L’Agulhas – Colour Dots

Agulhas National Park Nature Reserve

carynkaleido — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 12:36:00 +0000

Agulhas National Park Nature Reserve Agulhas National Park Nature Reserve is best known for its incredible rock formations and ancient geological wonders. The rocks jut out from the coastline. These rocks are the reason for numerous shipwrecks as vessels sought to navigate the rugged South African coast. The park stretches along the coastal plain between the towns of Gansbaai and Struisbaai. It includes the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas. The official meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Nearby is the Agulhas lighthouse. This is the second-oldest lighthouse in South Africa. At the lighthouse, you will find a small museum and a tearoom. You can see whales from November to January. Other animals to see include the African black oystercatcher, Damara tern, and Cape platanna. reservations@agulhasnationalpark.co.za

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Agullhas Honeybush tea

carynkaleido — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 15:01:48 +0000

Agullhas Honeybush Tea (Cyclopia spp.) is a natural product from the Fynbos Biome. Where two oceans meet, people gather to embrace this unique caffeine and preservative-free tea, a product kissed by cool sea breezes from the southernmost tip of Africa. This is a working farm. Visits by appointment only.

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Cape Agulhas beach

carynkaleido — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 11:51:44 +0000

Cape Agulhas beach is a pristine white sandy beach that stretches all the way to Arniston. This is the beach where the Indian and Atlantic oceans officially meet. The water here is fairly shallow and warm; however, the current can be quite strong, and swimming is not advised. There are great rock pools to explore and the fishing is good. The waters here officially mix the two different oceans, yet there is no evidence of this. There are not two colours or two levels, just a spectacular view. Shells can often be found on this beach, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide Parking: Limited, but lots at the lighthouse Lifeguards: Strictly seasonal Surfing: Decent, rolling wave conditions Swimming : Surprisingly warm waters be aware of currents. For toddlers, the sheltered L’Agulhas Tidal Pool is near the lighthouse Fishing: Yes; see the illustrated guide to sea fishing Dog walking: Yes, but prohibited from entering the active Blue Flag zone Ablutions: Clean, well-maintained public restrooms and changing rooms are located at the Struisbaai Harbour and the Main Beach holiday strip Beach type: Longest uninterrupted sandy beach in the Southern Hemisphere Picnic and braai: SANParks Agulhas Rest Camp offers beautiful, wind-sheltered braai facilities Whale watching in season: Southern Right and Humpback whales migrate directly past the point. Check the tides here Best beaches in the Western Cape article

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Cape Agulhas lighthouse

carynkaleido — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 11:27:09 +0000

The Cape Agulhas Lighthouse was the third lighthouse constructed in South Africa and is the second oldest that is still in operation. Cape Agulhas is the official dividing point between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In the early 1840’s the local farmers appealed for the erection of a lighthouse. It was the farmers nearby who had the unenviable task of burying the dead and notifying authorities of any wrecks. It was thanks to their efforts that the Agulhas lighthouse was eventually commissioned on land donated by Michiel van Breda a local farmer who was the founder of Bredasdorp For centuries, the Cape has been known to sailors as treacherous. The circumpolar current meets with the warmer Agulhas Current in the area of Cape Agulhas. These opposite water currents are of different densities, and with the west winds blowing, it causes extremely dangerous wave conditions with gigantic wild waves, which can reach up to 30 metres high. These can sink even massive ships. The first of many recorded was the Zoetendal in 1673. A lighthouse was suggested in March 1837 by Colonel Charles Collier Michell, the Surveyor-General of the Cape. In July 1840, a public meeting was held to raise funds for the building of the lighthouse. Aside from local financial contributions, funds were received from Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, Manila, St Helena and London. Col. Charles Cornwell Michell designed the lighthouse in homage to the Lighthouse of Alexandria. It has many Egyptian architectural characteristics, such as the pylon shape of the mock windows, the fake entrance resembling the Temple of Isis, similar frieze designs as depicted on temples and tombs in Egypt, and strong horizontal lines. It took 90 men to build the lighthouse, and it was first lit on the 1st of March 1849. Sheep tail fat was used as fuel. This was later replaced by an oil-burning lantern in 1905. A petroleum vapour burner was installed in 1929. Only in 1936 was a four-kilowatt electric lamp powered by a diesel generator used as the source of light. In 1962, this was replaced by an 18 million candlepower light. It was declared unsafe and retired from service in 1968 due to the weathering of its sandstone walls so some restoration was done. The lighthouse was declared a national monument in 1973. It was fully renovated, restored, re-commissioned and automated in 1988. The current lighthouse comprises a 27-metre round tower painted a solid red with a thick band of white in the middle. The focal plane of the light is 31 metres above high water and rotates, giving off a single bright, white flash every five seconds and can be seen for 30 nautical miles. Cape Agulhas Lighthouse is the only lighthouse museum in the country. Climb to the top of the tower and see for miles and miles. The remains of the wreck of the Meisho Maru can still be seen just off the coast. At the base of the lighthouse, there is a museum. Exhibits include historical artefacts, maps, and stories of shipwrecks and heroic rescues. Just a short walk from the lighthouse is the marker for the official southernmost tip of Africa. This symbolic point offers a unique photo opportunity, standing at the edge of a continent. Find out about some of the ships that have wrecked off the coast near here and a comprehensive list of ships . Cape Agulhas lighthouse Lighthouse Website GPS 34.829389°S 20.008911°E Rasperpunt hiking trail

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L’Agulhas Tidal Pool

carynkaleido — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 14:58:14 +0000

