Thank you to everyone who took part in Local Life’s second anniversary competition. We asked readers to share what makes the Whale Coast special to them, and we’re pleased to announce the winner – JJ Swarts – whose entry stood out for its warm reflection on the places and moments that make our community such a valued part of daily life. JJ will enjoy a meal at Fusion Restaurant valued at R1 000.

Why the Whale Coast is special to me

BY JJ SWARTS

The Whale Coast is more than just where I live, it's a piece of my heart. Growing up in Mount Pleasant means being surrounded by a community that feels like family. The streets carry laughter, gossip, warnings, and love all at once. “Your child is my child” isn’t just something the aunties say, it's how they look out for us, guide us, and make sure we stay on the right path. There’s always that one auntie who catches you where you shouldn’t be, giving you that look that says, “I’m telling your mother.”

Ficks Pool continues to hold some of my most treasured memories. As kids, my cousins, friends and I would run down with wet towels and big excitement. Even now, I can feel the same energy. The shy smiles of young crushes starting, the loud laughter, and that one friend who acts like they’re drowning even when the water barely reaches their waist. It’s chaotic, innocent, and beautiful.

When I stand by the ocean today and watch the waves move, I feel everything that makes the Whale Coast special. This place raises me every day. It teaches me community, teaches me love, and fills my life with moments that shape who I am. The Whale Coast isn’t just where I live, it's home in the deepest way.

Excerpt from ‘Luyt’s Marine: a Diary of the Years 1942-1947’ by Berdine Luyt. Edited by Robin Lee, (2014) U3A Overberg History Interest Group

It’s not easy to think about events 80 years ago. But we are lucky enough to have a vivid story of the night before Xmas in the year that World War II at last came to an end. The Luyt family owned and managed the Marine throughout the war years, but the father, P John Luyt, died in 1940, and Mrs Joey Luyt and her daughters had carried on for the remainder of the time. Berdine, the eldest daughter, was with her Mom throughout, and Paddy and Connie had been there for much of the time.

The daughters filled the role of ‘entertainment managers’ for the hotel, and they planned and carried out the events organised for the guests on the evening in question. This excerpt from Luyt’s Marine: a Diary of the Years 1942-1947 by Berdine Luyt describes Christmas at the Marine in 1945.

"We decided to do our Xmas differently this year, as we hear that our Christmas-Tree-on-Christmas-Day is being copied by other hotels. We gathered together, as usual, in Room No 3. Paddy said we must think of something different. “What about a Mother Christmas?” Ginger tentatively suggested. We looked at each other, delightedly, our minds working as one.

“Father Christmas with a wife!” Connie exclaimed. “Just married!” I affirmed. “Connie!” said Paddy. Ginger looked surprised, “I thought you’d choose some motherly old duck,” he said.“Motherly! Pooh!”. Excitedly interrupting each other, we elucidated. And then we went to work.

At lunchtime, on the 24th December, we distributed copies of a letter purporting to have been received from Father Christmas to say that he would arrive at 9.30pm on Xmas Eve instead of Xmas Day as usual:

COPY OF A LETTER RECEIVED BY THE HOTEL MANAGEMENT THIS MORNING BY CARRIER PIGEON POST

“Due to enormous pressure of work on this – the first post-war Christmas – and for various family reasons, I will arrive at your hotel at 9.30pm on Christmas Eve the 24th instant instead of during Christmas Day as usual. I hope this time will be convenient for you and your guests.

Yours faithfully

FATHER CHRISTMAS”

We had the usual dance that evening, and by 9.30pm, every guest in the hotel was there, either dancing or sitting on the chairs around the walls, waiting to see what we were up to this time. Meanwhile, we had been very busy indeed. Our Father Christmas was Dr Franklin Bishop, from Kimberley. At about 9pm, he disappeared quietly to change into his costume, and so did Connie (Connie had spent the past few days making both costumes). Shortly afterwards, Paddy left, as she had to help Dr Bishop with his beard, and then smuggle him and Connie down the back stairs and outside via the kitchen and yard, then round the back of the hotel to the west side of the ballroom.

At 9.20pm, I was racing across the lawns with a small bankie (small bench) clasped in my arms. This had to be in position outside the end ballroom window, the curtains of which had already been drawn together. I also had to see that this window (a long one) was wide open at the bottom. The orchestra had their instructions, and the dancing was carefully timed so that there was a short interval at 9.15pm, the music commencing again at 9.20pm. 

