33.08 Mont Rochelle: Perdekop, Franschhoek: Dramatic wide open spaces in a magnificent environment.
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...