S1 - Ep 250 - Simon’s Town - The Largest South African Naval Base!

I am always surprised at how beautiful Simon’s Town is. The drive down the main road through the town centre all the way to Boulders Beach was fantastic. Of course we had to go down to Boulders to see the African Penguins. This was our first visit to this beach and it was awesome to see these cute little guys and gals. We also drove past the largest Naval Base in South Africa and spotted some naval vessels docked in the harbour. There’s a great view of the harbour at Jubilee Square at the waterfront! This is also where a monument of Able Seaman, Just Nuisance, the only dog to have served in the Royal Navy, can be found. We then decided to go find his grave which we did. What an inspirational dog he was! The views of Simon’s Town from the top of the hill were just astounding! #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #travelongravel #capetown #westerncape #simonstown #tablemountain
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[@1812nico]

Hi you two! Now you've done it, I'm in tears. I did my military service in the Navy. Was trained as a Commop (communications operator) at the Signal School on the hill above the town in 1968/69. Just Nuisance was quite a fabled hero amongst us. I never really spent time in town itself, or on the beach. We used our time off to take the train to the city to go to bioscope (etc. !) Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this trip, it even filled in gaps in my memory. A stunning town, beach and penguins, with all the blue skies, sea and mountains I could wish for. Stay safe!

[@DustBugsTravel]

No way! That's exactly where Just Nuisance is buried then! Let me tell you, he's quite the hero to the two of us as well! We just had to go and find his grave. 🏛️🐕 It was really not our intention to sadden you, but hopefully they were all happy tears for fond and wonderful memories of your time there! 😊 I don't blame you one bit for going to the bioscope instead of exploring the town, just goes to show how one's outlook and priorities change over the years. We used to love the bioscope too, mind you! 📽️ It was our absolute pleasure to show you a glimpse into this special place which you spent so much time in in your younger years. Now you can say you did explore the town a little and we're happy that it was with us! 🤩🚢

[@AntoneJohnson-dq5gm]

No ! Old Man " it's time for Simon Town To Become A Metropolitan Coastal City ! I'm for sure SA NAVAL ALLIANCE can be relocated to ALEXZANDER BAY Northern Cape Plymouth Ramsar Basin River Territory * Or Else we disrespect the soldiers whom are served and calls Simon Town home *

[@simonemason5352]

There is a lot of development going on in and around Cape Town. And it looks amazingly clean and cared for. Thank goodness for these blessings in S A.

[@DustBugsTravel]

The natural beauty we saw as we drove around all these places, must surely be unrivalled! It's true that all these villages and towns are well-maintained and clean, which is an absolute pleasure to see and which makes us proud to call this area home! Thank you for watching, I haven't seen you around for a while! 😁🚗

[@hiltonroberts8742]

Thanks Dustbugs. Nostalgia overwelms me. We camped for two weeks every end of the year at Kommetjie, and the sound of that sea gives me the same old feelings, way back in the 60's.

[@DustBugsTravel]

I can hear you still remember those times fondly and I'm glad our video reminded you of some of the special times you had there. The sound of the ocean tends to do that to me as well, make me all nostalgic and remember times that have long since passed. I can sit and stare at the waves washing in and out for literally hours on end. I don't do that often enough. It's food for the soul! We appreciate you coming along to this stretch of coastline again! 🤩🌊

[@funkdunk]

Perhaps one of your best episodes yet, I have seen the "Just Nuisance" but never knew that there was his grave too. Boulders Beach looked so incredibly inviting, what a place, unique and sheltered. I had my first "Jack Black" at Harbour Island in your part of the world, your one must have tasted great after your day's adventures...Simons Town covers a large area when one includes Glencairn. We went to the "Fresh Air Camp" during Primary School and a camp near Glencairn too 🙂...if you do venture out that way again you should visit the "Southern Right Hotel" and of course the infamous "Brass Bell"

