S1 - Ep 403 - Velddrif - The Famous Bokkomlaan!

Our visit to Velddrif was truly enchanting. As we approached the town, the captivating beauty of the estuary took our breath away. We noticed the salt mining operations in the distance, adding a unique charm to the landscape. Our stop at the local church was equally fascinating, offering a unique insight into the town. The drive along the famous Bokkomlaan was a highlight of our trip, where we witnessed the meticulous preparation of bokkoms (dried fish) for the market, and admired the charming buildings lining the road. To top it off, we savoured a delightful breakfast at the Riviera Hotel. We concluded our visit with a trip to the Berg River Mouth and a visit to the SA Fisheries Museum, which provided a deeper understanding of the town's maritime heritage. Velddrif left us with wonderful memories and a great sense of appreciation. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #travelongravel #westerncape #velddrif #bokkomlaan
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[@deonnimb9505]

The town my Dad came from. Been there many times, traveled those street, walked Bokkomlaan as a kid numerous times , occasional beer at the Riviera hotel, watched some Berg River Canoe marathons ending here at the bridge, now a Jhb resident and don't get there nearly enough

[@DustBugsTravel]

You must miss visiting Velddrif. Hopefully you get the opportunity to do so not too long from now, you clearly stil have very fond memories of your Dad and of the town. Thank you for sharing those with us. 🚙😊

[@susannaemmerich1166]

It is a succulent, and the milk inside when you brake it can be extremely detrimental to skin and eyes. Lovely place, thank you.🙃🙏❤

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you for the info. 🌵 I'm glad you enjoyed exploring Velddrif. 🚙😁

[@olgagradwell5720]

I'm 51 of age leaving the Free State in 2days time, joining community of veldrif, bit nervous but have faith in my journey. Thanks for the preview 😊

[@michalf6460]

loved it! thenk you

[@DustBugsTravel]

Sure, anytime! 🚙👌🏻

[@terrimeyer3815]

I loved all the tiny boats in the meusem....it was awesome that. I do get why everyone wants to meet Sonia now. She was very quiet the first year. But I'm glad she found her voice cause she says the funniest things. I love the ..stop...reverse...Yes ma'am.....it gets a giggle Every time......😂😂😂 So glad I saw it.... But honestly I now know west coast not for me 😅🎉🎉😂😂😅 Lus yous twos ❤❤

[@DustBugsTravel]

Sonia is crazy about everything miniature and she also freaked out about the little boats in the museum! 😁⛵ Sometimes when we watch one of our first videos and compare it to the recent ones, I can't believe myself how quiet Sonia was. 😳 She was super keen on travelling, but not keen at all on the talking-on-camera thing. 🤣 I can't tell you how often I have to reverse on our trips, so all I can say is Yes, Mam! 🚙

[@terrimeyer3815]

@@DustBugsTravel 😂😂🤣🤣🤣😂💓💓💓💓😋😋😋

[@AndredeWet-hf8gj]

The seagulls drop the mussels from a certain height to brak the shell to eat the mussel. i from the Cape Flats and moved here in 2020. The best move I could've made.

[@DustBugsTravel]

That makes sense, thank you for explaining that to us! 👌🏻 I can only imagine how happy you must be in your new hometown, it seems to be a really nice place. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. 🚙🤩

[@rebeccavanderwalt9920]

Fantastic video thank you

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed travelling with us! 🚙🤩

[@rebeccavanderwalt9920]

@@DustBugsTravel always do 💛

[@1812nico]

Hi you two! Thank you for this wonderful tour of the extended Velddrif under the blue skies. What a beautiful town, with most of its buildings bright white and the streets and roads unbelievably clean. Everywhere you look you see the wonderful Cape vegetation, the wide river, endless fields, the sea and birdlife. Your view at the estuary was also something really special. So is the area where the Riviera Hotel is situated. It must be a great experience too stay over there and relax. Your breakfast cuppas looked very special! The museum clearly tells not one but many stories. I'd really like to visit Velddrif. Thank you again, and Keep safe!

[@DustBugsTravel]

Incredible natural beauty was in no short supply in Velddrif. 🐦🌳🌊I particularly loved the serenity of the estuary with the wonderful birdlife, it is for sure a very special place. A river, the ocean, birds, fish, a river mouth, a bridge, they literally have it all! 🚙🤩 I also thought those rooms overlooking the lawn at the Riviera Hotel must make for a very comfortable stay. I hope you do get the opportunity to experience the intense natural beauty of this part of the West Coast one day soon. You'll be in awe all of the time! 😁

[@annawitter5161]

Such a beautiful church! The little garden is so beautiful. Oh, and some dongs too! The prayer room is awesome. In my day churches used to be open to those who wanted to slip in for a quiet time. Now they are all locked and bolted. Sorry but I am NOT a bokkom fan. Love the wild water birds. The Riveira Hotel is so pretty with all the nautical deco. Okay, story time! Back in 1995 I was teaching at DF Malan High School in Bellville. I was also part of the Landsdiens. A group of our schools landsdiens pupils plus teachers went on a WEst Coast tour. Including die uwe! one of the boys had an oupa out there in Laaiplek who captained a fishing trawler and he invited us for a cruise. It was all right to start with, but then we started to hit some big waves, and one by one they were all hanging over the rail getting rid of breakfast! Almal het katgeskiet behalwe ek, die kaptein en die twee menere. 🤣😂🤢🤮🤣It certainly looked unusually calm when you were there. Beautiful place, enjoyed my visit from your back seat.

