Skeleton Gorge on a sunny day

There were rumours it would be steep. They weren't rumours. It was all true.
Somehow I don't recall having done the climb from the upper reaches of Kirstenbosch to Skeleton Gorge on the left - I only remember coming down or going up on the right. It's a toss-up which is the steepest ascent, and today was quite a struggle, or maybe I was feeling weak. We climbed a giant's causeway, grateful for a cool wind blowing down from the ravines, and eventually reached the contour path which levelled out to a very comfortable horizontal plane!
The way up through Kirstenbosch from the top gate meanders through their specially planted section of silvertrees which form a delightful avenue, with young trees growing strongly in between to replace the older specimens in a few years' time. Gardeners were planting young proteas and it is evident that they love their job - who wouldn't? It is so encouraging to observe the dedication to the perpetuation of our fynbos.
The contour path, which hugs the curves of the mountain (duh!) was much warmer and in no time all outer layers were shed and frequent breaks to admire the view and drink water were necessary. It seemed as though the whole world was out walking and we seemed to be stepping aside every few minutes to allow faster hikers to pass. It certainly was a good place to be on a fine Tuesday morning.
The initial steepness and then narrowness of the contour path did not allow for much looking up, but the vegetation is thick and largely bracken, and any eye-catching flowers were at our feet anyway. The path falls away in a sheer drop that is only supported by shrubs with roots clawing at the rocky terrain. Should there ever be a wildfire in this area, I should imagine the path would crumble in the first rains. The illusion of a barrier must be comforting for the vertiginous.
Some of the streams that tumble down these ravines have already dried up, but the Skeleton Gorge waterfall is still running fairly strongly and is a most peaceful spot for a bit of R&R. A strong gust of wind blew through the canopy of trees towering towards the light and with a crack a branch tumbled to the ground a little way further down from where we were sitting. Nature at work.
The return hike was only slightly more enjoyable due to it being downhill, and a thoroughly delightful outing concluded with cold beer and a good lunch!

See the tiny people at bottom of picture. It is a high waterfall.