Read this month's journey through words...

Vote for Table Mountain

"If we want to save anything, we first need to truly appreciate it."

Bernard Weber, Founder of New7Wonders

Table Mountain has been selected as the official nominee to represent South Africa in a global New7Wonders of Nature campaign, but this remarkable attraction is falling behind in votes and needs its country’s support.

On 7 July 2009, 77 nominees were selected from more than 440 locations and 220 countries. Thereafter a panel of experts selected 28 official finalist candidates and Table Mountain was one of them.

Our mountain is competing against other wonders of the world such as the Amazon, Black Forest, Grand Canyon, Iguazu Falls, Kilimanjaro and Maldives.

You can help Table Mountain to become one of the New7Wonders of Nature by placing your vote.

Vote online

www.votefortablemountain.com

Vote by SMS

SMS “Table” to 34874. Each SMS costs R2.

Vote by phone

Dial 0044 20 334 709 01 and then insert the code 7725 (Table Mountain’s voting code). Once you hear the “thank you” message, you have voted and may hang up.

For more information visit www.new7wonders.com

The New7Wonders will be announced on 11 November 2011.

Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika

Happy Africa Day

Listening to the radio this morning I realised that today is Africa Day and if you did not hear it on the radio, I am sure you would have seen it on Google’s homepage already.

Living on the African continent I think it is important to share some information with you, especially if you are like me and know it is Africa Day but have no idea what it is and why we celebrate it.

What is Africa Day?

Africa Day is celebrated on the 25th of May each year. It is an initiative of the African Union to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, the forerunner of the African Union.

The African Union, comprised of 53 member states, has brought together the continent of Africa to collectively address the common challenges it has faced. Challenges include armed conflict, climate change and poverty.

Last year’s theme was “Peace and Security in Africa”.

What is the theme of Africa Day 2011?

“The recent uprisings by our youth in some parts of the continent should work to remind us that we need to use this Day to critically look at our past in order to make a better tomorrow for all our people.” - Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, CEO of the NEPAD Agency.

The theme for Africa Day 2011 is “Accelerating Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development”.

The Way Forward?

Let’s celebrate all that is wonderful about Africa and especially our South Africa.

Let’s celebrate Africa’s achievements and how far they have come.

Let’s be proud of living in Africa and recognise the continent’s great potential.

Let’s live beyond the borders of our own country and embrace the diverse cultures we share our South Africa with.

Do not miss the Africa Day Concert which will showcase African talent and celebrate Africa’s unity. The concert will take place at Newtown Park on 28th of May and SABC2 will screen the concert at 21h00 on this day.

Have a beautiful Africa Day!

It's a Kind of Magic

Every year in autumn, when we receive the first rains before winter, my father eagerly waits for the Porcini mushroom season to begin. As soon as the cold front has passed and the sun shines again, we put on our boots, grab our mushroom picking baskets, pick up our mushroom picking enthusiastic friends along the way and off to the forests we go. 

The search begins.

Porcini, which means “piglets” in Italian and is also commonly known as cep, is part of the species Boletus. It is considered one of the safest wild mushrooms to pick as there are no poisonous species that closely resemble it.

Porcini are quite rare and sought after, a culinary gem for their distinctive nutty flavour. They can be prepared fresh, preserved in oil or brine and even stored in airtight containers once dried as they maintain their flavour.  They are nutritionally good for you and are low in fat and high in protein, vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre.

Searching for Porcini is almost like a treasure hunt. It is not for certain that you will find any mushrooms as they are not native to South Africa. It is believed to have been introduced with the import of pine trees. But once you find your ‘X’ that marks the spot, your happiness flourishes as you know you have found a secret spot to return to each year.

Eureka! We found Porcini!

When you scan the forest floor you ask yourself one question, “If I was a mushroom where would I lie and wait for someone to come find me?”  

However, that is the problem though; Porcini’s do not want to be found and are very clever at hiding away. They are also particular about the conditions they grow in.

They commonly grow beneath pine and oak trees. The soil needs to be damp, the ground still warm from the sun’s heat and the air humid for Porcini to cultivate. So if you find yourself in a damp, musty smelling part of the forest, your chances are good at finding mushrooms. The best time to look for mushrooms is after the first rains in April.

Pine forests, the natural home of Porcini.

