14 June 2011

West Coast: Churchhaven, Part II



Date:
5 June 2011

Location: Churchhaven in the West Coast National Park

Walkers: Dom, Josie and Helen

*** Route plotted here ***

See also: Exploring Churchhaven Part I... here.



We were up shortly after sunrise and, as it was a glorious morning, headed straight out for a walk. Down to the lagoon.



Along the way we got a good view of the little village to the north, our destination for today's explorations.



But first: the water's edge. The water, the clouds, the sun rays, the boat, the birds on the boat... it was all so incredibly lovely!






Barely a ripple... perfect reflections.





After taking in the views we ambled left, up the beach.



I loved the bright colours of the canoes pulled up into the bush.



The coast was rocky. At one point we had to take off our shoes to get past a certain point. The water was freezing cold.



As usual, I was bringing up the rear. When I saw the other two peering into the water I quickly caught up to see what had grabbed their attention.



It was a sand shark. Can you see it?



Dom gave it a gentle poke with a stick, and off it swam into the depths.




The day had really brightened up and we enjoyed the warmth of the sun as we continued along the coast.




As we rounded the point we got a great view along the next stretch of beach and lagoon. There were a lot of sea birds in the distance.



And more fishing boats... so attractively weathered!




This boat was filled with very fine netting. Strange stuff.



We walked up into the little town and had a look around the cottages.



From here we could see more wetlands similar to the ones seen further south yesterday. I can't image a more pleasing view... soft fynbos, reeds, calm water, birds, hills in the distance. Heaven.



Mousebirds so busy in the morning sunshine. So much twittering!




After a good look around we took the road back towards Churchhaven.



There she is!



Home just in time for breakfast.




And a little later in the morning, a meander around the graveyard.



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13 June 2011

West Coast : Churchhaven, Part I

Date: 4 June 2011

Location: Churchhaven in the West Coast National Park

Walkers: Dom, Josie and Helen

*** Route plotted here ***

Previous visit to West Coast National Park here.

Churchhaven is a small village on the shores of the Langebaan lagoon, within the West Coast National Park. It is known for its attractive white-washed fisherman's cottages. I was delighted to have a chance to visit and stay overnight with some friends. And, of course, to do a little exploring of the area on foot.



On our first meander we walked first to the church and graveyard.



From here we got a view of the lagoon... to the north...



... and to the south. We decided to head in a southerly direction.



We walked along the road, past the houses. This boat in one of the gardens caught my eye. I love the deckchair in the boat... how comfy!



Beyond the village we walked through the dune vegetation onto the sand.




Although it was already late in the day it was still, warm and sunny out. A perfect afternoon. It was so peaceful near the water's edge.




We strolled around the corner to the next bay.



Crystal clear blue water and, what's that... ?



Pink flamingos!



We made our way back onto the road, passing an adorable dilapidated cottage on the way. A fixer-upper, hey, Dom?





The wetlands to our left were absolutely spectacular. The colours! And look at that water... not a ripple. Views like this make me wish I could paint.






We walked to the start of the hill, after letting the flock of ostriches make their way across, and then headed back along the road.



Long shadows now in the late afternoon.



And a soon-to-be-setting sun.


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