[@DustBugsTravel]

I loved that the Bell Room was converted into a Prayer Room at the church, I thought that was very cool. And we were lucky enough to hear the church bell ring! 💒🔔 I don't do bokkoms either, it must be an acquired taste, but just too wild for me. 🤷🏻‍♂️🐟 The estuary and the birdlife were definitely two highlights for me in Velddrif. 🌊🐦 That excursion on the trawler sounds like I may have donated my breakfast to the fish too, I easily get queasy on the ocean, I actually feel myself going green as I just think of what those students felt like! 🚢🤢

[@deonzar]

The Riviera hotel is one of our special places to eat, but then there is really such a lot of good places to eat in Velddrif. Bokkomlaan is normally packed over weekends and during holidays........and yes I love my bokkoms. And I must hang my head in shame....I have not been to the SA Fisheries Museum yet...next time!

[@DustBugsTravel]

I could see that there were many eateries and bars to choose from in Velddrif, but I'm glad we decided on the Riviera Hotel for breakfast, it was very good! 🍳🥓🍞 I was actually happy that we could drive up and down in Bokkomlaan without a lot of vehicles and people around. We could have a good look at all the bokkom activities! 😁🐟 You'll love the museum! 🚙👌🏻

[@charlietreston4035]

Hi guys complete surprise with the different km signs 17 19 18 to go it had to be different the Berg river salt flats and flamingos a very good start .then the face brick work on the DRF church was amazing loved the prayer and Bay room also the little slots at the back of the pwes for books .cherry on top the bells ringing. Driving around the suburbs no big fences. Love the history I could imagine the punt crossing the river as you crossed the bridge I spotted a little bakie. The whole wetlands vibe was layed back Birdlip was amazing flamingos everywhere loved the fishing community of Bokomen laan the little jettys the ladies cleaning the fish brilliant. The hotel was very trendy especially the blue bar I thought might you might have a cocktail or two. Your breakfast looks great !! The harbour was brilliant the big trawlers the ocean views 👏 the museum was very interesting I also like the old canning machine Glenrick pilchards again!!! Brilliant video so different 👏 thanks for taking me along cheerio till the next one

[@DustBugsTravel]

The distance boards were rather confusing, but gave us a good chuckle and it was only a matter of a couple of kilometeres. 😁🛣️ The church was an interesting one with the bell room being converted into a Prayer Room. I'm always happy to hear church bells ring while I'm filming! 🔔 So you saw a bakkie again, it's been a while! The wetlands vibe, as you put it, was exactly my vibe. The vegetation and the birdlife were fantastic and so beautiful! If we had cocktails, we would never have left Velddrif that day, that much I can guarantee you! 🤣🍹🍸

[@davidkotze4140]

Thank you for sharing !! Wonderful place 😁❤

[@Ellenbaba]

Beautiful memories of south africa

[@lee-anneadams9222]

Hi Curtis Sonia and Dusty, what I love about our travels is that you take me to places, in towns I've been, but never seen, lekker ❤

[@DustBugsTravel]

That is so cool, thank you for hopping on board and exploring Velddrif with us. We saw some pretty cool things! 🚙😍

[@AndredeWet-hf8gj]

Other than myself, my sister and many families from all over South Africa came to come settle here. I am proud that you visited a town, that in my opinion, few people know about. as a child, my dad used to fetch his brother-in-law, whom was a skipper on one of those fishing trawlers at Laaiplek Harbour and I used to drive with every time. The trawlers generally catch sardines and anchovies and obviously their allowed by-catch. I loved the place since then and always wanted to retire here. my dream realized much earlier than i expected. i also enjoy watching your blog on places i haven't been to yet. many thanks for your efforts, i wish i could also do that.

[@jeansnyman4222]

Thanks for your program. I love it💓🤗

[@renatehepher6368]

Look at that beautiful road!

[@renatehepher6368]

I must really go and revisit. If you don’t know about the little hidden gems, you would not think it that exciting! Thank you Dustbugs. Langebaan to Velddrif isn’t far!

[@clayauslewis4236]

Very picturesque town! And the menu from the Riviera looks awesome, and so cheap! Hopefully we can fit a visit to the town.

[@DustBugsTravel]

If you have room in your schedule, you won't be sorry! The food is great and the prices very reasonable. 🍳🥓 The town of Velddrif is a feast for the eye and the natural beauty endless. 🚙🌊🌳

[@irenemasterson146]

Oh wow how lovely to see bokkoms that brings back memories. We loved eating it as kids when we went back to visit our granny and the rest of the family. Yummy. Thanks for sharing. Visited Velddrif in 1998 . Gosh how it has expanded. So wonderful to see such development. You guys rock. Showing us all these beautiful places and taking us down memory lane once again👏👏👏

[@mariusroos]

Veldrif is a nice small town. I love bokkoms and where do you find the best ones? I really enjoyed this trip. Thanks for showing us all that is there to see. Looking forward to the next one in my booked seat.

