‘Use the stepping stones as a pass through’. The muted advice drifted through the pitch black patch at the base of rear of a deep rectangular cave. The approach to the dark patch was a strip of muddy water, punctuated by a series of convenient rocky protrusions, providing a natural array of stepping stones across the wet cave floor. Closer now, the dark feature opened … Continue reading Into the Earth
‘Could it be watching us?’ Saskia asked. ‘It is possible’ I replied, ‘but highly unlikely. It has probably headed towards the kloof for shelter.’ We had just continued walking after inspecting some fresh Cape Leopard spoor on the Plaat Trail in Marloth Nature Reserve in the Langeberg Mountains north of Swellendam. Following the trail eastwards, we encountered two more sets of leopard spoor heading towards … Continue reading Sauntering in the Shadows of the Swellendam Sundial
“That was the best holiday in the Garden Route because the beaches were closed”, was my brother in law’s parting comment as they prepared for their journey back to Cape Town. “We don’t want to go home”, was the verbal feedback we received from our 9 year old niece and 7 year old nephew. Washed up Beaches Their summer holiday of 2020/2021 in the Garden … Continue reading Kid’s in Nature – a natural addiction to life.
Forest bathing, a Japanese concept, is the broad reference to taking in the full spectrum of the forest through your five senses. Extending beyond the simple activity of walking through a forest, it is the process of absorbing the entire experience of the forest through your sight, touch and smell. Preparing for Forest Bathing Switch digital devices off Slow down and observe nature Breathe in … Continue reading Forest Bathing
While most backpackers know the epic 7 day Outeniqua Trail from Beervlei to Harkerville, the other day hikes are relatively unknown except to the local hiking and trail running community. Indeed, the hub of trails in the Outeniqua Mountains can be found just north of the coastal town of George, approximately 450km east of Cape Town. In terms of activities in the Garden Route, the … Continue reading Hiking Trails in the Outeniqua Mountains
Garden Route Trail 