Beauty at its best



Fish Hoek Beach, Cape Town, South Africa

There's something special about sitting on Fish Hoek beach on a perfect summer's day. Situated in False Bay, Cape Town, this small valley populates approximately 10,000 people, often noted as "God's waiting room" by the locals due to the high number of retired people living here. However, there is one treasure to this town and that is the beach. Approximately 1.5km long, the flat, curved sands boasts a beautiful cat walk, known as Jager's Walk, for those looking to take sanctury in a more sheltered area but still with a perfect sea view. The beach holds a thriving cafe and is protected by life guards with their tower found next to the local surf club.



View of the beach from the Cat Walk



When the "south easter" wind blows or "pumps', hold onto your hats because you soon know about it! This doesn't deter people from visiting though, yet on a day when there is no wind, everyone will be found at this picturesque haven.

  

Sitting on the golden sands watching the crystal blue waves gently washing to shore, as the morning sun glistens down parading what looks like thousands of speckled diamonds, I find myself transfixed on the beauty that surrounds me. The distant mountains are so clear you could almost mistake them for a backdrop to a movie set. Children scream in delight as they chase the waves on the sea edge realising the water is colder than anticipated. Parents help to build sand castles and passers by are found eating ice cream which is soon melting in the heat. Couples walk their dogs hand in hand, runners are keeping up with their fitness routines and a helicopter circles above watching over the swimmers.

Although this beach has been victim of a number of shark attacks, with two in the last year, it is difficult to imagine this calm and tranquil environment being intruded with such monstrosity. Shark warnings are displayed by two flags at either end of the beach, with a board indicating what they mean at the car park entrance. Today I see a green flag therefore spotting conditions are good and you can understand why because the ocean is so clear.



Houses on the mountainside over looking the beach are popular for both locals and holiday makers



Even the sky looks perfect. There isn't a cloud to be found which is uncommon here, especially with the surrounding mountains. The pure blue blossoms down amongst us comforted by the warm African sun reflecting it's beauty onto the sea. Boats pass by on the horizon whilst canoeists, wind surfers and boogie borders enjoy the water.

Taking this all in, I lie back on my beach towel, put my headphones in my ears and relax into the scene. This is a perfect moment and to me, is Cape Town at it's finest.