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm glad you enjoyed our excursion to Simon's Town. We just had to go to Just Nuisance's grave, a one-of-a-kind canine indeed! 🏵️ The penguins and dassies at Boulders made us smile, they were so close! 🐧 It was a good day in the fresh air of this beautiful.place! We don't know the Southern Right Hotel, but it sounds a cool place, so will remember for next time. 🐳 The Brass Bell, on the other hand, we know quite well! 😁 I was super bummed that parking anywhere close was a non-starter the day we were in Kalk Bay, but we shall return one day! 🛎️

[@barryrahn5957]

Such a lovely blue ocean! Just watching this makes me feel strange because next stop, Antarctica! All the antipodean countries fascinate me... I think how the light shines from the north... to me that is so strange, but in a good way! It's very healing seeing a southern summer from a Chicago point of view. Lekker indeed! Cheers!

[@IgnatiousMarekolleMahlokwane]

Hello Barry. When you get opportunity. Do visit our country. You will be safe. Regards

[@DustBugsTravel]

@Barry Rahn Greetings to you in the frigid Prairie State! 🥶 We lived in the Empire and Sunshine States for a number of years and we often miss your beautiful country! 😍🇺🇸 I'm glad you enjoyed this video of our visit to Simon's Town. It was a very bright and clear day and the ocean was a fantastic deep blue! 🌊 Antarctica is a bit of a stretch for us, we've reacclimatised to South African weather and really battle with cold weather now. I'll leave that exploring up to you. We're sending some warmth from the warm southern tip of the African continent! Thank you for watching! ☀️🇿🇦

[@hospagalief]

Cape town has the best light in the world

[@barryrahn5957]

@@hospagalief About fifteen years ago I became fascinated with Cape Town. Don't know why. Maybe it's because it's down there at the bottom of the globe and the sun shines from a different angle. Or maybe from watching Skippy the bush kangaroo - different continent I know. Maybe it's the red jackets of the British army of old? Or the fact that there's a lot of space in SA, like America. Anyway, cheers!

[@annawitter5161]

Glencairn was a favourite pub of ours. The views of the sea from the pub are so amazing. We would go have a light lunch there and watch the kite surfers. Simons Town is so scenic, full of lovely views. We loved Boulders and the penguins. Has just got a bit expensive. Thank you for stopping at the graveyard. We had a special birthday at Seaforth, amazing place. Thought you guy would go on to Cape Point

[@DustBugsTravel]

Sounds like this area once again holds so many special memories for you. 😊 I just loved the penguins, it was fantastic to see them up close. 🐧We visited Table Mountain National Park in 2021 before we started our channel and I have extensive footage, which I may decide to edit and upload one day when I have time to do so. 😁🚗

[@annawitter5161]

@@DustBugsTravel Ja, nog skatbare gedenke van ons samewees. Aii! Toggie!! But thank you. Its a, part of my healing right now. Its important and necessary that I go through this.

[@rlacombe]

One of my favourite places in the world

[@markduncan-brown4717]

Thanks for your observant eye. ..penguins!

[@DustBugsTravel]

They were right under my nose, I would've had a serious problem if I missed them! They were so cute, I just loved spending time with them! 🐧😍

[@anniehyams2848]

Simons Town is a beautiful and another beautiful place to visit in Caoe Town is Paarl also a beautiful Wine and farming town Thank You So Much for Sharing Your Beautiful Video @ Dustbugs Travel 👍👍❤️❤️

[@anniehyams2848]

Hi Everyone @ Dustbugs Travel Thank You So Much for the Beautiful Red Heart and Thank You So Much for Enjoying my messages and Comments @ Dustbugs Travel 👍👍❤️❤️

[@kosherchessandphotography4139]

Wonderful tour of Simon's Town. In about 3 months we can see these sights in person! Very interesting about Just Nuisance! I remember in the 90's there was a TV series about him!

