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The Cape Peninsula was once two islands separated by the Fish Hoek (Silvermine) Valley which was then a passage for the sea.
During the Ice Age the waters receded and were replaced by shifting sand dunes blown in by the very strong south-easterly winds (these are still really strong today!).
In modern times alien plants were introduced into the area to try and stop the shifting of the dunes. These are now being cleared, to make way for indigenous vegetation, flora and fauna.
My father and uncles, as well as my husband had their childhood scrambling up and down these dunes. Their faded pictures tell many a story.
Such a pity that they are now lying silent beneath the concrete of people's foundations of their homes. Leave a Comment
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Many buildings in town and city centres in this region are national monuments, beautifully preserved.
I always take time to walk along the streets, visiting the second hand furniture shops and the art galleries, sitting down for some coffee at the local coffee shop or having some fish and chips at the harbours.
The first photo of lattice work on a balcony is absolutely stunning, and there is plenty of this to be found in historic Simon's Town :)
Cape Dutch Architecture has a heavy influence in the region, brought down from the Dutch settlers. The second and third photos are fine examples of this - they are from Boschendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. Leave a Comment
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This plant is typical of the entire Western Cape region.
It is cactus-like in looks, and has orangey red flowers when in bloom.
It is hardy and succulent, in a land where the toughest only often survive.
Having said that, this particular area of the Little Karoo is like a little oasis, where the earth is kinder on the vegetation.
These aloes pepper the hillside as one drives along... I really like them. Reminds me I am HOME :) Leave a Comment
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My other 'mother' is the 'mother city' of Cape Town. I was born in Cape Town, moved to Johannesburg when a toddler, and moved back when I turned 22.
I lived here until I came to live and work in London in 2002.
The Cape is one of those places that grips you. One naturally longs for one's home, but this peninsula has something extra-special to offer it's inhabitants.
It is without doubt, one of the most spectacular places on this planet.
Every visit never fails to make me hold my breath at it's majesty and beauty. Leave a Comment
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 NAMAQUALAND DAISIES. by PEE-WEELeave a Comment
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 by nora_south_africa
This is just to give you a rough idea of the various distances in case you do not have a map available in your country for South Africa.
N2 Cape Town to Somerset West 45km
Somerset West to Bot Rivier 60km
Bot Rivier to Caledon 25km
Caledon to Riviersonderend 51km
Riviersonderend to Stormsvlei 18km
Stormsvlei to Swellendam 38km
Swellendam to Heidelberg 55km
Heidelberg to Riversdale 30km
Riversdale to George 139km
Scenic Route1: from Sommerset West you can go-
Sommerset West Bettys Bay (60km)
Bettys Bay to Kleinmond (9km)
Kleinmond to Hermanus (30km)
Hermanus to Stanford (25km)
Stanford to N2 (48km)
NOTE: from Stanford you can go to Gansbaai its 22km to Gansbaai and can then return back to Stanford and then N2. Leave a Comment
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 by nora_south_africa
Cape Town - Paarl 75km
Paarl Rawsonville 35km
Rawsonville Worcester 15km
Near Worcester you take R62
Worcester Robertson 51km
Robertson Ashton 19km
Ashton Montagu 10km
Montagu Barrydale 66km
Barrydale Ladismith 80km
Ladismith Oudtshoorn 83km
NB: when in Oudtshoorn a scenic route is to drive to de Rust.
NB: before you travel this route check with Ladismith Police station if road via Calitzdorp (between Ladismith and Oudtshoorn is open) phone 1023 information for their number. Leave a Comment
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Western cape has some beautiful sunsets over the ocean... I inculde a few... Leave a Comment
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