You need to keep your eyes peeled to the ground and don’t be fooled by the smooth stones that poke their heads out from the leaves. They are deceiving and you will start to jump up and down shouting, “I’ve found one, I’ve found one” only to discover it was a rock.

Furthermore, you won’t be the only one looking for Porcini mushrooms. Besides fellow mushroom enthusiasts, the forest animals also enjoy the nutty, earthy and meaty flavour of Porcini. Squirrels and baboons also see Porcini as an appetizing treat.



What you looking at?

So if you can contend with the finicky growing conditions of the Porcini and the natural predators, as well as add some patience and a love for walking in nature, you may very well have a good chance of finding a culinary treasure for your table.

Porcini for the table.

Hopefully I have given you enough tips in this article to go out and search for Porcini. However, I won’t be sharing our secret spots as the magic lies in the joy of discovering a hidden Porcini.

Happy mushroom hunting everyone!

Read this month's journey through words...

Pringle Bay: Open or Closed for Baboons?

Weekend Breakaway to Pringle Bay

 

Do you sometimes have the feeling you would just like to escape for a weekend, maybe just to relax and unwind or even to do some fun activities in a new environment? You start to Google for local places, not too far away that you don’t end up driving more than relaxing but neither too near, so you really get the holiday feeling? However, you find that you stuck for ideas and not sure what to type into the search engine because more often than not, one does not realise the potential of the small towns surrounding the area you live in. You hear the names but you probably think, “That small town? Can’t possibly be anything happening there.”

If you only take the chance, you will be pleasantly surprised as I was on my weekend breakaway to Pringle Bay. The amount of activities and things to do are endless and there is something for all tastes and ages.

Departing from Cape Town after work on Friday we comfortable reached Pringle Bay in less than 2 hours. Leaving us enough time to whip up a supper and unwind with a glass of wine, listening to the waves crashing on the shore with a big smile on our faces. The sense of satisfaction was liberating as we realised we had exchanged two days of hustle and bustle city life for two days of pure pleasure in the sun and nature.

Saturday morning we awoke with a hunger to explore and for a hearty breakfast so we headed off into town. We also had to stock up on supplies for the weekend and were surprised at the choices for such a small town. One really does not need to pre-pack anything as everything is available in Pringle Bay; from your typical small town grocer to the Lemon and Lime Deli selling fresh produce, imported Italian products and a wide selection of local wines. Not to be overlooked is the small Tickle Mouse factory shop where you can buy delicious biscuits and rusks, as well as the other local shops selling local produce like honey coffee liquor.

If there is a second hand book shop in the area, I will always sniff it out and a good one hour later, I emerged with a big smile on my face and a bag full of books. A little bit of a problem if you cycled to town as the load home got quite heavy but well worth it. The selection of books is incredible.

Another shop I lost myself in was an antique and home decor store called ‘Andsoitis’. You truly step back into time when entering this store or some can even say, into grandma’s old chest of treasures. The shelves are decorated with antique tea cups and saucers, silver cutlery, suitcases, clothing and shoes, even Huisgenoot magazines from the 1950’s. You will find beautiful crochet blankets, mosaic vases and jewellery.

After we exhausted the town we headed back to the house to unload and get ready for our afternoon activities. Some of the group took the dogs for a walk on the beach, while others lazed and read on the deck soaking up the sun. For the more energetic, we jumped onto our bikes and cycled along the coast to Rooiels, a smaller seaside town forming part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. It was an easy cycle with only a slight incline to conquer but all in all, a comfortable ride, allowing one to appreciate the beauty of the mountains, fynbos and fresh sea air.

Our Saturday would not have been complete without a sunset walk on the beach. The view across False Bay to Cape Point was breathtaking. The warm shades of peach and purple blended perfectly into an artistic canvas. Nestled on top of a sand dune, we admired nature’s beautiful gift.

Famished from our active day, we took a nice stroll after sunset into town to Perigators, famous for their pizzas. I can testify, they were mouth-watering tasty. After supper we hopped on over to the Periscope Theatre where we listened to the Diamondback Blues Band strum out soulful blues melodies. A relaxing ending to a busy day.

