Venus Pool on a humid day

The walk along the coast from Buffels Bay to Venus Pool in Cape Point Nature Reserve ranks as a favourite for days when an easy hike is desired. A southeaster, cloud and temperature around 23 degrees forecast for Cape Town did not materialise - no wind until later in the morning, cloud cleared up mid-morning, high humidity - and it was a pretty perspiring party that trudged along the grass track etched by eland and bontebok on the False Bay side of the reserve. Without shade, we have to rely on the sea breeze to keep us cool, and with a barely perceptible drift of air that left only cat's paws on the sea to indicate movement, it was hard going at times. It's amazing what a difference wind makes to the quality of comfort, and the most arduous uphill hike can be undertaken without breaking a sweat in the right conditions.
It seemed that the animals were also feeling the heat and apart from two young male ostriches and a lone bontebok, the only other signs of life were three tortoises idling away in the lush grass that covers the slopes. The southeast wind brings plenty of moisture to this remotest part of the Peninsula, ensuring an ample supply of greenery for the animals, along with streams that seep down from the towering cliffs and gather in pools on the flat rocks that characterise the shoreline. An outcrop of black rock contrasts interestingly with the surrounding pale sandstone, another sign of ancient upheavals as the earth adjusts itself.
A couple of fisherman were angling from the rocks forming the seaward barrier at Venus Pool, but no sign was seen of any fish being caught, and I wondered if they would pop in at the local fish shop on the way home. The pool itself, probably around 3 feet deep in parts, had a good population of sea urchins, limpets and starfish, while some tiny silver fish and klipfish swam happily around, unaware that it would take a very high tide for them to return to the deep blue sea.
Some returned along the tar road higher up the slope, and the more adventurous rock-hoppers took the quite easy route along the rocks until they, too, had to clamber up through the long grass to the road. About 6.5km makes this a good bit of exercise in beautiful surroundings that restore balance to a busy life.

Bordjiesrif Tidal Pool

Venus Pool

Perfect to sit on!