World War II ruins at Cape Recife

Another one of the views from the WWII Forward Observation Post at Cape Recife, this time looking south towards the Wildside. The ruins of the original WWII barracks are visible just below the FOP.

WWII Lookout view

The view towards the Cape Recife Lighthouse from inside the WWII Forward Observation Post in the Cape Recife Nature Reserve

WW2 observation post

Port Elizabeth has arguably the most complete collection of surviving coast artillery buildings and equipment dating from the Second World War (1939-45) of any port in South Africa. Before the Second World War the Port Elizabeth Harbour actually had no defence in place except for Fort Frederick which was built in 1799 to guard the original landing place … Continue reading WW2 observation post →

Roseatte Tern Trail along the coast

Walking along the Wildside coastline on the Roseatte Tern Trail through Cape Recife

Lighthouse renovation

The renovation project on the Cape Recife lighthouse is nearly done with the scaffolding around the lighthouse having been removed and by now the rest are probably gone as well as I took this pic about two weeks ago. Now I'm just holding thumbs that they will allow visitors to go up the lighthouse again some … Continue reading Lighthouse renovation →

Thunderbolt Reef

The ocean off Cape Recife churns white, specially at low tide, as the waves hit Thunderbolt Reef. This notorious reef has claimed numerous ships over the years and was named after the HMS Thunderbolt which struck this massive reef in 1847. The Cape Recife Lighthouse was built in 1851 to warn ships of the eminent danger … Continue reading Thunderbolt Reef →

Penguins under pressure

Last week I saw a stunning yet very sad picture by Luc Hosten on Facebook. Two days later I was down at Cape Recife in Port Elizabeth and came across the scene photographed by Luc. The penguin wasn't in the same position anymore and I didn't want to try and recreate the exact scene anyway, so decided on something similar … Continue reading Penguins under pressure →

Kaap Recife vuurtoring

Die Kaap Recife vuurtoring is op 1 April 1851 in gebruik geneem en staan net buite Port Elizabeth op die westelike punt van Algoabaai. Kaap Recife is die draaipunt in Algoabaai in en word verskriklik gevaarlikste geag as gevolg van Thunderbolt-rif wat oor die eeue al verskeie bote en skepe geëis het. Die rif self is vernoem … Continue reading Kaap Recife vuurtoring →

Kaap Recife Natuurreservaat

Die Kaap Recife Natuurreservaat in Port Elizabeth beslaan omtrent 370 hektaar om die westelike punt van Algoabaai. Die reservaat is idiaal vir voëlkyk beide aan die kus en om die waterherwinningspoele. Die beste manier om die reservaat te verken is om op die 9km lange Roseate Tern wandelroete gaan. Die roete begin by SAMREC (South African … Continue reading Kaap Recife Natuurreservaat →

Check out my wings

Cape Recife is one of Port Elizabeth's best bird watching spots, specially for waders, coastal and marine birds. This cormorant looks like he is showing off his impressive wingspan for a passing kelp gull.