God's garden

Cape flowers

Sunday 18th September

Wolfkop Nature Reserve, Citrusdal, Western Cape Province

Like a sudden explosion of skittles, for a few weeks each year, the usually arid coastline and desert of the Western Cape burst into bloom with carpets of the most delicate flowers.  In fact, there are more species of flower in this small area than in the entire United Kingdom.

Eland among the flowers, West Coast National Park

Beginning at Saldhanna Bay in the Postberg section, we worked our way around all of Western Cape National Park, frequently having to stop and wait as tortoises crossed the road.  The delicacy and vibrancy of the flowers is mesmerising.  The way they tile themselves towards the sun means they are awash with colour in one direction and can't be seen from the other.

Perhaps the only thing that could match their beauty is the azure bay lapping against the finest white sand.  A more heavenly scene could not be imagined.

Being so remote, we were unable to go to a church this morning, but it is hard not to feel in the presence of God in these surroundings.

The kiss of the sun for pardon,

the song of the bird for mirth:

one's nearer to God in a garden

than anywhere else on earth.

West Coast National Park

After lunch, we headed to the town of Citrusdal, nestled - as the name suggests - amidst endless groves of citrus fruit.  The hills at times look like the Scottish Highlands, at others like the Arizona Desert.  It is a landscape both breath-taking and forbidding.

Leopard spoor have been found near our accommodation - there's no knowing what lurks in these hills!