** 1 Day Hike. Sunday, the 4th of December 2011 - Intuition Walk – Elands River Trail - Du Toitskloof - The valley and river trail is 70m to the right of Du Toitskloof Tunnel South Africa
It was a full day walk on the Elands River Trail - Du Toitskloof. The trail started in Du Toitskloof, immediately to the right after the Worcester exit of the Huguenot Tunnel. From the parking area, the trail headed back towards the tunnel and, beneath the two bridges, a sign indicated the direction of the Elands River Trail. After about 30min we came to our first swim break and tea break. It was amazing how close we were to the N1, but you could not hear any traffic at all, just the sounds of nature….
From here the trail headed up the side away from the river. What was most noticeable was the huge variety of flowers and impressive valley views. The trail continued onto Fisherman's Cave, which was also second swimming pool stop and also the place that we had lunch. Such a beautiful place, that we could have stayed a lot longer there. On the way back we stopped for a welcome cool down swim, at the river swimming spot where we stopped for tea in the morning. This is a trail that I will definitely do again.
** 1 Day Hike. 11th of September 2011 - Spring Flower Walk - West Coast National Park
It was a walk in the West Coast National Park, to view the Spring Flowers, including drive and hike around the West Coast National Park. We viewed wildlife, great seascapes, out of this world flower vistas and the beautiful Langebaan Lagoon.
I think a high for all of us was the flower display in its entire splendor along the Bakoor Trail. We did not see any foxes, but we did see tortoises, eland and an impressive dung beetle. The BAKOOR TRAIL - 4.6km", this is a short walk from the Langebaan gate to Seeberg view point. A easy and highly recommended walk as you need to get up close to the flowers to really appreciate them, driving past them in your car.. is just not the same. From the Bird Hides, we did not see the full variety of birds on offer, but we did see quite a few flamingoes having an afternoon nap. On the way back we stopped at the Geelbek restaurant to for tea and delicious cake ;-)
The spectacular views and great soulful company were as always especially enjoyable. - See full listing of pictures from the last organized walk (you dont have to have a face book account to view these pictures) -
** 1 Day Hike. 10th April 2011 in the Cape Point Nature Reserve..It was day walk in Cape Point Nature Reserve South Africa. Starting from the Two Oceans Restaurant via Vasco Da Gama Peak on the False Bay side, offering a 360 Degree view of Cape Point and the Lighthouse. The route then headed in the direction towards the main entrance at Cape Point and then head down towards Platboom Bay on the Atlantic Ocean side. From here the route went back along the coast past Dias Beach and back to the restaurant for late afternoon tea. This route certainly offered some spectacular coastal views, not to mention viewing of various wildlife and game viewing along the. Of the Three varied walks done in the past year in Cape Point, most of agreed that this was the best so far, with its contrasting spectacular views. Most levels of fitness. ...
** 1 Day Hike. 20th March 2011 in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve and the Tweede Waterval Trail.It was day walk in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve and the Tweede Waterval trail, just past Stellenbosch and located 70km from Cape Town. It was a walk which offered plenty of time to take in the spectacular scenery as the walk took us up to the Tweede Waterfall, the perfect paradise spot to have lunch, swim and relax from the warmth of the of the day. The spectacular views and great soulful company were as always especially enjoyable. Most levels of fitness. ...
*** 3 Day Long Weekend away. 3rd - 5th December 2010 - Bonamanzi Adventures on the Breede River, situated some 12km past Worcester from Cape Town. Group size was 17 people in Self-catered accommodation. It was 3 day / 2 night away trip, starting on the Friday and ending on Sunday. The highlight of the weekend included canoeing on Breede River. Other activities included: swimming, a yoga group session offer by Estralita Gunther, poetry reading by Kirsten Pearson, evening star walk and time to relax. Not to mention the great food and conversations shared…. The weather was great, enabling us to enjoy the wonders of nature and scenic landscapes. The great soulful company of like minded people was as always especially enjoyable. See pictures from the last organised walk ( you dont have to have a face book account to view these pictures) - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=255660&id=661620968&l=7f0dcb0580
*** 4 Day Long Weekend away. 6th - 9th August 2010 - Kogelberg Nature Reserve, situated some 90 km south - east of Cape Town and near the coastal town of Kleinmond is about 8 km south-east of the reserve. Self-catering accommodation. All levels of fitness. Activities, included a short Day Walk along the Palmiet River, where we had lunch at a spot called the "beach". Some even braved the cold river water. Other activities included: Yoga Group Session offer by Estralita Gunther, a discussion on Sacred spaces by Julian Gordon, a movie evening, star gazing, thought provoking discussions and leisure time to relax and connect within.. The weather was great, enabling us to enjoy the wonders of nature, scenic landscapes, spectacular flowers. Of note we saw a duiker and for those lucky few saw a Spotted Ganet which is normally only seen at night.
