A Little Lost in Newlands Forest

Date: 2 April 2011

Location: Newlands Forest

Walkers: Michele & Helen

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


Michele and I went for a late afternoon meander in Newlands Forest. We followed the main path left, then looped back, crossing the bridge over the river. Not much water around at all... we need that winter rain rather badly.



The path continued on, direction Cape Town, through the pine trees.



At the clearing we got a view of the mountain... there was cloud on the peak, and it was a rather grey day generally. Nice walking weather! We decided to follow the path a little further that we usually do here, expecting that it would loop back.



We took a path down to the right which led through an area with lovely tall trees, mostly oaks. Many trees must have been cut down here as there were large piles of logs as well.



We were expecting to meet a lower contour, or have our path veer back to the right, but it did not. In fact it continued to the left and we saw a fence on our right, separating us from Newlands Forest proper. We were a little confused and ever-so-slightly lost, but had no choice but to continue down. This route lead to a building and beyond. We didn't know where we were exactly but the trees here were spectacular.





Just as we were thinking we'd really gone astray, we came to a turnstile in the fence. Finally we could start heading in the right direction! This path lead straight down to the Newlands Picnic area.



Beyond the picnic area was the M3, and we could take the path alongside the road directly back to Newlands Forest. Yay, back to familiar territory!



This time of year March lilies, Amaryllis belladonna, flower alongside the M3 highway. Aren't they beautiful?




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Side Note: Water Bottle Beltpack

I had a voucher for Cape Union Mart and spent it on this, my latest bit of walking gear: a Deuter Pulse One waistpack. It carries one large water bottle and has two small side pockets for keys, phone or other stuff. My camera pouch can clip over the belt. Perfect for short walks when I don't feel like carrying a backpack. Love it!
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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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