Taking advantage of the fresh sea air we started our Sunday with a brisk walk on the beach, followed by a game of beach bat doubles. At the end of the beach, where the river mouth flows into the sea, we discovered a troop of juvenile Chacma baboons wrestling on the beach while the leader of the troop kept watch, perched high on his rock. The baby baboons always steal my heart away and we sat for a while watching them try to clamber up the rocks, stumbling over their jelly legs.

To take full advantage of the good weather we took a cycle along the coast, in the direction of Betty’s Bay with Hangklip towering majestically over us. I couldn’t keep my eyes off this peak as we cycled around it. I was captivated by the wavy patterns of strata composed of the same sandstone as found on Table Mountain.  Enjoying the cycle we explored the area and cycled down a side road. To our surprise we stumbled upon a small bay and the Cape Hangklip lighthouse. We didn’t want to leave our bicycles unattended but one could take a nice walk along the rocky beach to visit the lighthouse.

On our way back to the house we stopped at Hangklip Hotel and quenched our thirst with a refreshment on the deck, enjoying the view across the bay for one last time. Sadly our weekend had come to an end and we had to make our way back to the city but we knew we had enjoyed every moment Pringle Bay had to offer. She had spoilt us with her charm and beauty, leaving us wanting to return and explore more of this beautiful coast.

Little did we know, there was one more surprise in store for us. As soon as we thought we couldn’t possibly see anymore of nature’s wonders, we noticed many cars pulling off to the side of Clarence Drive, the coastal road that meanders from Gordon’s Bay to Betty’s Bay. We had a quick glance over the ocean to see what everyone was looking at and at the first chance we got, we also quickly pulled over.

A school of porpoises were swimming along the coastline. I tried to count them which proved difficult as they were diving in and out of the water but there must have been over 20 of these majestic sea mammals.  It was truly an awe-inspiring moment that filled my heart with appreciation and gratitude. We are blessed to live in such a beautiful country and even more fortunate to have the opportunity to breakaway on weekends and experience this splendour.

Holiday Reads: Achieving the Impossible by Lewis Gordon Pugh

"Someone once said you can't eat scenery, and that's true, but beauty nourishes the soul."

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of listening to Lewis Gordon Pugh recount his epic story of his 1km swim across the Arctic Ocean in water temperature of -1.7°C to raise awareness of climate change. It was truly an inspiring hour. He speaks with such passion and enthusiasm which captivates you and has you sitting on the edge of your seat.

His autobiography, Achieving the Impossible, captures the same emotions and you’ll feel as if you are walking alongside this remarkable man as he retells his story. Pugh chronicles his life’s journey with the reader; sharing his passion and love of the environment with us and the ends he would go to protect it, pushing his mind and body to the limits.

As each chapter unfolds we learn about Pugh’s early childhood, growing up in South Africa, graduating as a maritime lawyer, becoming a member of the army’s elite corps SAS and his many exiting endurance swims. He shares with us how he recognised his passion and took risks to fulfil his dreams, where he found his inspiration and the bonds of friendships he formed during his journeys.

By sharing his secret of how one can achieve the impossible, this memoir of adventure will inspire you to channel your energy to achieving your goals.

Cape Town Spelunkers

 Cave Exploration in Echo Valley

A few friends wanted to hike up Echo Valley and explore the Kalk Bay caves but as I awoke on Easter Monday, the holiday laziness was still set deep in my bones, especially with the rainy weather we were having and I snuggled deeper into my duvet. However, my peaceful rest was interrupted by my eager friend who said the weather looked like it was clearing and asked if I was still keen to go.

Now you can understand the dilemma I was in, I had a choice to make. On the one hand I could stay in bed with a cup of coffee and read a book which was very tempting or I could drag my lazy bones out of bed and explore something new which was equally as tempting.  Not just ready to surrender the opportunity of seeing and experiencing something new, I decided to get out of bed and into my hiking gear.

We started the hike on Boyes Drive, directly opposite the Kalk Bay harbour and green lighthouse, where the Cape Nature board marks out the start of the Echo Valley hike. There are stone stairs that ascend up to the path and soon we were on our way climbing the peak to reach Dragon’s Cave.  As you are climbing the stairs, take note of the giraffe artfully carved into the stone step.

When we reached the little trickle stream called Weary Willy’s, we split off to the left but not before we had a chance to look out for the Wild Olive trees. Don’t be tempted to pick the velvety almonds though, as they are poisonous.