*** 1 Day Hike. 25th April 2010in the Cape Point Nature Reserve.It was a walk from Olifantsbos parking area in Cape Point and along the Shipwreck trail on the coast to the remains of the Thomas. T. Tucker. Wrecked in (1942). This part of the route offered some impressive sea views, with over ten ship wrecks located here. “Well not all visible” Beyond the wreck the route followed the coast to the wreck of the Nolloth, (1964). Here the path turned inland until it joined the Sirkelvlei path. From here the route leads onto Sirkelsvlei. This was also our lunch spot. From Sirkelsvlei the route lead back to the parking area at Olifantsbos. Most levels of fitness.
*** 1 Day Hike. 6th December 2009to the Famous Crystal Poolson the Steenbras River Trail, just past Gordon's Bay. This is one of the Western Cape's lesser known trails. Most levels of fitness.
*** 3 Day Long Weekend away. 20 - 22 November 2009 - Good Hope Farm, situated near Riversondereind mountains - Near Robertson. Self-catering accommodation. All levels of fitness.
*** 1 Day Hike. 6th September 2009 - Day trail in the West Coast National Park. Steenbok 1 x day flower & wildlife trail. This section of the National Park is only open in flower season - August and September, with the largest concentration of mammals being found here in the Postberg part of the Reserve. All levels of fitness.
*** 3 Day Long Weekend away. 14-16 Aug 2009 -Kogelberg Nature Reserve, situated some 90 km south - east of Cape Town and near the coastal town of Kleinmond is about 8 km south-east of the reserve. Self-catering accommodation. All levels of fitness.
*** 3 Day Long Weekend away.28 Nov - 30th Nov 2008 - Sanddrif Holiday Resort - Central Cederberg, near Clanwilliam. THE CEDERBERG CONSERVANCY. This vast wilderness area, covering almost 172 000 ha. Some of the many highlights were the following: Swimming at Maalgat; visiting Maltese Cross; the sacred Stadsaal Caves & Bushman Paintings and the Cederberg Observatory for Star Gazing - http://www.cederbergobs.org.za Self-catering accommodation. All levels of fitness.
*** 3 Day Long Weekend away.29 - 31 August 2008 - Kogelberg Nature Reserve, situated some 90 km south - east of Cape Town and near the coastal town of Kleinmond is about 8 km south-east of the reserve. Self-catering accommodation. All levels of fitness.
*** 3 Day Long Weekend away.14 - 16 June 2008- De Hoop Nature Reserve, situated at the start of the famous WHALE TRAIL, 60km east of Bredasdorp / Region: Overberg and 260km from Cape Town. Self-catering accommodation. All levels of fitness.
*** 4 Day Long Weekend away.1 - 4 May 2008 - Salmonsdam Nature Reserve, near Stanford. Self-catering accommodation. All levels of fitness.
*** 1 Day Hike. 16th March 2008- Jonkershoek Nature Reserveand up to the Tweede Waterval.. All levels of fitness.
*** 1 Day Hike. 2nd December 2007to the Famous Crystal Poolson the Steenbras River Trail, just past Gordon's Bay. This is one of the Western Cape's lesser known trails. All levels of fitness.
*** 3 Day Long Weekend away.12 - 14 January 2007 - Slanghoek Mountain Resort near Worcester. The trip included canoeing, swimming, hiking (two short day-walks plus an evening stargazing walk!)Self-catering accommodation. All levels of fitness.
