A chilly hike there and back

You have to ask yourself why we must have a strong southeaster in June when it is supposed to be our November wind, and then you must ask yourself who would go hiking on top of a mountain in the teeth of the wind, almost in the cloud cover? Why, the Flying Tortoises, of course! Seldom daunted by the weather except when the rain is actually falling (we sometimes have the good fortune to get back to the cars just in time), we set off from the Silvermine dam carpark, bound for the Elephant's Eye cave. There was much muttering about the cold wind, and even I put on a woolly cap and one glove (I think I left the other one in Yorkshire!). Unfortunately I hold my walking stick in my left hand and the glove was right-handed, so it didn't serve the purpose it should have, and I really should just get another pair.
We were up there with another hiking group recently and so the need to actually trek all the way up to the cave receded as we proceeded, and we took a bit of a downhill to see whether the waterfall was worth seeing. Having crossed a happily gushing river further up, it was disappointing to find a little trickle, until we realised we were on the wrong side of the buttress and nowhere near the waterfall! Back up to the path, giving us a good climb, and then on to the lookout hut. From there we had respite from the wind and a wonderful view of the cave, so decided to see it from that angle today. Coffee and snacks were consumed while we enjoyed the vista below - still cold and cloud cover over Constantiaberg, but bright sunshine behind us over False Bay.
The fynbos is in its winter coat, and four or so species of Erica, many fine specimens of protea cynaroides and slopes of pale green leucadendron were the order of the day. Spring will bring a feast for the eyes.