Kanonkop, almost
This is the second time I have not quite reached the cannon on Kanonkop. My level of fitness or else slight health issues have prevented me from reaching this marvellous viewpoint from which the cannon would be fired to give warning of ships entering the bay. We can hardly imagine what it was like to be a day’s ride from Simon’s Town with our fast cars and instant communication – life definitely moved slowly back in the day. It must have taken many donkeys to haul the immensely heavy cannon up to the ridge, and no doubt any thoughts of taking it up to Paulsberg were dismissed early in the operation.
The weather was absolutely perfect for a hike at Cape Point – gentle southwester (odd for November), light cloud cover – and we set off at quite a pace, soon slowing slightly as the soft sand made for extra effort. The reeds have grown close along the trail and in many places it seems as though it is not well trodden, but being a popular hike in the Reserve I put it down to the excellent rains this year which have rejuvenated even the drabbest of fynbos. It was a delight to notice a number of young mimetes thriving further up the slopes, and hear sugarbirds twittering in the distance. No animals were seen today, although one tortoise was seen partaking of a favourite plant. Evidence of baboons having passed through the area showed in the scattered remains of leucadendron cones, which they love to eat at this time of year when the last of the nectar is available.
As the trail steepened, I found myself stopping to admire the view or the fynbos more frequently, and the last kilometre was a hill too far. Resting on a warm, flat rock, looking across Buffels Bay towards Cape Point where skiboats were fishing for the currently abundant yellowtail, I was more than happy to have chosen that place for my coffee. What better place to be on any day of the year, but particularly so in such gorgeous weather? While most of the group hiked onwards and upwards, a few of us relaxed before heading back the way we had come, this time a gentle downhill, and yet still a long way on tired legs and feet – in all, a distance of 6.5km, a good hike after many weeks of inactivity.
Within five minutes of reaching the cars at the Buffelsfontein Information Centre, sudden change in the weather took us by surprise. A strip of cloud moved in across the Peninsula and in no time the rain was slashing down. Tour buses filled with glum-faced tourists headed for the Point, but I knew the sun would shine again soon. This is Cape Town – four seasons in one day – and the brief winter of the day would give way to hot sun within half an hour. As always, such a privilege to have all this beauty on our doorstep. I hope next time to reach the peak!
