Silvermine Waterfall Walk

Last Sunday, despite the heat, we joined a few other families for a walk and picnic at Silvermine. We entered Silvermine on the east side and strolled along the gravel road. 

 

The views of the valley and Noorhoek in the distance were magnificent on this crystal clear day.

Fynbos is a scent I never tire of. I didn't take many photos of the flowers but kept my eyes wide open, taking in the sights and sounds and even spotted a dung beetle rolling his ball of dung along the path.

The kids were way ahead of me, but waited up for me about 15 minutes from the start, where we turned off the gravel road and down 150m into the valley.

The walk down was steep but so worth it. 

The cool waters of the waterfall were so refreshing.

We sat among the trees beside the waterfall and enjoyed our lunch and conversations with fellow walkers. 

The climb back up was pretty strenuous on the legs but once again the kids kept calling out and checking I was ok. It was a great outing, a place to visit again for sure and perhaps linger somewhat longer in the shade besides the cascading waterfall...

It's been a long while!

A long time has passed since I last wrote anything here. Life has been happening with all it's twists and turns, ups and downs but I figured if I don't get back to it now and try to catch you up on it all, I never will!

It has been a difficult year as hubby was retrenched almost a year ago but by His grace, we continue on. Everywhere I hear of others in the same boat or in worse situations, and I am aware that we are not alone. We continue to put one foot in front of the other daily, and trust that all things will work together for good. It has been a trying time but also a time of great blessing and faith building.

Perhaps it has been easier to just keep quiet than to write when the pressures have seemed too great but tonight I have resolved to get back at it and share some of what has been happening in our lives. Daily I remind myself that there is always, always, always something to be thankful for!

The photos in this post are from a spring walk shared with friends not too long ago...

flowers

tree climbing

feather finding

fresh air

friendship

fun

I marvel at the beauty of creation and fresh air and wide open spaces always do me good!

We always find something out there that we have learned about recently, like this male pine full of pollen, just waiting to be dispersed by the wind!

Two girls just did not want to come down out of the tree and begged to bring their school work there the following day so they could learn in the tree!

Possibly next week we will head out for a morning under or perhaps up the tree!

Header Photo

Just wanted you to know that I changed my header photo on my blog to the Coral Tree. I just love this tree with its beautiful bright orange blossoms. It is not seen much in our neck of the woods, but Kwa Zulu Natal is covered with splashes of colour from these gorgeous blooms!

Autumn Afternoon

We experienced a glorious Cape Autumn afternoon today. A friend headed off up the Tokai biking track with some of the children while I headed into the adjacent Arboretum with 6 children.
Some of the boys ready for their ride.

The children were eager to get into the forest to play.

The boys began working as boys often do when let loose in nature.

I always find that I am nourished when out in nature....the body, soul ,heart and mind are refreshed.

There is much to be got by perching in a tree....

The children expended their energy while I sat quietly under the trees contemplating the next school term and making notes for myself. One of my goals is to spend more time outdoors in nature. It is so easy when one lives in a city not to get out there. But we are blessed in the Cape to have beach, mountain and forest all nearby so there is no excuse not to get out there! It truly is refreshing to connect with nature and enjoy Gods creation.