An adventure is only an idea away... All it took was for my mate Jo to say she wanted to see Paternoster, and off we ventured the next day to the wild west coast for two days.

Paternoster was our destination, everything else in between, our adventure.

We brought along with us a delicious boy to spice up the mix: he also brought to the table a bakkie, good tunes (as both jo’s and my radios had been nicked), a leatherman and a sense of direction, adventure and humour – all things necessary in a good road trip companion. 

So we didn’t know where we were going to stay but we had heard rumours that this sleepy little fisherman’s town, stuck in time, was a good spot for a weekend away.

After the obligatory stop at lekker padstals along the way, we found our way around the Langebaan Lagoon and into Paternoster…

It's 145km out of Cape Town and is one of the coastline’s oldest. Recently having hit the tourist map, it’s accommodation options have stepped up to the mark while still maintaining the fisherman charm of this bygone era.

It’s all whitewashed little houses dotted along the beaches and rocky outcrops leading up to the glorious Cape Columbine Nature Reserve and Tietiesbaai.

Here you can camp right beside the wild crashing waves below the last manned lighthouse built. For those with a bit more comfort in mind, as we were, it was off to find a delicious cottage with views of the sea.

Our slice of winter heaven was found at the Paternoster Coves. Decadence and comfort, combined beautifully in this little self catering haven with literally one of the biggest fireplaces I have ever seen to keep out the winter chill. Scope out the gallery here.

 It turned out that our road trip buddy was also a rather talented musician who positioned himself and his guitar beside the crackling fire, his elegant knowing fingers dancing in the firelight across the fretboard nestled against his body, sweet melodies being borne to the westcoast night skies – oh it was all too much!

Is this all it takes, a couple of hours in a bakkie and this sense of freedom and relaxation can be achieved?

All the stress of city life that swamps our passion flows out into the rolling swell and disappears to allow  a different sense of calm and a deep, deep slumber to the melody of the crashing waves.

It amazes me every time just how easy it can be… why is it that we sometimes forget just how magical and worthwhile it is to adventure away?

This is the perfect spot to pass a winter weekend, and come flower season between July and October, the hills truly will come alive (and not with the sound of music) but the magnificence of its natural beauty of scattered hardy glorious west coast blomme. 

And besides just curling up by the fireplace, you can walk the beaches and the nearby West Coast Nature Reserve.  Or you could head out on a traditional Fishing Boat adventure, go horse riding or sea kayaking . Whale spotting is possible along the shore or by boat  - otherwise just soak up the delicious fresh seafood that abounds here.

Crayfish season is awfully popular!

Two top hits for me were the beach restaurant Voorstrandt with its old world charm and brilliant location, and further down you find traditional slap tjips and fresh fish take away served up in paper. Best enjoyed on the wooden benches provided.

So after a stroll on the beach we started the short drive home, dotting off the old R27 to visit Yzerfontein where you can get a brilliant lunch at Die Strandkombuis on the dunes, or another option being the famous Strandloper near Langebaan which is an adventure in itself, or ol’ Pieter Dirk Uys at Evita se Perron in darling Darling… the options are out there.

And all this lies just between here and Paternoster. There is just so much more to discover. All you need is a car, a buddy and an adventurous spirit, and the west coast can be your oyster, or mussel, or crayfish…

God, I love South Africa!

 Why don't you grab one of our packages and take a road trip... go on... explore SA!

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