Monday, 19 May 2014

The natural beauty of the Cape

The mountain dahlia is in full bloom on the mountains of the Cape Peninsula and the same one that has been clinging to a cliff on Ou Kaapse Weg for countless years - at least 20 - looked splendid this morning, with at least 15 blooms on it. I don't think it sees much sun in that position, but it has flourished nevertheless. The wild grasses on the verge, back-lit by the winter sun, gleam purple-bronze, waved gently in the slipstream of the traffic. Proteas and sugarbushes are resplendent with green-white flowers tinged with a pink blush to attract the long-tailed sugarbirds to feed on their nectar.

As I crested the pass, the view stretching before me was, as always, astounding. Row after row of mountain peaks resembling a dragon's back faded into the distance, each layer a paler hue of the previous one. Only the crisp air of winter reveals the entire topography of the Western Cape in breathtaking detail; summer's haze makes it all but disappear.

By the time I had decided to take a photograph, it was too late and the top hairpin had already been negotiated. Ah well! I'll just have to drive over again!

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