The Glencairn shoreline

Despite doctor's orders, I joined the hiking group for today's very tame stroll along the shore from Dido Valley to Glencairn wetlands and back. We took it easy as our end-of-year lunch was on the menu back at the new shopping centre (the name escapes me, but it is on the site of the old Marine Oil refinery).
This part of False Bay is another place I have never walked along, although I have travelled the route thousands of times over the years, first as a child when fetching Father from work at the navy in Simon's Town, and later as part of the never-to-be-tired-of scenic route around the Peninsula. Cars are useful things but we are inclined to stay in them and seldom stop along the way to explore lesser attractions. We discovered some lovely little beaches, a now-abandoned tiny tidal pool with disused buildings from a previous era built into the rocks (the remains of two toilets led us to the nasty discovery of raw sewage gushing into the sea!) and a refurbished splash pool at the end of the concreted walkway before the beach. This area is in sad need of repair, with evidence of damage by heavy seas and general neglect - it could be a wonderful recreation area - but then again, it's also nice to have a hidden gem for a quiet morning on the beach.
A light southeaster made for pleasant walking conditions and, aside from the sewage spot, the sea is crystal clear and inviting. The current temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius, not bad for a dip.
The train line was crossed a number of times, and we had to take care to look in both directions as at least 4 trains went by. Simon's Town is the end of the line that runs down the Peninsula from Cape Town, and it was a surprise that so many came this far. There cannot have been too many passengers. I have long held the view that the railway line should end between Lakeside and False Bay, with the tracks being converted into another roadway and passengers switching to a good bus service to reach the southern suburbs, but it's too late for that now.
Apart from the fresh sea air and tumbling waves, this is not a particularly pretty walk, but enjoyable nonetheless. Lunch was lovely and the centre looks very promising for an alternative to the hideously congested Sun Valley area. My ankle survived the stroll very well in its brace but for the next few weeks it will be rest time.