[@charlietreston4035]

Hi guys love the railway line next to the road and station also the old buildings plenty of churches penguins crossing crazy pretty beach they always make me smile jubilee Square and just nuisance brilliant South Africa navy ship great 👍 the grave stone I noticed the name of the ship was HMS Afrikander beautiful views always nice to see cemetery and memorial looked after Dixies looked busy when you got your drinks my gills started flapping I'd have a Redheart rum and coke lol another great video cheerio till the next one

[@DustBugsTravel]

Let me tell you something, my gills were flapping too at the sight of that beer! 🤣🍺 But I'd be happy to sit down with a Red Heart and Coke with you too! 🥃 Simon's Town is not only a beautiful place, but also a very historical one and we were happy that we got to go back in history a little. Just Nuisance is just a fantastic story and we felt we wanted to go and pay our respects. He must've been one incredible dog! 🐕🚢 The graveyard was so interesting with all the old graves. What a peaceful final resting place that is next to the ocean. 🏛️🌊 The penguins were such characters as they were prancing around. We were so happy to see them! 🐧 I shall be picking you up again in two days for the next outing! 😁🚗

[@flodillon991]

Somonstown lots of memories. Just loved the Boulders beach with the penguins and rock rabbits (dassies) how delightful. The navel dog must have been an exceptional one. Well done that blue sea was amazing.

[@DustBugsTravel]

I just knew you'd love the penguins and the dassies! It was fantastic to be so close to them, I don't think I've ever been that close to dassies before! 😎 Just Nuisance must've been an amazing dog, I agree. We love it that he was buried with full military honours and it was a special moment to visit his grave. 🏛️🐕 Thank you for taking a drive through Simon's Town with us! 🌊🤩

[@FrederickMcCrudden-dc2il]

What a great team. Beautiful scenic areas just live it your way.

[@volksieza]

Great suite of programmes to some of our favorite places. Fascinating to hear 3rd oldest town, just 10 yrs before ours. Such heritage, awesome to see

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, always glad to hear from you! Just unbelievable if one thinks how far back some of those buildings go and they're still in fantastic shape, which is always great to see! The natural beauty around the Cape Peninsula took our breaths away all over again and we live just around the corner. I never knew Grahamstown is now called Makhanda. We hope to head in that direction this year sometime! We appreciate you still tagging along! 😁🚗

[@volksieza]

@@DustBugsTravel chat privately and plan ahead to help if we can

[@patshes1951]

Never knew it was so big. Went there in the train from Cape Town.

[@DustBugsTravel]

That must've been one pretty train ride. 🚉 The town is rather spread out and so very beautiful from every vantage point imaginable! 🏞🚗

[@arisbudiman8435]

beautifull, the sun shine so bright

[@premierhoner614]

Hi you two. Thank you once again for a great video once again. It's a sit back and enjoy the fun. And you two sounds as if your still on honeymoon... After all this years. Great mannnnn. Look after one another. Life is shot.. Lots of love from Muizenberg.. ❤❤😅😅

[@seymourcpt]

Beautiful place! My Son is in the Navy at Simonstown doing communications....Morse code radio comms ect. Never been to Boulders but i need to put a tick to it soon. To Sonja,in the words of Bob Dylan 'The wind was howling and the snow was outrages' Thank you.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you for coming along to your son's stomping grounds! 🚢 Coincidentally, my nephew was also in comms on the subs and he loved every minute of his time in the Navy! I loved the penguins, it'll be well worth your time to go and meet them personally. 😍🐧 I shall convey Bob Dylan's lyrics to my darling wife! 😁

[@seymourcpt]

@@DustBugsTravel Isis - Bob Dylan

[@jimclarke8225]

Thanks for these Cape Town tours, still remember the places after 56 years away. Used to skive off UCT lectures to go sailing from Simonstown! Main Street hardly changed. Wonderful memories.

