Living as we now do in Fish Hoek, I am able to walk to Kalk Bay Harbour as part of my regular exercise routine. Back in Linden, I could walk around Delta Park or our suburb but the views were pretty much the same day after day.
The sea, however, offers not only a different perspective on a daily basis, it can often change in a very short space of time. From calm and placid to wild and untamed.
In our short time here so far, I have experienced both.
Walking through Clovelly, I turned to look back at Fish Hoek.
Simon’s Town in the distance.
The mountains, sky and sea have had a calming and rejuvenating effect on both me and my creative spirit. If only I could write poetry.
Perhaps I will give it a try?
But then again, perhaps not…
I have visited Kalk Bay harbour on and off over the past several weeks, and the same boats have been moored in the identical place on every visit.
Is it the wrong season for this flotilla of smaller vessels to be out of their sanctuary?
I have tried to find out when they leave, but no definitive answer has been forthcoming as yet.
Might it be that their leaving and returning is dependent on what fish are in season?
The crashing of the waves on the rocks below the Harbour House restaurant building is mesmerising, and I have found myself saying “Just one more wave” on more than one occasion.
And, of course, one more becomes several. Hours can be lost “doom scrolling” waves. But it is much more relaxing and creative than doing that on social media.
I am uncertain if this fellow knew these women, as they were still there after he had left.
As I walked past, he was singing an Afrikaans song, and I am uncertain if it was;
a] His own composition
b] Being sung for either or both of the women.
Seems that they were more intent on taking selfies than listening to what he was singing.
Looking back across the harbour towards Kalk Bay.
The harbour has changed enormously since 1913. The whaling station disappeared, fishing methods have changed, tourism arrived, property prices skyrocketed, and the village gained restaurants, galleries, and boutiques.
There are some really small boats are moored here, and just looking at them makes me wonder how they would handle a large storm.
This might become a new hobby for me.
Having said that, I believe fishing is called that for a reason.
If the people I saw were a benchmark, it would be easier to buy fish at a local market than stand here for hours and end up with nothing.
And THAT, dear reader, is why it is called ‘fishing’ and not ‘catching’…
Eventually, the salt in the waves and the air reduces anything metal to rust.
It’s just a matter of time.
But it does make for interesting images.
This fellow was sitting and discussing recipes with a chap on the dock.
Given that the fishermen have to cook for themselves when out at sea, and possibly at home as well, it makes sense that they get to share/exchange recipes.
I would have thought that the theme would be more nautical; it seems that the Big 5 are as popular here with tourists as they are up North in the Lowveld.
Well, 3 of the 5 and a zebra.
Currently, the only certainty seems to be snoek, either fresh or dried.
I have yet to pluck up the courage to try some. But I will eventually do so, of that I am certain.
How does a crew have enough trust to leave in this toy boat!
All geared up with nowhere to go at present?
I will continue to frequent the harbour in the hope that I can catch them leaving or returning.
And more specifically, offloading their catch.
The only day that there were fish other than snoek.
Small and almost insignificant, yet they mean money to a family that makes a living from harvesting from the ocean.
Remember, these are not big commercial vessels that strip the sea of anything and everything.
These are small family-run boats that have to target specific species in order to make a living.
A Gull swoops in between the boats.
Perhaps they too are waiting for the boats to return with a catch from which they can glean scraps?
One of the most popular fish eateries in Kalk Bay.
I found out that cards are not accepted and cash is still king here.
Make certain you have money in your wallet, or you are going to leave hungry.
Like I did.
BREAKING NEWS.
Two new awards for Travel & Things.
I am grateful for them both, but the storytelling award is the one that makes my heart sing.
In all the years that I have been publishing stories, I have strived to make them read like a travel story, rather than just a review of the properties I visit and the wildlife I see.
And it seems that my persistence has paid off.
That being said, the other award is for reviews, so I guess I am doing something right.
Travel & Things is the proud winner of these prestigious awards from the digital British lifestyle magazine Luxlife.
The awards are in the categories:
Best Travel & Experiences Blog 2024 – South Africa
Best African Game Reserves & Lodges Travel Review Site 2025.
Best African Resorts and Retreats Award 2025.
Most Engaging Travel & Lifestyle Blog 2026.
And now I can add:
Best Luxury & Safari Travel Review Platform 2026
Authentic Storytelling Excellence Award 2026
To see who the guests have been since this YouTube channel launched, click on the logo above.
Looking for something to read? Click on the logo above to visit the Off the Shelf YouTube channel for interesting and up-to-date interviews and book reviews.
“Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance?”
Edgar Bergen
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