17 April 2011

Greenbelt: Alphen & Diep River Trails

Date: 12 April 2011

Location: Constantia

Walkers: Helen & Michele

*** Route plotted here ***

In the Constantia valley in the Southern Suburbs there are several walking trails along tracts of land between the residences. These are known collectively as the Greenbelt. For more information about the area and the various routes here.



We wanted an easy walk this afternoon so selected the popular Alphen Trail which starts on Alphen Drive just off the M3. We followed the sandy path to the left of the little stream.



It was super-easy walking, and there were lots of other people out and about, many with dogs. It was pretty too, with tall trees and much green leafiness.






Morning glory creeper was growing everywhere.



Further on we continued through a grassy meadow.





A lot of the trees growing here are deciduous European ones and there was a distinct autumnal look and feel to them. Gorgeous!



We reached the end of the Alphen Trail when we hit Brommersvlei Road. We decided to continue along the next route, known as the Diep River Trail. This one was quieter and a little wilder.





Beautiful tall yellow canna lilies grew alongside the path.



A bridge led over a wetland area...



... with lots of reeds, bulrushes and grasses.



Beyond that the path lead on through rather wild jungly undergrowth, and across another little bridge.




From the clearing beyond we got a view of Devil's Peak. As the sun was now behind the mountain and it was getting chilly we decided to turn around and head back. We'll have to come back soon to do some more exploring along the rest of the trail.




The Alphen Trail was still very busy... lots of dogs and even two horses.


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Mouille Point Meander



Date: 4 April 2011

Location: Mouille Point

Walker: Helen & Vanessa

Green Point Park archive here.

Vanessa and I went for a pleasant stroll along the Mouille Point Promenade and then turned into Green Point Park to see the Biodiversity Garden.



The water levels appear to have risen, the dams were full, and the wetlands garden in particular was looking wonderful.



The creepers at the picnic area will be up those trellises in no time.



The garden is starting to lose that 'just planted' feel and is looking more established and very happy indeed.



Hello wabbit.



On the way back we walked past the lighthouse.



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07 April 2011

Kirstenbosch: Pretty in Pink

Date: 3 April 2011

Location: Kirstenbosch

Walker: Helen

The Kirstenbosch archive is here.



I was happy to see that it's plectranthus season at Kirstenbosch again, with spectacular shows of the pink, purple and pink flowers in the shady sections of the garden. So very pretty!





The local fox-gloves, also in white and pink, were looking lovely.



As I meandered about I noticed many pink and purple flowers.








Up near the top of the garden I watched a helicopter buzzing around Castle Rocks. I wondered if there was a rescue in progress, but it did not land or lower a stretcher, so I guess not.



The erica beds were also dominated by pink. Truly, April seems to be the pink month!







For the first time in ages I walked all the way down to the Silvertree Restaurant at the bottom of the garden and had a quick bite from the deli.



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