Cape Columbine

By now, you will probably have followed several of our adventures, and you’ll know how bad I am at building in ‘down time’, so it’s good to be here in the quiet backwater of Paternoster. We could go back to the West Coast Natural Park to see the waders in the lagoon - but I suspect the migrants will not yet have arrived and besides, it will be good for G to have a day off in terms of driving. 

Instead, we opt for the local Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, a short drive up the road - and it’s delightful. Gorgeous seascapes lie azure blue against carpets of yellow flowers, and the birdlife is wonderful. In the centre of it all is Cape Columbine lighthouse. Owing its name to the British wooden ship Columbine, which was wrecked in 1829 a kilometre or two north of Castle Rock - where the lighthouse stands today. Commissioned in 1936, this was the last manned lighthouse to be built on the South African coast. And it’s still manned today. 

We meander along the tracks, exploring views and, in my case, taking photographs. We’re hoping that the sun will last long enough for us to sit out on our beach-side terrace, but sadly by the time we return the clouds are back. Still, we enjoy the ‘tea and cake’ ritual in the upper floor lounge.

We head out for an early dinner in Gaaitjie restaurant - fortunately we’ve booked as it’s absolutely full. We sit on the terrace overlooking the beach - a great place for watching the sunset, but it’s a little disappointing tonight. It’s really far too cold to eat outside - it’s early spring after all - but heaters and closed blinds help considerably and the food is excellent. 

It’s been a welcome day of slower paced exploring! 


My main today’s an Orange-breasted Sun Bird.
Extras: 
Kittlitz plover 
Cape Wagtail,
Rocks at Columbine 
Cape Columbine Lighthouse 
Cape Weaver
Not sure - but I really like this little bird!