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm fascinated by bokkoms. By the story and all the work that goes into it, but not by the taste. I guess it's an acquired one, but just not for me. 🤷🏻‍♂️🐟 I'm so glad that you enjoyed exploring Velddrif with us. There was so much to see and so much beauty around, we loved every moment. 🚙🌊

[@emmerentiagroenewald3694]

Oooooo! Het ek nou lekker saam met julle 2 gery! Baie dankie vir die interessante kuier! Ek het ook sommer begin honger word, toe Sonia sè julle het nog nie ontbyt gehad nie. En dit was seker al 11 uur! Nee julle! Julle moenie op 'n leè maag ry nie.....🍝🍲🌭🌮❤❤ Ek kan nooit wag vir die volgende dorp nie! Veral omdat ek meeste van die plekke goed ken!

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm so happy you enjoyed the drive through Velddrif! Breakfast did come late that day, but it ws well worth the wait. 🥓🍳🍞 We do try and eat regularly, but we often get so caught up in the interesting things we find that we forgot again until the tummies start growling! 🚙😁

[@drinapatrick8506]

I think you need to buy a book on western cape succulents, and birds of the West Coast and Western Cape. You will not be disappointed and you can up your info for the listeners.🤩

[@wildchild6247]

The succulents you are talking about resembling sea coral, Euphorbia tirucalli 'Sticks on Fire' (Fire Sticks) they change colour red/orange in winter and green in summer 😊

[@NicSailing]

Did you say hello to Port Owen while you were there? ⛵️⛵️⛵️

[@DustBugsTravel]

We visited and stayed over in Port Owen almost two years ago shortly after we started our channel. You can check out Episode 57 if you like. 😁⛵

[@Sarie-r7u]

Ek bly nou 10jaar in Velddrif, is ñ pragtige dorp en die mense hier is baie vriendlik, sal nêrens anders wil bly nie❤

[@manie141]

Julle is uitstekend om na te kyk ,moenie ophou nie😊

[@georginapaul9672]

Do you or anyone have the recipe for INGELEGDE BOKKOMS? I hear it s so delicious?!

[@DustBugsTravel]

We don't, no. I'm sure there must be recipes online for that sort-of-thing though. 🐠 Bokkoms is a taste which I haven't acquired yet.

[@LenaTaljaard]

Where was the nail factory?

[@DustBugsTravel]

You might be referring to Clocolan, which we visited in Episode 462. 🚙💅🏻

[@GarinvanLohengrin]

Can anyonebe so kind to explain to me what means the word Bokkom? Bokkom industry, bokkimlaan, etc. Is it some kind of fish?

[@DustBugsTravel]

Yes, indeed. A bokkom is a dried, whole fish (usually mullett) and quite a delicacy on the West Coast, therefore regarded as an industry on its own and the road dedicated to bokkom production in our video. 😁🐟

[@GarinvanLohengrin]

Thank you so much.

[@georgemarnewick6433]

Good 📸 photography. However, a little research ahead of producing a video like this would be helpful to the narrators. 1 Hour allows for much more interesting content. Velddrift has a lot more to offer and is steeped in history. The fishing trawlers alone needed close-up footage, which then would describe the massive size and the intricate netting and rigging. The trawlers berth there because the massive fish factory is there. Caned fish industry in SA started in Velddrift, and the many side roads lead off to amazing spots, including the local residence expansive yacht basin, with its walkways and million dollar mansions on each side of the canals.

[@DustBugsTravel]

We only travel and make videos for fun and aren't keen on burdening ourselves with a lot of research. These videios are meant to serve as our own memories to look back on one day and we choose to share them with family, friends and anyone else who might enjoy them for what they are. 🚙😁 Just so you know, we visited Port Owen in Episode 57, a few months after we started our channel. We opted not to include it again in this video.

[@funkdunk]

Another incredible episode showcasing the other interesting attractions that the town has to offer. Coincidentally whilst watching it a bottle Peck's anchovette was delivered, something to look forward to 😊. The Fisheries museum really looks like a worthwhile place to visit and well worth the R15. On cue the gull was also gazing at the berg river mouth. There seems to be plenty of fish about to have so much seabirds hanging around..terns too. What is more incredible is this particular epic trip, am I right that this the continuation from Hermanus?

[@DustBugsTravel]

Peck's Anchovette! 😁 My darling wife was distraught when it and Wedwo were discontinued and was jumping for joy when she heard earlier this week that Pick 'n Pay brought Peck's back. I've never been a fish paste guy, but she grew up with the stuff and loves it! 🤷🏻‍♂️🐟 I'm glad you enjoyed our visit to the pretty town of Velddrif and surrounding area. This was the last day of our trip which started a week earlier in Hermanus, yes. 🚙🤩