THE START OF THE FLOWER SEASON

This is just the start of what should be a fantastic flower season considering the wonderful rains we've had this year.  I took a short drive out of town on the Skaapies Einde road and caught a glimpse of what is to come. The flowers are far from their best right now, but next month will be a treat.  I will definitely be out with my camera capturing them in all their glory.

If seeing the flowers is something on your wish list, do yourselves a favour and plan for this year.  It has been many years since the rains have been this good and I believe they will be exceptional, whether it's the Namaqualand Daisies or the West Coast flowers you wish to see.  And if seeing the flowers is not yet on any list of yours, be sure to put it on your 'Fifty things to do before I die' list. You won't be sorry.

Take a trip along all the back roads, and keep off the highway.  Make it about the journey and not just the destination.  You'll be amazed at the beauty you'll discover along the way.  Book a night or two in a small town here and there.  Enjoy the hospitality of the people, partake in their cuisine, enjoy the scenery in their surroundings, and find out the reasons why they live there, what brought them there, and why they stay. Talk to those who grew up there.  Discover the history of the area and the people. Learn about the flora and fauna. 

Discover things like the Cape Fold Mountains and the fascinating palaeontology that is to be found.

Prince Albert is rich in all of the above.  If you're coming from provinces north of the Western Cape, be sure to take a route that brings you through this beautifully preserved little town, in all its splendour.  From here take either the Swartberg Pass or Meiringspoort (my favourite, and this route will also take you through Klaarstroom and de Rust), to Oudtshoorn, down Route 62, through Calizdorp, Ladismith and Barrydale.  Continue down to Montegu and then decide where to from there.