On our way south to De Kelders we drove through Franschhoek Pass which had been closed the previous week by a bush fire which had burned out of control for 5 or 6 days before they managed to contain it. We saw the evidence of the fire for about 15km as we drove up and over the pass - about 6000 hectares was burned in the fire but thankfully no homes or people were affected.
Therafter we headed across country towards Caledon with its huge grain fields - all harvested now and a dusty brown colour - to Stanford for a quick lunch before we checked into our apartment in De Kelders.
We'd planned on a hike along the beach at Walker Bay but the whole bay was affected by a Red Tide algal bloom which made it a less attractive idea. We hiked along the cliffs above the bay instead and noted the absence of almost any seabirds along the coast.
Christoff showed up bright and early on Thursday morning and we headed back through Stanford to the Phillipskop reserve. It was a bright but cooler morning so perfect weather for our hike around the mountain. It makes such a difference to be in the company of a professional guide who knows the plant, animal and birdlife of an area.
A very pleasant 5 hour hike and a stop at the bakery in Stanford for coffee and baked cheesecake on the way home. Have to admit that the rest of the afternoon was devoted to relaxing - although we did manage a walk along the cliff top path before it was time to prepare for dinner at Benguela.
Therafter we headed across country towards Caledon with its huge grain fields - all harvested now and a dusty brown colour - to Stanford for a quick lunch before we checked into our apartment in De Kelders.
We'd planned on a hike along the beach at Walker Bay but the whole bay was affected by a Red Tide algal bloom which made it a less attractive idea. We hiked along the cliffs above the bay instead and noted the absence of almost any seabirds along the coast.
Christoff showed up bright and early on Thursday morning and we headed back through Stanford to the Phillipskop reserve. It was a bright but cooler morning so perfect weather for our hike around the mountain. It makes such a difference to be in the company of a professional guide who knows the plant, animal and birdlife of an area.
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| Everlasting |
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| Erica |
A very pleasant 5 hour hike and a stop at the bakery in Stanford for coffee and baked cheesecake on the way home. Have to admit that the rest of the afternoon was devoted to relaxing - although we did manage a walk along the cliff top path before it was time to prepare for dinner at Benguela.
Great pictures. That everlsting flower looks awesome . Too bad we cant grow them here
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