Today’s tidbit: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ― Mark Twain

Earlier this week I shared Ocean View Hotel + Coffee Bay, where we stayed for 2 nights. After a wonderful first night, we enjoyed  a free day. Getting up early I watched the sunrise (where we saw the moon rise the following night), made friends with local dogs, ran along the beach and had breakfast overlooking the water. After a wonderful morning, the afternoon was spent exploring–hiking, swimming, wandering around the town and talking with locals. A nice break from all the planned days, it was wonderful to just have an adventurous and spontaneous day enjoying the area.

Sneak peek image:

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

{early morning sunrise + walk & run along the beach} Walking along the beach while watching the sunrise I found a new local dog friend, such a sweet goofball. I spent the morning walking up and down the beach with him following me and playing with a rock that he was obsessed with (pictures below). After playing for a while I went on a long run. It was so peaceful and beautiful.

Found another cute local pup. She reminded me of Sammy and although she seemed in good health and was very friendly, I’m sure she was a stray and I wanted to take her home. Loved all the dogs at Coffee Bay!

{morning view} After a wonderful morning on the beach, I came back to the hotel and met my mom and some of our tour group for breakfast.

{meeting locals} After breakfast, my mom, a guy from our group and I went back on the beach.

{afternoon adventure + mountain views} My mom stayed back with the local kids (pictures above), who were making and selling jewelry, while a guy from our group and I went off to explore. We started off with climbing the mountain.

As the website states, “You will be stunned by the beauty and wildness of the terrain around you. A long winding road through open veldt, valleys and mountains with breath taking views on either side of you, sometimes high cliffs, sometimes sheer drops but all part of the stunning arena of the wild coast. Cattle and wildlife walk freely, giving you the true African experience. The ocean vista opens up before as you progress closer to the Hotel adding to the excitement of arriving at your destination.” Read more.

At the top looking down. Breath taking views! You can see the hotel in the distance.

{afternoon adventure + dirt road exploring} Once we hiked up and down the mountain, taking in the breath taking views, we meandered through a tight path that opened up to a dirt road. Deciding to spend the day exploring and embracing whatever came our way we hiked up the steep dirt road with cattle and wildlife walking freely.

{afternoon adventure + local bar} Having things planned with tours can be good but nothing compares to having a day free to be spontaneous and see where it leads you. At the top of the dirt road we saw signs for horseback riding so, of course, I wanted to check it out. It ended up leading us to a local hangout, which was a hidden treasure. It didn’t look like much outside, but once inside we were greeted by more friendly dogs, local music and welcoming locals. Deciding to take a break, we ordered a few drinks and talked with the owner and some backpackers who stopped in. Such interesting people and conversations!

We took advantage of the Monday specials (15 Rand is less than $1.50!) and tried one of each… banana, apple, barone, mint crisp and tomato homemade concoctions mixed with tequila.

{afternoon adventure + swimming} After spending a while at the bar we continued wandering around, eventually making it back down the dirt road and to one side of the mountain with the rockier side of the beach. With it getting hot out and the lovely water, I took a break and went swimming.

Continuing on, we walked around to that ledge and sat at the very edge (picture below).

Sitting on the ledge looking back at where we were and had gone swimming (picture below).

Walking back to the mountain, I found my dog friend from the morning who followed us the whole way back.

{afternoon adventure + back to the hotel} Back at the top, I paused to take it all in again and then continued back down the other side to where we started.

Walking along the beach with our new friend following behind was a great way to end a wonderful day exploring. I wanted to take him home, but was relieved he had a home (some of the locals on the beach said he belonged to a surfer). Lookit that face!

And that was an amazing full day exploring! It was so easy to get caught up and lose track of time. Coffee Bay is a hidden treasure that is unique and so beautiful. I loved all the dogs and friendly locals we met along the way!

Check back next week as we continue the journey to Port Alfred. Have a great weekend!