Some beach days are memorable because of perfect weather. Others because of the little moments that happen along the way.
Today’s visit to Strand Beach had a bit of both.
The weather couldn’t have been better. The wind was light, the ocean looked inviting and, for once, we managed to leave without sand finding its way into absolutely everything. No gritty sandwiches, no crunchy snacks and, thankfully, no sand in our teeth.
For a family that spends plenty of time at the beach, that almost felt like a small victory.
As always, our son Daniel wasted no time getting started. One minute he was running towards the waves, laughing as they chased him back onto the sand. The next, he had moved on to what he clearly considered much more important work. His excavator was waiting.
Every visit to Strand Beach seems to follow its own little routine. First come the waves. Then comes the digging.
Daniel happily spent what felt like ages moving sand from one place to another, excavating pebbles, creating roads and digging channels for the water to flow through. His imagination does the rest.
It’s fascinating how children can turn a simple patch of sand into an entire construction site. We could probably pack fewer beach toys because, in reality, the excavator does most of the work every single visit.
Watching him so completely absorbed in his own little world is one of our favourite parts of spending time at the beach.
As we relaxed on our towels, another familiar beach tradition made its appearance. The sound of a small bell.
Before long, the ice cream vendor came walking along the beach, ringing the bell as he made his way past families scattered across the sand. Naturally, we couldn’t resist.
There’s something about enjoying an ice cream while looking out over False Bay that simply feels like summer, no matter your age. It was the perfect treat before heading home after another wonderful morning by the ocean.
As much as we enjoy our visits, there’s one thing I’ve often wondered. Why isn’t there a proper ice cream shop right by Strand Beach?
There is a pop-up trailer onStrand Road where you can grab a coffee, a muffin or a samosa. A little further along, near Waterworld Strand, there’s even the Marcel’s Frozen Yoghurt mobile trailer.
But when you’re in the mood for a really good scoop of ice cream or a freshly made waffle cone, the options are zero. I’m not talking about the pre-packaged ice creams you can buy at almost any store.
I mean the kind of ice cream that becomes part of the outing itself. A freshly scooped cone with your favourite flavour, enjoyed while strolling along the promenade or watching the waves roll in.
Our family still talks about the delicious cone ice creams we’ve had at Green Point Park in Cape Town, and every now and then I find myself wishing Strand Beach had something similar. Because for me, summer and ice cream simply belong together.
And with so many families enjoying Strand Beach throughout the year, I can’t help thinking a dedicated ice cream shop by the beachfront would be a welcome addition.
I’m a wife, mother and local publisher who traded Johannesburg and two years abroad for life in Somerset West. Through HelderbergStuff, I share lifestyle stories, local discoveries and noteworthy developments across Somerset West, Strand and Gordon’s Bay. For media and collaboration enquiries: marina@helderbergstuff.co.za
Leave a Reply