| It was the perfect day to be in nature, clear skies | | | | birds like eagles and hawks. |
| and mild temperatures. Ray and I were on our | | | | We continued our hike until we reached the top |
| way to a winelands hiking trip in the Jonkershoek | | | | of the path. We stood there in silence looking |
| Nature Reserve, situated just outside of | | | | over the wine land countryside. It was close to |
| Stellenbosch. | | | | lunch time, so after a few minutes of ogling over |
| The Reserve | | | | the view, we decided to lay out our picnic. A |
| The drive to Jonkershoek is beautiful. You drive | | | | smorgasbord of cheese and crackers, with |
| on this narrow road through the vineyards and | | | | sandwiches and ice tea I made the previous night. |
| mountain ranges until you eventually arrive at the | | | | While sitting there Ray told me that he wanted to |
| entrance of the Nature Reserve. I've been here | | | | move to Stellenbosch; a decision that not only |
| once before when I came to cheer on a friend of | | | | shocked me but also made me happy. For a while |
| mine, Anel, when she did a biathlon. Afterwards | | | | now I've been toying with the thought of moving |
| she told me that it was one of the most difficult | | | | to Stellenbosch, but was not sure what he's |
| but fun biathlons she's ever participated in. | | | | reaction would be. When I confirmed that I had |
| Personally I'm not one for such adventures, but I | | | | also been consedering the same, he sighed in |
| do enjoy the occasional hike. | | | | relief. "So it's definite then?" he asked, to which I |
| After parking the car, Ray and I set off on our | | | | excitedly agreed. |
| trip through the park. There are quite a few trails | | | | Stellenbosch and its surrounding areas have such |
| from which to choose. After an hour or two we | | | | an air to it. It's difficult to explain, but I do know |
| reached the first waterfall. With fresh water | | | | this: both Ray and I seem much more relaxed |
| descending like mist around us, the cool air was a | | | | and happier whenever we come to Stellenbosch. |
| welcome to a very tranquil spot. We stopped for | | | | Although quite a big town, the pace just seems |
| a few minutes to refresh, enjoy the view and | | | | so much different to any other town or Cape |
| have a chat about things we had been thinking | | | | Town city. |
| about during our hike. I find that when you walk | | | | The road back down |
| there isn't much conversation, which gives you | | | | After our picnic we continued the road back |
| the time to think about things you don't really | | | | down. We made sure our pace was not too fast |
| have time to during a working week. | | | | so that we didn't tire ourselves out. And it was a |
| Spotting the wildlife | | | | good thing because the walk back felt a bit more |
| We continued our walk further up the mountain | | | | challenging. I almost slipped twice but Ray pulled |
| and saw a few Dassies along the way. They're | | | | me up in time just before my backside greeted |
| such cute little animals. About the size of a small | | | | the earth. We eventually got back to gravel road |
| cat, these animals have a squirrel like appearance | | | | and were safely on our way back to the car. It |
| to them, except for the lack of a bushy tail, and | | | | was a day spent with someone I cared for, |
| their size. They are at least three times the size | | | | admiring stunning views, enjoying fresh air and of |
| of your average squirrel. You only see Dassies in | | | | course reflecting on where the road would lead us |
| rocky areas. They're quite shy and are prey to | | | | to next. |