Karen's Clan

It has got to be said: we are INCREDIBLY privileged to live where we do! Cape Town is one of the few cities I've lived in that has an endless choice of outdoor activities to choose from. My favorite types of places,  beaches and mountains, are right on our doorstep.

I love creation. I am most alive in it. My soul is soothed, my peace is found, my true north is reset. Keep me couped up inside for too long and I begin to fray at the edges!

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is     to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God.
Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and      that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple      beauty of nature.  I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.                                                                                  - Anne Frank 

Enough said?

So here are some of our favorite beaches we love to visit as a clan:

Fishoek - this actually isn't my favorite beach -  it's the kids favorite one! They love the playground (that's sometimes too much hard work for me. How come all three children don't want to be in the same place at the same time? This is now getting easier as they are getting older and don't need to be watched as closely as they swing from bar to bar!) and the fact that perhaps once in a blue moon they are treated to an ice cream! The walkway is great, as is the flatness of the beach and the rock pools at low tide. During the holidays we avoid this beach though - far too crowded for us!

Noordhoek - my favorite! I love the wide open expanses and the solitude! The kids love the rocks, the
lagoon, the dunes...a favorite of ours for evening walks as the sun sets...


Fisherman's - a deep south hidden gem (go past Boulders, past the golf course parking on your right hand side, round the bend and just before the Whale House Guesthouse's flags park on the right hand side of the road) Lovely rock pools at low tide, and so super quiet during the tourist season!!!




Boulders - a lovely sheltered cove from the summer South Easter. We've swum with with penguins and a small stingray here! Wonderful during the week while school's in - especially with the My Green Card, Cape Town's very own Wild Card (a must have deal if you live in this city!)

Glen Cairn Tidal Pool - I love St James's tidal pool , but with the road works on Main Road it just isn't conducive to a stress free outing for me. The tidal pool at Glen Cairn is a litle more off  the beaten track and boasts stunning rock pools and water that feels a degree or two warmer! Train spotting is a favorite past-time as well as whale spotting during the season.


So, the only thing I have yet to come to term with in Cape Town and its beautiful offering of nature is the dreadful South Easter....thankfully the weather this winter has been incredible. So here's to you and your clan enjoying the great outdoors!


This post is featured as part of the upcoming South African carnival of Homeschooling blogs...