Kokstad Kids in Cape Town – Beach, Birding and Cape Point Vinyards

I thought I was an early riser but my crazy Kokstad daughter in spite of being on holiday is still keeping rural hours! We were greeted with excellent coffee in bed this morning and a cheery, “It’s a beautiful day, how about a walk on the beach!” The rest of the household politely declined so Earl, Allan, Lauren and I set off on our own.

Simon opted to stay home and build his alien Lego. Shan said she’d help.

It was Spring High Tide and Fish Hoek beach was full of seaweed. We opted to do Jaeger’s Walk instead. By the time we got there it was beginning to recede but we still had to dodge a splashing wave or two.

The train trundling by

The Subway became a swimming pool!

View toward Skellies.

Skeleton Pool, commonly known as Skellies to the locals is a natural pool in the rocks where I spent many hours as a child. The rock formation gives it its name.

It looks a bit like a dinosaur!

A closer view in the early morning light.

This reminded me of the days my dad and uncles used to fish off these same rocks

The end of the catwalk

Don’t they look happy!

The highlight of the morning – spotting an African Black Oyster-catcher

It looks like fun – but what about the sharks???

View toward the beach from Skellies

The train again – It’s fun to do a scenic ride from Muizenberg to Simonstown in it.

After our walk Allan treated us to breakfast. We wanted to go to a quiet coffee shop but we could only find the Spur open. However, it has a great beach view and the special was only R25 – that’s about $2,00 Aussie Cousins! Two eggs, two pieces of bacon, grilled tomato, toast and chips (French Fries)!

Back home the kids were up and dressed and Simon had completed his Space Lego!

Well done Simon, You did it!

Earl and I then decided that it would be nice to go to False Bay Ecology Park. The boys opted to stay behind and swim in the pool and Lolz took Shannon with her to visit Duncan at Cape Point.

It was very windy and some species we normally see were conspicuous by their absence. However, every pond was full of those that hadn’t gone on holiday.

Flamingos were very active and on every pond

Taking off on a watery runway

And away we go

I think we’ll try it the duck way

Some preferred a calmer location in the company of gulls

A pelican socialising with flamingoes

Black-winged stilt

Female Bishops

After a pleasant couple of hours we returned to the gang I guess like almost everyone else on Boxing Day; we had leftovers for lunch!

Later in the afternoon Lolz had a date with some friends at Cape Point Vineyards so we joined her there for a drink and some chill time. Even though it is right on our doorstep we’d never been before. What an stunning place! There was a food market where you could buy whatever you wanted to eat and take it to tables or your picnic blanket and just enjoy. There were lots of people but it was not unpleasantly busy because of all the space.