The highlight (and primary purpose) of our trip to Hermanus, South Africa, was to see the Southern Right whales. We booked a trip with
Southern Right Charters so we could observe these magnificent creatures up close. We were told the Southern Rights could easily be found in the Hermanus area from July-November, when the mothers go there to calve and suckle their babies. Click
here to read some interesting info about the Southern Right Whale.
In this 1st photo, the girls and I are standing beside a 'model' Southern Right. HUGE!!!!!
This is the craft, a custom-built catamaran named "Miroscha",
that carried us on our adventure to see the whales.
Hermanus coastline
On board the "Miroshca", headed out of the bay to find some whales!
Enjoying the fresh air as we cruise along
3 Southern Right whales - on the surface of the ocean
This one is spouting water....neat to watch!
I think there are about 4 whales in this picture
At the end of a fun-filled day of whale watching and shopping, this is where we laid our weary heads to rest....
Pebble Beach Guest House. The accommodations were perfect for us, and very family friendly. The staff catered to our every need. And the breakfasts!!!!!! The best we had during our South Africa adventure.
Picture of Pebble Beach Guest House, from their website.
The house overlooks the 25th green of the Hermanus Golf Club.
Welcome!
We, indeed, felt very welcome during our stay.
I really liked these African masks.
These were along the hallway entrance.
The girls playing Mancala, on the downstairs veranda.
Photo of downtown 'main street' Hermanus....taken the morning we were leaving.
A neat 'small-town' feel place with lots of interesting shops, coffee shops and restaurants.
We enjoyed just strolling through downtown, going from shop to shop,
and chatting with some of the store owners.
This is where we found a pair of tennis shoes for our eldest - for playing tennis.
We call them 'tennis shoes', but South Africans, and even
those in Southern Africa itself call them 'tekkies'.
I am so glad we spent some time in Hermanus and were able to see the whales. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
The next stop on our tour will be to a penguin colony! African Penguins! Stay tuned.
After leaving Hermanus, our next stop was Cape Town. However, along the way we detoured to the Stony Point Penguin Colony. As we were driving along (to CT), hubby saw the signs for "Penguins". We followed the signs and ended up at the colony. Didn't even know it was there. That's what I love about traveling without a schedule to keep - you can stop whenever you want - take detours - take in the sights of your surroundings. 
Next stop will be Cape Town....Table Mountain, double-decker bus, beaches....and whatever else I took pictures of!
