As the sun peeked over Table Mountain, we loaded up the car with everything we needed for our great "nowhere" adventure. Snacks? Check. Golf clubs? Of course. A playlist full of road trip bangers? Oh, you bet. With a final hug from home, we hit the road, my son grinning with excitement as he buckled in. Our first destination? The charming coastal town of Hermanus.
Scenic Stops Along the Way
The drive along the R44 (also known as Clarence Drive) didn’t just set the tone for the trip—it set the bar high. The winding road hugged the cliffs, giving us jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean. We pulled over at Gordons Bay to stretch our legs and snap some photos. Cue the first "Dad, look at this!" moment as a pod of dolphins played in the waves below.
Next, we stopped at Stony Point Nature Reserve in Betty's Bay. Let me tell you, if you’ve never watched penguins waddle around like miniature tuxedoed comedians, you’re missing out. My son even started naming them—“That’s Kevin, and oh, there’s Olivia!” Entry was cheap, but the entertainment was priceless.
Whale Watching in Hermanus
By lunchtime, we rolled into Hermanus, famous for its whales. We headed straight to the cliffs of Walker Bay, where you can spot Southern Right Whales from land. And guess what? We actually saw one! Its tail slapped the water in the distance, and my son’s eyes widened in awe.
We grabbed some fish and chips from a local spot and found a sunny bench to eat. Nothing like crispy fries and fresh ocean air to fuel an adventurer.
Where We Slept
For our first night, we stayed at Onrus Caravan Park, a campsite just a short drive from Hermanus. Setting up our tent was a team effort—me figuring out the poles, and my son laughing at my attempts. (Spoiler: I eventually nailed it.) After a simple dinner of sandwiches and juice, we sat under a blanket of stars, sharing stories and dreaming about what tomorrow would bring.
Memorable Moments of Day 1