On the way up we got caught in some drizzle but decided to persevere as it did look like the weather was going to clear, or so we hoped. The ascent up the peak was not too steep and we could comfortably climb to the top of the ledge where we were rewarded with a beautiful view of Echo Valley flowing down towards Kalk Bay, framed by a beautiful rainbow. In the distance we could see the waves crashing onto Seal Island and could not help but launch into a conversation of the infamous False Bay Great White sharks. Unfortunately none were spotted from our ledge far above.

View over Echo Valley

After passing through the arch we were rewarded by another view of Fish Hoek beach before scrabbling up some rocks to reach Dragon’s Cave, our first cave to explore. This cave does not extend too deeply into the mountain and its ceiling is rather low, making it impossible to stand, but you are still amazed at how the forces of nature could create such beauty for us to admire. That is why it breaks your heart when you see the graffiti ignorant people have scrawled across the ancient rock. 

View over Fish Hoek beach

Neil and I huddled inside Dragon's Cave

Our second cave we explored was White Dome Grotto which had more little nooks and crannies to peak into. This cave extended deeper into the mountain and once we reached the spot that got too narrow to allow us to go further, we switched off our torches and sat in silence. Quite a thrilling experience when you start to think that all those little nooks and crannies are resting places for the animals on the mountain. Who knows what one might find lurking in the dark?

Margerie entering White Dome Cave

With this thought in mind, when you enter Boomslang Cave, you surely hope that the cave did not get its name from the poisonous Boomslang snake but if we let fear stop us from exploring, we would never experience such beauty as what was lying ahead of us. The cave is a mere 100 metres in length but it allows one to walk straight through the mountain and pop out by Echo Valley.

Entrance to Boomslang Cave

We felt like true spelunkers, torches and candles in hand, trailing each other and exploring the cave. In the cathedral we discovered bats hanging on the cave walls above us that made us flinch every time they took flight. I would suggest one to take their time through the cave, admiring the rock formations and let your imagination take you back to when the first explorers discovered the caves and imagine what they would have documented.

As we stood in what seemed like a big open hall, I could not help but look up at the cave ceiling in awe and admiration of the geological wonder of cave formation. Starting from a trickle of water filtering through a crack dissolving a little of the rock bit by bit, enlarging the cracks into tubes and then into tunnels and further into large passages and chambers; a process that takes millions of years and the perseverance by nature.

Our candles created a dramatic ambience as we made our way through the cave. Luckily, as soon as one starts to doubt their self that they have taken the wrong passage, there are arrows to direct you in the right direction. The last 10 meters we had to crawl on the sandy cave floor before we popped out on the other end of the mountain back into the sunlight.

View from the top of Echo Valley

As Murphy’s Law would have it, when descending the peak, we got caught in a sudden burst of rain. Still eager to continue our hike and go see the amphitheatre, we momentarily took shelter under some rocks and found it to be as good a time as ever to have our lunch.

The amphitheatre was only a short way away and well worth the extra effort. You feel like you are walking in a Lego Land with all the rocks, each with their own unique shape, scattered among the fynbos. We also saw delicate Ericas decorating the green Cape fynbos with a touch of pink.

Once at the amphitheatre we tried to search for the other caves hidden away among the trees but with no luck. If you do find these caves please explore them with caution as they are only recommended for the experienced cave explorers.

Amphitheatre

We then descended through Spes Bona Forest and walked along a boardwalk constructed to protect the roots of the indigenous trees forming a canopy above us. Along the path we spotted Rooiels, Cape Beech, Milkwoods, and even Podocaropus latifolia, the only Yellowwood that occurs naturally in the Peninsula.

Passing Weary Willy’s stream again, we headed towards Boyes Drive and sadly, the end of our hike. However, we were rewarded one last time for the day by Mother Nature with a second rainbow stretching across the ocean. A beautiful sight to end a great day filled with exploration, good company and fine exercise on Kalk Bay Mountain. It is always the little rewards one receives that make getting out of bed that much more worthwhile.

View over Kalk Bay

Rural Charm in Riebeek Kasteel

Riebeek Kasteel, a charming rural town, only a stone’s throw from Cape Town and nestled at the foot of the Kasteelberg Mountain, was waiting to welcome us for the day.

