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).

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.

Woody Cape

Nestled between Alexandria and Addo's coast, lies an Eastern Cape backpacking gem. 

Not because it's a short drive from Grahamstown. Not because it's   reasonably priced (human concerns, of course). All because, they allow 
and welcome my kind. 

Apparently this is uncommon...but, who wouldn't want me in their house?

I also heard the humans rave about how relaxed the owners are. 
Apparently this is common about backpacking; hence all the more love.

Technically, dogs aren't allowed on the beach; that is Addo Park's property. 

The private accommodation is very private and rustic; which means my muddy paw prints didn't aggravate the humans too much.

Our visit was during the winter, but for the summer time there is a swimming pool, a volleyball net, an outdoor bar and a stage.

There is also loads of camping space if you're in the mood to rough it;
beneath me, of course.

The Adventure

Place: Woody Cape Lodge and Backpackers, Eastern Cape.

Map: link

Activities:

- Me: Barking at horses, cows or monkeys, chilling at the bar while the humans drink (rude, right?) and sneaking onto the beach.

- Humans: Swimming, playing pool, hiking, canoeing, horse riding, volley ball, chilling at the bar and keeping the dogs off the beach.

Kasouga

Beach toys, lagoon games, warm sand and ALL. THAT. WATER.  

The humans decided that the best way to spend a lazy Sunday is at Kasouga. Finally, they get it right!

It was a bit breezy, but we found a sheltered spot behind a small dune, right next to the lagoon. The lagoon’s water, filled up by the Kasouga river, is always a bit warmer than the ocean. 

The humans brought those beach tennis rackets and a spongy ball (also known as a chew toy).   

They tried really hard to keep me away from the fun. They soon realised it’s useless; it turned into a game of hit-and-fetch. 

After all the excitement - and resembling a wet mop - we drove to Port Alfred to have our picnic on the grassy banks of the Kowie.

Apparently, humans don’t like sand in their food. Silly humans. 

The Adventure 

Place: Kasouga, Eastern Cape

Map: Link

Activities:

• Me: Swimming in the lagoon, playing fetch, howling at other dogs, rolling in the sand.

• Humans: Swimming, tanning, lounging, playing beach games.

Port Alfred with lil' Cas

This is my mate, Casper. He is a Weimaraner.

Due to their yellow eyes and grey coats, this breed’s nickname is “the grey ghost”. Hence the name: the friendly ghost.

Unlike Cas, my breed remains a mystery. I’ve heard people say that I look like a beardy and that I have some terrier in me (apparently due to my “annoying” habit of chasing small animals).

However, on the beach it doesn’t matter what breed you are. According to humans, we all act equally stupid from the excitement and awe of sand and water. 

But so do they...

My one human dresses up as a seal and rides the waves on a foamy chew-toy. 

The other walks around taking photos of things I generally like to pee on.

Casper yelps, follows me everywhere and constantly gnaws on everything; including my coat. 

I, on the other hand, like to bark persistently, run senselessly and fetch objects from the waves.

I am the best.

The Adventure 

Place: Port Alfred, Eastern Cape.

Map: link

Activities:

• Me:  Swimming, running, barking, digging holes, fetching objects.

• Humans: Swimming, body boarding, surfing, fishing, photography, throwing objects.

Ballots Bay

I have to agree with the humans: walking, hiking or driving via a steep, bumpy and muddy road is ‘woolly’ worth a spectacular view (see what I did there?)

Going too close to the edge scares them, so they insist on wearing a red leash at all times. 

I think it is part of my duty to keep them safe. I’m a noble like that.

The beautiful Ballots bay lies between Vic and Herold’s on the Garden Route coastline. If I stick my head out of the car window at George, the wind wisps through my fur for about 15 minutes. 

This view point is situated on private property which will be developed for scientific research; into caves and spiritual retreats.

I left there feeling like Zen Dog

The Adventure 

Place: Ballots Bay, Garden Route, Western Cape.

Map: Link

Activities:

• Me:  Walking, enjoying the view, running (when the leash is removed).

• Humans: Hiking, enjoying the view, picnicking, braaiing, worrying about safety.