The autumn days continue to be spectacular in Cape Town. The softer light after the harsh summer sun brings different hues to the dawn sun on the mountains, and the shadows cast by the valleys and ridges have changed as the sun continues its northward journey. This is the time of year I love best, when hiking is most enjoyable as the heat lessens, the sea breeze starts to come in from the Atlantic with accompanying aromas of kelp and salt air, and we start to look forward to the winter rains.
Easter is often a time of strong southeasters and awe-inspiring photos of waves pounding against the sea wall at Kalk Bay harbour feature prominently, but this year we are looking forward to a westerly wind bringing the first real cold front, and hopefully this will materialise.
Right now the sea off Kommetjie is glassy and calm, the kelp fronds lying flat across the surface at low tide. After the pink supermoon yesterday, when the moon was at perigee, the tidal range will be exceptional, but we won't be down on the rocks, picking black mussels from the safe zone well below the normal low tide mark. We won't be there to see if the otters are playing in the surf or taking food to their midden. There may be snakes sunning themselves on the rocks, getting a last bit of warmth to see them through winter, but no dogs will be there to disturb them. The spiny lizards that so love to lounge must be out in their numbers, enjoying the peace and tranquillity, and birds sing unheard in the coastal shrubs as they flit about their business.
The beauty of nature will always be there, free for us to enjoy. It's having a breather for now.
These are a few of my paintings to remind us of gentle days.
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