A scene from Robertson but after the bird flew into the blog, we left it there. (Southern Red Bishop)
Mont Rochelle park entrance is at the top of the pass, encouraging the wind to blow constantly at that altitude. From the position, after paying entrance fee, acquiring a permit and chatting to the rangers in their protected office with heaters on and their cellphones in full active mode, one can venture to greater heights, including Perdekop, which reaches a further 2,800 feet or so. However, to reach the top, one begins by going down a steep ravine in order to cross a river, losing much ground and of course, having to regain that ground just to remain where one was in the first place. All-in-all, we acquired some 3,200 feet on the day, always a number to put one through one's paces. Nevertheless, it's a magnificent reserve which seems to us the equivalent of those places that are renowned for 'big skies'. The difference is this seems to have big, wide open spaces, making one almost feel like being on a different planet. As we have left many countries, but never Earth, that might be an exaggeration. We'll let it stand because the feeling in the reserve is that good.
Our previous visit to the park, two days earlier, remained mostly on the western side, thus providing numerous views of the town of Franschhoek. Although we could see the town from a number of positions, the focus of this trail was more inland including remarkable rock faces, valleys and ravines and from the top, the massive mountains including Wemmershoek Dam at ground level. The flowers again proved to be delightful. I have always had a fascination for flora in the wilds, their natural proclivity to grow anywhere including through cracks in rocks, basically, wherever their seeds were blown, taking opportunity to 'grab life'. Nature produces colors and shapes that are beyond the comprehension of a simple country boy but who cares—the beauty is staggering.
The process of discovery on Hike-about continues to amaze us. No day, no place, nothing is ever the same. We find ourselves in different places, types of accommodation, involved in a compendium of activities, locations and experiences. It is remarkable and often we think we're dreaming. At times, we forget where we are. Nevertheless, the realities of life face us each day, too but at least in different environments while experiencing 'newness'. Change, excitement, stimulation and struggle are constant companions. Thus far, it is proving to be a life different from anything we've known in our first 57 or so years. We suppose we tried to capture the feelings in our book, "A Life Experience As No Other..." Fortunately, the journey continues and we hope passionately that it will not be interrupted.
Big, wide open spaces.
Nature in the raw...gorgeous and wild with a tiny editor advancing.
The editor continues up, leaving the attractive, historic town of Franschhoek in the distance.
Meantime, back at the ranch, Tex considers returning to put his feet up on the other side of the river.
He sits on trail just so he can take in the magnificence of it all or so he says.
Far more relaxing sitting than running up that steep mountain. Show off, Editor.
At last, 2.25 hours later, we reach elevation gain of 2,800 feet plus another 400 feet on the day, 3,200.
Editor sneaks up to peek through the gap at the peak.
From the top, a view of the other side. The dam is Wemmershoek. On a clear day, one may not see forever but it's possible
to view Table Mountain and Lion's Head (Cape Town).
Early summer and it's freezing and windy at an altitude of about 5,200 feet.
Flower power on the way down.
Big drop-offs, big mountains and a feeling of tranquility.
Unstable but exciting weather at the summit.
Raw, rough but attractive rock faces lit by a struggling sun.
Bouquets for the ladies.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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