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.