Sun Rays at Kloof Corner

Date: 6 December 2011

Location: Table Mountain

Walkers: Brenda & Helen

For other walks on this route see the Kloof Corner archive.

It was gloomy and there was a lot of cloud swirling around Table Mountain, but it didn't look like rain so we decided to walk anyway... our usual route up Kloof Corner steps.



It was very pleasant walking in the cool shade.



As the path zigged to the right we got a view across the Atlantic. One sun ray breaking through the cloud and hitting the ocean.



We zagged in the other direction, climbing all the way.



And on the next zig there were more sun rays!



We pressed on up the final climb.



And sat for some moments on top, watching the light show.


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Clifton Third Beach

Date: 2 December 2011

Location: Clifton

Walkers: Michele & Helen

Previous walks in the Clifton area here and here.

It was a horrible howling south-easter in town, so Michele and I took ourselves off to the Atlantic coast for a bit of a stroll and picnic on Clifton Beach. We parked on Victoria Road and took one of the many stepped paths down to the sand. Clifton is a affluent area and it's always fun to peek at the lovely cottages on the way down.




It wasn't long til we reached the sand. It was not entirely wind-free on the beach, but still very pleasant, warm and sunny. Water was freezing though.



Lion's Head loomed above.



We walked up and down a bit...



... then found a sheltered spot between the granite boulders and had some chips and Appletiser. Beaches are very relaxing - it was good to unwind after a busy day. Sand between the toes.



After a while the wind got up again, so we left at about 6.30pm, still broad daylight. On the way back up the stairs we had a nasty experience: a man tried to mug us. As it happened we were alone on the steps at the time, about two-thirds of the way up. A well-dressed man walked past us on his way down, greeted us, very friendly. A moment later he turned back up again and said he would be taking one of our bags. Michele was furious and yelled at him very loudly and angrily and he ran away. I'm not sure who got the bigger fright! We were fine and nothing taken - just really outraged that this happened at all. So our excursion ended at the Camps Bay police station where we went to report the incident.


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A Cloud from Kloof Corner

Date: 29 November 2011

Location: Table Mountain

Walkers: Brenda & Helen

For other walks on this route see the Kloof Corner archive.

On our weekly walk up Kloof Corner steps Brenda and I were fascinated by the cloud sitting on the Saddle. It was beautiful sunny weather on our side of Table Mountain, so we were puzzled how and why this peculiar cloud had formed across on the other side. It wasn't flowing down the slope like a south-easter cloud. Instead it just seemed to sit there, nestling in the hollow, all fluffy and white. And really very pretty.




When we weren't staring at the unusual cloud we looked down to spot micranthus, the comb flower, growing alongside the path.



And pelargonium too. This inflorescence type is called umbel.



I wasn't feeling at all well and couldn't face the final climb up to the rock face. So I rested on a rock for a bit while Brenda charged up the final section on her own. And then we plodded down together.


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Flowers in Newlands Forest

Date: 27 November 2011

Location: Newlands Forest

Walkers: Helen & Brenda

For all walks in Newlands Forest see the Newlands Forest archive.



Brenda and I went strolling up into Newlands Forest, no particular destination in mind. We followed the path alongside the stream...



.... and uphill through the trees...



... and up again, until we reached the Woodcutter's Trail.



As always, it was wonderful to be in the quiet green stillness.



The path brought us out near the stand of silver trees. They are growing so happily here, on this sunny north-facing slope.



We spotted some early summer flowers hereabouts too. Pink Watsonia borbonica, complete with bee.




A white Ixia, with colourful centre.



And the blue sceptre flower, Aristea capitata.



We also saw some flowering plants that are clearly not indigenous. Not sure what they are though... garden escapees of some sort I suppose?



This one had a delightfully fresh citrus/minty scent.



Instead of heading straight down we took several side paths through the pine trees, slowly zig-zagging down the slope, with an occasional glimpse of the mountain behind.




The last section of our walk was along the lower part of the Littlewort Trail. We found lots of flowers in this fairly open area.



Particularly pelargonium and lots more aristea.




And - my particular favourite - tall sprays of snow-white Ixia.


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Up the Steps to Kloof Corner

Date: 22 November 2011

Location: Table Mountain

Walkers: Brenda, Douglas & Helen

For more Kloof Corner walks... see the archive here.

Life continues to be extremely busy and rather stressful, but I'm determined to get back to walking more often. Now that summer is here it's light longer so it is completely feasible to complete a short walk after work on weekdays. The plan is do this favourite route - Kloof Corner steps - at least once a week. It is a good workout and the views are lovely.



Yellow Athanasia brightens the the slope this time of year.



This appeared to be a white Muraltia (in the foreground - twisty Table Mountain road and Tamboerskloof below). The pink/purple Muraltia one is much more frequently found.



Most of the early summer flowers are out now. Hello old friends :)




We follows the zig-zag path and then the final row of steps to reach the cliff face. This last bit always almost kills me!



We walked along the contour as far as the big tree, then retraced our steps.



Before heading down we lingered around and enjoyed the view for a bit - it was after all a perfect day. Lion's Head and rump, and Robben Island.



Cliff face catching the sunshine, Twelve Apostles behind.



And down towards Oudekraal further away.


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