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Pet-friendly places on the West Coast Way
https://www.westcoastway.co.za/pet-friendly-places-on-the-west-coast-way/

The West Coast holds many treasures along it’s six routes and we’ve sniffed out 15 great spots where your dog is welcome to join you! Don’t leave your favourite furry friend behind, here are the top pet-friendly places on the West Coast Way:

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Pet-friendly Culture Route

Grace’s Getaway, Yzerfontein COME VISIT ME FOR A COFFEE VAPE!!

A central hub to get accommodation in Yzerfontein is Yzerfontein Accommodation – an local accommodation agency for short and long stays offering a wide range of places to stay with many pet-friendly options too. One of these are Grace’s Getaway. A compact self-catering base from which to explore the town and would be most suitable for a couple with a small well-behaved dog. It’s simple, but comfortable and it’s the view that will hold you in awe. There are no gates or fences, so keep an eye on your dog as it will go snooping!

Contact and book: +27 (0)22 451 2181 | info@yzerfonteinaccommodation.co.za | www.yzerfonteinaccommodation.co.za

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C-Bobejaan, Yzerfontein COME VISIT ME FOR A COFFEE VAPE!!

This self-catering apartment has three bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a built-in braai on the covered stoep. Relax on a sun lounger and watch the swell of the sea while your dogs enjoy running on the lawn, being kept perfectly safe behind a fence.

Contact and book: +27 (0)22 451 2181 | info@yzerfonteinaccommodation.co.za | www.yzerfonteinaccommodation.co.za



!Khwattu, R27 COME VISIT ME FOR A COFFEE VAPE!!

It’s hard to believe that a place like !khwa ttu is pet-friendly, especially considering that there is a fair amount of game roaming around! But they welcome well-behaved dogs in all of their accommodation options as well as being allowed to take them (on leashes) on walks, cycle trails and even the restaurant (seated outdoors).

Contact and book: +27 (0)22 492 2998 | info@khwattu.org | www.khwattu.org

R27 Roosterkoek, Yzerfontein COME VISIT ME FOR A COFFEE VAPE!!

The roosterkoek menu will have you deliberating fiercely as you struggle to pick which toppings sound right for the occasion. Go simple with just cheese, or spice it up with some biltong! Chicken mayo, jam and egg & cheese are among some of the other flavours you can experience.

They have their own resident doggie and provide your 4 legged furry friends with water!

Telephone: +27 (0)72 447 9344 | Facebook

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Wild Flour Coffee Shop, Yzerfontein COME VISIT ME FOR A COFFEE VAPE!!

A quirky restaurant and gift shop with locally-made crafts, preserves and treats. They serve breakfasts (until 14h00) light meals and toasties, along with coffees, shakes, wine, beer and pink gin! Dogs are welcome outside with a water bowl provided.

Telephone: +27 (0)22 451 2315 | www.westcoastway.co.za/yzerfontein/
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Yzervark Bistro and Iron Pig Pub COME VISIT ME FOR A COFFEE VAPE!!

A rustic pub and restaurant with different specials during the week, including 2-for-1 burgers on Thursdays, pizzas and live music on Fridays and free coffee on Saturdays and Sundays. The bar serves craft beer and gins, along with having various second-hand items and art pieces for sale. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome, but note that they have big dogs of their own, although they are generally kept inside if other dogs are present.

Telephone: +27 (0)79 352 4137 | www.westcoastway.co.za/yzerfontein/
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Chicory Cheese Cafe, Darling I CAN MEET YOU THERE - IT'S ONLY 20 MINS. FROM ME

This charming eatery has a menu with a healthy twist with delicious options for vegetarians. Sip on a cappucino while deciding between a flapjack stack or poached eggs and ham, or indulge in a red velvet smoothie while tucking into a cajun chicken wrap or Vietnamese rice springrolls! Darling beers and wines are also available and their deli stocks everything from sweet potato bread to miso paste. Dogs welcome to join you outside.

