Devil's Peak meander

We left the parking area of Rhodes Memorial this morning just after the last light rain had fallen, and drifts of misty low cloud draped the rocky cliffs of Devil's Peak, softening the outlines and creating ideal conditions for the steep climb up to the contour path. We are all quite fit now and the pace was not as slow as usual, but as the mist parted and more blue sky revealed itself, accompanied by bright sunshine, we definitely flagged slightly and paused more than once to admire the view.  
Late March lilies were in abundance, and the oaks were still sporting green foliage, so autumn has not quite arrived in Cape Town yet. A spectacular toadstool was spotted at the side of the track, with what looked like a burnt candle growing from the middle - most unusual and not identified! Nature is marvellous - that bit must have a purpose for the toadstool!
A fair climb up the track took us around to the viewpoint on Plum Pudding Hill where we could look across to Robben Island and the distant mountains to the north of the Peninsula, but haziness spoiled the view somewhat and photographs were few. The mountains were magnificent and an abundance of crows spiralling on the thermals provided some interest in the blue skies - they went up and up until almost no longer visible - certainly the highest I have ever seen a crow fly, and I am told that weather balloons are released in the area, perhaps because of the strong thermals created by the shape of the mountain and the prevailing winds?
We descended steeply to the Prince of Wales blockhouse built in the 18th century where a massive cannon was placed to fire at enemy ships in the bay. Before reclamation, the bay was considerably closer than it is now, but it was still hard to imagine how it could have had any effect! It lies forlorn and forgotten next to its mounting, surrounded by shrubbery and dead trees - another sad example of the neglect and lack of maintenance of historical sites.

The way back to the cars was fortunately not by retracing our steps up the incline, and we finished our 5kms in bright sunshine, a gentle cooling breeze and welcome refreshments at the tea garden!