Sunday, Nov 19—Down the Cape

The focus of today was a return visit to Table Mountain NP with Diana. Seems the everlastings (also known as Cape snow; Syncarpha vestita) were in spectacular display on the road to the family cottages on the coast. Diana wanted us to see them in full bloom as Marcia was so taken by the few early ones she saw on our first visit. That would be in the afternoon and so the morning was open for whatever.

It was back to the craft market in Hout Bay to start our day. We had found more interesting things at this market than at the monthly one at Kirstenbosch and so went to do a bit more shopping. It was a nice clear morning but the wind was at it again. The vendors were struggling to hold their booths together and not lose their merchandise. Would be a long day for them! But we did our part to support the local economy. And had to leave some big items that we knew we couldn’t manage. Still not sure how we will pack all that we have bought!!

From Hout Bay we head down the coast by way of Chapman’s Peak Drive. Though windy it is a perfect day for this drive. We can see up and down the coast and off into the Atlantic for kilometers. A truly stunning drive!

After lunch we meet Diana at her place and load her and the dogs, Harley and Dougal, into our car for our drive. We take the route along the western side of the Cape as we did before, starting with Ou Kaapse Weg (Old Cape Way). I am still struck by the beauty of the landscape and the views as we drive around. But I know with time I would take it for granted. Shame!

Diana was correct, the area just before reaching her cottage was an incredible sight. The everlastings were in glorious bloom, and the name Cape snow is so much more descriptive of what you see.

This is Cape snow up close.

And this is mixed in with Cape snow in some places. It is Edmondia sesamoides.

And then they both disappear as you get closer to the shore. But here there were bontebok with young! There had been zebra and ostrich earlier. Her special place always has something to display.

Diana’s sister and husband were staying at the cottage. Diana had brought the treats and so we all had tea and coffee. They stayed on the patio out of the wind but the dogs and I wandered on the rocks. And the wind was even stronger here than back at Hout Bay. But how could one not heed the call of the rocky shore. So much fun!

The local Leucospermum was in glorious bloom. And a patch of bloodroot, Dilatris pillansii, near the main entrance was just starting to open its flowers.

No Cape cobra this time but so many other things to see. And just being here is such a treat! Thanks again Diana!

This is Lobelia pinifolia for Linda! Cute little thing!!


Edward