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Everything hip and happening in and around Fisherhaven
African Black Oystercatcher
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The African black oystercatcher otherwise known as Haematopus Moquini.
This beautiful bird with its jet black plumage, orange circled eyes, legs and dagger- shaped beak has captured our attention during our walks here at the Bot River Mouth and various beaches of Hermanus, Western Cape. 
The first thing that always draws our attention to their presence while walking on the beach is the cute unmistakable squeaky-bath-toy sound they make while flying.
It is said the African black oyster catcher mates for life and pairs have been know to live up to 20 years. Wow,what an example of loyalty. 
More interesting facts:
The birds that live on sandy shores eat sand mussels.
The estuarine birds eat cockles and pencil- bait.
The birds start breeding at 3-4 years of age. Both parents incubate the eggs which hatch after 32 days.
These birds have been observed to flock or form clubs during the non breeding season as a means of protection. from predators. 
Their natural predators are foxes, jackals,genets,snakes and gulls. Holiday makers and dogs are an additional threat. Thankfully beach driving has been banned.
The birds that live on rocky shores are said to feed on mainly mussels and limpets and fish not oysters.
This species is now listed as “Near Threatened”
Thanks to the Oystercatcher Conservation Programme initiated by the Percy Fitzpatrick Institute of African Ornithology at the University of Cape Town, the numbers are on the rise again.
Bird lovers will enjoy observing these and many other species in their natural habitat frequenting Fisherhaven and the shores and cliff paths of Hermanus and surrounds.
Kayaking on the Bot River Lagoon
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Fisherhaven Traveller’s Lodge offers kayaking trips on the Bot River Lagoon to guests, weather permitting.
Consent Usage Compliance Certificates & awards
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Fire Safety Compliance
BnB insured
Preparation & serving of Food and Beverage
Casual walk from Grotto Beach to Sopiesklip
Published in Bird life with Comments Off on Casual walk from Grotto Beach to Sopiesklip
Sopiesklip, a tourist attraction for visitors to Hermanus who enjoy exploring.
Curiosity got the better of us after hearing stories of a hollow in a rock with a carved doorway.
We parked our car, kicked off the shoes and began our walk along the sandy beach at Grotto beach.
Watching the birds flying above and frolicking in the waves as they washed the shore kept me mesmerized for most of the walk except for the few times I stopped to pick up an extraordinary shaped stone or shell.
The entire trip there and back took us approximately 3 hours.
The next time I do this trip along the beach, I will be wearing a comfortable pair of walking shoes and bringing along a ruck sack with water or juice.☺
Some of the interesting stories that happened here through the ages;
Sopiesklip was the halfway point along the coast for Gansbaaiers en route to Hermanus and it may have earned it’s name as the ideal place to rest and have something to drink ( ‘n sopie whisky’) before moving on. The soft beach sand must have made it a tiring and tough journey with the ox wagons. “In the footsteps of Lady Ann Barnard” written by Jose Burman
It has also been told that, “in the old days”, when the boats were still manned by rowing teams and sails, the strong winds and current would push the fishing boats into the middle of Walker bay and they would wash up at Sopiesklip. Through the years the fishermen carved this hollow in the rock and stored glass bottles of brandy with ropes attached in the cave. A place to shelter from the cold wind, waves and have a nip of brandy to keep warm.
Mr Brian Macfarland( Senior) also has a story about an old German called Otto, a recluse, who used to go fishing on a thick – wheel bicycle. He got tired of going up to the rock outcrop and back to Hermanus so he stayed in the cave house which he named, “Die Paradys”
Oyster catchers and Kelp Gulls 
Rocky outcrop
Beautiful rock formations…….natural artwork on the sand.
I made it!
Restaurant, Bistro, Pub and Grill,Fast Food, Farm stalls
Published in Places to eat with No Comments
Eating out?
There is no shortage of great places to have a bite to eat; some have awesome views others just simply have great atmosphere and mouth watering menus to suit every palate, and all within range of where you chance to be when visiting. Whether you are in town or in the surrounds why not try…..
**Annie se Kombuis 028 313 1350 8Harbour Road Hermanus
http://www.anniesekombuis.co.za/
**At the Village Stall 028 3162407 Hemel en Aarde Village
www.zomato.com/capetown/at-the-village-stall-hermanus
**B’s Steakhouse 028 316 3625 18h30 till late Hemel en Aarde Village
www.zomato.com/capetown/bs-steakhouse-hermanus/menu
**CRAZY HORSE Restaurant 028 312 1944 3 Long Str. Hermanus
Mon: Sat 16:00 – 02:00
Sun: 11:30 – 17:00
” Delicious food, legendary service and great music all served up in an atmosphere you can taste”
**Mogg’s Country Cookhouse 028 312 4321/ 076 314 0671 Hemel en Aarde Valley R320
This is a family run restaurant on a beautiful farm- delicious seasonal menu prepared.
