Baakens Valley sunrise

I was heading down to the beachfront the other morning to get some sunrise shots, but got going way too late. I ended up looking down the Baakens River Valley towards the harbour from the top of Valley Road as the sun was rising. It may not have been the beachfront, but any sunrise, doesn't … Continue reading Baakens Valley sunrise →

Reconciliation walkway

This week 20 years ago, then president FW de Klerk made the speech in which he announced the planned unbanning of parties like the African National Congress (ANC) as well as the intended release of Nelson Mandela from prison. By chance a bit earlier in the week I discovered a paved path in South End … Continue reading Reconciliation walkway →

Mill Park #4

The most well known feature of Mill Park is the Grey School. Here we are looking at the back, from a viewpoint in Mill Park, across one of the tributaries of the Baakens River, which has created many interesting ravines around the perimeter of the suburb. Note the security vehicle parked under the tree. A … Continue reading Mill Park #4 →

Mill Park #3

As described in the first post 2 days ago, Mill Park is on the edge of the Baakens Valley. So from many streets in the suburb, you get glimpses of the hills across the valley, and many houses, such as these, have lovely views into the kloofs, and the opposite cliffs.

PE Tramways Building

Another shameful example of urban decay in Port Elizabeth. The old PE Tramways building was once a hive of activity, first as a tram and bus depot and then as an ice rink. It was then used for other businesses and now stands unused and derelict.It was announced with great fanfare that this historic landmark, … Continue reading PE Tramways Building →

then and now … the baakens valley

We have received some fascinating photos of old postcards from John, an ex PE resident who now lives in UK. Here is a view of the Baakens Valley taken from Fort Frederick on Friday ... and here is how it looked around the turn of the century....The buildings up on the hill are all new, … Continue reading then and now … the baakens valley →

Baakens Valley – the power of protest

We recently carried a series of photos taken at the upper end of the Baakens River Valley. This picture was taken near where the Valley enters the harbour.I am not sure that many people in the city know why this part of the Settlers Freeway has been left hanging over the Baakens Street, just before … Continue reading Baakens Valley – the power of protest →

Baakens Valley #3 – Third Avenue dip

The Third Avenue dip is convenient short cut from Newton Park to Mangold Park, Lorraine or Walmer. However, the dip is prone to occassional flooding and many a motorist who has misjudged the depth and force of the water, or been too lazy to take the long route has been swept away.

Baakens River #2 – Guinea Fowl Trail

The Guinea Fowl Trail starts at Sunridge Park and ends at Settlers Park. Most people who do the walk start at the Third Avenue dip at Newton Park.If you do the walk wear a pair of good shoes and take some water with you, because it can get very hot in the Valley. These days … Continue reading Baakens River #2 – Guinea Fowl Trail →