| Headed for dot at top of dark patch! |
A nippy southeaster was blowing across False Bay as we started to climb, but it wasn't long before body heat took over any feelings of being chilly and layers soon were shed. The mountainside had suffered a devastating fire in January 2016 and bare earth was predominant among the blackened skeletons of the protea bushes that had perished at the time. But as they require fire to burst open their tough seed pods, evidence of germination was everywhere, and it won't be long before the slopes are once more covered in magnificence. It was sad to observe that the lower slope is just a mass of thriving Port Jackson which will smother the fynbos in that area, but pleasing to see that there is a definite 'high tide mark' - perhaps the southeaster ensures that all the seeds are blown downhill. It would be good to use this as a job opportunity - many could be employed by the authorities concerned to literally root this scourge out while they are still manageable. In our dreams.Lobostemom (perhaps my favourite fynbos) is thriving, and ranges from pure white through pink and pale blue to dark blue. Also known as the eight-day healing bush, it has been used since ancient times to cure many ailments, through steeping in hot water and drinking as a tea.
I took Cleo along as a treat; her second walk in the mountains. She was the perfect companion, walking a little ahead to make sure there was no danger, then looking back to see where I was. Such a treasure!
Although a little hazy, the view across False Bay to the distant mountains was spectacular, and as we climbed higher and higher, we could see further and further. Soon the entire Table Mountain chain was visible and through a gap we spotted the Karbonkelberg on the far side of Hout Bay. Well worth the hike!
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A crow hovered, waiting for someone to
fall by the wayside
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| A very steep mountain |
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