Drop Anchor : Town Ahead

There's a certain charm to Simonstown in the Western Cape, just 44 km's from Cape Town.  The Town played a strategic role in the first and second world wars and given the notoriously dangerous passage around Cape Point, Simonstown was regarded as the safest anchorage to shelter ships from the violent North West Gales. The vast number of sailors having passed through Simonstown, surely connects many families across the world to the history of this town.

  

A world famous resident of Simonstown, back in the day, was a Great Dane by the name of "Just Nuisance".  A favourite treat for my children, is always to pose for a picture next to his bronze statute in Jubilee Square.  One can only imagine what a mischief and a character he must of been.   Standing two metres tall, on his hind legs, you could hardly have missed him, he was allowed to roam freely through the streets and would often accompany the sailors on a day trip to Cape Town.  The Railways disapproved of having "Nuisance" on board the trains and so wanted him put down, this caused a huge public outcry, and to save "Nuisance" the Navy decided to enlist him as a member of the Armed Forces in August 1939.  His enlistment papers showed his Surname: Nuisance, Trade : Bone Crusher, Religion : Canine Divinity League.  While he never got to sail on the sea, he served loyally ashore.  But of course with mischief came several offences: train hopping, absent without leave, losing his collar and refusing to leave the pub at closing time.  One can only think how this unique character boosted the morale of the troops.  He was buried with full naval honours.

Walk through the cobbled streets of the town, enjoy the smell of the sea air, grab a delicious fish and chips take away, visit the antique shops, museums, or just admire the buildings and you will experience the charm of this town for yourself. 

Don't leave without visiting the submarine museum : THE SAS ASSEGAAI, a decommissioned submarine, formerly known as The SAS Johanna Van Der Merwe.  All tours are conducted by experienced guides, the one we had really made life on board the submarine come alive.  Standing on top of the sub, you have no idea what awaits you below. 
 

Descending the ladder takes you into a highly sophisticated vessel.  One can hardly imagine how you would house 6 Officers and 45 Senior and Junior Rating personnel on board.  No wonder Submariners are highly trained and tested people.  Everything is certainly to highly efficient and precise standards in order to have ensured the safety of all on board and the success of the missions.  A highlight for the children is to sit in the Captains chair.  Such a small kitchen would have been a test for any Chef and yet meals were prepared and served, even in adverse conditions.

It's towns like these, that make South Africa an exciting destination.

So leave the ordinary behind, and come and see for yourself.

For more about tours, email us on info@travelsatleisure.com