Zigzagging

Today we met Kate, Paul and Pauline, and went up the zigzags from Tafelberg Road to the Saddle. The idea was to walk all the way up and over and down to Newlands Forest, where we had left the Land Rover.

There were hundreds of Berry Heath (Erica baccans) in flower,

making the views over the city rather spectacular.

A little lone lachenalia flowering in the middle of the path.

Beautiful flowers everywhere. The Food Lady is breaking in a new camera - and hasn't quite mastered the macro-technique. But here are some while Felicia fruticans,

and Brown-beard Sugarbush (Protea speciosa).  

More ericas up on the saddle, this time millions of white ones - probably the Honeycomb Heath (Erica calycina).

First pink watsonia of the season! With Lion's Head in the background.

We detoured to have tea at Pulpit Rock.

Kate had oranges, and cheese and nutty bread - mmmm.

Tea spot high above Cape Town - the Alph, Pauline, Kate, Paul in the front and me at the far right keeping a look out for baboons and dassies.

We then walked up and up and Laddie found the top of Newlands Ravine - "Come on you lot! I am dying to hunt Sambar Stags so hurry hurry!" he is saying.

But the Voice of Authority held him back while the others caught up.

Looking up at the gently zigging and sagging path down Newlands Ravine.

We descended into beautiful LOTR* forests,

and almost Bushveld like patches.

Keurbooms (Virgilia oroboides) lined the rocky route further down. Me checking for hobbits and haggises (which the Food Lady says is what she is but I know better) in the undergrowth.

The Alph waiting for slowpokes.

A LOTR tree.

Tummy cooling and thirst quenching in one of the numerous cold streams. Perfect for Scots.

Through the forest,

and across the river,

past ferocious hounds that had to be restrained, 

and benign hounds that just wanted to play. This is where we nearly lost Laddie to another pack. A few months ago I would have been overjoyed to have lost him, but he has improved a lot and I am quite fond of him now in a Scottie-ish kind of way.

There were lots and lots of cars on Tafelberg Road when we went back to fetch the cars that we had left there earlier. It took ages to get on our way. Luckily we were in the Land Rover with the Alph so we couldn't hear the Food Lady moan about all the cars. 

Then is was home to wait for Harvey and Georgie to come and play - and Kerryn and Sue with them - bringing roses, pavlovas, gifts from the frozen north and wine ...

Glad to have you back Kerryn. And Phil gets home tomorrow.

 

*And in case you are wondering, or haven't ever been to New Zealand, LOTR means Lord of the Rings.