L’Agulhas Tidal Pool is a safe seasonal tidal pool on the Southernmost coastline. This pool has a concrete bottom and concrete surrounds. It is protected from the waves and the sharks in the open sea.. -34.82687,20.01226 Sea temperature

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Quoin Point Lighthouse

carynkaleido — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 14:06:41 +0000

Quoin Point Lighthouse is in Buffelsjagsbaai. It is a lattice tower 23 meters high with a diamond-shaped day marker. It has an AGA 500 mm acetylene gas lantern, an open-flame gas flasher, and a sun valve that has stood since November 1946. The steel tower was replaced with an aluminium lattice tower in October 1990. It came from Cape Agulhas, where it served temporarily, whilst that lighthouse was restored. Virtually marooned thirty-two metres above the sea, Quoin Point is perhaps best known for the shipwrecks on the rocks below. ( see a list of shipwrecks HERE) Quoin Point was previously named Ponta de São Brandoa by Bartolomeu Diaz when he rounded Quoin Point in 1488 on St. Brendanus’ day. Around it are a few little cottages, owned by families who live in nearby Elim. A 4 x 4 is required for the last few kilometres in order to get to the lighthouse. The light flashes 2 quick white flashes every 10 seconds and can be seen for 16 nautical miles. See a comprehensive list of ships that have wrecked near the lighthouse Quoin Point Lighthouse S34.780611 E19.639611 34°46’50.2″S 19°38’22.6″E L’agulhas .

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Shell house

carynkaleido — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 19:25:16 +0000

The exhibits at the Shell house have been collected by beachcombers for almost 60 years. There are shells from our coastline and some exotic shells on display that have been donated over the years Along our coast there is a huge variety of molluscs. They are not so exotic as those found in warmer waters but they are all tough. The shells found here have adapted to warm and cold currents plus the wild pounding seas. At the museum are examples of the giant turban or Alikreukel. This is found on the Southern coast and has been harvested for millennia. We know this from studying ancient middens along the coast. However, this mollusc has been over-harvested and is somewhat endangered. Middens, which are the trash heaps of ancient cultures, give us a guide as to what people ate, and also give us a guide on the size these shells could reach if left long enough. The museum has an example of an abalone shell 17 cm across. It takes 13 years to grow to just 11cm. This species has been nearly decimated by over-harvesting, and the practice was banned in 2008. There are, however, abalone farms working to replenish the stock. Turn right into Quarry Street after the 4-way stop in L’Agulhas. No.8 is halfway up the hill. Entry free See the Colourdots Seashell identification guide for shells found on beaches in the Western Cape

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Southern cross Labyrinth

carynkaleido — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 15:10:10 +0000

The Southern Cross labyrinth created and designed by Yvonne Hope. The concept was inspired by the Southern Cross stars. It is a pathway of gravel edged by 505 bottles. The four stars of the constellation are depicted using 4 colours. Gold, white, cerulean and cobalt. For centuries, the Southern cross has been used by sailors and adventurers. There are 4 main stars. There are 2 bright stars to the left. To find the celestial South Pole, draw a line from the head star, Gacrux, through the lowest star, Acrux, and continue down till reaching a bright star, Achernar. Then draw a line from the pointer star closest to the cross, Hadar, and bring your hands steadily closer together till they meet. They are pointing at the celestial South Pole. Drop a line down to the horizon. That is due south from where you are. The labyrinth can be found at 8 Golf Street, next to the Shell Museum. Please call to make an appointment

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Struisbaai main beach

carynkaleido — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 14:42:39 +0000

Struisbaai main beach Struisbaai Main Beach is one of the beaches of the Molshoop settlement. The deep blue ocean with golden sandy beaches is popular for windsurfing, diving, kayaking, and kiteboarding. This is also a good fishing area. There are also some good surf spots, and swimming is safe. It is a Blue Flag Award beach. The beach has excellent water quality and some of the best facilities available. This beach is easily accessible as it is located very close to the road and there is parking on the beach; however, there are no other amenities. Struisbaai is an old fishing town, so there is a lot to see as well as many little restaurants and bars. Ships that have wrecked in this vicinity include The Brederode, The Glory May the Zoetendal, and the Meermin Shells can often be found on this beach, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide Parking: Yes Lifeguards: No Surfing: Surf report Swimming. Yes Fishing: Yes see the illustrated guide to sea fishing Dog walking; Yes, on leash. Ablutions: No Beach type: Blue Flag beach water at 22 to 23 degrees, turquoise blue with white sand. Sea temperature here Whale watching in season. Yes Check the tides here Best beaches in the Western Cape article

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The Agulhas wine triangle

carynkaleido — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 11:13:02 +0000

The Agulhas Wine Triangle includes the southernmost vineyards on the African continent with their ancient soils, extreme winds and raw landscape. Here custodians of nature produce terroir-driven wine. This is a quest for adventure. This is the Agulhas Wine Triangle. Wine for Explorers. The Agulhas Wine Triangle (AWT) was established in 2019 as a non-profit company to showcase the wines, tourism, and natural beauty of the Agulhas area. The AWT members represent the region’s favourite wineries: Black Oystercatcher Wines, Ghost Corner, Land’s End, Strandveld Vineyards, The Giant Periwinkle and Trizanne Signature Wines from the Elim wine ward; Sijnn Wines from Malgas; Olivedale Wines from Swellendam; Lomond from Cape Agulhas; and The Drift Estate and Skipskop Wines.from Napier.

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