A gentle stroll above the Atlantic Seaboard

The walk around the base of Lion's Head is one we do quite often, mainly because it is not too strenuous but still has its up and downs, and because it offers some of the best views of the Atlantic Seaboard. The forecast was for a cool breeze on that side due to a brief respite from the relentless near gale-force southeaster and a swing to the west, and it turned out to be true, even though the rest of Cape Town experienced a less than balmy 28+.
The signs of progressing summer were all there - dust-laden vegetation, parched leaves curling and turning brown, a carpet of fallen pine needles and gum leaves, and not a flower to be seen. Even the die-hard Port Jackson saplings were in distress and a carelessly lit fire would sweep rapidly through the tinder-dry grasses.
The path wound around Clifton and Sea Point just above the top level of houses, giving us ample opportunity to look down on the endless flat roofed glass and concrete boxes that only the very wealthy can aspire to - but we enjoyed the same views at no cost and under very pleasant circumstances without giving a thought to rates and taxes! A seasonal visitor from the north, a Steppe Buzzard, hovered just below us, taking advantage of the thermals to demonstrate his aerodynamic skills and we could only watch in awe at this very special moment. It's not often we can have an extended close up view of a raptor, particularly from above.
Further along, the human version of flying on the thermals was taking place in the form of paragliders running off Signal Hill and swooping rapidly down to the lawns on the Sea Point promenade. A poor second to a pair of wings, I'm sure, but flying nonetheless.
A little over 5km brought us back to the cars, after a most companionable hike to ease into the weekend.

Photo: Brian Moore

Photo: Brian Moore

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Photo: John Wright

Steppe buzzard. Photo: John Wright