Lighting the Whalebone Pier at Umhlanga

Taking the slow road to nowhere often turns into some of the best jaunts and that is where today’s #wednesdaywalk led us.

We had some time to kill in between waiting for my PC to be repaired so took a drive down to Umhlanga Rocks, a little north of Durban, Kwazulu Natal, to go for a walk along the promenade to the uMhlanga Lighthouse and the Whalebone Pier.

Lush indigenous vegetation that typically grows on sand dunes grows alongside the beautiful, well-maintained brick-paved pathway; very safe with private security guards and vehicles patrolling the area. Unfortunately this has become a necessity in certain hot spots especially considering this is a prime destination that attracts well-to-do holiday makers.

The ocean views are stunning all along this walkway, with many ships out at sea, waiting to go into the Durban harbour.

The uMhlanga Lighthouse was built in 1954 to replace the 1869 Bluff Lighthouse which had deteriorated irreparably.

A lighthouse is a tower-like building which was extensively used by sailors of yesteryear for navigation purposes; a flashing light, a horn and even cannons warning of dangerous coastlines or marking the end of a long journey at sea. Due to the expense in maintaining a lighthouse they unfortunately are being replaced by more economical electronic equipment.

The city of Durban which is 19km south of Umhlanga can be seen in the background with part of the bluff jutting out at the very back.

A little further along the promenade we see what is affectionately known as the Whalebone Pier. This actually is the Umhlanga Stormwater Outfall Pier which was designed by the Ethekwini Municipality’s Coastal Stormwater & Catchment Department in 2007. The work was done by the Civil Engineering & Construction Company Esor who won the SAICE: Durban Branch Award for Technical Excellence for this project.
Worthwhile mentioning at this point that those definitely are not real whalebones!
The curved fibreglass lighting masts is purpose made from fiberglass to evoke a whale- bone theme.

The pier looks very impressive in the evening when it is lit up blue.

[Image Source](https://www.regentlight.co.za/projects/urban-regeneration/whale-bone-pier/)

This 80 meter long pier was declared as #1 on CNN’s list of the 9 most beautiful piers in the world in 2014, after this network also proclaimed Durban as one of the world’s most underrated cities!

The mosaics along the pier are really beautiful works of art and are reminiscent of Zulu warrior shields.

The lighthouse and pier sit just below two iconic five star hotels which have hosted many big name celebs and royalties, The Beverley Hills Hotel and The Oyster Box Hotel.

Looking down at the waves breaking below, one sees mussels and oysters galore, but to harvest these would be quite perilous plus there are strict fishing bylaws which have to be adhered to – one needs a fishing and bait licence, much needed legislation to protect sea life.

Watch out when walking underneath the Coconut Palms, won't be funny if one of those come crashing down on you!

And now for the fun part at another iconic Durban venue The Barnyard Theatre when it was still in Umhlanga - my sister in law impersonating a famous diva...she's going to kill me but I'm not showing my pic!

Hope you enjoyed this #wednesdaywalk and #makemesmile with me, a big thanks to @tattoodjay and @elizacheng as well as the generous sponsor @bluemist; you are all awesome for keeping this challenge going!

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Original Content by @lizelle

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