We hiked around Trappies Kop in the other direction today. Last time we took the contour path anticlockwise, returning over the saddle from Kalk Bay, but it was decided to do it the other way for a bit of variety. The initial steep climb up to the saddle on this windless, searingly sunny day was hard going, with many stops for breath along the way, and copious amounts of perspiration falling from our brows. The sun seems to have a greater intensity than ever before, and while a hat is a necessity to prevent a sunburnt nose, the extra heat is quite uncomfortable. So it was with great relief that we crested the saddle and caught the first gentle zephyr from a light southeaster. It was all downhill from there, and we enjoyed our rest break on a grassy slope overlooking the always picturesque Kalk Bay harbour, with views of the distant mountains and a few boats in between.
From there we joined the contour path that runs around Trappies Kop as it follows the firebreak. It is narrow and falls away sharply in places, so that the vertiginously challenged had to lean towards the mountainside to maintain balance. A few rocky patches to scramble over kept us on our toes, but for the most part it was a very pleasant walk, with lovely views across Fish Hoek bay and even a few spouts and a wallow from a couple of humpback whales. There were abundant purple and yellow daisies, a few pincushions and beautiful blue flowers that must still be identified. No matter what their names are, the only important thing is that we should appreciate the beauty of our floral kingdom and stop to admire each special bloom as often as possible. Such a privilege to have all this within easy reach.
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