*** 5 Day Hike. 13 July - 17 July 2006 - Fish River Canyon- 5 day Hiking in the Fish River Canyon - Namibia. (86 km)
*** 3 Day Hike.29 April - 1 May 2006 - Groot Winterhoek Wilderness. Hiking in the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness area 3 Day/ 2 Night Hike (51 km)
*** 2 Day Hike. 4/5/ March 2006 - Kogelberg Nature Reserve, situated some 90 km south - east of Cape Town and the coastal town of Kleinmond is about 8 km south-east of the reserve. Self-catering accommodation. All levels of fitness.
*** 3 Day Hike.6/7/8 January 2005 - Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve. Hiking in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve 3 Day/ 2Night Hike (41 km)
As a reminder.
It is always best to be pro-active with regards to safety. If possible only walk in organized groups. One of my main priorities is safety and in the three years of organizing these walks, we have not had any such unpleasant experiences. We are determined not to be put off from exploring the wonderful, heavenly piece of heritage which we have in Table Mountain.
You are invited to join us for a will be a event suitable for ALL levels of fitness. No walk planned.
This will be a repeat of the picnic day out that was planned for Dec 2011, but was cancelled due to poor weather. It will be a day out for a picnic lunch and a swim in the dam at Silvermine. This is an open day, all welcome, but please let me know if youre coming along, so that I have an idea of numbers. No official walk is planned, it will be a day of relaxation and connecting with like-minded people who share similar soulful interests.
@ Bring along lunch and something small to share with group - food or snack to share with the group for lunch. Bring your own drinks /
@ There will also be an opportunity to swim and cool down in the dam at Silvermine, so dont forget to bring your costume.
@ Included: magical 3D surround views of the Silvermine Circuit!
@ PLEASE NOTE that this Sundays event will be starting at 10AM. Meet in parking area / Approximate ending time: 15:00. end time flexible to your needs
@ The weather forecast is set to be SUNNY ... temp max 29c / min 23c.
@ There is plenty of dense shade under the trees, so even if it is a hot day
@ Cost: - Only for Entrance fee. You will be required to pay an entrance fee to Cape Nature at the gate - R15.00. Immediately beyond the gate you have a choice of taking a left turn or going straight ahead. Go straight ahead to the end parking area, which is adjacent to the short path to the dam.
* If arriving later than 10am, use your intuition to follow the short path to the dam :) We will be sitting on the right hand side of the dams, under the shade of one of the Picnic spots under the trees
* PLEASE NOTE that the walk on SUNDAY will be starting at 10am in Parking area
The weather forecast is set to be SUNNY ... temp max 28c / min 19c.
-----------------------------------------------
DURATION OF WALK
Approximately 4 hours .
Bring along something to eat for lunch, sun block, a jersey, swimming costume.
-----------------------------------------------
LEVEL OF FITNESS - [Distance 8km]
@ -- The walk on the 5th of February 2012, is suitable for all levels of fitness
@@ -- If you have any doubts about the type of walk or pace in terms of fitness level, please call and I can advise accordingly.
@@@ -- It is always my aim to offer routes that are accessible for most people, but some minimum level of fitness is required.
@@@@ -- In general the walks on offer would be rates as slower most of the other walking groups, I cater for extra time allocated for breaks along the way
-----------------------------------------------
DIRECTIONS
From the city, drive to the end of the M3 (Blue Route) as if you were going towards Muizenberg. Turn right and then left up Ou Kaapse Weg. At the top of Ou Kaapse Weg turn right onto a tarred road into the Western half of Silvermine. Follow the road straight ahead for 2.4km until you reach a parking area just to the right of the Silvermine Reservoir wall, this will be our meeting point. If arriving later than 10am, use your intuition to follow the short path to the dam :) We will be sitting on the right hand side of the dams, under the shade of one of the Picnic spots under the trees
* We will meet at the car park at 10am
------------------------------------------------
COST: R15.00 Per Person - Entrance fee only
BOOKING - Please do let me know if you will be coming along, so I have a rough idea on numbers
For more info and directions email or call me on Tel: 0723272840 or 021 4626755.
