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One of my favorite things about the Cape is the incredible abundance of mountains to climb. Last year I went up Table Mountain just about every other day. This year, I have branched out a bit more and have climbed several new giants. This climb got us out of bed at about 6:30am. The Helderberg Nature Reserve (Helderberg, meaning clear mountain) is a beautiful 363 hectares of natural wildlife preserve in Somerset West where Jess's family lives.
When we first arrived we didn't realize that the gate would be locked. We were just about to leave when some early morning hikers arrived with a key and saved the day. We followed them in and started a fantastic hike.
Bontebok! I think I was the only one excited to see them. They are so cute, And they have what looks like a target on their bum. And there was a baby. The Bontebok were at one point killed as pests and their wild population was reduced to just 17 individuals. Clearly, they have made a comeback and I for one am happy that they did.
This big fella was right in the middle of the path we were walking on. He was one of three tortoises that we spotted on the trail.
Flaming protea. Not quite the right time of year for the blossoms, the the red tips against the blue sky was too much to just pass by.
The view from the trail was incredible. We picked a great day for a hike. The image above shows Gordon's Bay and Strand looking out to False Bay. Strand is just in front of the tall buildings and is where Jess and I went for a walk and a swim.
The trail was just a touch overgrown on the way to the gorge.
A little rest in the gorge. My favorite lady.
Happy as can be. Have I mentioned that I know just how lucky I am? I love the Cape!
Ut-oh. When we got back to the car after the hike we had a little bit of a mess to clean up. We only parked about 20 feet from the security gate and we still got broken into. What a bummer! Luckily, nothing too major was taken just a bag of snacks. Jess's ipod was in the glove box, but they seemed to be more interested in the chocolate and dried fruit. Or rather, that was probably all they had time to grab. There was only a 15 minute gap between when we left the car and when the security arrived. What are the chances?? I guess it just goes to show that you can never be too careful.
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Comments
Love the mountain views, Sara. Hope the vandals didn't take your sunblock. Of course, the higher the elevation, the riskier it is for the skin. Looks like your been-there-done-that hiking protected your skin beautifully. I look forward to more classic scenes.
(01.05.10)You are bringing some of that flaming protea back to your Mom, right? (under your arm pit of course:)
(01.06.10)I've seen that huge camera you carry around. If that was the one on this hike, I am doubly impressed. You definitly got a work out and amazing pictures. You are such a blessed and talented young lady!
(01.06.10)Your pics make me want to go out this morning and hike up Fremont Peak. Our skyline looks almost the same. I can see you had a great day except for the car! dd
(01.06.10)Dennis, they did not get my sunblock. Thankfully it was applied pre-hike and left at home =).
Carol M, don't let the fed know. They have upped the security!
Carol R, yup, the big one. That is why I have such big muscles. Ha!
D, get out there!
(01.06.10)These pics are so beautiful! Especially the ones that capture the mountains. Thanks for sharing. Made me want to put on my hiking gear and get out there!
(03.15.10)Thank you! It was an amazing hike, such a challenge though! Get out there and make some pictures!
(03.15.10)