I know my feed is becoming predominantly hiking but that’s what I love to do so get ready for this trend to continue well into the future.
PART 1 - Olifantsbos Circular Hike
This weekend we decided on an easy flattish hike. It’s a circular route from Olifantsbos (Elephants Bush) through the fynbos flatlands of the Cape Point Nature Reserve and down towards the beach and the Thomas T. Tucker Shipwreck. Then a quick detour to the actual Point of Cape Point to commemorate our visit.
We had a late start after sleeping in which is not normal for us hikers. Usually we’re up early before sunrise and catching the first rays on the mountain. But Sunday was relaxed and an easy walk so we started late.
The hole in the wall was pretty special considering most of the wall was easy, this little piece of natural architecture added some interest. It was also the place where we stopped for our first snack.
I loved the rock formations and interesting flora of the first 2 kilometres of the hike. It’s easy to see why this loop gets busy.
Luc sitting in a hole in the rock wall.
One of the most shocking things about this hike is that my 17 year old daughter actually agreed to join us!!!! Wait WHAT??!!! I couldn’t believe my ears when she agreed, but I think it was the idea of meeting my friends son Luc that was the draw card.
Turns out they got on like a house on fire and walked ahead of us the entire day. Richard actually asked if they’re always so chatty and I replied that this was the first time they’d met! Guess they’re two peas in a pod. Pity Luc’s moving next weekend and Taylor’s planning on moving to the US at the end of the year. Our lives are all changing but that’s what growing ups all about.
Cats Nails
This is one of the more interesting plants we spotted all along the path. It’s called Catsnails - no idea what the Latin / botanical name is. I’m a sucker for the common names that are easy to remember.
We plodded on towards Sirkelvlei (circle pond) where we all decided against swimming. It was too early in the day and the water was COLD!!!
Sirkelvlei
Everlastings also known as Sewejaartjies
The path cut a definite right turn which took us in the direction of the beach. This was good news! Lunch was ahead and the weather today was absolutely perfect for a beach picnic. There was only a slight remnant of winter in the air but the sun kept us warm enough as we hiked in our shorts in August - Southern Hemisphere.
Richard, Val and I
Taylor and Luc
The kids beat us to the white sand and blue ocean, jabbering nonstop all the way. We actually got some peace and quiet when they were a little further off.
They had already stripped off their shoes by the time we turned up and made our way to the first part of the wreck on the beach - the rest of it is wedged on the rocks further away.
There nothing like walking upon a dead shark and parts of a little buck on the beach to keep you on your toes. This guy either died and washed up or got left on shore at high tide and then died. Either way I’m glad it’s not alive!!!
The poor little buck must have been lunch to something else out here, although most of the fauna are of the herbivorous type, so I have no idea what claimed the rest of this little guy.
Lunch was lazy and satisfying although my flask didn’t seem to do its job. Cold tea is not ideal.
The kids climbed the boulder while us old folk enjoyed the sand and silly conversation.
As the breeze got slightly cooler we packed up and headed up along the beach in the direction of where we had started.
We passed the remains of the Thomas T Tucker wreck and a recently washed up rubber dinghy that seemed well out of place. This last distance wasn’t far but the addition of a troop of naughty baboons is always a little scary. They can be aggressive! Luckily these guys moved on with some encouragement and we made the final stretch to the cars without incident.
Fresh rooibos (red bush) tea on the gravel was called for and we took another break as the day was coming to a close (OR SO WE THOUGHT!!!!!)
Val mentioned a quick pass by the Cape Point lighthouse for a couple photos with Luc before his move so we made the drive to the lighthouse on the very point of Cape Point.
Part 2 - Cape Point Lighthouse on the very southern tip of AFRICA
We parked the cars and I then realised the hill that we had to climb in order to reach the blessed lighthouse!!! What?? There was no turning back as Taylor and Luc had once again sped off ahead of us and Taylor had my car keys 🤨.
From the elevated position of the lighthouse I turned and looked back up the Peninsula towards the “mainland”. You can see the narrowing of the point and the ocean on either side.
Beyond the lighthouse is the rest of the Rocky outcrop that is Cape Point and it’s final small lighthouse all the way on the end. It turns out they’ve closed that section of the path. But that didn’t stop us from doing a little extra exploring.
After the prerequisite photos we noticed a whale just off to the right of the point - jumping and crashing to the surface of the ocean over and over again in an ecstatic kind of playfulness.
Then as we walked back we saw another 2 whales just at the bottom of the cliffs below us. It was amazing to be able to hear them blowing air from that height.
Down we walked - past the historical cottages - and then past the funicular that usually runs up the hill to the lighthouse. Our cars were waiting for us and our tummies were now grumbling and ready for dinner.
By there time we got home it was after 6pm and the sun was setting on a glorious full day outdoors.
As I always seem to say, “You just don’t get better than this!”
