We all have these photos … throwback photos!
It’s described as ‘nostalgia-inducing pictures … from a different era of your life”.
Every Thursday we will throw a photo of ‘way back when’ on our blog. Why on a Thursday? Because it’s just a day away from the weekend … and we love weekends!
You are welcome to join in or just enjoy the photos (#TB Thursday).
September 2016 – Betty’s Bay (Western Cape Province, South Africa)
There is no shortage of breathtaking sea views in and around Cape Town. On a beautiful spring day in 2016, we decided to get in the car and take a road trip to Betty’s Bay.
You will probably remember Betty’s Bay from our very first #TB Thursday post when we hiked in the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden (read here).
Betty’s Bay is a small holiday town on the Overberg Coast of South Africa in the Western Cape Province. It is located 100km (62 miles) from Cape Town.
Our first visit was to one of the lakes in Betty’s Bay (they have three lakes, but I can’t remember which one we stopped at). We followed the promenade by the lake where we found a nice picnic spot to enjoy our snacks.
A lake in Betty’s Bay
After our picnic we went to Stony Point Nature Reserve. The Stony Point land-based penguin colony, operated by CapeNature, is the third largest breeding colony of African penguins in the world.
African Penguins
There is a great boardwalk that one can follow to observe the penguins in their natural habitat, all while enjoying spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Kogelberg Mountains.
Views from Stony Point
More views over the ocean
Driving back to Cape Town, we followed the scenic Clarence Drive along the coast, past Rooi Els and Pringle Bay. There are a few lookout points where you can stop to enjoy the views.
Clarence Drive stretches 21km between two towns and hugs the turquoise Cape coastline
If you are lucky enough to visit Cape Town, don’t forget to take this scenic drive to Betty’s Bay … with the added bonus of spotting African penguins.
Wet and Dusty Roads 
Beautiful photos! I love the one with the boardwalk and the soft wispy clouds. The penguins are so cute; I’ve heard they’re quite curious. Lovely memories, Corna.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Tricia. I’m a sucker for a boardwalk 😉, and it was such a beautiful spring day to be out and about. Penguins are cute … it’s funny how clumsy they appear on land, but once they’re in the water, it’s a different story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Penguins!! I’m coming! It also looks like a gorgeous coast that those penguins can admire. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don’t you just love them! There is a place close to Cape Town (Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town) where you can see the penguins on the beach up close and personal – a real treat for penguin lovers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sign me up!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sommer lekker vars herinneringe wat jy nou by my wakker maak, Corna, na ons mos Desember met Clarence Drive van Tafelberg Nasionale Park af na Stony Point en van daar verder na die Agulhas vlakte gery het. Beeldskone natuurtonele wat mens se asem weg slaan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dit is wonderlik hoe ons ou herinneringe vir julle nuwe herinneringe is, is dit nie? Ek onthou julle vakansie in Desember (en het nogal aan julle gedink toe ek hierdie foto’s bymekaar gesit het 🙂). En jy’s reg, die natuurtonele is asemrowend … ‘n mens kan jouself net nooit genoeg hieraan verwonder nie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dis oulik, Corna, die stappaadjie oor die waters! Kan net dink hoe lekker dit is om daar rond te stap.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ja, dit was ‘n heerlike ‘boardwalk’ … ek is nou spyt ek het nie ‘n foto aan die einde van die paadjie geneem nie, want daar was so ‘n lekker bankie om op te sit terwyl mens oor die waters tuur.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing to see penguins in their natural environment like that! Any progress with Berto, Corna?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s great to see wild animals in their natural habitat, isn’t it? Oh yes, the doctor wrote “great improvement” on Berto’s report on Friday 🌟. He only has to go back in three months for another check-up, but for now the doctor is pretty satisfied. And we will be celebrating the good news this weekend … watch this space 🙂.
