In the middle of our severe Cape winter a party of nine had a great day in the country, starting from the frost-covered lawns of the historic Houw Hoek Inn, a little beyond Elgin.
A sunny day made for pleasant climbing on paths and through rich but young fynbos, as well as a fine display of nine different genera of the protea family in flower. Illustrated are Protea longifolia and Erica fascicularis, both foreign to the Peninsula and typical of the Hottentots Holland mountains. A number of Klipspringer greeted us near the summit, and splendid views of the Boland mountain ranges were enjoyed from our lofty lunch spot.
A variety of refreshments including cream scones was served at the terrace of the Inn on our late afternoon return!
Photos: Teresa Raposo & Kathy Hacket