A few minutes later, Ginger and I were doing a sort of nightclub shuffle in front of the all-important window to prevent anyone from opening the curtains. At 9.30pm precisely, Paddy’s signal came and she simply switched off all the lights. Ginger and I were ready and, while the dancers milled about in surprise, the bankie was lifted through and placed in position below the window. Father Christmas climbed in and stood poised on the bankie; the curtains still drawn behind him. I signaled the orchestra, and Ginger switched on the one light near the window to an impressive roll of the drums. The rest of the ballroom remained in darkness.

People clapped enthusiastically, and then hushed as Father Christmas began to speak, looking very effective in his long red robe and beard. He said that he was on his way to England and that this was the reason for his appearance at the Marine Hotel earlier than usual. He had not brought any presents with him this year, but he hoped to take a present away with him to the brave people of Britain – a donation from those present to the ‘Food for Britain Fund’. After the applause died down, he held up his hand for silence.

“I have something further to tell you, good people,” he said. “I have just got married, and I have not been able to leave my bride behind but have brought her with me. When you see her, you will understand why. I would like to introduce Mrs Christmas.”

Turning, he parted the curtains and helped Connie through the window. Connie stood on the bankie beside him, eyes modestly cast down to terrific applause and wolf whistles. She wore a very short (above the knee) red velvet frock, with a flared skirt and tight bodice, edged with cotton wool. She had a red velvet bonnet tied under her chin with a big red satin bow, and wore thin black silk stockings and high-heeled black shoes. She looked extremely delectable.

When Father Christmas could make himself heard again, he went on to say that he and his bride would like to join the dancing for a while, but he would only allow Mrs Christmas to dance with other gentlemen if he was bribed to do so. “And,” he added with a twinkle, “I trust that all you gentlemen are prepared to bribe me quite heavily.”

The orchestra started up again, and Connie hopped off the bankie to be immediately submerged in a sea of black coats. Father Christmas hovered near her, recording the amount of time she was allowed to spend with each partner, according to the bribe he had received. They collected £25 in two hours. At the end, they both felt considerably battered, so retired."

Just outside Greyton sits a campsite that’s long been a favourite getaway for Whale Coast residents. It was first established in the 1960’s and since then has undergone several name changes under different ownership. Now, in the loving hands of Wendy and Ian Boshoff, this much-loved campsite has the name Twin Rivers. 

It is a place where two rivers meet – the shallow Gobos River and the Riviersondered. At their meeting point is a shallow and sandy ‘beach’ where the water is warm and perfect for children to play in and for adults to picnic and bask in the sun. The Riviersondered is cooler, offering a refreshing dip during the hot summer months in Greyton.

Wendy is originally from Cape Town and during her childhood enjoyed many camping trips with her parents, including to Hermanus. As she grew older, the outdoors remained an important part of her life. Ian, who was in the air force at the time he met Wendy, also enjoyed a childhood of adventure. At a time when the area was little established, Ian’s father bought a plot in Hout Bay, and his family camped while the house was being built. 

Wendy and Ian’s mutual love for the outdoors made them a natural fit. Their adventures continued when they had their own children and once their children were out of school, Wendy and Ian enjoyed camping in a number of different areas including in Botswana and Namibia. Their deep love for nature led them to establish Twin Rivers Campsite. 

The campsite had little in the way of facilities when they took over, and was so overgrown that getting to the river was near impossible. Ian, whose to-do list is ongoing, got to work immediately, installing a donkie (an off-grid wood-fired water heater) for hot water, water tanks and pressure pumps, inverters and batteries, taps for each campsite, and put up fences. They fully renovated the ablutions but just after completion, the Overberg was hit with a tremendous storm which resulted in extensive flooding so severe that in Greyton, four people had to be rescued after seeking refuge on the roofs of buildings.

The flooding was disastrous for the campsite. Apart from the heavy rainfall, gale force winds caused significant tree damage, leading to uprooting, branches snapping, and tree trunks breaking. Ian and Wendy’s home was flooded, as well as the newly renovated ablutions. It took a herculean effort to carry out storm-damage clean-up but Ian and Wendy, determined to restore the campsite, got to work immediately, digging deep to fund the clean-up and restoration. Just seven months later, Greyton was yet again hit with flooding. Seriously challenged but still undeterred, Wendy and Ian persevered.

The result of their love for the land and their commitment, is a campsite that is near perfect. Fishing is one of the highlights and best done in the early morning or late afternoon. A campsite leaderboard lists an 8kg Carp as the biggest catch, and Bass have also been caught as well as Bluegill. Three horses live at the campsite in a fenced off area, and if you are lucky, you will encounter some of Greyton’s horses (and the odd cow), owned by various residents, grazing by the riverbanks or exploring the campsite.

