A sharp but short ascent from Olifantsbos found us meandering among fantastically shaped sandstone formations weathered by millenia of rain and salt-laden winds. In places, the rocks have worn right through, creating peepholes and windows, even archways that frame the distant mountains, and of course the trail leads through them, as decades of nature lovers have hiked closer and then stepped through the magical doorway to see what lies ahead. If the trail approached Sirkelsvlei as the crow flies, it would probably be half the length, which at 7.5km is a good bit of exercise, but it follows points of interest on an otherwise flat and presently waterlogged plateau, where the wind only allows low-growing and very hardy fynbos species to grow.
It is still too early for the mass display of yellow flowers that thrive here in Spring, but a more subtle showing of creamy white spread out in all directions. A small herd of bontebok grazed quietly near a waterhole, and it was good to see many streams running swiftly seaward as the ground seems to have absorbed all the water it can take for now. It has been a particularly good winter for rain, with forecasts of more in the coming months.
It was fascinating to note how the fynbos changed subtly with each change in the elevation or angle of the slopes, and from the swampy mid-plateau with an abundance of restios to a sudden 'forest' of the magnificent tree mimetes getting ready to show off their true colours. So much to see, some species so tiny they are almost overlooked. A true paradise for the nature lover!
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