Please do let me know if you will be coming along on our little adventure. If possible send a contact number, as the weather in Cape Town can be quite unpredictable. It also good to bring along a warm jersey and waterproof light raincoat if possible.
If you need further directions, do email me for more info. Please do let me know if you will coming along on our little adventure. If possible send a contact number, as the weather in winter can be quite unpredictable.As word of note weather can be quite unpredictable and winds can make the mountain quite chilly. It also good to bring along a warm jersey and waterproof light rain coat if possible.
A reminder for those who are new to the listing: I will organise longer hikes away on a
more regular basis (every 2 or three months). Cape Nature certainly has a lot to offer.
Wherever possible the lunchbreaks have been extended to 45-60mins offering everyone a chance to chill out and connect with others or find a quiet spot to meditate. Remember that even if it rains in the early hours of the morning before it gets light, there is a good chance that the weather will clear up, which has been the case for many Sundays.
**** Our last Intuition Walk was on Sunday, the 29th of January 2012 - It was a Leisurely sunset walk from the parking area at Noordhoek beach towards the ship wreck of the Kakapo (26 May 1900). The Kakapo left Cape Town for Sydney on a misty night. Captain Nicolaysen saw Chapman's Peak and thought it was Cape Point. He turned sharp east but instead of cruising into False Bay he 'parked' his boat on Noordhoek Beach. Captain Nicolaysen ploughed so deep into the dune that his crew could step out of the boat without getting their feet wet! The Kakapo shipwreck is one, of what must be very few, completely visible shipwrecks in the world. We also had our supper here. The sunset walk will offered some spectacular views towards Hout Bay. The spectacular views and great soulful company were as always especially enjoyable...
Click on each of the photographs below to view in full size.
Next walk is on Sunday, the 5th of February 2012
This will be a repeat of the picnic day out that was planned for Dec 2011, but was cancelled due to poor weather. It will be a day out for a picnic lunch and a swim in the dam at Silvermine. This is an open day, all welcome, but please let me know if youre coming along, so that I have an idea of numbers. No official walk is planned, it will be a day of relaxation and connecting with like-minded people who share similar soulful interests.
Bring along lunch and something small to share with group - food or snack to share with the group for lunch. Bring your own drinks. There will also be an opportunity to swim and cool down in the dam at Silvermine, so dont forget to bring your costume. Included: magical 3D surround views of the Silvermine Circuit! There is plenty of dense shade under the trees, so even if it is a hot day. Cost: - Only for Entrance fee. You will be required to pay an entrance fee to Cape Nature at the gate - R15.00. Immediately beyond the gate you have a choice of taking a left turn or going straight ahead. Go straight ahead to the end parking area, which is adjacent to the short path to the dam.
**"CLICK HERETO VIEW INFORMATION ON THE NEXT WALK: ***
Greetings
I do hope you have had a great week so far.
A reminder for those who have not been on the walks before, the walks are intended to be of such a nature that we are able to slow down and through our senses, experience some of the wonders that nature has to offer. The slowing down creates an opportunity for re-connection within. Not to mention seeing some of Cape Town's magical spots.
BOOKING - Please do let me know if you will be coming along, so I have a rough idea on numbers
* PLEASE NOTE that the next Walk on Sunday will be starting at 10AM
The weather forecast is set to be SUNNY ... temp max 29c / min 20c.
If you have any doubts about the type of walk or pace in terms of fitness level, please call and I can advise accordingly. It is always my aim to offer routes that are accessible for most people.
Please also note that it is important that if you would like to join us, please send me an email or sms with a cell number. Should the walk be canceled or be changed at the last moment, then I am able to reach you.Kindest regards. Iain Macdonald
The next open group walk after theSunday the 5th of February 2012will be onSunday the 26th of February 2012at 9AM. Details still to be advised...
For more info and directions email or call me on Tel: 0723272840 or 021 4626755
A note to all those who love being out on our favourite mountain, always walk in an organized group and consider safety as a priority.
