Kalk Bay. A safe harbour from the storm.

 

 

 

The Main Road between St James and the Kalk Bay Harbour is filled with a variety of interesting shops and restaurants.

Satori started in Linden, Johannesburg and then moved to this location when the then owner sold the Linden business.

Derek has moved on from this incarnation, but it remains as a bastion of Italian food and pizza.

I did not stop there, but I did try the ice-cream ant a nearby specialist outlet.

 

 

 

This stretch of beach is normally filled with a variety of locals, but it seems that when I strolled past it was empty.

 

 

 

This is why it is called fishing and not catching!

Given the high winds and choppy seas during my time in the area, none of the boats that call this harbour home ventured out, If they had, they might have returned with Chokka, Snoek, Red Roman and Yellowtail.

 

 

 

On a second visit to the harbour, these were the only two fish being offered for sale.

I was told that the weather was not conducive to the small vessels going out, hence the lack of ‘stock’ for sale.

 

 

 

A literal translation from the Dutch/Afrikaans name “Kalkbaai” is “Lime Bay”. This derives from the vast deposits of mussel shells found there, which early settlers burned to make lime for construction. Lime kilns to roast mussel shells are still found along the west coast.

This bollard almost looks like one of the Minions. But it does seem to have open welcoming ‘arms’.

 

 

 

Crayfish pots lie on certain parts of the wharf, where they are utilized by the local seal population as ‘pillows’.

 

 

 

On a previous visit here some 8 years ago, there were only a couple of sea lions in residence here.

When I visited on this occasion, there were several very large sea lions scattered along the dock.

People have no idea of a] how fast a sea lion can actually move on land and b] that they have a nasty bite. Remember, out in the open ocean they have to fend off large predators like Orcas and sharks.

Did you know?

Though they have a reputation for being lazy, sea lions are fast and graceful underwater. They can also hoof it on land, galloping up to 6.7 meters per second across beaches and even clambering up and own rocks. (Humans are about one-third that fast.) 

 

 

 

In 1795 the Dutch located a small military outpost here, and after 1806 it began to flourish as a fishing village and whaling station. During the 1860s it became popular as seaside resort and watering place.

The boats usually return around midday, depending on the weather.

 

 

 

Certainly NOT the type of large commercial fishing vessel that you would find in a tv series like Deadliest Catch. Or along our coastline that is being fished by foreign boats who are robbing us of our natural resources. These are family owned and crewed by both men and women. Although there are a lot fewer of the latter, but I suppose that is due to accommodation and the facilities on the boats themselves. Being a traditional male domain, it is only of late that women are making their mark in the fleet.

I am uncertain if there are boats that have an all female crew, but it seems that most of the cleaning, gutting and filleting of fish on the wharf is done by women.

 

 

 

Looking back towards Kalk Bay as seen from the harbour wall.

The South Wester when it blows can create stunning images as the waves crash against the wall, however all was calm when I was there.

 

 

 

Nothing can be left to the vagaries of the sea.

Everything WILL rust eventually.

 

 

 

Looking towards Cape Point with one of the restaurants on the right.

 

 

 

I wonder how long it will take for the new D shackle to rust?

 

 

 

Probably the best know eatery on the harbour. But if you are in a hurry, this is not the plaice(see what I did there?) for you.

Service does take time, and if busy, it can be somewhat frustrating waiting for your meal. But it will come and you will enjoy it and the wait will have been worthwhile.

Kalkys has been on this spot for the past 50 years. and is possibly the oldest surviving independent fish and chip shop. It has been owned by Elisabeth Rosslind for the past 15 years.

 

 

 

While fighting off both a variety of Gulls and starlings, visitors can try a variety of sea food delicacies. And don’t forget the world famous chips.

 

 

 

Bent but not broken…

 

 

 

Looking for a reliable shuttle service while you are in Cape Town? Looking for someone who is reasonably priced and ahead of schedule? The I have done your homework for you! Check out this company that used when I was in Cape Town recently to get me back to the airport. Click on the logo to be directed to their website.

 

 

 

For those that were not aware, there is an extension to the Travel & Things Blog in the form of ‘In conversation with‘ a YouTube channel hosted by David Batzofin and filled with a plethora of interesting interviews with a variety of people.

To visit the channel, click on the ‘In conversation with’ image above.