LikeLike
🤗💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Warm weather and sandy beaches don’t exactly conjure up images of penguins unless you are visiting Simon’s Town in South Africa. A while ago, I watched a documentary about penguins on Boulders Beach in South Africa and it was one of the best documentaries I’ve seen in a long time – they have a level of cuteness you simply cannot handle! Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, I suppose it’s a bit unexpected to associate penguins with sunshine, huh 🙂. But you have to remember, after all, they are African penguins … so, I assume they are used to this glorious sunshine (at least the water is VERY cold). Boulders Beach is a lovely place – we’ve been there a few times – and you’re right, it’s cuteness in overload. Enjoy the coming weekend 🌸.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So good to see such images. We still have some snow here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I bet you guys can’t wait for summer! It’s still very hot here … I think winter won’t start until 3 months from now (and then it won’t be nearly as cold as it is over there by you guys) 😉. I’m not complaining!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀🙃😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
What could be nicer a stroll along a boardwalk, crystal clear water and seeing penguins! Hope you both have a lovely, relaxing weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, that’s a good combination … especially on a nice sunny day like we had here! I can tell you this Marion: I can’t wait for this weekend (our suitcase is already packed). To celebrate Berto’s good health results he got from the doctor last week, we decided to spoil ourselves and booked two nights at a lovely hotel where we’re just going to relax! I’ll tell you more soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh that’s wonderful news about Berto, I’m so relieved. I know you are big fans of camping but spending two nights being pampered in a lovely hotel will do you both the world of good. Enjoy! Can’t wait to read about all about it on the blog later. M.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Between you and me … I’m glad our camping stuff is at our permanent home, otherwise it might have been hard to convince Berto that a hotel is a better option than camping for this celebration 😉.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah good to hear (last comment) that Berto is recovering well. Lovely stretch of coastline so close to a major city….within easy reach anyway. Ideal!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely, we are VERY happy about the positive results. There are still some uncertainties (such as why it happened), but for now the doctor is satisfied. And you’re right, in a radius of 100km one can see so much natural beauty around Cape Town!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well when we set off for your shores, we’ll give you enough warning to get the beers in and the braai on….!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😄 We will be ready for you guys … on the contrary, there is always beer in the fridge and a braai is easy-peasy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love a rugged coastline. Something about the surf pounding on those rocks. And I am a big fan of penguins. I remember my brother told me he had seen some although I’m not sure they were the same. I think he called them fairy penguins? Amazing creatures and a delight to watch. (Though their rookeries are a bit ripe!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree … a rugged coastline is a sign to me that nature hasn’t been messed with yet. I remember we watched the penguins for a long time – waddling comically on land, but swimming like champions in the sea. I’m now regretting we didn’t take more photos 😌. One day I hope to show you the amazing African penguins on Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town, a few kilometers from Cape Town … that’s something to see!
LikeLike
Betty Bay looks lovely Corna. I’m also a fan of boardwalks, usually they are surrounded by either sea/lake/river views or just beautiful landscapes in general. The sound underfoot is also good for the soul right? Penguins is something truly missing from my travel CV, what a wonderful experience.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I fell in love with boardwalks on the Portuguese Camino … it was like a pillow for my blistered feet 😬. Today it is one of my favourite pathways! Well, within 100km you can see penguins galore in and around Cape Town … just saying 😉.
LikeLike
That is a wonderful drive and I have some very similar photos! I always find it amusing that those penguins in Boulders arrived after I left. Before that it was a very popular beach for humans!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure everyone takes more or less the same photos on this drive 😉 … but it remains one of the most beautiful views for me! We also know Boulders Beach before the penguins arrived … these days it’s quite different!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it is, and much smellier! But they are cute and it is lovely to get so close to them in their natural world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dis darem maar mooi daar, was net ‘n kort rukkie daar oppad na Hermanus. Sal weer moet gaan kyk.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Die klein plekkies teen die kus is sulke juwele … mens moet eintlik tyd maak om elkeen vir ‘n dag op ‘n slag te gaan besoek (maar dit kan jou dan dalk baie lank neem 😉).
LikeLike
Dit kan n lang trippie word! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁
LikeLike
Penguins are the cutest wind-up toys that are actually alive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha, that’s true 😄. I love watching them as they try to find their way on land and then become all energetic and dynamic in the sea!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely set of pictures. Betty’s Bay looks incredibly scenic and how fun to see so many penguins!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Linda 🌸. Betty’s Bay is a beautiful small coastal town … and yes, who doesn’t love penguins!
LikeLiked by 1 person
These boardwalks were so amazing. I saw these penguins in South Africa and are great posers .thanks Anita
LikeLiked by 1 person
South Africa (and in particular Boulders Beach at Simon’s Town) is a great place to see the African penguins! And you’re right Anita, they are indeed great posers.
LikeLike
For sure, no shortage of breathtaking sea views in and around Cape Town, this is such a beautiful share.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The small towns on the Overberg coast, such as Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Rooi Els are great to visit when a popular place like Hermanus is full of tourists. Thanks for stopping by Henrietta 🌸.
LikeLiked by 1 person