Where we are
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| View of Simon's Town from Red Hill |
Harbour from Runciman Drive.
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| Simon's Town village |
We're very close to the penguin colony at Boulders Beach.
This is the "deep south", on the way to Cape Point. It is a beautiful, sometimes wild area, but a short drive from charming museums, galleries and shops, as well as lovely malls.
Adventure activities include sailing, kayaking, diving, snorkeling, swimming with the penguins, fishing, boat trips and birding trips.
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| Kayaking is very popular, to see penguins, orcas, dolphins and (in season) whales. |
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| The coast is rugged and beautiful |
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| Shark diving is scary |
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Whale watching is best between July and November.
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Dolphins and orcas can be seen on boat and kayak trips - also from our deck
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| Simonstown Golf Course, just down the road. |
There is a golf course close by (walking distance actually), and superb hikes along mountain paths.
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| We back onto South African National Parks, (the whole green area shown above). |
There are lots of wonderful, white beaches close by, including great beaches for surfing and wind surfing.
For those who prefer lovely old villages, Simon's Town is a gem. The legend of Just Nuisance, a great dane whose care of sailors led to his becoming enlisted as an Able Seaman, RN, is celebrated here.
There are pretty spots, delightful restaurants, vineyards close by, and the little fishing harbour at Kalk Bay, to enjoy.
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| Kalk Bay harbour - fishing |
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| Some fishing boats along the harbor wall |
You can makes loads of lovely discoveries, and even venture further afield to beautiful Constantia (vineyards and great eating), The Cape Town City's Waterfront with its own delights, and the Atlantic coast.
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| B0-Kaap, an area just above the city, home to the descendants of the Malay slaves, and where you can sample a distinct Malay-stle cuisine. |
Kirstenbosch is a world famous garden with beautiful walks, about 25 minutes drive away.
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| Summer Sunday evening concerts at Kirstenbosch - bring your own picnic and drinks |
Drive the gorgeous Chapmans Peak route to Hout Bay, another fishing village with lots of character, good eating places and boat trips. Or visit the wild and beautiful Cape Point Nature Reserve.
This is the Cape of Good Hope, the exquisite tip of Africa (although Aghulhas is our southernmost point), and one of the most beautiful and diverse places in the world.
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| Cape Point |
It is also the home of good wines, unique fynbos, breathtaking scenic beauty, and riveting history.
Many local vineyards, from the Cape Point through to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, offer great wine tasting.
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| There are also many wonderful cheeses, and excellent preserves to sample |
Beach walks
Our favourites are Fish Hoek and Muizenberg.
Fish Hoek Beach - most of these were taken in autumn.
Interesting skies and views....mostly taken in autumn, winter and summer.
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| Sometimes the clouds roll in quite low, covering the bay and almost pitching like the sea! Look at that peaked cloud, that looks just like a wave a surfer would love to ride! The feeling of being above the clouds is almost spiritual. |
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| Another "cloud event". To the north, Glencairn, Fish Hoek etc., are hidden and the mountains are like islands poking up out of the cloud. Phenomenon does not last long. |
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| bank of cloud rolling in, early winter. |
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| The colours, especially out of summer months, are sometimes spectacular. Great displays to enjoy during sundowners! |
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| Interesting cloud formation |
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| The variations are so rewarding...an artist's dream. |
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From the main bedroom - burning sunrise.
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Sketching time:
Random sketches from my journals...
I chose a random selection of my sketches of places in the area....
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| Decor in a Muizenberg restaurant... |
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| Muizenberg people and beach huts... |
On Jubilee Square in Simonstown. Vendors and the Just Nuisance statue.
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| Next to Lower North Battery close to Harbour Bay Mall...fishermen still operate out of there. |
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The same place next to Lower North Battery - fisherman's shack.
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Whimsical sketch.
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| Fish Hoek sketch on the beach |
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| Jubilee Square - bear in mind that I grew up in Simons Town so the new stuff fascinates me. |
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| Sketch-dropping on a fellow sketcher! |
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| So sue me - I love the fishermen on the wall at Kalk Bay - pronounced "Cork Bay" by us old timers. Please come to the party those of you from other areas. Even my Lowveld family agree! |
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| Fish Hoek Beach having breakfast at the Galley...good stuff after a week end walk. |
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