Telephone: +27 (0)76 975 6197 | www.westcoastway.co.za/darling/

Pet-friendly Foodie Route

Slip Slops, Paternoster
A LITTLE FAR FROM ME, BUT I CAN MEET YOU THERE DURING THE DAY

A relaxed and comfortable self-catering spot within walking distance from the beach, shops and restaurants. There’s an indoor and outdoor braai area so you can braai whatever the weather and a small splash pool for hot days. Sleeping six, it is well designed for big groups. Dogs are welcome here and thanks to high walls, they will be very safe.

Website: www.westcoastway.co.za/paternoster-cape-columbine/



Voorstrandt Restaurant, Paternoster A LITTLE FAR FROM ME, BUT I CAN MEET YOU THERE DURING THE DAY

This is one of the only pet-friendly restaurants and it’s perfectly positioned right on the beach so you can enjoy walkies before lunch! Your dog is welcome to join you outside (leashed) while you tuck into delicious seafood and a cold one. Their prices are very reasonable and you couldn’t get closer to the beach if you tried!

Telephone: +27 (0)22 7522 038 | www.westcoastway.co.za/paternoster-cape-columbine/

Heron’s Rest, Veldrif A LITTLE FAR FROM ME, BUT I CAN MEET YOU THERE DURING THE DAY

This haven in the sleepy town of Velddrif is perfect for a group of people as it sleeps twelve in total, with four in a separate self-contained cottage. However, couples are welcome too (with breakfast included!) Outdoors is where you really want to be here – watching abundant birdlife enjoying the indigenous garden and magnificent starry sky at night. Small dogs are welcome by prior arrangement.

Telephone: +27 (0)71 141 7313 | www.westcoastway.co.za/heronsrest-velddrif/

Die Vishuis, Veldrif A LITTLE FAR FROM ME, BUT I CAN MEET YOU THERE DURING THE DAY

Think fishing nets above your head and bokkoms drying in the sun! This restaurant, housed in a national monument along Bokkoms Laan, will see you licking your lips over their seafood dishes while watching pelicans and seagulls sunning themselves on the jetties. Small dogs are welcome to join you on the stoep.

Telephone: +27 (0)22 783 1183 | www.westcoastway.co.za/heronsrest-velddrif/

Pet-friendly Wild Route

Vensterklip, Elands Bay

This working farm is a good spot to go away with a large group of people with different budgets and needs! There’s almost every kind of accommodation available, with the camping area and two cottages across the road being pet-friendly options for well-behaved small dogs (who won’t eat the chickens).

Telephone: +27 (0)22 972 1340 | www.vensterklip.co.za

Die Wit Mossel Pot, Elands Bay

Both a bohemian and surfer’s delight, this much-loved spot is famous for both it’s quirky décor and, as the name would suggest, their white mussel pot. They also serve breakfasts and light meals along with their popular seafood platters. Don’t expect to leave in a hurry – in fact you may decide to spend the night too! Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you outside.

Telephone: +27 (0)82 496 8931 | www.westcoastway.co.za/wit-mossel-pot/

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Pet-friendly Tractor Route

Die Plaasmoll Padstal, Hopefield

Part plant nursery, part shop, part art gallery, part restaurant, part pub and part farm zoo, this padstal will keep the whole family entertained for hours! “Re-use and recyle” are key here, so expect to find some interesting uses for different items, including milkshakes served in chutney bottles. Their portions are as huge as their homemade pies are tasty, making this a worthwhile visit if you need a break on the Scenic Route. Well-behaved small dogs are welcome to join you outside, but be aware that there are farm animals and other dogs.

Telephone: +27 (0)74 924 8478 | www.plaasmol.co.za

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You and your dog are going to have a wonderful West Coast time, but if your dog needs a vet for any reason, the Yzerfontein Veterinary Clinic comes highly recommended by the locals. Dr Anel Coetzee loves animals and birds of all kinds and she will go out of her way to assist if the need arises. You can call Anel on 022 451 2087 to book an appointment, or on 083 868 0520 if it’s an emergency.
 
