The beauty of a life in the mildest climate in the world on the south coast of Africa

Nature is so powerful that even when a tree falls over, it continues to grow. You could say this tree is almost upside down. Half of its roots have come out of the ground but the other half remain and thus the tree continues to grow. Presumably the steep slope and the inevitable effect of gravity has caused this tree to topple over and lie on its side. It’s not the only tree like this that I’ve seen growing on its side, especially since the terrain is mostly steep cliff side here on this stretch of the southernmost shoreline of Africa.

There appears every now and then a curious indigenous vine of sorts that crows long and twisted up around the other bigger trees. Today I found one really wrapped up in itself like a fine Celtic knot. They make great hanging gardens in the taller trees that I find in small forests in secluded gorges near the ocean. Up on the cliff tops there are no trees only bushes, as it’s more windswept I presume. But in the lower sheltered gorges along the coast line I can find the occasional little forest of indigenous trees. In here the vines make an inspiring jungle-like effect as they grow in long strands up and down the tree branches.

Here in another photo you can see the last of a little waterfall stream trickling down the slope of solid rock. The rain has died down a bit and so only a trickle of water remains for now. It will flow more again once more rain comes. The water appears to go underground at this stage and will still pop up further down the cliff side closer to the sea level. It springs out of the rock face here and there having traveled underground for a while. Gravity is on our side in this case.

Another interesting site on today’s hike arose when I encountered some alien Pine forest. On the floor at the foot of the Pines was a whole bunch of mushrooms. I’m no expert so am not sure what species, but they looked really healthy. The Pine was imported as was the Port Jackson, Wattle and Eucalyptus blue gum trees. All of them now grow uncontrolled and wildly like weeds all over the place, unless deliberately eradicated. It’s a strain on the local indigenous “Fynbos” floral kingdom which is much more delicate and small. Anyway, the alien species are being eradicated as much as possible by the nature conservation and forestry department of the municipality, though its a never-ending battle.

At some point earlier in our history here, the people thought it would be a good idea to import these alien trees and grow them locally. Unfortunately the plan backfired a few decades down the line as now the place is overrun with them. I guess it’s like the rabbits in Australia and other such man-made attempts at improving nature. We learn from our mistakes though the lessons are sometimes tough ones.

Actually there is an entire Pine forest that goes on for miles along this coastline just a few miles back. It is foreign owned Pine forest plantation for timber export if I’m not mistaken. We don’t even own it as locals. It feeds Germany or something like that. Such is the life of a lowly colony on the outskirts of the empire. Most of our finest fruit also goes for export and I never see such classy apples or peaches compared to what all gets shipped off for export to the EU.

Anyway, I am still in bliss because I have the indigenous terrain and climate which is a treasure that is free and you can’t give it away. Foreigners have to come here to enjoy it, and they do, some emigrating to retire here. It’s way warmer than the most of EU and cooler than the tropics. It’s one of the most mild and pleasant climates in the world. And that’s why I’m here, enjoying the paradise that only a few can access. Come join me when you get a chance. I will be happy to show you around.

(photos my own)