December 2023

It’s time to get back into nature. Saturday looked like a good day to return to our favourite hiking farm, Emerald Vale Brewery.

Although the sky was clear, thunderstorms were forecast for around lunchtime. It was very humid when we arrived at the farm and we realised that we would have limited time to walk before the thunderstorm broke out.

So, we chose the shortest route – only 4.8km (3 miles) with the lovely name of Naturwanderweg (‘Nature Walk’).

Start of the Naturwanderweg

It may appear dry, but the rainy season has only just begun and we expect the farm to be lush green soon.

Soon the farm will be green again

After first walking downhill and then uphill again, we walked past one of the farm dams. It was quiet in the early morning and there was hardly a ripple to be detected on the water.

Farm dam

Uphill on the dirt road through the trees

We followed the yellow arrow

Even though the field is currently dry, we saw many flowers hidden among the grass. There were little lilac coloured flowers everywhere and it might just be some kind of weed, but it was still nice to see some unexpected colour.

Thanks to fellow blogger Jude in Cornwall, UK (https://cornwallincolours.blog/) who identified the flower as Senecio macrocephalus.

Lilac coloured flowers (Senecio macrocephalus)

The footpath ran through the trees and then crossed a small river. I’m guessing that this very path is going to be very muddy later today.

Low water bride over a small river

We walked quite a distance along a fence before we came to a larger river course. Here we had to walk carefully so as not to step in the water.

The trail next to the farm’s fence

Over a bigger river

There were some cows between us and the road we had to follow. And while the larger cows didn’t seem terribly disturbed, it was the young calf that viewed us with a bit of suspicion.

Cows on the trail

Young calf

We walked along a long line of trees along the river for another 20 minutes before we found the path back to the farmstead.

And just like that – we reached the end of the trail

Outdoor area of restaurant and Emerald Vale Brewery truck that takes guests on sightseeing tours

We took a last stroll through Emerald Vale Brewery’s lovely garden before driving back home. Even though it was a very short trail, it was nice to be out and about – any day in nature, is a good day.

Garden at Emerald Vale Brewery

Colourful bird house against a tree

About 5 minutes after we left the farm, we drove into the thunderstorm. Talk about good timing.

Lavender Blue Market:

The rain took us straight to Lavender Blue Market for a late breakfast. They serve the most delicious ‘mosbolletjies’ and it was just what we were craving.

  • ‘Mosbolletjies’: This is a traditional Afrikaner or Cape Dutch sweet-bun or bread that is traditionally made in the wine producing areas of the Western Cape province of South Africa. (We are very happy that they also make it here in the Eastern Cape province).

Start with a creamy cappuccino

And then a (healthy) green juice

Our ‘mosbolletjie’ breakfast

Side note: The green juice was actually quite nice – it probably looks a little suspicious because it’s served in a lab measuring cup.