheries. However, some have been carefully converted and are now used as coffee shops, restaurants and art galleries. Due to their heritage status, no structural changes can be made thereby still keeping the sense of place and their past – but thankfully without the smell. The original owners made the buildings with gum trees and homemade bricks. The rooves are lined with fluitjies riet – whistling reed.
Then onto some flamingo spotting …
No trip to the West Coast will be complete without the HF taking us on a trip down memory lane checking out his old surf spots.
One last stop before homeward bound to the Cape Town 7’s rugby World Cup …
An adventure not to be forgotten full of friends, fun, flowers and feathers ….
Pink Farm Chick 