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CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

"Good news for chocoholics and those with a sweet tooth! After a year's break, The Chocolate Festival returns to Cape Town and this year promises to be bigger, better and even more choc-filled than before! Set to take place on Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 August, the Willy Wonka-themed event will be held at the Anura Vineyards in Stellenbosch.

Included in the line-up are the likes of Afrikoa Chocolate, Beyers Chocolates, Honest Artisan Chocolate, Huguenot Fine Chocolates, Alexander Avery Fine Chocolates, CocoaFair, Valrohna and Winston & Julia with many more favourites to be announced in the coming weeks."

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@Faiyaz Cheulkar I saw somewhere that snow is expected on Table Mountain, so keep your eyes open - but I know that it's not the same as going somewhere where it's actually snowing, or where you can see the snow up close and personal.
That's a great news, can see table mountain from where I am so will keep an eye.
 
And? Is the mountains white?

Always loved looking over Simonsberg mountain covered in snow back when I was still studying in Stellenbosch.
 
Gran completes bucket list drive from Cape Town to London



"On a sunny day in June, 2017, Julia Albu (80) and her long standing partner in crime, Tracy the 20-year-old Conquest Toyota, departed for a 12 000km Eastern route trip across Africa to her daughters home in London."

Truly admirable! Read the rest in the article ... http://www.capetownetc.com/travel/gran-completes-bucket-list-drive-from-cape-town-to-london/

This was fascinating @Hooked
I saw her journey on Carte Blanche a while back
Amazing adventure and amazing how her Toyota Conquest conquered the continent
Inspirational stuff
 
Those Toyota Conquests ruled - my mom had a 1989 RS, had 350 000+ kms on the clock, six services (of which 2 were major, a couple of CV joint repairs, once ball joint, twice exhaust, once radiator, clutch and brake master, fan-belts, the small things), but it just kept on going (is still going).
 
Visit Cape Town parks for free
http://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/visit-cape-town-parks-for-free/

"Get ready, nature lovers! South African National Parks (SANParks) will be hosting its 13th annual free access week from 10-14 September 2018. This gives South African day visitors the opportunity to gain free access to most of the 21 national parks. It encourages locals to explore parks closest to them and enjoy the facilities without having to pay.

Some parks will even be extending the week into an additional free weekend, more information will be released soon. SANParks Week has proven to be successful in terms of education and awareness of conservation issues.

“The survival of the SANParks system and our natural and cultural heritage lies in the people of South Africa. Environmental education and protection is the responsibility of everyone,” said Fundisile Mketeni, SANParks CEO.

Don’t miss out on this annual event to experience South Africa’s beautiful natural heritage. SANParks offer a variety of activities to enjoy in the splendour of nature, and includes golfing, nature walks, game drives and cycling."
 
The Orcas are back in town
http://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/the-orcas-are-back-in-town/

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The majestic orcas are back on the Cape coastline. Dave Hurwitz from Simon’s Boat Company captured the most magnificent pictures of the mammals frolicking on the False Bay Coastline. In a Thursday post on Facebook he said:

“Our fabulous ORCA friends back in False Bay this morning! About 10 animals with a few familiar dorsal fins amongst them, including the notorious “Port”; the alleged shark killer! But they clearly weren’t on his menu today as the shark operators reported good sightings.
It appears as if the orca were talking to fish as they spent very little time on the surface, but for a period of almost 20 minutes, 3 of them tailed & swam alongside 2 Bryde’s whales, who were clearly fazed by their presence, but the orca made no attempt at a predation.
What added to this amazing experience was the presence of 2 very young calves in the pod.
Happy days! ”

 
Lions kill suspected poachers in Eastern Cape game reserve" :aaaaa::aaaaa::aaaaa:

https://www.all4women.co.za/1533164...spected-poachers-in-eastern-cape-game-reserve

According to a report released by the Sibuya Game Reserve management, at least three suspected rhino poachers met a gruesome end on Sunday night when they encountered a pride of lions…

The reserve’s management released a statement detailing their investigations. The evidence to date shows that a group of suspected rhino poachers entered the reserve during the late evening of Sunday 1 July or early hours of Monday, 2 July.