What makes the campsite even more appealing is the simple comforts and the convenience that goes along with it. No electricity at the sites adds to the authentic feel of camping but with each campsite having its own water tap, the comforts are still there. The ablutions are spotless and modern with every detail well thought out. The impressive water pressure from the waterfall shower heads is unexpected and welcome after a day of adventure and an evening around the braai. To add to the convenience, Wendy stocks some basic items at the campsite such as firewood, ice, and a few snacks. Being at the campsite feels like one is in the middle of nowhere, yet Greyton is just a stone's throw away. If you don’t feel like having a braai, simply head to one of Greyton’s restaurants and enjoy a pizza!

Twin Rivers Campsite is pet friendly and pets that have visited include cats and birds. The entire campsite can also be rented for family get-togethers such as birthdays, and even weddings.

Over the last seven years that Wendy and Ian have been the guardians of Twin Rivers, it has become not only the place where two rivers meet, but also the place where families meet. Their three children and four grandchildren regularly come together at the campsite to spend weekends with them, and in turn Wendy and Ian have passed on their love for the simple outdoors to the youngest generation – perhaps one of the most special and memorable gifts one can give. 

To find out more about Twin Rivers Campsite visit www.greytontwinriverscampsite.co.za or contact them on 060 901 9708. 

A new dining spot has opened in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, bringing relaxed charm and honest food to one of the area’s most picturesque farms. Kostelijk Restaurant at Bona Dea – a collaboration between the beautiful function venue and restaurateur Riaan Schutte – opened on 3 November and has already begun drawing those looking for a peaceful place to unwind over great food.

Riaan’s journey into hospitality started modestly, washing dishes at Spur in Pretoria while he was still at school. It didn’t take long for his passion and work ethic to push him forward – by the age of 19 he was already an operations manager for Panarottis, and he spent the next several years managing a number of Spur Corporation restaurants before joining the group’s head office in 2016 to work in operations and development. 

He moved to Hermanus in 2023 and remained with the Spur group until earlier this year. Not long after leaving, Bona Dea approached Riaan about opening a restaurant on their farm. They wanted to share the beauty of Bona Dea year-round, not only with wedding parties, function guests, and those booking accommodation. 

The restaurant’s name, Kostelijk, is Dutch and can mean “delicious”, “great”, “delightful” or “precious”, depending on the context. The branding was created by Bona Dea, and the logo thoughtfully weaves in the most recognisable features of the farm: a Cape Dutch gable inspired by Bona Dea’s entrance, a protea to reflect the estate’s protea fields, a valley for the Hemel-en-Aarde landscape, a bird to represent the abundant local birdlife, and a grape and wine bottle hinting at Bona Dea’s new venture into Pinot Noir, with their first vintage expected in 2027.

The décor follows Bona Dea’s existing aesthetic which is elegant, natural and neutral, without loud colours or competing elements. The gentle palette keeps the focus on the sweeping valley views, whether diners choose to sit indoors, on the deck or on the grass beneath the trees outside. The atmosphere is peaceful and unhurried – aligned with the restaurant’s approach to food.

Kostelijk’s menu is intentionally unpretentious: simple, honest and full of flavour. To help create the menu, Riaan brought in local consultant chef Wander Bester, well known in the area for his love of local ingredients and for dishes that are both comforting and elevated. 

Dishes include the Kostelijk Breakfast with bacon, eggs, sautéed tomatoes, herbed potatoes and sourdough; West Coast mussels in a white wine sauce; a hearty beef burger with cheddar, caramelised onions and triple-cooked chips; lamb rack cutlets with rosemary basting and pomme purée; Cape Brandy crème brûlée with grilled pineapple; and a delightful Hertzoggie cheesecake with ginger biscuit crumble, apricot coulis and coconut meringue. 

There are also gluten-free and vegetarian options, and children can enjoy dishes such as buttermilk-marinated chicken strips; fish with chips or vegetables; a juicy beef burger with chips or salad; and a variety of ice cream desserts.

The wine list focuses entirely on local producers – a deliberate choice. Riaan worked with local sommelier Sasha van Zyl to curate a selection showcasing the region’s best. Monthly collaborations with these different farms are planned, bringing tastings and special experiences to Kostelijk. For those who prefer something other than wine, there are gins, beers, liquors, whiskies, soft drinks, teas, and local coffee.

