Sea Point Prom 2011 - Walk 5

Date: 28 March 2011

Location: Sea Point

Walker: Helen & Vanessa

Archive of all Prom walks here.



Vanessa and I left a sunny city bowl to take a walk in Sea Point and found ourselves in a thick sea mist. We walked the usual route in the damp and gloomy conditions. It was kinda fun walking in the mist but very chilly!





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Boyes Drive above Muizenberg

Date: 27 March 2011

Location: Muizenberg

Walkers: Michele & Helen

*** Route plotted here ***

Michele and I went for a walk along Boyes Drive, the scenic road that links Lakeside and Kalk Bay.



We started above Muizenberg, close to the intersection between Boyes and Old Boyes, and set off direction Kalk Bay, walking along the pavement, and with the mountain on our right.



From here we had a delightful view down to Zandvlei, Muiz and False Bay.



The road began to descend, dipping down through the section with houses on both sides of the drive. There are some lovely homes here.




There's even a small vineyard on the slopes just below the road.



As the road began to climb again we passed the start of the steps up Farmer Peck's Valley. It's been far too long since we walked up there.



On our left we could see down to Muizenberg beach front. Busy!



We followed the road as it curved around towards St James. The views were the best part of this walk. The road was very busy and noisy with traffic. I really enjoyed the brief interludes when there were no cars, but unfortunately they were few and far between.



Looking down from the corner we couldn't see the road or any houses below us, just the curved stone wall half-way down the slope, marking the site of mining magnate Abe Bailey's grave.




We continued along the twisty road. Easy walking. Once we got further along we could see down to Kalk Bay Harbour.




Berries! Autumn's here at last.



We didn't make it all the way to Kalk Bay but instead turned around and retraced our steps. We walked briskly, pausing only to look down to Muizenberg beachfront again. Some friends were surfing there and we hurried down to meet them and grab a late breakfast at Empire Cafe.


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Windy Woodbridge Island

Date: 26 March 2011

Location: Milnerton Beach from Woodbridge Island

Walkers: Michele & Helen

Previous walk on this beach here.

Both desperately in need of a leg-stretch, Michele and I met up at Woodbridge Island for a stroll along Milnerton Beach. It was a sunny afternoon but there a bit of a breeze about and the water was choppy.



We walked up the beach direction Table View, soon leaving the lifesavers' club and the lighthouse behind us.



The sea was looking very clean and was a pleasant (not too cold) temperature, so we walked barefoot, paddling in the shallows.



The wind became stronger until sand was blowing across the beach and stinging our legs. We turned around and walked back straight into the wind. Phew, it was very bracing!



I was loving the way the sand was being blown over the rocks and seaweed on the beach, making patterns. Nature's abstract art...





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Spier Wine Estate

Date: 19 March 2011

Location: Spier Wine Estate near Stellenbosch

Walker: Helen

At Spier for the weekend for a work conference, I found myself with a little free time late one afternoon (my colleagues were doing wine tasting or watching rugby, neither of which interest me). I opted instead for a stroll around the estate, more of less following their Heritage Walk.



Setting off from the manicured gardens of the hotel complex I followed the path to the river and crossed the bridge to the far side.



From here there was a lovely view of the Stellenbosch mountains.



I meandered through the newly planted protea garden.



There was not an awful lot to see here now but in a couple of years, and in the right season, this garden will be gorgeous.




I took another bridge back across the river. So pretty and peaceful.




Then onto the lake, which was still bathed in sunshine.



Next I strolled past some Spier's other sights and attractions: the historic homestead, the wine cellar, the slave bell, assorted different restaurants, the conservation outreach section, the craft market...






And lastly back to the hotel village. Spier is certainly a pleasant place to while away an hour or two!


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