A fairly cool day for this time of year was made even more pleasant by the leafy shade of the trees in the ravines we passed through, with so much new growth in evidence after some good rains this last winter and the tinkling of the stream as it tumbled down its rocky bed. A dusky flycatcher peeped down at us, flitting from branch to branch in characteristic manner as if to make sure we were all alright before letting us pass. A delightful little bird that brings a sense of connection with nature.
The waterfall is still trickling down strongly (an odd description but it is not a gushing waterfall) and there should be an impressive number of disa uniflora adorning its cliff face in January/February - so another climb is probably on the cards. It's a tremendously peaceful and restorative place to spend a half hour drinking coffee and nibbling on a snack after the effort of getting there, and contemplating the further steep climb out of the ravine towards Kirstenbosch.
The flowers along the way vary according to the season, and currently we are being treated to splashes of pink and blue from the tall watsonia and aristea species that flourish on the slopes of the Table Mountain chain, interspersed with less flamboyant flowers closer to the ground requiring closer inspection to get maximum enjoyment of their delicate colours. The mountain dahlia is in full bloom with some really huge bushes nodding their orange heads - one of my favourite flowers.
The long descent down steps made for people with long legs seemed interminable and my calves are telling me about it this morning, but nonetheless a wonderful hike.
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