Misty mountain morning

After yesterday's soaking rain, the clouds lingered across the Cape in a soft, enswathing cloak that drifted in the valleys and peaks of the Silvermine reserve. As we left the car park and headed across the Steenberg plateau, we were treated to amazing displays of nature's art in the form of dew-draped spiderwebs stretched across the gaps between protea bushes, tightly woven webs making little circus tents over stony patches and magnificently intricate, bag-like webs of immense size. The funnel spider webs were fascinating. One can only be awed at the built-in knowledge the spiders have that enables them to cast these webs that humans can only pretend to imitate with needlecrafts. If it weren't for the moisture clinging to each strand, we would never have noticed them, and I'm sure the spiders weren't happy with the visibility of their traps! There were many webs only 10cm across which must be those of little spiders practising to be like daddy.
Despite visibility being limited and preventing us from enjoying the views which had been the purpose of the hike to Bertie's Balcony, we were able to pay more attention to the fynbos at our feet. The path is an easy track of sandy quartz with well-placed steps and the occasional scramble. The area is endemic to a number of species (not all are visible at this time) and we were rewarded with sightings of delicate pink gladiolus monticola, aristea juncifolia, protea speciosa, red heath and berry heath. Although these are prominent and easy to see, there are many tiny and inconspicuous, but nevertheless extremely special plants that are beyond my ability to identify. (The aforegoing are not necessarily endemic.)
We were not the only ones on the mountain in the mist, and we were joined by another hiking group as we rested at Bertie's Balcony and enjoyed our coffee and snacks. There is always plenty of activity in the mountains and it is good to see that so many will not be deterred by isolated criminal incidents as we enjoy our right to wander in this beautiful area. We heard stories of accidents on the mountain and how easy it is for them to happen - tripping over a stick, snagging bootlaces and falling headlong over the edge - these things are unplanned and sudden and can happen to anyone. But to stay quietly at home to avoid such accidents leads to a life less lived, and that cannot be good for anyone.
It grew chilly as we started our descent to the cars and a few drops of rain fell, but what a wonderful morning out on the mountain!