Open lunch- 12h00 to 14h00 : Wed – Sun NB. No credit card facilities.
Evening functions by arrangement only.
They cater for weddings.
http://www.moggscookhouse.com/
**Bientangs’s Cave Restaurant 028 312 3454 Below Marine Drive
Lat -34.42 Long 19.24
Winner of 6 International Awards
A food experience and destination we, at Fisherhaven Travellers Lodge have tried and tested and will continue to recommend to our guests.
“Situated in a traditional cave right on the ocean’s edge. It is known as one of the best land based whale watching restaurants in the world.”
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, parties,weddings or year end functions …….A setting for an unforgettable experience without a doubt.
“…Its more than just food , its an adventure…”
**EAT 028 316 2348 Hemel en Aarde Village
Mon: Sat 11h30 till late Sun: 11h30 – 15h00
R70 PENSIONERS LUNCH between 12h00 – 17h00 including a glass of red/white wine soft drink, coffee or tea.
http://www.eatrestaurant.co.za/
**Fusion Restaurant 0283124277 Hermanus
Now this restaurant has the WOW factor, Fisherhaven Travellers Lodge likes to share with guests, using our accommodation. Everyone needs to eat and what a pleasure it is to be able to share that not only is the food great but the view and the service too.
The menu has good variety so you are sure to find something to satisfy.
The sea view with its crisp fresh air and mountains in the background sets the perfect stage for your eating experience.
http://www.fusioncafe-hermanus.co.za/
**Fabio’s Ristorante 028 313 0532 60 St Peters Lane GPS: S34 25′ 14″ E 19 14′ 29″
Open for Lunch & Dinner 11am till late.
Authentic Italian Restaurant.
Great Food, Good Music, Friendly Service, Lovely Ambience.
https://www.zomato.com/capetown/fabios-hermanus/menu
CO’S Island Grill and Cocktail Bar 028 313 1178 Upstairs at Village Square, Marine Drive
Open 365 days a year -08h00 till late.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and more…
DJ Point after 10pm Fri & Sat
http://www.cocosrestaurant.co.za/
**SIMPLY ASIA Thai Food and noodle bar 028 312 1577 Shop 2a Main Road, Hermanus
Authentic Thai cuisine prepared by real Thai chefs.
No MSG in any of their dishes.
http://www.simplyasia.co.za/menu/
**Ocean Basket 028 312 1313 First Floor,Village Square, Marine Drive, Hermanus
Open 7 days a week
**DUTCHIES 028 314 1392 Grotto Beach, Voelklip, Hermanus
Open 7 days a week 08h00 till late.
Exotic cocktails, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner and Tapas
*Lemon- Butta 028 312 3611 Village Square, upstairs, Marine Drive.
Open 7 days a week
Rock Shrimp California Rolls, Salmon Ceviche, Sesame Crusted Tuna Steak
**Oskars 028 312 3873 Village Square
Open daily from 8am – 9pm Sun 8am – 5pm
**Feathers Bistro 028 316 4081 Hemel en Aarde Village
Open Mon – Sat 08h30 – 17h00
www.zomato.com/capetown/feathers-bistro-hermanus/menu
**Die Plaaskombuis 028 312 1857 Hemel en Aarde Valley Vrede Farm, R320
Bobotie, Curried Bunny Chow, Farm Style Home Baked Pies.
Open 7 days a week
https://www.zomato.com/capetown/die-plaaskombuis-hermanus
**Italian Rossi’s Restaurant 028 312 2848
10 High Street, Hermanus
Open daily 11am till late
Linguine Al Frutti Di Mare, Scaloppine alla Valdostana
**DE VOORSKOOTEN 028 312 2689 4 Aberdeen Street, Hermanus
Open Daily except Tuesdays
Fine dine lunch & dinner
Cafe Society during the day.
