July 2024

The day before we left our hometown of Langebaan, we decided to look for wildflowers. We are still about two months away from the lovely spring season and since the West Coast has had good winter rains, the spring wildflowers will be a lovely sight again this year.

We could already see small patches of wildflowers all over town. On the outskirts of Langebaan, on the way to Shark Bay, there is a small car park with a sign “Daisy Walk” – a place we have not explored before. To take a stroll through the field and hopefully seeing the early signs of spring seemed like a fitting end to our short visit.

Even before we started walking on the designated pathway, we saw our very first daisy – its lovely face turned towards the sun and swaying gently in the breeze.

The first daisy on our walk

The walk is about 3km and offers breathtaking views of the lagoon, but this time our eyes were not on the turquoise lagoon, but rather on the ground to spot the daisies.

At the start of the Daisy Walk

We could spot Langebaan lagoon in the distance

Along the path were small patches of daisies

After having cloudy and rainy weather for most of our visit, we couldn’t have asked for a better last day in Langebaan. The sky was blue and the warm winter sun was just what the daisies needed to show off their beauty.

Perfect weather conditions to look for daisies

No daisy looks the same

This orange daisy is also called “Orange Symphony”

As the path took us higher up the hill, we could now also enjoy a lovely view of the Langebaan lagoon.

We are still following the path

View over Langebaan lagoon

The colour of the lagoon on a sunny day is really beautiful

Not a daisy, but the lovely candy cane sorrel

We were surprised to see a small antelope lying in the long grass about 20m from the path. He just moved his ears as he watched us intently – he was clearly enjoying the winter sun too.

Small antelope in the field

We could still see the lagoon

Spot the small insects on the petals

The centre looks like shiny diamonds

These houses have a lovely view of the lagoon

The sweet simplicity of the daisy – whether on its own or in a group

More sorrel flowers (pale-pink this time)

Higher up the hill we saw more orange daisies. There were lots of buds and we can only imagine what a beautiful sight the blooming daisies will be in about three weeks.

Orange daisies

Which one do you like more: White or orange?

All too soon it was time to return to our car. Even though we won’t be able to enjoy the full extent of spring on the West Coast this year, we were lucky to see the early spring flowers.

Time to walk back to the start of the trail

We now also saw other flowers than just daisies along the path. We are not the biggest flower experts, but always appreciate beautiful flowers.

Pretty in pink

Looks like sugar coated candy

A different looking daisy, the leafy fleabane

Sweat pea bush

Just before we left the Daisy Walk, we saw two tortoises in the bushes. They seemed to be enjoying the sun on them as they feasted on the juicy green leaves.

Tortoises on the Daisy Walk

According to many websites, daisies are associated with new beginnings and cheerfulness. We certainly felt cheerful after this beautiful stroll through nature.

Beautiful daisies

You know the quote: “Stop and smell the roses”. Well, it might as well have been “Stop and smell the daisies”. Which mean, according to golfer Walter Hagen: “Don’t hurry. Don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.”