A few girl friends and I spent a wonderful day soaking up the autumn warmth and rural atmosphere of this charming little town. After meandering through the beautiful wheat fields of the Swartland countryside, we drove down the Bothmanskloof Pass and had our first glimpse of the valley, decorated with vineyards and olive groves. With this view stretching out before us I couldn’t help but think to myself that this must be South Africa’s very own little Tuscany.

As we started our descent into the valley we stopped at The Olive Boutique. What better way to start your day in Riebeek Kasteel than with an olive tasting to tantalise the taste buds, an activity the valley is famous for. We got to sample some unique combinations of olive mustards, tapenades, olives marinated in plum dressing and lime dressing, as well as in the traditional manner and finally completing the tasting with an olive chocolate. Even one of our friends, who is not an olive lover, found some of these products most enjoyable.

Our next stop took us to Kloovenburg, one of the original farms established in the valley. When Wilhelm van der Stel became governor in 1699 he wanted to grant more farmland to the landless people in the colony. He established an area called the Land of the Waveren which included Riebeek Valley and Tulbagh. The Huguenots were some of the first farmers in the area to establish vineyards among wheat fields and fruit orchards. Kloovenburg is one of these farms that are still in existence today.

At Kloovenburg we enjoyed a delightful wine tasting in the old manor house and experienced the warm hospitality of the valley first hand. Two lovely ladies, managing the wine tasting room, welcomed us warmly and soon we were chatting and laughing our way through the wines of the farm. We commenced our tasting with the Kloovenburg Blanc de Noir Brut to cleanse the pallet and thereafter got to sample each wine of the farm, which are well worth savouring. 

After the wine tasting we couldn’t wait to see what the town had in store for us and so we headed down to the centre of town for lunch. You are truly spoilt for choice in Riebeek Kasteel and each coffee shop and restaurant looks more inviting than the next. We finally settled at a rustic Italian style bar and eatery called Auntie Pastie, tucked behind the Friendly Supermarket in a quiet courtyard.

With our tummy’s full of good olives, wine and food (and as we were a group of girls who were let out the house without our husbands and partners), we couldn’t resist taking to the streets and exploring the retail therapy opportunities the town has to offer.

Our eager legs and purses took us from home baked goodies and home-made crafts at Aitsa to stylish garments at Basic Style and Ancient Spirit.  We indulged our senses at Still Pure, where 100% naturally made soaps and body products are produced using essential oils. We were delighted by home decor items at A La Maison, where we easily must have spent close to an hour exploring.

Riebeek Kasteel also boasts great local talent exhibited in the various art galleries and we admired beautiful artwork consisting of paintings, mosaics and sculptures.

This lovely valley has more to offer than one can imagine for an outing from the city. Although we did not partake in the following activities, those who like ambling around markets should make their way to Riebeek Kasteel on the last Saturday of every month for the Riebeek Valley Country Fair. They guaranteed us that one is sure to enjoy local food, arts and crafts, music and even car boot sales in true market style.

If one is feeling more active then one can hike up Kasteelberg to enjoy a 360° view over the Swartland and admire the valley Corporal Peter Cruythoff first laid eyes on when leading an expedition commandeered by Jan van Riebeek in the 17^th century.  On 3 February 1661, the expedition searching for the fabled city of gold called Monomatapa, gazed down upon the fertile valley that was named “Riebeeck’s Casteel” in honour of the Commander and hence, how the town got its name. After discovering the valley the expedition travelled further North but had to turn back due to a lack of supplies and of course without the gold.

However, the failed expedition was not a failure as the early explorers saw the great potential of this fertile land and the years following saw the arrival of settlers joined by wagon makers and other artisans, establishment of farms, the erection of The Royal Hotel and the building of the Oude Kerk in the 19^th century.  The early history of our country gave birth to this alluring town and it has continued to grow with charisma.

For whichever reason you find yourself in Riebeek Kasteel, you are certain you will be taking something home with you. It may be wine, olives or purchases you’ve made in town but one thing is certain, everyone will go home with a small piece of this town in their hearts with the desire to return.

On our drive home, car filled with our shopping bags, we took one last glance over the valley and bid Riebeek Kasteel farewell for the day but knew that we would make another trip back to the valley soon. My day in this little town left me feeling inspired and lucky to have experienced the serenity of this rural village. Give Riebeek Kasteel the chance to capture you too with its warm hospitality and unspoilt charm and I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.