(Exclusive whiskey & wine bar – The Gundeck)
https://www.zomato.com/capetown/de-voorskooten-hermanus/menu
*Paradiso 028 313 1153 83 Marine Drive, Hermanus
Speciality Seafood dishes
Open Daily
https://www.zomato.com/capetown/paradiso-restaurant-piazza-caf%C3%A9-hermanus
**MILKWOOD 028 316 1516 Onrus Beach, Atlantic Drive, Onrus
Open 7 days a week 9am – 9 pm
**The Cuckoo Tree 028 312 3430/082 443 3154 Cnr High & Dirkie Uys Street, Hermanus
Breakfasts &Light Lunches
Patagonian Baby Squid
Dinners
Crispy Duck
Vegetarian Options
Stirfrys, quiche and Antipasti Open Sandwhiches
https://www.zomato.com/capetown/the-cuckoo-tree-hermanus/menu
**Fishermans Cottage 028 312 3642/082 556 5107
Open 7 days a week
Traditional Fish & Chips
Home- Smoked Fish Salad
Roasted Bone Marrow with caramalised onions
http://www.fishermanscottage.co.za/?page_id=2
**Cattle Baron Grill and Bistro 028 313 0384 2 Harbour Road, Hermanus
http://www.cattlebaronhermanus.co.za/
**The Class Room 028 316 3582 Hemel en Aarde Village
http://www.theclassroomrestaurant.co.za/
**Bojangles Pub 028 313 1406 121 Main Road Hermanus
Events advertised: Tues: Open Pool competition
Wed: Karaoke night
Fri & Sat: DJ Tom
https://www.zomato.com/capetown/bojangles-hermanus
**WHALE COAST SEA FOODS
A popular and recommended place to buy fresh fish.
You can choose from a range of fresh fish.
The friendly ladies will descale and prepare the fish for you while you wait or
you can order the most delicious fried take away. Your choice.
http://whalecoastseafoods.co.za/
**La Pentola 028 313 1685 87 Marine Drive Village Square Hermanus
WINTER SPECIALS: 2 Course Lunch R75
Lamb Shank R125 Open Mon – Sun
Crayfish R135
http://hermanus.lapentola.co.za/
Flock of Greater Flamingos spotted at Bot River Lagoon
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Greater Flamingo scientifically classified as ‘phoenicopterus roseus’
They appear mostly white at rest. 
In flight you can clearly see the salmon- pink on the wings and the black flight feathers. 
This is the larger of the two African flamingos.They have very long legs and neck.
The face and bill are pale pink with a black bill tip. 
What a pleasure to observe this beautiful flock enjoying new feeding grounds as the Bot River Lagoon fills up.
My husband and I spotted this magnificient adult Black Shouldered Kite sitting on a telephone pole on our way to the Bot River Lagoon mouth with a dead rodent clutched firmly in its claws.
You can clearly see the grey and white feathers, distinctive black shoulder patches and striking red eyes with beautiful white tail.
This beautiful open- country raptor often perches on telephone poles and lines and hunts from these high up positions mainly for small diurnal rodents. It also hunts by hovering and then parachuting onto prey with wings forming a deep V
‘Hermanus First Fridays Artwalk’
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Come and join in the fun on the 7 August 2015 for the ‘Hermanus First Friday Artwalk’
There is artwork that will fascinate, inspire and captivate your imagination.
There are a number of hiking trails starting in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve varying in time, distance and difficulty.
There are Day Hikes:
Perdeberg Trail which is classified as moderate to long, 22 km, approximately 7 – 8 hours.
Palmiet River Walk which is classified as easy, 10 km, easy, 3 hours.
Oudebosch – Leopard’s Gorge which is classified as moderate, 3 – 4 hours.
Kogelberg Trail which is classified as moderate to long, 24km, 8 hours.
Three Sisters which is classified as moderate , 8km, 4 hours.
Other Trails:
Houwhoek Trail which is classified as moderate, 8km, 3 hours.
Rooisand Ramble which is classified as easy, 5km, 2 hours.
Hangklip/Brodie Link which is classified as easy, 3km, 1 – 2 hours.
Enquiries: Reservations:
Tel: 028 271 5138 227 362 8873
There is an opportunity while the Bot River Lagoon mouth is closed for those who would like to go on a leisurely scenic hike along the beach from the Botriver Lagoon to Kleinmond.
This is an easy, 7km walk.
section of map from Cape Nature ‘Kogelberg Nature Reserve Pamphlet’
Below are some photos of our last trip:
Bot River Lagoon with Kogelberg mountain in the background
Looking back to see Hawston in the background.
Kleinmond up ahead
Zooming in on what’s ahead
Finally here ….ending the hike with something to eat and drink at the restaurant up ahead,
Sandown Blues Restaurant and Cocktail Bar
Romantic Beach Horse ride
Published in Things To Do/ Places to visit with Comments Off on Romantic Beach Horse ride
Who says we have to hide from the cold this winter! Grab this wonderful opportunity to enjoy the day with your loved one.
