This is Simonsberg - the mountain which we see from our balcony everyday. It gleams in the morning as the sun clears the mountains behind us, glows red in the sunset and forms the backdrop to most of our time at home.
Like many other features in the Western Cape, it was named after Simon van der Stel - the first Governor of the Dutch Cape Colony at the end of the 17th C. It rises about 1400m above sea level but is only around 1000m climb to the top. Not sure when the lockdown will allow us, but I am planning a hike to the top as soon as we can.
However, it's more than just a mountain to hike because the slopes of Simonsberg are home to the wineries that produce most of our favourite SA wines and many of our favourite restaurants. From Delheim to Babylonstoren - including Noble Hill, Boschendal, Tokara, Thelema, Delaire Graff, Neil Ellis, Glenelly, Kanonkop, Neil Joubert, Simonsig and Glen Carlou to name just a few.
And, of course, there are quite a few others that we haven't even tried yet.
Like many other features in the Western Cape, it was named after Simon van der Stel - the first Governor of the Dutch Cape Colony at the end of the 17th C. It rises about 1400m above sea level but is only around 1000m climb to the top. Not sure when the lockdown will allow us, but I am planning a hike to the top as soon as we can.
However, it's more than just a mountain to hike because the slopes of Simonsberg are home to the wineries that produce most of our favourite SA wines and many of our favourite restaurants. From Delheim to Babylonstoren - including Noble Hill, Boschendal, Tokara, Thelema, Delaire Graff, Neil Ellis, Glenelly, Kanonkop, Neil Joubert, Simonsig and Glen Carlou to name just a few.
And, of course, there are quite a few others that we haven't even tried yet.
No comments:
Post a Comment