[@DustBugsTravel]

What a wonderful memory you have of Simon's Town! ⛵ It has been the greatest pleasure to take you back to all these beautiful places. It's fantastic to know that the main road hasn't changed much in half a century. The longer it can stay that way, the better in our eyes. Thank you so much for coming along! 🚗🌊

[@munesumangava9751]

Beautiful ink blue sea👌👌👌

[@pamelahendricks4127]

Beautiful

[@BrendonSchaferCT]

Lekker. You got to the end at Miller's Point. Nothing but Cape Point further south. Was Just Nuisance grave off on Red Hill? You seemed to go up there. I think I've been on that road, but not as far as the grave. Never knew it was there. You chose your timing well at Boulders - low tide. High tide, you cannot get onto the beach. You skipped the walk between Boulders and Seaforth. To see all the nesting penguins. In fact your timing seemed perfect, another windless day. You could go to Simon's Town when the navy has open day, or whatever they call it. They take you for a tour on the vessels and experience quite a bit. I've been on a vessel, but my friend took me once he was second engineer or whatever they called it. Just be prepared for the traffic. No tour of the train station? Thanks for showing the graves. When they built that mall, it looked like they were removing the graves or doing something with them as the mall is on the site. I moved out of the area before the mall was complete. For your wife - the Fresh Air camp is outreach mostly to under privileged children. My grandfather actually worked there, I think late 70s and maybe early 80s before his health deteriorated. Great video as always. Still catching up on the Northern Cape trip. So many....

[@DustBugsTravel]

We're never too bothered by things and places we missed or didn't do, it simply is impossible to see or do everything in a tiny town in the country, let alone a much bigger place like these around the Peninsula. We're just too happy and grateful for every little thing we do get to see, that's more than enough for us! 😁 Just Nuisance's grave is indeed on the Red Hill road. I wasn't sure we'd find it and completely forgot to film on the way up there. I'm so glad we got to see it, it's quite special. 🏛️🐕 I am fascinated by graveyards and feel those folks deserve the respect. This one was special being so close to the ocean. I just adored seeing the penguins and rock hyrax so close, they're all characters in their own right. My nephew worked on the subs for many years and he often invited us for tours. I wish I took him up on those offers, but never seemed to have or make the time back then. 😥 Thanks for the info about the Fresh Air Camp, Sonia just loved the name! She's got her own unique sense of humour, so found the name rather refreshing itself! Our trip through Namaqualand was a memorable one for us in so many ways, glad to hear you're still watching those videos too! 👌🏻🚗

[@mossfairy3060]

So beautiful andclean

[@DustBugsTravel]

Glad you enjoyed! 🤩🚗

[@phillipleboa5167]

In the Dutch Reform Church you showed in the video: this is where C.J. Langenhoven composed and wrote the National Anthem DIE STEM VAN SUID AFRIKA. It was also performed in this church for the first time. Thank you for your videos!!

[@ronnykenny3965]

Curtis why did you get the giggles? Did Sonja say " it's crap the warship I saw" or did she say " it's scrap the warship I saw" ? 😂😂😂😂😂 Beautiful vid , thanks again for taking us along 🙏

[@DustBugsTravel]

🤣 I actually chuckled at the entire 'warship'and 'dockyard' situation, I was surprised that she even knew about a dockyard to be fair! 🚢 And then everything became a vessel, we had a good laugh about that too! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed this beautiful part of the Cape Peninsula, the views and the ocean and the penguins were all fantastic to see and experience. We appreciate you tagging along, as always! 🌊🚗

[@frederikbrits9559]

Another great uncle Johannes Petrus Brits from Stilfontein TVL was captured in February 1900 at Magersfontein and died the following year in Camp Bellevue, next to Simons Bay

[@DustBugsTravel]

Interesting! I wonder if his grave would be in the cemetery I visited. 🏛️

[@frederikbrits9559]

The death notice of JP Brits stated, POW at Paardeberg, February 1900, died July 1901 in Simonstown hospital....probably there must be somewhere a memorial....?

