Another humid hike

After a fairly tame hike last week, we went to the other end of the spectrum today with a 9 kilometre trudge through the leafy green belt of Constantia. At first we were sheltered under the old oaks and plane trees lining the banks of the Diep River (more of a puddle than deep), but as we ascended the lush foothills and passed paddocked gardens, the coverage thinned and we crossed open grass areas, criss-crossed with footpaths bearing dogs and their owners or walkers. The slight breeze was behind us and so imperceptible, and the humidity soon took its toll on us - perspiration abounded and water stops were frequent, more so than on any other hike I have been on in the last 8 months. This time of year is not for those who feel the heat!
Ever onward we climbed, crossing roads to continue up through the forested areas, wondering if we were ever going to reach the halfway mark (coffee and buns!), and eventually we found ourselves on the other side of Rhodes Drive, the highest road contouring the mountain. The appeal of the shady pines with soft pine needles providing a picnic blanket was the decider. Coffee break and then the long downhill.
A huge pine tree was the perfect resting place, making a comfortable lounger to lean against, and I could have had a nice doze except for the sound of the traffic not 50m away! We really couldn't summon the enthusiasm to climb further up.
Suitably refreshed and looking forward to lunch and beer, we set off back into the woodlands for the hour and a half walk back to the cars. Of course, our Intrepid Leader, as is his wont, had other plans. Not for him the downhill stroll 'neath shady oaks. We veered off to the right and soon found ourselves tramping through the manicured streets of Upper Constantia/bordering Bishopscourt, where a weed would not dare show itself in the immaculate lawned verges, and signs indicating 'Borehole water' revealed why the gardens rivalled Kirstenbosch. In the distance, we could see Wynberg Hill getting further away - quite alarming as this was where the cars were. It was now 10am and the heat was beginning to intensify proportionately to the thinning of the trees. Real concern set in when he stopped to consult his map. This is always a bad sign, and generally adds an hour to a hike.
We set off, grumbling, across Bel Ombre meadow, into Rathfelder Avenue - the longest circular drive in the area - and trudged on and on. More map consulting took place while leaning against trees for support. Our Intrepid Leader cackled evilly. He had no sympathy for us weaklings. He loved a good diversion.
In the end, the walk stretched for 9km over 4.5 hours, but it was really good for us and we did enjoy it. Almost as much as the lunch and beer!

My tree!

Coffee break