Suicide no 88

Another man jumped from the Van Stadens Bridge on 16 March 2013

According to The Herald newspaper, the 43 year old man was from Jeffreys Bay.  He jumped to his death at 03.35 on Saturday morning.  He is the 88th person to jump off this bridge  since it opened on November 11, 1971.

Source:  PE Herald : http://www.peherald.com/news/article/13310

Sunrise @ Shark Rock Pier

Beautiful Sunday morning sunrise!  Taken at 6h33

Shark Rock Pier, Port Elizabeth

Progress @ Something Good Roadhouse

Photo's taken on 17 March 2013


Renovations at Something Good, also known as Bird Rock Road House many years ago, is progressing well.  The new roof looks great!


According to an article in the PE Express, the building will be divided into four separate outlets.

The proposal is to create a roadhouse and take-away restaurant to largely cater for the general public who already use this part of the beachfront.

This part I like... "It will operate on a similar basis to the original Something Good Roadhouse where customers will be served in their car or at the sit-down counter."  Yay!!

There will also be an Ice Cream Parlour (an ‘old school’ ice cream shop) operating on a similar basis to the Roadhouse.

The Sports Gear Rentals Shop will offer bicycles for hire, as well as a range of beach equipment, including kayaks, umbrellas, beach chairs, etc.

An artist’s impression of the inside of the new Something Good roadhouse, which will consist of a restaurant, ice cream parlour and sports gear rental shop

Bringing you more updates soon!


Source : Read article - PE Express

Work underway @ Something Good

Photos taken:  1 March 2013

Work is already underway at the old Something Good Roadhouse - the roof is almost done!

Side view of Something Good Roadhouse

Beachfront view of Something Good Roadhouse

In a view months time, this place will be buzzing!  Can't wait :-)

Thunderbolt Reef

The rocks in the front, are the reason for the buildings at the back :-)

This is part of the rock formation, called Thunderbolt Reef, at Cape Recife.  Almost fully exposed at low tide and submerged at high tide, the large spine of rocks is the graveyard of numerous ships.  The Cape Recife Lighthouse beams its light out to sea to warn ships, yet still the Kapodistrias ran aground in the shadow of the lighthouse in 1985!

Sardinia Bay Parking Area

Carpark as seen from the top of the dunes

The entrance to the carpark at Sardinia Bay, seems to get smaller and narrower every time we visit. We go there on a weekly basis and one can literally "see" the sand dunes moving.  I guess they will have to make a new entrance soon to accommodate the visitors who come here.

Sand dunes between the beach and the carpark.... what awaits you on the other side is totally worth the climb :-)  There is also a boardwalk leading to the beach, but of course it is a longer walk.

Wurst Wagon

A traditional German sausage on a fresh roll is a must have when you visit Sardinia Bay Beach.

The Wurst Wagon is well known for its Bratwurst and Käsegriller, made according to the original German recipe.

They also serve boerewors, jumbo frankfurter and vienna hotdogs and have a variety of soda's available.

Lekker!  Lecker Schmecker!

For seafood lovers

We had lunch at the Ocean Fresh Deli today.  The yellowtale, served with rice/salad or chips was really tasty and we had all smiles service!

They are situated at the Lower Valley Road entrance to the Harbor (through the gate, sharp left).  They serve all types of seafood, take aways or sit down.  What I like about the setup here, is that you can take your own wine/beer or other drinks, and they provide the glasses and ice, how awesome is that!

We were entertained by a red-winged starling couple while we waited for our food.  A few grey headed seagulls were waiting a bit further away for  snippets... but unfortunately for them, the food was so awesome, there was nothing left on the plate when we were done haha!

You can call them ahead of time to place your order if you dont want to wait.  So you arrive, sit and eat almost immediately - or pick up your take away to enjoy at the beach :-)  On weekends they have a jumping castle and/or trampline for the kids.

They are open Monday to Thursday 8h30 - 17h00, Friday 8h30 - 18h00 and from 8h30 to 15h00 on a Saturday and Sunday.  They alos have platters available - must be ordered 24hrs before collection.

You can call them on 041 582 1106

(business hours and contact numbers were correct at the time of publishing)

Shark Rock Pier

Shark Rock Pier as seen from the far end of Hobie Beach, walking towards Pollock Beach.

This was a windy day with a few veld fires going on in the Schoenmakerskop area, hence the smokey background.

Old Slipway pillars

The old Slipway pillars at Humewood beach on a windy day.  The track is almost fully submerged by the high tide.

"The slipway was used as a dry dock before the construction of the Port Elizabeth harbour in the 1930's.  Boats would sail in between the pillars before being pulled out of the water onto the slipway by means of a stem pulley.  Today the slipway offers snorkelers and trainee divers the ideal spot to explore the underwater world" (Source: nelsonmandelabay.blogspot.com)

Aerial shot of the slipway 

This is what it looked like in the old days...  here you can see a ship in the slipway.


Old photo from http://www.millerslocal.co.za/the-early-days-1900-1950.html

Jester cruising the Bay

The Jester :  Taken from Shark Rock Pier

New in Port Elizabeth!  Jester Cruises started operating in December 2012 and were a daily sight along the beachfront over the festive season.

Jester is a catamaran, 25m long and 7.3m wide and is made up of 3 decks. There is a fully licensed bar on each of the upper decks.  There are also braai facilities for more casual entertaining.

Jester Cruises operate from the Port Elizabeth Harbour. They offer Bay Cruises, Braai Cruises and Weddings to mention a few. The route for their Bay cruises, is from the Harbour along the beachfront past the Shark Rock Pier and back.

Looking forward to do the Sunset Cruise soon and will give feedback then! Tickets for the bay cruises are sold on Jester and no pre-booking is required.  The duration of the cruise is approximately and hour and a half.

Kids under 16 pay less and toddlers under 3 cruise free.

For other cruises and private functions, visit their website for more information.
Jester Cruises Port Elizabeth or call them on 041 582 1615

For more up to date information, find them on Facebook

Source: Jester Cruises Port Elizabeth

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium as seen from Neil Boss Street

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is a 48,459-seater stadium in Port Elizabeth. The stadium hosted 8 games during the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament and will also host 8 games during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium was built overlooking the North End Lake, at the heart of the city. The stadium has also been used as a concert venue. Neil Diamond performed at the stadium on April 8, 2011. The concert was part of his four date, first time to South Africa tour.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela_Bay_Stadium (Read more...)

Canon Silhouette

A silhouette of the brass canon from the Portuguese galleon, "The Sacramento" which sank on 30 June 1647.

The canon points in the direction of the shipwreck site in Schoenmakerskop, and is the starting point of the Sacramento Trail, named after the vessel. There is also a restaurant named the Sacramento which has old time marine decor which helps to focus on the life of historical Port Elizabeth.