[@DustBugsTravel]

No doubt there will be a gravesite somewhere. The issue is to find it. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Cape_Town_7655]

they say in summer the ice melt in south pole and make see a lot colder in cape town

[@DustBugsTravel]

Interesting! 🌊 And here I was, thinking that it's the cold water from the depths of the ocean that gets brought to the surface by the swells of the ocean and by the wind. 😁

[@debbieschilder5266]

My home town born in Arsenal Road .so sad we were forceable removed to Ocean View.Longbeach and Jaffa beach where we as coloured could swim.And now my daughter has the privilege to live in Runcimen Drive.

[@lebraa9233]

Wow fantastisch beautifull continent how far is that from Kaapstad ? Its Desert place 👍❤

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed our video. 😁 I wouldn't call Simon's Town a desert, it's actually quite a green place and right on the ocean. It's about a 40km drive from Cape Town. 🚗🌊

[@lebraa9233]

@@DustBugsTravel Thank you somuch for your reaction good to know that is 40km from Kaapstad its a beautifull oceaan we hope to travel when the Country will be stabiel if it will ever happen disappointing lights on én off stay safe Good weekend 🤗🙏

[@IamtherealDodger67]

It's a pity you missed going into the base to the Navy Museum, there's so much interesting history there.

[@DustBugsTravel]

There is always a next time. We don't worry about anything we missed, instead we're just grateful for everything we got to see! 🐧🐕🏛️🌊⛰️🚢

[@geraldinemethven8112]

Home ! The most beautiful, unique little town in SA just love it 🥰 thank you !

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you for watching our video of your hometown. You're indeed very fortunate to call this special place home. 🐧🐕🏛️🌊⛰️🚗

[@robinboyes8749]

Time stamp 20:39 SAS Drakensberg in the foreground. Launched 24 April 1986 and commissioned 11 November 1987. Fleet replenishment ship. In background SAS Protea (yellow funnel) Hecla Class hydrographic Survey Vessel for S A Navy. Launched 14 July 1971 and commissioned 23 May 1972. Also one of the Valour Class Frigates. Navy has 4 of these vessels built in Hamburg and Keil (Germany) 2002/3.

[@Crash-zm2qd]

My great grandfather was going to take a posting to Simonstown in 1946 having served 11 years in British Army and was in WW2 to continue his Army career he was going to join South African mounted police and family would of moved out there but my great grandmother wanted to stay in England so family did. If they moved out to South Africa I would not be here and my grandfather would of had a different life altogether growing up out there.

[@mariusroos4146]

Well done thanks. I love Simons Town and when living in Fishhoek it was our Sunday afternoon drive

[@DustBugsTravel]

Yes, that would've been a short drive for you from Fish Hoek! This area is so stunningly beautiful, I'm sure you saw lots of amazing things and scenery on those drives! I'm happy you came along to see Simon's Town with the two of us! 🌊🚢

[@robinboyes8749]

Time stamp 9:06, on the right is the entrance to the S A Navy Barracks as well as the Torpedo and Anti-Submarine School (TAS) where I trained during national service back in the 70's (we had a navy then).

[@munesumangava9751]

Just been to Nature’s Valley coz was catching up episodes 150 to 200 Need to catchup from where I left off the latest ones (249). Simon’s Town here I come😂

[@lukasvisagie9513]

Thank you for wonderful memories rekindled! BUT ... you passed through Simon's Town too quickly, you probably missed about 95% of what it has to offer. Treat yourselves to a 2-week holiday there and explore on foot, except drive out to the Cape Point nature reserve (lots of baboons there), spend at least a day driving around and treat yourself to a climb to the lookout point at the light house, one of the most spectacularly sited and amazing light houses in SA. The light can be seen for miles and its loom is often the first welcome sight of land ahead, even as far away as 60 nautical miles. From the lookout point enjoy the sight of the sea breaking on the rocks below Cape Point and just to the west the Cape of Good Hope, the most southerly point of the peninsula, and about a mile out to sea the water breaking over Bellows Rock where almost exactly 112. years ago, on 18 April 1911 the SS Lusitania (not to be confused with RMS Lusitania) was wrecked.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you for watching our video! We waited a long time to be tourists in our own country and that's exactly what we're going to do! 🚙😁 We don't linger in one place and am not fussed in the slightest about what we supposedly 'miss'. Instead, we're just too grateful for all we do get to see. We've lived in Strand for almost a decade now and I had a nephew in the Navy in Simon's Town for a long time, so we're very familiar with most of the places you mentioned. It is indeed a spectacularly beautiful area to visit! 🤩🌊