“They were armed with, amongst other things, a high powered rifle with a silencer, an axe, wire cutters and had food supplies for a number of days – all the hallmarks of a gang intent on killing rhino and removing their horns,” said owner Nick Fox.

“One of our anti-poaching dogs alerted her handler at about 4.30 am Monday morning that something was amiss. At the same time the handler heard a loud commotion coming from the lions so he suspected that this was what had alerted her and was not concerned. It is not unusual to hear them at night. However, it now appears likely that the dog had been alerted by something else out of the ordinary coming from the lions.”

Human remains discovered
On Tuesday, in the late afternoon, a field guide discovered some human remains near to the lions. The ranger immediately alerted the reserve’s Anti-Poaching Unit. “Clearly, the suspected poachers had walked into a pride of six lions and some, if not all had been killed,” said Fox.

“As it was already dark it was not possible to investigate the area until first light at which time we arranged for our vet to dart the entire pride of lions so that Police forensic teams assisted by our Anti-poaching unit could comb the immediate area for clues.”

According to later reports, the remains of at least three suspected poachers had been found – but police are continuing to search for further evidence in order to identify the remains."




 
Sea Point is being poisoned by toxic coolant leaking into the ocean

[My comment: so long as it leaks into the ocean and not into juice it's OK]

https://www.all4women.co.za/1544440...soned-by-toxic-coolant-leaking-into-the-ocean


The City of Cape Town says a bright green liquid which a resident recently spotted running into the ocean in Sea Point is a coolant used for commercial building cooling systems.

Meanwhile, warning signs would remain up at Clifton First Beach for a few days after a sewage spill earlier this week ... “Any form of full-contact recreational activity, such as swimming, diving, water skiing, surfing, paddle skiing and wind surfing may increase the risk of gastrointestinal problems, as well as skin, eye, ear and respiratory irritations.”
 
Lions kill suspected poachers in Eastern Cape game reserve" :aaaaa::aaaaa::aaaaa:

https://www.all4women.co.za/1533164...spected-poachers-in-eastern-cape-game-reserve

According to a report released by the Sibuya Game Reserve management, at least three suspected rhino poachers met a gruesome end on Sunday night when they encountered a pride of lions…

The reserve’s management released a statement detailing their investigations. The evidence to date shows that a group of suspected rhino poachers entered the reserve during the late evening of Sunday 1 July or early hours of Monday, 2 July.

“They were armed with, amongst other things, a high powered rifle with a silencer, an axe, wire cutters and had food supplies for a number of days – all the hallmarks of a gang intent on killing rhino and removing their horns,” said owner Nick Fox.

“One of our anti-poaching dogs alerted her handler at about 4.30 am Monday morning that something was amiss. At the same time the handler heard a loud commotion coming from the lions so he suspected that this was what had alerted her and was not concerned. It is not unusual to hear them at night. However, it now appears likely that the dog had been alerted by something else out of the ordinary coming from the lions.”

Human remains discovered

On Tuesday, in the late afternoon, a field guide discovered some human remains near to the lions. The ranger immediately alerted the reserve’s Anti-Poaching Unit. “Clearly, the suspected poachers had walked into a pride of six lions and some, if not all had been killed,” said Fox.

“As it was already dark it was not possible to investigate the area until first light at which time we arranged for our vet to dart the entire pride of lions so that Police forensic teams assisted by our Anti-poaching unit could comb the immediate area for clues.”

According to later reports, the remains of at least three suspected poachers had been found – but police are continuing to search for further evidence in order to identify the remains."



give that lions a bottle of Bells !!!
 
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http://www.capetownetc.com/news/where-to-see-the-total-lunar-eclipse/

The longest total eclipse in a century will take place on 27 July 2018 and is visible in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The eclipse creates a ‘blood moon’ that will light the night-time sky in a red hue.

A rare astrological event that will last for a total of 2hours and 15 minutes – Venus, Saturn and Jupiter will also be visible during this event. The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is hopeful that (weather permitting) we will be able to clearly view the eclipse.

