Rained out

Sometimes I forget that rainfall over the Cape Peninsula is area-specific, and today I completely misread the weather forecast by using Kommetjie as the location, when in fact I should have used Llandudno, a mere 5 or so kilometres as the crow flies, but with the advantage of a large mountain to facilitate rainfall. Thus it was that, expecting the weather to clear from overnight rain of 2mm by 8am, I arrived at the Sandy Bay carpark to be met by a backdrop of grey sea and steely black cloud. The rest of the group were in earnest discussion as to whether the hike to Oudeschip should take place. In a matter of minutes the decision was made as the rain arrived and pelted down while we scurried back into the shelter of the cars.
After about 15 minutes, the squall passed, but the outlook was grim. More discussion, and a stroll around the streets of Llandudno ensued. This once unspoilt enclave with milkwoods cladding the slopes and a tinkling stream flowing down to the beach bears no resemblance to the place I used to visit as a small child. In the 50s and 60s my mother's best friend lived there in a modest wood and iron cottage, an absolute gem of a place with character and homeliness, set way above the beach in the shade of the original forest. It must be long gone, replaced by a monstrous concrete edifice to match the rest that now blot the landscape. There are few houses that catch the eye as aesthetically pleasing, and many are, surprisingly, run down and poorly maintained considering this is prime real estate in Cape Town. Perhaps no one lives in them.
We ended up on the beach, without respite from frequent showers, and it was soon becoming too cold for comfort, with snow not far off! After around two hours of light exercise, we went off to Suikerbossie at the top of the ridge into Hout Bay (by car) and enjoyed coffee and scones - the closest we could come to a beer and burger in these trying times. A lovely venue for special occasions, hopefully returning soon.