33.09 Franschhoek, Western Cape: Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, an outstanding gem.

We come over the mountain and lo and behold we are in...Fransh...or a little above it.




Now we understand what they mean by the beauty of the Cape Coloreds.




We left the coast and headed inland to the beautiful town of Franschhoek. It was settled, inter alia, by French Huguenots after fleeing from religious persecution in France, during the 17th century. Seems a lot of that still going around. What a world! The more we profess tolerance the less of it we have. We'll return to the coast via unpublished blogs later.

Franschhoek is a beautiful town, centered around the wine industry, with a strong French flavor. It emits a wonderful atmosphere generally and for us, provides opportunity to view it from height because it's surrounded by multi-mountain ranges. The downside up in those mountains is the awfully strong winds. On both occasions that we reached Du Toitskop and Perdekop respectively, we dealt with gusting winds that were chilly, too. Nevertheless, the hiking has been superb, the trails terrific and the mountains, views into the town and fynbos (wild flowers) exceptional. Did we mention what an incredible region of natural beauty is the Western Cape? Don't get us started on the Eastern Cape...yet. By the way, we began this segment in France, spent the last 5 days in 'quasi-France' and are due to spend a week on a French Island to close the trip.

Having mentioned the region being a hiker's paradise, since leaving Cape Town, we have had 7 superb experiences in the mountains. On only one occasion did we meet a pair of fellow hikers on a peak trail. Makes one wonder. Nevertheless, at ground level, we have spoken with many locals and although our bias is showing, it is indeed a treat to be back home. Should the powers that be realize their main function should be to ensure reasonable safety, from within, for all of its citizens, it would make it a jewel of the world—more bias showing.

With a cumulative gain of some 2,400 feet, fighting strong winds throughout and enjoying spectacular scenery of both the wilds and the town from above, we've planned for the longer and higher climb a few days hence. More about Franschhoek later.



Vineyard country.




"Sommelier, let's take it from the top...the next two."







Looking to take a breather in stiff winds.



Dying blooms.




Reaching the peak on a windy day.




...and feeling on top of the world




Still going up.




One of many estates spread over the region.




The beacon at the peak comes into view as Jenni puts her head down and bores into the wind after 1.5 hours.




Some remarkable scenes.




Never tire of the fynbos.




Peeking through the gap at the town below gives one a different perspective.




We miss the proteas out of full bloom.




One more from a province of wild flora.



Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey



We end this blog on a low note as we have viewed many scenes such as the one below. Nevertheless, all is not lost as we note many in the ruling class have become billionaires and the less successful politicians, only multi-millionaires. Hopefully, the latter will be able to close the gap. As for the poorer classes, unfortunately, that's how the system works, 'almost' universally.