Only a short drive into the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Kostelijk Restaurant at Bona Dea offers an easy escape into nature with warm, attentive service and plenty of parking. The restaurant is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm; and Sundays and public holidays 9am to 4pm. Bookings can be made at 028 050 0371 or email bookings@kostelijk.co.za. 

The restaurant will be closed on 25 December, 31 December and 1 January. Find them on Facebook (Kostelijk Restaurant at Bona Dea) and on Instagram (@kostelijk_bonadea). For more info on the venue, visit www.bonadea.co.za.

BY LEA SMIT

University of Pretoria MRI Whale Unit 

To spot a humpback whale super-group on the South African west coast is an awe-inspiring sight. In fact, you will often smell them before you see them as their exhaled breath (or "blow") has a very strong and unpleasant odour. 

As you get closer, the ocean surface ripples as 20, 50, or even 200 whales lunge-feed together. While these gatherings are not new per se, they still present a massive puzzle we have yet to solve.

We know these whales are here to eat. But who exactly are they? Historically, we divided our humpback whales into distinct “stocks”. Stock B belongs on the west coast, and stock C belongs on the east coast. They have different travel itineraries, and theoretically, stick to their own sides of the continent. But the sheer size of these super-groups suggests the abundance of prey on the west coast might be attracting whales from further afield. Are these whales locals, or have east coast whales travelled around the tip of Africa to crash the party?

To answer this, my work starts with photos on the “Happywhale” platform. These matches confirmed our first clue: whales are indeed moving between the coasts. But a photo can only tell you where a whale has been, not necessarily where it belongs. To truly solve this case, I had to go deeper – into their DNA. For my master’s research at the University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit, I analysed biopsy samples using two methods: mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite markers. 

First, I look at mitochondrial DNA. This is passed down exclusively from mothers to their calves. It acts like a “maternal ancestry test”, allowing me to trace a whale’s lineage back generations to see if they descend from west coast or east coast matriarchs. 

But ancestry isn’t everything, so I also analysed microsatellite markers. These markers look at nuclear DNA (inherited from both parents) and give us a much higher resolution picture, like a genetic fingerprint. It allows me to see how closely related these individuals within super-groups are to one another right now, not just in the distant past. 

My analysis revealed a fascinating complexity. While the super-groups are a “melting pot” where whales from both stocks mix, the two populations remain genetically distinct. Southern Hemisphere humpbacks have complex life histories and are all closely related, so they cluster tightly together in genetic models. However, statistical analysis confirms that stock B and C still maintain their unique identities despite rubbing shoulders at the feeding grounds. 

So, while the west coast is clearly hosting the biggest dinner party in the Southern Hemisphere, it seems the guests are just there for the food. Stocks B and C are happy to share the buffet, but for now, they are keeping their family trees separate.

BY HASHER FAMILY WINES 

Walk into any tasting room in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and you'll notice wines named after children: Ernest Pinot Noir at Hasher Family Wines, Glenn's Chardonnay at Creation, and Le Luc Pinot Noir at Restless River. These aren't marketing gimmicks, but declarations of love and legacy. They're a winemaker's way of saying: this is for you, this is yours, this will outlast me.

This sentiment runs deep here, because the Hemel-en-Aarde stands apart from many larger wine regions in a fundamental way – every single winery remains family-owned. It might seem like a small detail, but in an industry where a vineyard is planted to last 35 years or more, this ownership structure shapes everything.

When families own wineries, they think in generations rather than quarters. There's no pressure from distant shareholders to maximise short-term profits or chase fleeting trends. Instead, decisions are made with grandchildren in mind: which grape varieties to plant, whether to farm organically, and how to nurture the land for those who'll inherit it. 

The Hemel-en-Aarde is a relatively young wine region, so many estates are still in their first generation. But increasingly, we're watching the next generation step forward, bringing fresh energy whilst honouring their parents' vision. At Newton Johnson, brothers Bevan and Gordon have taken over the reins. Gordon leads in the cellar and vineyards, whilst Bevan concentrates on sales and marketing, both equally vital to a winery's success.

At Restless River, Luke, whose name graces their Pinot Noir, joined the family business two years ago and now manages the vineyards under the careful guidance of his parents, Craig and Anne. There's wisdom in this gradual transition, with the younger generation bringing new ideas and techniques learnt elsewhere, whilst the founders share decades of intimate knowledge about their specific terroir.

At Creation, Glenn has returned home after gaining experience through several harvests abroad. He's now working alongside his father in the cellar, the very man who once named a Chardonnay in his honour. It's a beautiful full circle, from being celebrated as a child to becoming a winemaker in his own right.

