We all have these photos … throwback photos!
It’s described as ‘nostalgia-inducing pictures … from a different era of your life”.
Every Thursday we will throw a photo of ‘way back when’ on our blog. Why on a Thursday? Because it’s just a day away from the weekend … and we love weekends!
You are welcome to join in or just enjoy the photos (#TB Thursday).
May 2017 – Stellenbosch (Western Cape Province, South Africa)
We think it is time to look at some hiking throwback photos again, don’t you?
After coming back from our first Camino trip in Spain in 2017, we just wanted to get back into nature. On a sunny autumn day, we drove to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve outside the beautiful town of Stellenbosch.
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve:
This reserve is about 9km (5.5 miles) from Stellenbosch and home to the majestic Jonkershoek Mountains and parts of the Jonkershoek valley.
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
There are several hiking trails of varying difficulty and length that lead off a circular drive. On this day however, we decided to just take it easy and enjoy the 10km (6.2 miles) circular gravel road to the valley. Cars can also drive on this road – so, if you don’t feel like walking, you can drive leisurely through the reserve.
Fynbos bushes along the route
It is a winter rainfall area and since it was late May that we hiked this route, it was not yet as wet and lush as it usually is during the winter. The reserve sits within the fynbos biome and is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Over 1,100 species of plants have been recorded here so far. We enjoyed seeing lovely flowers, plants and flowing streams.
Surrounded by fynbos bushes that are unique to this area
Jonkershoek Mountains
We found a few streams and rivers on our way – crossing a low water bridge
When we left the reserve, we walked to a seating area on the green grass and ordered coffee from the restaurant, The End Café (they also serve toasties, delicious cakes and muffins). A day out in nature is always a good day!
Relaxing with a coffee after our hike at The End Café
Wet and Dusty Roads 
The perfect day for a beautiful hike. Nice one. Mel
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Thanks Mel. Nature in the Stellenbosch area is for me one of the most beautiful – especially during autumn and winter when it is not so hot. How is your prep for your Camino going? And when are you leaving?
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Agreed – Stellenbosch is a magical spot, especially with a glass of wine in hand! 🙂 Yes, all systems go for Spain. I have starting throwing my gear into a big, messy pile for sifting through a bit later. I am determined to pack light this trip! Start walking from Madrid on Friday 19 May….. ooooo – excited! 🙂
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Whoopee!! It’s just around the corner … I am excited for you 👣👣.
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No doubt you will walking every step with me. 🙂
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Dis so pragtig daar! Ons het al op die pad gery en ek het my weereens verkyk aan die pragtige natuurlike plantegroei daar. Toe ek baie jare gelede op skool was , was ek ook daar saam met ons skool se Landsdiens groep. Ons moes help brandpaaie kap!
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Ek kan dink hoe lekker ‘n Landsdiens kamp daar moet wees … weet nie hoe lekker dit was om brandpaaie te kap nie 🙂 (maar welgedaan, julle het julle deel vir die natuur gedoen)! Jy’s reg, dis die natuurlike plantegroei wat my ook altyd opval en dan natuurlik daardie mooi berge wat so uittroon.
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Looks like an interesting and beautiful place to hike with the huge variety of plants! I love the photo of the mountain with the sunbeams streaming in; beautiful.
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Thanks Tricia – it’s usually those early mornings in the valley between the high mountains that are the most beautiful. And it’s not just the sight of the different plants, but also the smell of them that is so wonderful … we just love this place!
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Looks like a great hike.
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While we lived in Cape Town (for 20 years), we came to hike here often. It is a beautiful nature reserve that one can never get enough of!
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Looks lovely 😍. Hanging about at the airport, waiting for a flight home 💗
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It was a great hike, thanks Jo – that area is just stunning! Time to go home already? I hope it was an enjoyable time with family and friends. Safe journey.
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Just landed at Faro, Corna. Nice to be warm again but missing the youngsters already 🤗❤️
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Lovely weather for an autumn hike and what better way than relaxing at the end in the aptly named End Cafe garden with a coffee and sweet treat. The scenery looks beautiful Corna.
