Much as I love travel, there is nothing like arriving back home, and there is nothing like the iconic view of Table Mountain. This pic was taken on the ferry between the harbour and Robben Island.
Tag: <span>cape town</span>
You may have noticed the mile markers along Main Road in the deep south. There is one at the corner of Main/Steenberg road, another opposite the Old Bakery, and one in St James. Here is the original Lakeside marker.
According to the Muizenberg Historical Conservation Society, the original stones date back to around 1810. You may have also noticed (I didn’t) that there were two gaps in the sequence. Muizenberg and (I think) Kalk Bay.
Thanks to the Kalk Bay and St James Historical Society (and some cash from the City roads department), the gaps have been filled with brand new replica stones. This one is by the BP petrol station in Muizenberg. I have not managed to find the other new stone yet, but I will post a pic as soon as I do!
Earlier this year I posted photos of the fire that devastated our mountains. The good news is that the plants seem to be recovering well, and parts of the mountain have already been reopened.
The day the fire started I was meant to run over the mountains, so I ran this alternate route to Chapman’s Peak instead, little knowing that just a few hours later it would be on fire as well.
You still cannot run sections of this road (well at least you are not supposed to).\
I remember it howling with wind and being freezing cold, but I am glad it is coming right slowly.
The view to Hout Bay from Chapman’s Peak
At Chapman’s Peak
Silvermine West is once again after last year’s fire. So I could finally go running on one of my favourite trails – up the old wagon trail to the dam and back. The devastation from the fire is saddening – there is not a single part of the trail where you don’t see massive fire damage.
But the good news is the regeneration. It will take a long time to get back to how to it was, but regrowth is clearly happening.
That is me at the top going for a training run from my house to Simonstown and back. It is a lovely 30km route, with a stop in Simonstown for an energy-rich croissant. (Photo by one of my running buddies Steve Mathew)
These Cork Oak Trees were planted by Simon van der Stel in the 1800’s and are now protected. It is a lovely short walk of about 3km or so from the Southern Cross Drive entrance to the forest down to the main parking on the right.
Cork Oak trees
One of the trails through the forest
The walkway between Muizenberg and St James on a cold and misty morning.
The entrance to Cape Town harbour from the Robben Island boat. You can see Lions head in the background,
At my work there is a little museum of old computing equipment. There are old typewriters, computers, and even robotic machines to insert old tapes into their drives. It is a little bizarre to think that no so long ago this was considered to be state of the art.
So if you are ever at Old Mutual head office, head on down to the museum on the first floor.
The Grape run will be on October 18.. It is an amazing but tough 21km trail run, and a rare opportunity to run through the Constantia Vineyards (there is also a milder 14k and 5k race). I have completed the past 2 runs, but I will miss this year because I will be on holiday in Greece, which I think is a pretty good excuse!
The view from the top
If you are a runner it is an amazing run to do. Groot Constantia (the oldest wine farm in South Africa) even have wine at the water tables!
Me and my friend Steve having a refreshment at the “water” table – trail running is hard work
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