[@honeydate]

Wish I were there in the fairest Cape instead of shivering in London UK

[@DustBugsTravel]

The fairest Cape is beautiful indeed and we have now begun to feel why February is known as the hottest month of the year! 🥵 Sending some warmth over your way! 🇿🇦☀️

[@Ukie88]

South Africa has a navy? But poor electric system.

[@DustBugsTravel]

South Africa does indeed have a Navy as part of its Defence Force. 🇿🇦⚓

[@sicko_the_ew]

Sorry for being a bit of a spoilsport, but it seems to me a pretty bad idea to have swimming at a reserve intended to help protect an endangered species? I've seen videos of penguins that don't seem to mind people, but surely it's best to give them as much space as possible, rather than "squeezing them in"? (I dislike the version of conservation that falls straight back on the aspect of Nature being a "resource" - instead of ... LIFE?? ... where the idea becomes that wild creatures must "pay their way"/ conservation must "pay for itself". Just turn it around, and what it says is that we're OK with the Cape Penguin going extinct if it doesn't bring in a buck to deserve to exist. If that's what we really feel, then right now I'm dying of shame for being a human being.)

[@DustBugsTravel]

I agree with you. I was also rather taken aback by the number of sunbathers on the Boulders Beach and so few penguins around. We did learn later though that it's not the main spot for penguin-watching. We saw another lookout point further back towards the centre of Simon's Town, but we couldn't even get close, there was absolutely no parking anywhere near the place. Another viewer mentioned earlier that nesting / breeding penguins can be seen on the walk between Boulders and Seaforth, so it sounds like there are definitely better spots to go and watch the penguins. We'll go in a quieter time next time to see if we can spot a few more! 😍🐧 We were saddened to read how their numbers have dwindled to almost the point of extinction, so the conservation efforts to get their numbers in the thousands again, must be applauded! 🙂🌊

[@sicko_the_ew]

@@DustBugsTravel That's the right thing to focus on, yes. They were dwindling, and the conservation efforts are bringing them back. I suppose holiday season puts a bit of pressure on the penguins that are more shy, but it's also temporary. For most of the year, they pretty much have all these places to themselves - especially when the wind starts to blow. Great video, again, BTW. You found quite a few things I think a lot of people just hurry past without appreciating.

[@paarlhospital8559]

to much driving😓

[@rolandlundall133]

Nice video but you drank a beer before driving your car again.That is not good and so typical still in SA that people drink and drive.

[@DustBugsTravel]

You're clearly not aware of the legal BAC (blood alcohol content) level in SA, so for your information it is 0.05 grams of alcohol per 100 milliletres of blood, which equates to two standard drinks in the first hour and one per hour thereafter. I am a responsible person and driver and had one standard beer, which would've put me well below the legal limit. 🤷🏻‍♂️ You don't mention where you're from, but drinking-and-driving is by no means unique to SA, it is a worldwide phenomenon.

[@2006bgorgeous]

Lovely but you are driving too fast

[@DustBugsTravel]

Glad you enjoyed the video! 🚙😁 We're not the only ones on the road, we can't hold up traffic because we're filming! 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@eugenedaubermann5561]

Get more information on where you're going. Mostly just driving so far with nothing interesting said

[@DustBugsTravel]

This is the way we do our trips and our videos and they serve as our memories, which we choose to share with others who may also enjoy them. It remains entirely your choice to watch. 😁