Things to do and places to go #5:- Paternoster

Paternoster is a quaint little fishing village with loads of character on the West Coast. Google Maps informs me it is 31 minutes (39.4km) from Velddrif, but in my personal experience I would allow more like about 40 - 45 minutes. But maybe I just drive more slowly than most other people!

I believe Paternoster is one of the oldest fishing villages in South Africa. It is certainly filled with charm, with posh new houses cheek by jowl with old dilapidated fisherman's cottages. The community is still deeply entwined in fishing, the wide sandy beach is a riot of colour when all the fishing boats are in. 

(More text and photos to be added in future)

Things to do and places to go #4: Local is Lekker - Bokkom Laan

Sometimes it is great to just relax and take in some of the sights and sounds on the doorstep. Bokkom Laan is one of these places. It is only a few kilometers from the apartment and can be a great place to unwind and watch the pelicans and other birdlife.

To get to Bokkom Laan you will need to simply follow Port Owen Drive to the T-junction, then turn right onto Voortrekker Road. Follow Voortrekker Road past the municipality and post office. Past the Riviera Hotel on your right. Past the Bird Hide on your right. Just after the road narrows to one lane look out for the first turning to the right and follow this down to the river where the road turns left and becomes a gravel road. 
 







Bokkoms is dried and salted Mullet (Harder) which is a West Coast delicacy. There are numerous little Bokkom industries on Bokkom Laan as well as an art gallery, a couple of restaurants / coffee shops, etc. and some boat tours. 


 

You will sometimes be able to get up close and personal with Pelicans who have learned that there are frequently handouts of fresh fish for them from the fishermen who bring their catches in here.