After a grueling winter, the Western Cape is showing signs of approaching Spring. It seems to appear and then disappear in as many days but thankfully Saturday 30th August dawned with clear blue skies and the promise of no wind or clouds – ideal flower viewing conditions!
Thirty seven people boarded the coach at two pick up points – Constantia and Tableview. We were so pleased to welcome 16 Rotarians from the Cape of Good Hope Rotary Club, including their exchange student, Lisa Godderis from the north of France!
After a brief stop en route at the Vyge Valley Farm Stall we entered the park just after 11h00.
Our journey to Postberg Flower Reserve took us past Churchhaven, a small village on the Langebaan lagoon, Preekstoel & Kraalbaai (picnic areas) and then on to Tsaarbank where everyone was delighted to see their first sightings of the awesome display of flowers!
We then went straight into the Postberg Flower Reserve (total distance covered from the main entrance was 25km). It is always a great pity that they do not allow people out of their vehicles in the Reserve, but then you realize what would actually happen to the flower fields if permission was granted.,
We took our coach right up to the Vantage Point which has fantastic views over Langebaan. The day was crystal clear and what a wonderful sight this was for everyone. Time to get out of the coach and photograph flowers ‘up close and personal’ – what a true delight at this time of the year.
The Spring Flower season lasts two months in Postberg and is such a delight to witness! The Reserve is only open for the months of August and September each year.
We then did the loop around Plankiesbaai and came out of Postberg at the main gate. All on the coach felt that they had witnessed nature in all its beauty!
Next stop was Geelbek restaurant for lunch. Eight of our group opted to bring their own picnic lunches and were equally happy with their decision – sitting out in the sun at designated tables and enjoying what they had brought from home.
For the rest of us it was a choice of Hake & Chips; Chicken Panini; Ostrich Burgers; Vegetarian dish of lentils & chick peas with a light curry sauce. Some of the dishes took time in coming but when one realizes that it is easier for a kitchen to bring out dishes of the same type at the same time, it made sense to sit and wait! (even though we had pre-ordered meals before arrival!)
Our departure was delayed when our guests were offered delicious Marula Cake; Red Velvet Cake with their coffees. We all managed to get on the coach by just on 4.00 pm. The journey back to the city with a coach load of happy flower gazers was made easy by a road that was not too busy! The Tableview people were dropped off just after 5.00 pm.!
There are a number of vantage points and bird hides in the Park, but you need a few days to actually experience all of these. Before your next visit, arrange to hire a boat house in Kraalbaai or a cottage in Churchhaven to experience the “full package”
Thanks to all for sharing the delightful day ‘tussen-die-blomme’ – it’s always so very good for the soul to enjoy a day like this!