We went on two walks in the last week, taking advantage of gaps in the very wet wintry weather. The first started with the intention of walking through Clifton to Fourth beach but, driving there, we decided to stop and take a photograph of it from a different angle and parked near the conjunction of Kloof Road and Nettleton Road. A breathtaking view. We then decided to just continue walking along Kloof Road above Clifton to see what the sunset would look like from there
Three friends were enjoying the view from a bench, and John did spot some beverage to to enjoy while the sun set
A favourite spot for people to enjoy the sunset is from the top of Lion’s Head. You can walk up there, but it’s not for the aged and the those that cannot cope with heights. There are sections with chains to aid your ascent. You can just see people up there, even on a winter’s day. How they get down in the gloaming is a mystery, head torches presumably. Perhaps roped together?
Planted along the roadway, a magnificent Bird of Paradise plant (Strelitzia Regina)
These are some of the most valuable properties on what is known as the Platinum Coast. It is extraordinary how closely built they are, perched on the cliffs. A garage came up for sale and went for R1 000 000. Space is at so much of a premium
In the '60s, John's Godfather built one of the first houses there at a cost (then) of R250000; people questioned his sanity
We heard chirping and found a tree full of Guinea Fowl getting ready to roost for the night
So we stood and watched the sun go down right there before walking back up the hill and home for supper. The pathway was not too busy with walkers and runners but, sadly, not all the walkers were wearing masks. The rules say that well-spaced runners do not need them
Four days later, we headed towards The Glen and Camps Bay for another walk
There are several entrances down to the beach and this one is a continuation of The Glen forest and winter stream
Rather a tropical undergrowth
One almost expects to see parrots but, of course, they are not indigenous to the Cape
Two flowers that proliferate in Winter and early Spring are the Arum and the nasturtium
and then, suddenly, sight of the thundering winter sea
Glen beach is often underwater in winter but is very pleasant in summer and much used by surfers, as the surf off the rocks is very good. However, it is very dangerous for swimming as it has many cross currents, undertows and tidal rips. There have been deaths here from people who are not familiar with the dangers of the sea
Locals walking their dog
and others waiting on the rocks for sunset
There is great view of the back of Table Mountain, known as the Twelve Apostles; yes, there are twelve peaks
We climbed on the rocks and had a great view of Camps Bay and its beach
The numnum plant, which produces a sort of sour edible plum, aka Natal Plum or Carissa macrocarpa
It often grows near the sea and makes a rather spiny thick hedge
Looking back at Glen beach and Lion’s Head. Property here is very, very expensive and does not often come on the market. Who wouldn’t love to live here; we certainly would. It has the same advantage as Clifton, it does not get the summer South Easter wind. However, both do get the full face of our North Westerly winter wind. Camps Bay High School is behind to the extreme left, just next to where the window is reflecting the sun
It’s a wild winter sea and it roars as the waves crash on the rocks
People are only allowed to walk their dogs on Camps Bay beach at certain hours and certain times of the year. This is obviously one of them. The dogs love racing up and down the sand after being cooped up at home
You can see the cable car station at the top of Table Mountain. This is the view from its side
Sunset on the way
It’s a good beach for beachcombing, fine white sand, lots of flotsam and not a lot of jetsam
You often see photo shoots or filming on the beach
You do need a Council licence if it’s commercial activity
Evening conversations
Two exhausted dogs who had been happily tearing up and down the beach
chasing each other and a large Great Dane
It was very amusing to watch; so much energy
The clouds pinking up as the sun gets lower. When Lynne first came back from London for a look in 1992,
to see if she wanted to come back, she rented a flat in Camps Bay and this was her evening walk
before going to the local supermarket and then home to make supper. Great memories
Whom shall I chase now?
The sun lights up the mountain
and we discovered this very strange object
and its explanation
Camps Bay beach front has many restaurants, although we do not know how many have survived the many lock downs in the last year and a half. It is extremely popular with tourists, when we get them, who want to sit, eat and drink and be merry in sight of the sea. May they be able to return soooon, the country needs them
We like the seating art piece, we can work together...
We were approached by this young man who introduced himself as Kaya from Malawi, who wanted us to see his many artworks, which he sells. His name means home, safe place or wise child in Africa. It has been a lean time for him. Sadly we do not carry money or cards, but you can see how talented he is. He says this is his daily pitch on the sea front at Camps Bay
Our local MyCiti bus waiting to take workers home
Crazy surfers in wet suits risking the icy water and strong waves
And paragliders landing after having jumped off Lion’s Head or Table Mountain
The sunset
Magnificent in all its glory
then the dying of the light
and time to go home
Darn, we could have used these torture machines to have a good work out. Perhaps another time .... ?
Another art work, a sofa made out of shards called Swell by Aidan Bennetts
Storm clouds gather as we 'jog' back to the car. Well, Lynne made 15 running steps before running out of puff. It was uphill. Baby steps.... We need more walks. And a container ship heads for port
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