Braai's and Penguin Love in Kleinmond, South Africa

After the previous few weeks of all work and no play for Greg and I, we agreed we were going to take a roadtrip just to spend a little time away from the city. We considered camping at Beaverlac (known for hidden streams and nature trails) or Elands Bay, a host to cool caves and epic swell. We were in luck, however, to have a close friend invite us to stay at her home in one of the Western Cape's hidden gems, Kleinmond, South Africa. This sleepy town between Betty's Bay and Hermanus is located in the Overberg region of the Western Cape.  It's about 100 kilometers up the east coast from Cape Town and is a great place to just relax... and that we did.

Friday morning we packed up the Qashqai and headed first to the shops to grab some Boerewors, veggies, and mince for the braai (Burgers on the braai was an ingenious American "BBQ" twist on the traditional braai experience), and of course a few Windhoek's as well ;). Finally we were on our way, and there was much to see on the drive.  We took a couple stops around Gordon's bay to take a look at Blue Rock on Sir Lowry's Pass, a water-ski lake with a system of cable pulls and a range of ramps, and Bikini Beach. We then grabbed a snapshot and ate some sandwiches at a Pringle's Bay lookout. Thirty minutes later we arrived in Kleinmond!

Very Afrikaans parts 'round here

Blue Rock

After a few hours of chillaxin', we decided to fire up the Braai. The girls made the salad while Greg prepared the meat with an interesting marinade created from Marmite and other mysterious yet delicious ingredients. After some skinnering and crisps nibbles, we were ready for the MEAT! This was my second or third time at the "braai" experience, but needless to say it was the BEST! Everything an expat ex-vegetarian could dream about as far as South African cuisine. And the humongo salad complete with fresh cheese and bean sprouts was pretty amazing as well :D

Snacking on loaded potato salad while we wait... So hungry..

The next day was a perfect one. Bright blue skies were calling our name at the crack of dawn, and a juice run to the nearest OK Mart lead us on an early road trip toward Hermanus. A beautiful town known for whale-spotting and sea adventures, Hermanus is one of the must see spots located in the Western Cape. We grabbed a cup of coffee at a nearby shop and took a stroll around. Oke's were out and about, and the canoeing and supping (stand-up paddle boarding) looked as inviting as ever. Unfortunately, the wind picks up fast near the ocean, and we didn't stick around for any water sports.

"Hermanus is blessed with champagne air and a wealth of scenic and recreational activity"

 After enjoying a leisurely stroll through the city center of Hermanus, we headed back to Kleinmond for an awesome skate-around. We headed to Harbour Road for a peak at some of the cute little shops and boutiques, including a fabulous second-hand clothing store called Captain Hoek's Treasure Chest (I can never pass up a good second-hand shop). Then we skated around the entire neighborhood getting our cruise on. It was therapeutic to get a proper skate in with no cars around, and after arriving at the most beautiful beach I've ever seen, it was worth it. We found a perfect chill spot and parked off while we chatted and watched the waves, even though the wind kept us from basking in the sun.

        

Kleinmond Lagoon runs off into Kleinmond Beach (above), and is fed by the Palmiet River

The day came to a close much too early, but we welcomed the evening with yet another AMAZING braai session. It's wonderful the simplicity and sublimity of fire-meets-meat. It's pure bliss, I tell you, and we even stuck a butternut stuffed with feta cheese and herbs in the fire just to see what would happen (just as blissful). The best treat of the night was marshmallow roasting by the fire. Somehow I had forgotten just how deliciously awesome those gooey fluff balls actually taste.

Don't forget the Mrs. Ball's Chutney!

The BraaiMaster

On the way out early that morning, we decided to take a quick look at Betty's Bay to see if Greg could get a surf in. It was a little cloudy and rainy, but the beach still looked picture perfect with it's rolling sand hills and interesting flora. A nice surprise as we drove out of Betty's was coming across one of South Africa's largest penguin colonies, Stony Point. These "comical yet vulnerable" creatures breed mostly on offshore islands, but many were airlifted from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth in 2000 after a giant oil spill threatened almost 40,000 penguins. This rescue mission lead to many of these little guys migrating down across the east coast of South Africa and ending up settling on shore at Betty's Bay. They were such a joy to hang with!

Betty's Bay

The Rock Hyrax (known in South Africa as the Dassie) is most closely related to the modern-day elephant!

After some penguin loving, it was time for brunch. We had been recommended to a small fish and chips joint called Ooskus, boasting some of the freshest quality fish and calamari in the Bay. Greg got the calamari sandwich while I ordered a kid's catch. Even at 10:30 in the morning we were waiting in queue for our fishy meals, which were baie lekka. We then headed on our way home feeling stuffed full of deep-fried goodness.

I thoroughly enjoyed our weekend away at Kleinmond. We always have fun taking adventures, and this lovely trip was no different! Whether its climbing to the top of a mountain or relaxing by the sea, South Africa is no doubt in my mind one of the most beautiful places I have been so fortunate enough to explore. My trip isn't over yet, and there is still so much more to do!