Escaping a fire in the Kalk Bay mountains with Russell and Stephen

We went caving in the mountains above St James and Kalk Bay.  After over an hour crawling through the caves (a real adventure), we emerged to discover a Whatsapp from Jo saying there was a fire in the Kalk Bay mountains.  We climbed to a high vantage point and indeed there was a rather scary looking fire coming our way. We put foot out of there and hiked to Silvermine to ensure our safety, a lot longer hike than we had been planning.  Jo very kindly came to pick us up and take us to retrieve Russell's car.  We then went for a celebratory ice cream in Kalk Bay and a swim at St James.

Exploring the cave

The fire and escaping it

This photo appeared in the media later

Recovering Russell's car, ice cream in Kalk Bay and a swim at St James

 

Exploring Ystervark Grot at Silvermine

A wonderful day with two fellow intrepid explorers.  

Highlights included:

• Some deep philosophical discussions about extraterrestrial life and the nature of reality.
• Brandon's amazing smorgasbord of delicious snacks.
• Two beautiful buzzards flying close to us in the mist.
• Crawling deep into the Ystervark Cave. At times, we had to crawl on our bellies through tiny narrow cracks and at other times, the cave opened up into chambers we could stand in. My first true experience of caving. I loved it, although it undid some of the good of my recent physio session!
• Climbing up onto the plateau and exploring a beautiful botanical labyrinth.