View across the bay

Today is a public holiday, Freedom Day, but that is of no significance to me. It is my birthday and I like to think that is the reason for a day off! To celebrate, and coincidentally, it's a hiking day and so I set off early for Simon's Town to tackle the Old Mule Track up to the blockhouses above Seaforth. This is one of the first walks I did last year, and I remember looking up and thinking, we can't possibly be walking up there - the blockhouse was barely visible to the naked eye. I moaned like a stuck pig the whole way, I'm sure.
Again it was tough going. The initial uphill is about 45 degrees and it certainly raised the heart rate - one of the reasons we climb mountains, but once it started to zigzag the track was fair, although the recent rain has dislodged lots of little rocks, making for tricky negotiation in places. We climbed to 340m over 2km and it was fortuitous that heavy cloud and threats of rain later kept us cool, although we still managed to sweat a bit! With no shade, it would have been unbearably hot. The vegetation is starting to recover after the devastating fire of about 18 months ago, and a Spring stroll will be a must when the flowers bloom. This area is particularly blessed with abundant lobostemon fruticosus, which ranks among my favourite fynbos. Regrettably there is heavy infestation of the lower slopes with that evil alien Port Jackson, and it is a pity that some effort is not being made to employ people to root this out while there is even the slightest chance of eradication.
Reaching the blockhouse enabled us to lift our eyes from the rough track and take in the spectacular views, right across to the Karbonkelberg in Hout Bay, with Chapman's Peak just in front, and Elsie's Peak reaching the shores of False Bay. Cloud and haze obstructed the views of the Hottentots Holland mountains, but no matter, it means that we are getting more of the rain that is so desperately needed, and even the sight of rain over Constantiaberg did not faze us. We would happily get wet.
A highlight of the hike was the sound of voices from various vantage points, singing to me for my birthday. How special was that! Thank you, kind friends and fellow hikers.
The trip down was somewhat more tricky as the loose stones were treacherous for those with uncertain footing and it took a while to get back to the cars. My delightful doggie, Cleo, was an excellent lookout, keeping slightly ahead and standing on rocks to make sure all was clear while always looking back to see where I was. Our pace may have been too slow for her, but she didn't complain!

Cleo counting the flock

Cleo on lookout duty

Karbonkelberg hiding behind Chapman's Peak far left distance

False Bay and Constantiaberg at far left

Hikers like hairs on a hyena's back