Last May when my son, Jeff, came to SA for a visit he and I went to Cape Recife Nature Reserve (off Marine Drive just a few kilometers outside of PE) one day to check out the beach, the lighthouse and the bird hide. During our time at the reserve we also stopped at the SA Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre, commonly known here as SAMREC. SAMREC offers visitors a unique and interesting insight into the world of the marine life of Algoa Bay and the challenges it faces. The centre rescues and rehabilitates sick and injured marine animals but concentrates primarily on marine birds, specifically the endangered African Penguin. Jeff and I took a tour of the SAMREC facility and had an opportunity to watch a penguin feeding session. As we were saying our thank you's and good bye's to our guide, Eddie, I noticed The Flying Penguin Cafe on the premises and made a mental note to have the Coffee Crawl there someday. Well, that day happened to be last Thursday, March 1.
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| Meet the Owner Michelle Brackenridge |
Cape Recife Nature Reserve is well worth visiting for the day, but if you're going specifically to SAMREC just tell the guard at the main gate, and the fee to get into the reserve is waived. As is usual on Crawl day I arrived at the coffee shop early so I could have a chat with the owner. Michelle Brackenridge is not only The Flying Penguin's owner but its barista, waitron, and "chief cook and bottle washer" as well! She also does some volunteering at the SAMREC reception desk. Michelle gave me a quick tour of the cafe pointing out the beautiful framed ocean photos by local photographer Luc Hosten, and the artistically displayed indigenous shells under the glass of the cafe's table tops. Michelle brought me over to the window of the cafe that overlooks the penguin area. Cafe patrons can enjoy Masterton's coffee or a pot of tea while being entertained by the antics of SAMREC's recuperating penguins.
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| This Week's Crawlers Fran, Gail T., Stella, Sandy, June, Nomusa, Gail D. Leanne, Beryl, Sylvia |
The Flying Penguin Cafe is open Tues-Sun, 10:30-4:00 and seats about 40 customers. The shop is available for small functions and events and also kids' birthday parties which come complete with a treat bag for each party guest and an age appropriate fun lesson on marine life and conservation. The cafe's menu consists of a variety of cakes, scones, muffins, light lunches, and hot and cold beverages. This week's Crawlers, Gail Darne, Nomusa Nkomo, Fran de Beer, Sylvia Mynhardt, Stella and Beryl Dawson, Gail Taverner, Sandy Venter, June Nash, and Leanne Waller, assembled at The Flying Penguin and spent some time conversing over coffee/tea and Michelle's special carrot cake and cheesecake. Because it was such a warm day (and we were at the beach!) I ordered an Iced Coffee Shake... it really hit the spot! Delicious!
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| Meet Our Tour Guide Philipa |
Following our refreshments the Crawlers were given a tour of SAMREC by volunteer guide Philipa, who took us first to see the penguins up close then to the hospital facility and, finally, to the Education and Discovery Centre. Permanent displays, temporary displays, and hands-on activities are available for all visitors and school groups. On-site educational programs offered by SAMREC and presented by their trained volunteers include field work, hikes, lighthouse tours and rock pool lessons. Volunteers also make off-site visits to clubs, schools and retirement homes in order to share their passion and knowledge of the sea and its creatures with those who are unable to visit the SAMREC facility.
The SAMREC staff consists mostly of adult and student volunteers. SAMREC is a non-profit organization that relies on private and corporate monetary and material donations.
A wonderful time was had by all the Crawlers. We enjoyed the hospitality, awesome coffee and the tour. PE residents and visitors---- get out to SAMREC and support a great cause!!!!
For more information regarding SAMREC, to make a tax deductible donation or to volunteer, check out their website http://www.samrec.org.za/
~Thank you to Ocean Fresh Deli who supplies the fish for the penguins and other marine birds at SAMREC
~Thank you to The Flying Penguin owner, Michelle
~Thank you to our tour guide, Philipa
~Thank you to the entire SAMREC staff for "saving the penguins!!!"
~Congratulations and Best Wishes to Jennifer and Kenyan on your wedding, March 10!!!
~Happy Birthday to Daniel, March 11
Enjoy the pics and until next week,
Ellen
