8km’s south of where I am staying at the moment, Strandfontein, lies the little fishing village of Doringbaai or as it was originally know Thornbay. Dooringbaai is well know as an area for whale watching. Southern Right whales enter the bay to calve from May to November and can be seen breaching and swimming with their calves in the protected waters. There are also wonderful hiking trails on both sides of the village offering excellent whale viewing opportunities. Unfortunately for the 2 days I was in Dooringbaai there was a massive sea running and no chance of any whale spotting.
There is not really a whole lot to write about Doringbaai so hopefully the photographs and captions will give you an idea of the village.
Central to Dooringbaai is the Light House and Harbour area so I spent quite a lot of time there having fun looking for different things to photograph.
![The harbour and lighthouse.]( "img_1253")
- The harbour and lighthouse.
![The lighthouse was commisioned in 1965.]( "img_1325")
- The lighthouse was established in 1963.
As mentioned there was a massive sea running while I was there so took these to try and illustrate.
![The noise when the waves smashed into the rocks was like thunder.]( "img_1330")
- The noise when the waves smashed into the rocks was like thunder.
![I would hate to have been hit by one of the waves.]( "img_1333")
- I would hate to have been hit by one of the waves.
![As the wave dissapated it left this fine mist.]( "img_1335")
- As the wave dissipated it left this fine mist.
![Would not have liked to be on the old jetty.]( "img_1339")
- Would not have liked to be on the old jetty.
![How that building was still standing I have no idea.]( "img_1317")
- How that building was still standing I have no idea.
![In amongst all the mayhem of crashing waves I found this succulent near the lighthouse.]( "img_1343")
- In amongst all the mayhem of crashing waves I found this near the lighthouse.
![Staying with the nauticle theme is the local restaurant and pub.]( "img_12291")
- Staying with the nautical theme is the local sea food restaurant and pub.
As I was wandering around I met up with Peter and Michelle who run the very interesting looking self catering establishment called Thornbay Accommodation. Peter is an ex diamond diver who also ran and managed the local concessions. He and Shirley arrived in the area from Durban about 30 years ago and were first based in a caravan at a place called Die Punt just on the north side of he Olifants River. He knows my friend George from McDougalls Bay and in fact it was in Dooringbaai that George started as a diamond diver. What a small world.
Thornbay Accomodation.
Welcome to Thornbay!!The octopus was created by Lachlan, also an ex diamond diver, from Lamberts Bay.
I had a look round inside and was very impressed with all that was offered to make one’s stay comfortable and enjoyable . Just loved some of the pieces hanging on the wall.
![Anyone for crayfish?]( "img_1347")
- Anyone for crayfish?
![Fish?]( "img_1350")
- Fish?
Sail away!
All in all I really enjoyed Dooringbaai even though the weather was not great. As it is only about 350 km’s from Cape Town it would be a great spot to just get away from all the hustle and bustle of of city life and just relax. The area boasts many activities such as swimming, fishing, quad bike and 4×4 trails, wineries and restaurants.
Published by Gone-Fishing.co.za