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Thanks Marion. Yes, I think autumn is actually the best season here in SA for hiking. The End Cafe – I remember on a previous occasion we had carrot cake which was absolutely divine. So, you can either go there for hiking or just to enjoy a peaceful day under the trees with a sweet treat 🙂.
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These are such wonderful throwback photos, Corna 🙂 Hiking is a fantastic excuse to get outside and explore! Whether you are hiking around a nature trail or a historic area, there are always fun things to see and do. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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You are right Aiva, nature is one of the best places to just be! We never walk away from such picturesque views unsatisfied, that’s for sure. Hope you have a nice day too 🌸.
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A lovely way to get back in Nature and rest your feet. With a 10km hike! But it must have seemed a short walk after the Camino. Gorgeous weather and scenery.
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Haha, yes this was just a “walk in the park” … it was over before we really started walking! But then again, you don’t realise you’re walking 10km when you’re surrounded by so much beauty.
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This looks like a great hike! The scenery is gorgeous. I’m Googling fynboe because they look so beautiful, and I’ve never seen one before.
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Fynbos is very unique to the Western Cape Province in South Africa. If you googled it, you probably saw that the name comes from an Old Dutch word: ‘fine bush’ and usually occurs in small heather-like trees and shrubs. It’s really a joy to see them in their natural habitat. Our national flower, the Protea, is also family of the fynbos biome.
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I did google them. They are so unique and beautiful – so many different varieties. Thank you for teaching me something today!
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Looks lovely, and fynbos is so wonderful as are South African toasties – none better IMO. 💕
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I love it that you use the words “fynbos” and “SA toasties” in one sentence 🙂. There’s a lovely farm stall near where we currently live that makes amazing toasties … I think we’ll have to pop in again this weekend!
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A beautiful hike! I understand your wish to walk again after the Camino very well.
Mine for this week is another repost about a cherished travel memory:
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I knew you would understand that urge to get back into your hiking gear after completing a Camino 🙂. I was absolutely amazed with your travel memory! What a wonderful adventure and I can fully understand why it must have been a once in a lifetime experience – it’s just wow!
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Thank you. Glad you liked the Gorilla post😊!
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So n stappie in die fynbos is een van die lewe se groot plesiere!
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Ja … en dis nie net wonderlik om dit te sien nie, maar ook om dit te ruik!
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This looks like a wonderful place to hike and enjoy nature. Everything looks so lush. And what better way to reward yourselves afterwards than by refueling at a cafe. Agreed, a day out in nature is always a good day!
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The Stellenbosch area is very popular for hiking and mountain biking. We just never got tired of going to Jonkershoek again and again. There were a few times we didn’t even go for a walk in the beautiful reserve, but just enjoyed coffee and cake at the cafe … that’s how nice it is there!
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A lovely day!
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You’re right Rupali, this was such a nice autumn day … we always enjoy nature here in Jonkershoek.
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It’s beautiful, a perfect place for a hike 🙂
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Yes, it’s definitely hiking paradise Hannah! There is a trail that leads to a waterfall and in winter it is one of the most beautiful walks to do.
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I love the name “jonkershoek”. Another lovely SA hike Corna with such vibrant plant life. Not sure I’ve ever seen a fynbos bush in the flesh. The peaceful shot from the water bridge is the very picture of serenity. We are currently on a ferry from Naxos Island to Athens, and your mention of The End Cafe has inspired me to get a coffee and a toastie. Cheers.
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“Jonkershoek” – so called by the Dutchman Jan de Jonkheer in the 17th century … yeah, I like that name too! Fynbos is very unique to South Africa – I have never encountered it in any other country on our travels. I wish one could provide scent through the internet, because it smells amazing. Hope you guys enjoy the last few days in Athens (and that it was a great coffee and toastie).
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What a great day! And perfect way to end it too. ☕️
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You are right, it was perfect in so many ways. Ending a day in nature with a hot cup of coffee (and still being in nature) is always a bonus. Thank you for your comment 🌸.
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