Wednesday 10 January 2018

Cederberg and evening light.

One of the most beautiful things to see in the Cederberg is the changing shades of light on the mountain rocks as the sun begins to set. In the first place, the rocks themselves are magnificent and weird at the same time: poised on three or four points, they seem to have been placed there on purpose. It's strange to consider how they came to be there.

When guests who arrive quite late in the day ask what they can do, we frequently suggest that they drive up the Pakhuis Pass as evening develops, and the sun begins to slant. The colours and angles are an experience.

A few days ago I was in the bakkie (Afrikaans word for a small, open truck) with our local doctor who was driving over that pass in the evening, and so I took a few random pictures which don't do justice, but give a glimpse into what one may experience.




Please note that the windscreen was a bit dirty. This adds authenticity....



The temperature was warm, about 32C, even at that time of evening. I had actually taken a jersey along as I have been surprised by sudden cold evenings even in summer months, but this wasn't one of them.




As shadow and light develop and contrast, the drama of the sun's descent engages the Cederberg with something extraordinary.




One should actually find a place to stop and take take in the changing vista.





But we didn't have the time, as we were actually having a meeting in the bakkie.






It was a most interesting meeting, not only because of the agenda but also because of the context.

But if you come as guests, not as attendees, you would have the time to stop and savour more of the Pakhuis Pass, the colour kaleidoscope, and the evening cooling into the anticipation of dinner somewhere in town.

And we still do have enough water to wash the windscreen.