Cape Town: Trip 1

   1. WEST COAST NATIONAL PARK & PATERNOSTER   

A few days of relaxation following weeks of working around the flat renovations saw us hire a car for three days and head north out of Cape Town. Destination Paternoster, a lovely coastal town, all white washed buildings and beach decorated homes with a wide beautiful sandy coastline that disappeared off into the distance. Throw in a great place to stay and some nice restaurants - one right by the beach, another overlooking the town and yet another full of quirky bits of junk called 'Junk & Disorderly' (South Africa enjoys a play on words as a business title) and the recipe for relaxation was complete.

A total blackout on our last night, minutes before President Zuma was about to come on TV and give his resignation speech, was both poetic and rewarding, as we got to see a starry night sky that was just incredible.  

Stopping off at the West Coast National Park on the drive back south was quiet and unhurried, rather like the tortoise that crossed the road right in front of our car, presumably to get to the other side ! The beautiful lagoon with milky waters was nice and warm, a welcome change from the Atlantic ocean elsewhere. 

Our final overnight stop was in Darling at another great B&B run by Pat and Bobby, full of warm hospitality and conversation. Visited the brewery but not the Evita se Perron performance at the old train station (another day perhaps - with Darling only a hour outside Cape Town). 

All the above are Paternoster photos.






Below is a shot taken in the West Coast National Park.