Silvermine West is once again after last year’s fire. So I could finally go running on one of my favourite trails – up the old wagon trail to the dam and back. The devastation from the fire is saddening – there is not a single part of the trail where you don’t see massive fire damage.
But the good news is the regeneration. It will take a long time to get back to how to it was, but regrowth is clearly happening.
I just hit the 2000km running mark this year, and what better route to celebrate than a run though the trails of the Constantia Green belts up to the mountain and back?
This bridge was just about at the 2000km mark. Although strangely enough I have never crossed it – my route turns left at the bridge to continue down towards Alphen.
More good news on the running front is that the West side of Silvermine has been reopened after the devastating fires last year, so a recon run is definitely in order.
Finally I hope you all had a great Christmas, see you in the new year.
I have been to Kalk Bay Harbour loads of times, and I have often seen seals in the harbour. But I have never seen one on the harbour wall before, and definitely not one watching the world go by. This huge guy sat there watching the world for a few minutes, and then he hopped up and with an almighty splash dived over into the sea.
There is a lovely long and windy road from Gordon’s Bay to Betty’s Bay, and if you feel like an afternoon drive this is a lovely route for it. There are plenty of stopping and picnic points on the side of the road where you can stop to admire the view. But be warned, on holidays it can get very busy.
That is me at the top going for a training run from my house to Simonstown and back. It is a lovely 30km route, with a stop in Simonstown for an energy-rich croissant. (Photo by one of my running buddies Steve Mathew)
These Cork Oak Trees were planted by Simon van der Stel in the 1800’s and are now protected. It is a lovely short walk of about 3km or so from the Southern Cross Drive entrance to the forest down to the main parking on the right.
Cork Oak trees
One of the trails through the forest
The walkway between Muizenberg and St James on a cold and misty morning.
The entrance to Cape Town harbour from the Robben Island boat. You can see Lions head in the background,
At my work there is a little museum of old computing equipment. There are old typewriters, computers, and even robotic machines to insert old tapes into their drives. It is a little bizarre to think that no so long ago this was considered to be state of the art.
So if you are ever at Old Mutual head office, head on down to the museum on the first floor.
The Grape run will be on October 18.. It is an amazing but tough 21km trail run, and a rare opportunity to run through the Constantia Vineyards (there is also a milder 14k and 5k race). I have completed the past 2 runs, but I will miss this year because I will be on holiday in Greece, which I think is a pretty good excuse!
The view from the top
If you are a runner it is an amazing run to do. Groot Constantia (the oldest wine farm in South Africa) even have wine at the water tables!
Me and my friend Steve having a refreshment at the “water” table – trail running is hard work
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