Even the valley's youngest winery embodies this multi-generational spirit. Hasher Family Wines, which started in 2021, has been a family partnership from day one, with uncle and niece working side by side. It's a reminder that family doesn't always follow the traditional parent-to-child path. Sometimes it spans across branches of the family tree, uniting different perspectives towards a shared vision.

This family character shapes not just how these estates operate internally, but how they engage with the community and the land. Family-owned wineries tend to be deeply rooted in their local areas, treating the land as a legacy to protect rather than an asset to exploit.

For visitors to the Hemel-en-Aarde, this creates something special – authenticity. When you taste wine here, you're often meeting the very people who planted the vines, made the wine, and designed the label. There's a directness, a personal connection that simply can't be replicated in corporate-owned estates. In a wine world increasingly dominated by large conglomerates, the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley remains a place where families are building legacies, one vintage at a time. 

BY GREENPOP

As you read this, you may be sitting with your toes in the sand at De Kelders, enjoying the holiday buzz in a café in Hermanus, or waiting for the whales to surface in Pringle Bay. Wherever you are, I would like you to give yourself a pat on the back. You did it! You made it to the end of a wild and wonderful 2025.

Now that the year-end celebration is underway, it is the perfect time to secure your next meaningful family escape. The Easter long weekend, falling at the tail end of the first term school break, provides the ideal opportunity to once again gather loved ones and explore the beauty of our local region.

So, I have a proposition for you. Instead of labouring in the kitchen all weekend, spend your Easter at Greenpop's Reforest Fest, hosted at Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat in the scenic Uilenkraal Valley near Gansbaai. This event is the perfect Easter getaway – an opportunity to slow down, connect with loved ones, and give back to the environment while savouring the beauty of the Overberg region. This one-of-a-kind experience ticks all the traditional boxes for a perfect family Easter holiday.

But Reforest Fest is more than just a getaway; it is a collaborative and joy-filled ecological restoration event. Since 2011, this annual gathering has provided a direct opportunity for locals and visitors to participate in Greenpop’s successful long-term forest restoration efforts right here in the Overberg region. By joining us, you are actively contributing to the Uilenkraal Forest Restoration Project. The event goal is to plant 5 000 trees this year, adding significantly to the 160 000 already planted to date. This work secures a legacy of environmental stewardship for future generations and enhances the natural biodiversity of the region.

Aside from the core tree planting activity, Reforest Fest excels at providing screen-free family time in nature, with a multitude of engaging activities for all ages. The weekend’s offerings include creative workshops, rejuvenating yoga sessions, talks by sustainability experts, and dancing under the stars to local and international musicians. The dedicated children’s area holds fun and supervised activities like Nature Play's Forest School, storytelling, and craft sessions. 

Of course, no Easter weekend is complete without the thrill of the search! The Easter Choco Hunt, brought to you by Tony's Chocolonely and Wellness Warehouse, is a fun, educational, and supervised activity for children that celebrates tradition while emphasising sharing and kindness – ensuring that your family can enjoy all the traditional highlights of the holiday in a beautiful new setting.

Reforest Fest's food village features a diverse range of affordable, locally-sourced, plant-based food, ensuring delicious and conscious options throughout the weekend – no apron required. For our wine-loving guests, we are bringing back our much-loved Wines in the Wild event, featuring WWF South Africa Conservation Wine Champion farms. 

The major culinary highlight of the weekend, however, is the annual Harvest Feast. This Sunday celebration, led by local chef Bridget Bartleman, is our unforgettable, fuss-free Easter lunch experience. Chef Bridget curates a menu based on locally sourced, fresh organic ingredients, coupled with some of the finest regional delicacies from across the Overstrand and the Cape. Guests enjoy this feast accompanied by exclusive reserve wine pairings and live music.

Aside from all the fun and games, we recognise that Easter is a time of worship, reflection, and celebration for our Christian community. For those who wish to attend, we are proud to be partnering with the Green Anglicans this year to host a sunrise Easter Sunday Service as part of the morning's activities. It will be a moment for quiet contemplation and communal gathering, ensuring every aspect of the traditional holiday is honoured within the event’s inclusive framework.

Reforest Fest offers much more than just a festival. It is an unforgettable experience where connection, purpose, and celebration come together. On Easter weekend (3 – 6 April 2026), rally the children, pitch your tent, and escape to Reforest Fest. Give your family the gift of a restorative, meaningful, and genuinely fun long weekend in the heart of the Overberg. Head to our website to get your tickets and find out more!