The Du Toits mountain is a rather foreboding range in the Western Cape within direct view of the sea. The vegetation is primarily fynbos and the rest of the landscape consists of steep cliffs. The start of the hike is straight up a pretty steep grade. Thankfully, we started early enough that it was pretty cool during this portion of our adventure. It was probably the most physically exhausting part of the whole hike.
The entire hike took us up three peaks,and to about 1,500 meters above sea level. But the view was worth it!
There was quite a bit of scrambling over rocks, rock climbing and finding our way over cliffs. Thank goodness for the vegetation on certain portions of the hike. If it wasn't for such strong roots I think we all would have tumbled back down the mountain.
Charlie, enjoying a good climb.
I love this shot of Russell. This was toward the end of the hike when we had conquered the most difficult part of the climb. Just taking the world in.
In all, the hike took us about 10 hours. It ended with a cool stream and some of the best water I have ever tasted. Finally, a quick drive to the shop for an ice cream and a coke. What a perfect day. Thank you to the MacWilliam's for dragging us up and down that mountain. I loved it despite the fact that I couldn't walk for several days after. You are an incredibly strong family and I consider myself lucky to get a peek into your life of adventure.
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.
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)
I hate shopping too, but sounds like you had a delightful time. I'm jealous! AND... I agree with your dad... buy tops too.
(01.03.10)See shopping isn't all bad...can't wait to see your sari-skirts...Looks like you are having fun...Hope you had a good new year.
(01.03.10)Hehehe... I suppose I can't go around just wearing skirts! THe nice thing about Cape Town is that most of the time I am running around in a bikini and don't require a top. That might not fly in California though!
(01.04.10)I think you're right tops, might to over rated. And you may get a tad cold... but I know you can handle it, right? Enjoy the few last days of warm weather. It's chilly back here. Can't wait to see your new skirts.
(01.07.10)
This is my favorite lady, Jess. I had a fantastic time staying with her we had many wonderful days of eating out and shopping and having generally girly days. Jess loves her chickens and while she doesn't eat the eggs herself, she does get to sell them. Her hens average about 9 eggs a day.
Jess's chickens are some of the friendliest fowls that I have ever met. I struggled to get a photograph of them because they follow you everywhere you go. So, I would run across the pen and the whole lot of them would come running after me. I would scrunch down and quickly try to get a picture of them before they were all on top of me. Then I figured out the secret: if you feed them, suddenly the food is of more interest than human affection.
Yup, that is me feeling pretty proud of myself. I love those chickens.
You are the most!
(12.28.09)Wow Sara! You make me see my own little piece of heaven in a new light. It is always so special and refreshing to have you around, enjoy the holiday.
(01.04.10)Hey Gail, I love your home! It is such a treat to spend time on the property and with the family. I am still hoping to learn how to make ginger beer!
(01.04.10)Hi Sara.
I love your work, stunning!
I live in Somerset West and am looking for a local egg and poultry supplier for our new food and craft market opening 31 January. Do you know if your friends would be interested in supplying our market-goers with fresh produce every 2 weeks - no huge supply? Its perhaps quite a trip around the world to find out but I do not have a supplier of eggs or chickens as yet.. I wonder if I could have their contact details or if you would let them have mine..?
Many thanks,
Sharon James
First leg of the trip is down and already my brilliant plan of getting onto South African time right from the start has been toppled. I was doing great, I watched a movie, edited some images. I thought I could stay awake. Then... the lull of the engines, my new snugly jacket wrapped around me, and before I knew it I was waking up to the sound of the captain preparing us for landing. The problem is, I will be shooting back to back weddings on Friday and Saturday. So, that gives me less than 24 hours to get my internal clock ticking to the right time before I have to start making photographs. It is going to be a challenge, but I am definitely looking forward to it!Side note, did you know that you can listen to the pilots radio transmissions while in flight? It was so fun hearing hearing the pilot talking to air traffic control. If I am completely honest, I understood very little. There were more numbers than I could keep track of and they speak so quickly! For some reason hearing the voice of the fella that has my life in his hands makes me a little less nervous. Especially since it confirms that he is in fact awake and in control of the plane.
That's all for now, I can't wait to be in Cape Town!
Over and out.
Farewell! Enjoy your time in the Cape and be safe.
(12.17.09)Thank you Yvette! I will, I am already staring at that beautiful mountain and loving it!
(12.17.09)
Great shots Sara! you do wonderful work!!!
(01.09.10)These are beautiful.
(01.09.10)Oh Please be careful
(01.09.10)Thank you! And don't worry Mary, we made it down.
(01.09.10)Wow! Again. be carefuf, I need a babysitter for my dogs.
(01.09.10)