Kenton-on-Sea

Humans are weird. Whenever we’re in Kenton, they always insist on trudging through shrubs and trekking over hot dunes to get to Shelly Beach (a so called 'hush-hush' location).

I’m pretty sure visitors are spilling the beans; we always bump into fellow seekers of the secret spot (smooth and hairy). 

On a busy day it kinda feels like an amphitheater. Brother Bart usually has the ‘audience’ chuckling as he rides wave after wave. 

Yes, he is brave; but I’m the smart one.

During our visit we stayed over at Woodlands Cottages, close to the banks of the Bushmans River. As we arrived at this pet-friendly place, we were welcomed by a friendly pet named Jacob. Jacob followed us around everywhere, including to the river. 

I’m not surprised though…#squadgoals

One of the main attractions at Woodlands seems to be their outdoor bathrooms. Here we have Bart, staring at his human while bathing. 

Yes, he’s a bit of a creep.

The Adventure

Place: Kenton-on-Sea, Eastern Cape.

Map: link

Activities:

- Us: Surfing (or, getting rolled by) the waves; swimming in the river; playing with Jacob (the backpacker’s dog); staring at humans while bathing.

- Humans: Swimming in the ocean; laughing at Bart surfing; drinking G&T’s next to the river; and taking a long bath in the outdoor tub (while Bart stares at you creepily).

Bathurst

As the humans drove through Bathurst - our furry heads peeking out windows - something big, yellow and prickly caught my eye. 

The world’s largest, artificial pineapple (aka: The Big Pineapple).

A rather odd record, don’t you think? But then again…I hold the top score for “peeing on the world’s largest pineapple”. Who am I to judge?

If you are driving through on a Sunday, bark persistently until the humans stop at the Farmer’s Market. Rory and Carol Mason-Jones (and their four-legged friend, Gidget) own a stall where fresh, crispy dog biscuits are sold.

While Rory was giving me a taster, Carol said something about being retired, moving to Bathurst and making doggie treats. I can’t really remember; Rory had my full attention.

If your owners aren’t too fond of canine cookies, you can lead them to Pickwick’s Oven for a delicious thin base, wood-fired pizza. 

I don’t actually know if they are delicious; our humans are rather selfish. But judging by all the happy customers (with and without fur), we will be returning soon.

The Adventure

Place: Bathurst, Eastern Cape.

Map: link

Activities:

- Me: Running towards, barking at and weeing on The Big Pineapple; meeting dogs at the Farmer’s Market; eating doggie treats; begging for pizza.

- Humans: Visiting The Big Pineapple; shopping at the Farmer’s Market; eating pizza and drinking beer at Pickwick’s Oven.

Bretton Beach, Port Alfred

Just look at that view! Not too shabby for a shaggy man like me (and him; the big, red bearded one).

Bretton Beach Crest offers these affordable, cosy cottages all along Bretton Beach in Port Alfred. And the best part: the owners allow small to medium dogs out of season. I'm secretly waiting for summer to end....

Some of the cottages are even closer to the beach, but the humans like to make it difficult to sneak off to the water. 

When they're feeling less selfish, they take us for swims and walks along the rugged shoreline. But instead of joining us in the nippy waves, they simply fling sticks into rock pools.

From the photos it may seem like Bart was winning, but I tend to give the little guy a head start (him being my little bro and all). 

I'm just nice like that.  

The Adventure

Place: Bretton Beach, Port Alfred, Eastern Cape.

Map: link

Activities:

- Me: Sneaking off to the beach; fetching sticks in the ocean; letting Bart win at said stick-fetching; bringing all the beach's sand back to the cottage.  

- Humans: Looking for the dogs; throwing sticks; sweeping beach sand out of the cottage; reading, braaiing and drinking sundowners on the stoep.