by Adolf Botes | Apr 28, 2016 | Uncategorized
The road stops here – at Jongensfontein, Stilbaai’s beautiful coastal neighbour where the permanent residents only need about a 100 post boxes…
It is, however, quite ‘something to do’ to take a drive to Jongensfontein (or take the bicycle) and enjoy an ice cream cone (served at both the supermarkets) or lunch at Drie Pikkewyne while watching the waves breaking; or take a slow drive through the ‘town’ and experience the view(s) AND architecture; or swim at the small beach area or the tidal pool; or surf; or fish; or take long walks on the beach etc.
A ‘must stop’ when in Jongensfontein, is the Fonteinhuisie (Fountain House in English) that was built in about 1940 from rocks from the sea.
In the Fonteinhuisie museum you’ll experience the interesting history of Jongensfontein and the anchor outside is from the SRI Rezeki which ran aground at Jonogensfontein on 6 April 1971.
The cement floor next to the building, is a popular get-together for youngsters who can enjoy the open air dance floor during December holidays.
Outside the building you can relax while the kids play on the swings and jungle gyms and to save the memories, you have to take your photo from behind the huge frame that shows the ocean and Jongensfontein in the background.
The Fonteinhuisie is not always open (open during the Dec season) – phone to find out how to schedule a visit or when it is open.
Tel nrs: 083 733 7828 / 082 630 0230 / 083 208 8626
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by Adolf Botes | Apr 12, 2016 | Uncategorized
PROMO ARTICLE
Fact: The water in Stilbaai and Jongensfontein is brackish (‘brakwater’ in Afrikaans) and although some are used to the water, many residents and visitors prefer to use either rain water (if you have a rain water tank) or to buy water.
Crystal Stream has been specialising in the process of Reverse Osmosis (water purification technology to clean the water) for almost a decade in Stilbaai and is now conveniently situated in the Indraf Centre next to the OK Grocer (you can also refill from inside the OK) just off Main Road West from where you can refill your containers. They even do same-day deliveries and you can get your water delivered to your doorstep!
Owner Riaan Moag is a Water Technician and has many years’ experience of working with Stilbaai’s water. He also installs domestic and industrial purifying systems including pressure pumps for water tanks while he also services, maintains and repair water purification systems.
Crystal Stream offers even more products and services:
- Water refill (R1.10/litre)
- Bottled water including sparkling water
- Ice
- Water dispensers
- Filters for water purifiers, water softners and outside systems
- Installation and maintenance of purifiers
But wait, there is more! At Crystal Stream you can now also buy ‘Honey On Tap’ with a choice of three flavors: blue gum (tree); lucern and blue gum mix or Fynbos.
Get your top quality water from the friendly family at Crystal Stream!
Contact Riaan Moag at 082 702 7669 / (028) 754 1474
Visit them on Facebook – Crystal Stream on Facebook / send e-mail to stilbaai@crystalstream.co.za
(Afrikaans)
by Adolf Botes | Apr 7, 2016 | Uncategorized
There is a great article and photos by Peter Chadwick, an internationally recognised and award winning photographer, about Stilbaai and its birds in the April 2016 edition of Country Life magazine. Turn to page 83 for the article ‘Still Bay Birding’.
Apparently 200 bird species have already been recorded in SA Bird Atlas Project 2 and the estuary of the Goukou River and the bird hide at Skulpiesbaai Nature Reserve offer bird watchers a perfect environment to enjoy bird watching. Read more about birding in the Hessequa area here.
Keith Pugh recently compiled a post with his photos of birds at Stilbaai together with descriptions on the group STILBAAI-bay of the sleeping beauty where he has photographed the African Oystercatcher; the Red-knobbed Coot and the Malachite Sunbird to mention a few.
Enjoy the bird watching!
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Important information about the Black Oystercatcher…
by Adolf Botes | Apr 3, 2016 | Uncategorized
Appreciate the view over the natural fresh-water Palinggat Spring (the fresh water spring originates right there!) where the tame eels are being fed each day at 11:00 – you can even participate in the feeding process if you want! – or walk through the museum and gather information and brochures about what to do where in Stilbaai, Jongensfontein and the area.
The Stilbaai area has an interesting Stone Age heritage and more discoveries are made at the nearby Blombos Cave. This cave is closed to the public, but make sure to visit the archaeological exhibition in the Info Centre where you can view the history.
The little Platbosch School Museum will take many a visitor back to their own school days and the history of schools in the area can be viewed here.
There is also a little shop that sells interesting things including handmade goods and souvenirs. Walk around to view the ‘funeral wagon’ that was used between 1880 and 1920 in the Riversdale / Albertinia district.
The Info Centre and Tourism Bureau is a must stop for Stilbaai visitors AND local residents.
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by Adolf Botes | Mar 1, 2016 | Uncategorized
What is a coastal town, where fishing used to be one of the major forms of income and is still being practiced, without a historical fishing boat?
Yes, Stilbaai also has theirs and this is one of the things (places) you have to visit when in Stilbaai… Stop at the harbour and walk past the NSRI Station 31 building to the old fisherman’s boat (or a ‘tok‘ in Afrikaans) next to the building. This one has quite a sad history though…
History has it that when this ‘tok‘, the Wafra, a commercial fishing boat, left for the ocean on April 25, 2002, it was the very last time it did so. The boat and its crew of eight was caught in heavy mist and were stranded on the rocks at Skulpiesbaai close to the harbour. Six of the eight crew members lost their lives – Otto Galant (Pye), Henry Galant, Willie Olivier (Willie Keps), Otto Manho (Whitey), Franje Manho (Oom Faan) and Bob Abrahams drowned and Reginald Kleynhans from Melkhoutfontein as well as ‘Mario’ were the only two survivors.
According to an article in the Suid-Kaap Forum newspaper (dd June 7, 2012) between 35 and 40 fisherman’s boats returned to the harbour for the funeral on May 1st, 2002. The Wafra was later a well-known beacon next to the N2 at the turn-off to Stilbaai. It was replaced in 2011 by the current boat that is an extremely popular ‘photo stop’ for hundreds of holiday makers.
The Wafra was then restored and now serves as a monument.
(Information from Suid-Kaap Forum newspaper. More photos on mystilbaai.co.za on Facebook)
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The ‘Wafra’, a fisherman’s boat with a (sad) story… (Photo: www.mystilbaai.co.za)
