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.

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.

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...)

Van Stadens Bridge

The N2 concrete arch bridge over the Van Stadens River

The Van Stadens Bridge is a concrete arch bridge over the Van Stadens River in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It carries road traffic for the N2 national highway.

The Van Stadens Bridge has a reputation as the Bridge of Death. Today, 27th of December 2012 @19h30, the bridge claimed its 87th victim, a 35year old man, since it opened on November 11, 1971. Family asked for his name to be withheld. The number of lives lost for 2012 stands at 5. Since it’s completion it has earned itself the reputation for being one of the world’s most frequented suicide spots.


Bridge details:

Height 140 metres (460 ft)

Longest span 198.10 metres (649.9 ft)

It was the longest concrete arch bridge in South Africa and the sixth longest in the world at that time.

The N2 concrete arch bridge over the Van Stadens River in the background with the old R102 Van Stadens Pass bridge in the foreground.  

The river was named after a pioneer farmer, Marthinus van Staden, and the gorge was a major road obstacle for many years.  A road was built in 1867 but was repeatedly destroyed by floods and the descent was hazardous.  In 1971, the modern bridge was built.

If you are feeling depressed or are considering suicide, contact Lifeline in Port Elizabeth on 041-3738666 or on their national number 0861322322.