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.

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.