SAAO Spokesperson and specialist, Daniel Cunnama shared, “This is at the first eclipse since 2011 that is visible in South Africa and the next one may only occur in Africa in 2025.”

What is a total lunar eclipse?


A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon enters the earth’s shadow and according to NASA, patches of sunlight reaches the moon but it first travels through earth’s atmosphere. The atmosphere filters out most of the sun’s blue light causing the moon to look red and create the ‘blood moon’ appearance. Instead the moon going completely dark sunlight travels through earth’s atmosphere and bends to reflect a red or red-brown tinge on the moon.

Unlike other eclipses the total lunar eclipse is safe enough to view with the naked eye, telescopes or binoculars.

Where to watch the total lunar eclipse

There are three places along the Western Cape that will host viewing points for this rare astrological event.

1. V&A Waterfont – Cape Town

Members of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA) and SAAO will be providing a guided tour with telescopes to view the eclipse at the flag pole terrace. The event will begin at 6pm with a tour of the solar system with use of instruments. The eclipse will begin 7:15pm and reach totality at 9:30pm.

2. Dirtopia Trail Centre and Cafe – Stellenbosch

The viewing will take place in Delvera farm on the R44 near Dirtopia cafe. Founder member of Orion Observation Astronomy Group (OOG) Willie Koorts will provide an explanation on the phenomenon and members of the organization will be bringing their telescopes.

If there is bad weather there will be a live screened stream of the event. The event will begin at 7:45pm and cost R100 per person which included a soup and bread buffet table.

3. NG Kerk Onrusrivier – Hermanus

Telescopes will be set up in the parking area by the NG Kerk Onrusrivier and will start at 8pm.
 
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http://www.capetownetc.com/news/where-to-see-the-total-lunar-eclipse/

The longest total eclipse in a century will take place on 27 July 2018 and is visible in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The eclipse creates a ‘blood moon’ that will light the night-time sky in a red hue.

A rare astrological event that will last for a total of 2hours and 15 minutes – Venus, Saturn and Jupiter will also be visible during this event. The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is hopeful that (weather permitting) we will be able to clearly view the eclipse.

SAAO Spokesperson and specialist, Daniel Cunnama shared, “This is at the first eclipse since 2011 that is visible in South Africa and the next one may only occur in Africa in 2025.”

What is a total lunar eclipse?

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon enters the earth’s shadow and according to NASA, patches of sunlight reaches the moon but it first travels through earth’s atmosphere. The atmosphere filters out most of the sun’s blue light causing the moon to look red and create the ‘blood moon’ appearance. Instead the moon going completely dark sunlight travels through earth’s atmosphere and bends to reflect a red or red-brown tinge on the moon.

Unlike other eclipses the total lunar eclipse is safe enough to view with the naked eye, telescopes or binoculars.

Where to watch the total lunar eclipse

There are three places along the Western Cape that will host viewing points for this rare astrological event.

1. V&A Waterfont – Cape Town

Members of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA) and SAAO will be providing a guided tour with telescopes to view the eclipse at the flag pole terrace. The event will begin at 6pm with a tour of the solar system with use of instruments. The eclipse will begin 7:15pm and reach totality at 9:30pm.

2. Dirtopia Trail Centre and Cafe – Stellenbosch

The viewing will take place in Delvera farm on the R44 near Dirtopia cafe. Founder member of Orion Observation Astronomy Group (OOG) Willie Koorts will provide an explanation on the phenomenon and members of the organization will be bringing their telescopes.

If there is bad weather there will be a live screened stream of the event. The event will begin at 7:45pm and cost R100 per person which included a soup and bread buffet table.

3. NG Kerk Onrusrivier – Hermanus

Telescopes will be set up in the parking area by the NG Kerk Onrusrivier and will start at 8pm.

My phone camera lens on the telescope lens
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Thanks @Hooked for the post and creating this thread.
Had lot of fun at waterfront, also saw Jupiter and Saturn along with some of its moons. Those guys had some real powerful telescopes.
 
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