Tuesdays Trees #10 - Jacaranda

This Jacaranda was photographed with an old point and shoot, on a farm in the Elands River Valley a few years ago.



Another exotic, but it makes a spectacular show of colour when in full bloom.

Enjoy the Everlastings in the Elands River Valley

This week is just about stopping in and enjoying the beauty of the Elands River Valley

Stopping to photograph the Cocks Comb Mountain

Everlasting flowers grow in profusion in the valley and surrounding hills. They are attractive and popular in flower arrangements

A view of the valley with a profusion of "fynbos" in the foreground

Looking back on the road just travelled

D for Derelict houses

One of the characteristics of the Elands River Valley is the number of derelict labourers cottages dotting the countryside. Many look as though they are staring at the world around them through unseeing eyes.



The reasons for this are many. The need for a large labour declined when wheat production stopped due to the drastic drop in rainfall in the past 20 years; many farmers prefer not to have people staying on their properties, because legislation makes it almost impossible to evict tenants and many people have simply moved on to a "better life" in the cities.
We nearly drove past this one, but then stopped for a closer look.



I thought it would be a nice "fixer-upper" for weekend getaways, but Suzi-k was not too keen. I can't understand why.



Nice finish to the front door



So the back door may need replacing, but that is not the end of the world



The inside door panels possibly need a bit of work - and the floors need sanding - no problem



The windows need some glass, but that can be arranged



It even has a bed



And a fireplace



One distinct advantage though, Eskom can't cut the power - it has none.

Up, up and away........

Some sections of the road leading from the Elands River Valley to the Gamtoos River Valley are not that great, so it helps to have a vehicle with a high ground clearance. My little bakkie (truck, ute, van) is a bit low slung and there were some horrible scraping noises at times - but it was fun.



This photo was shot through the window while we were on the move.

How green is half of my valley

As you climb out of the Elands River Valley into the mountains before the Gamtoos river Valley, there are the most stunning views that seem to stretch on forever. The country side is also characterised by a profusion of fynbos - most prominet being the erica, proteas and leucodendrons.


I found this valley very intersting with one side being green and lush and the other dry and stark. In the foreground is a leucospemum (pin cushion protea) in full bloom.



The leucospermums on the mountains are not as full and rounded as those in the valleys. I think it must be something to do with the high winds and the cooler weather.

Of walls and willows

This willow tree is growing just below the spillway of the dam, on the Sand River in the Elands River Valley

C is for Cockscomb and a Chevy

Decisions, decisions, decisions. So many topics for C this week, but I decided to settle on the Cockscomb Mountain and a Chevrolet. As it happens they were both photographed on the same day and I had to drive past the Cockscomb to get to the Chev.

Panoramic view of the Cockscomb Mountain, seen from the Elands River Valley


It all started with a spontaneous suggestion by Suzi-k on Sunday morning, for us to drive through the Elands River Valley to Patensie. After plotting the 127 kilometre journey on my GPS, I estimated that it would take us about 2 hours to complete the journey. It ended up being a 5 hour trip. There was just too much to see and photograph. In fact I have enough material from the trip to take me through to G.

Close up of the Cockscomb Mountain from near (relatively speaking) its base


The Cockscomb Mountain is a very prominent feature that is visible from many miles around, but to get there is quite another story. At 1,759 m above sea level it is one of the highest mountain peaks in the Eastern Cape. Apparently it was known to some of the earlier indigenous tribes as "T'numkwa" (Mountain of the clouds).

Saying farewell to the Cockscomb Mountain from the Winterhoek Mountains near Patensie. Some of the Leucospermums (Pin Cushion Protea) like the one in the foregroundwere are still flowering.


When we arrived at Patensie it was 3 pm and we both felt like lunch was long overdue. Fat chance of that I said. I had been in the area some years before and did not recall seeing any restaurants. “Well, let’s try that one”, suggested Suzi-k pointing to the sign on the side of the road, which said the Padlangs Country Restaurant and Shop (Padlangs = Roadside) was 2 kilometres up the road.

A rare site in South Africa. Bicycles don't hang about for too long, before they go "walk about".


I dubiously agreed and we were pleasantly surprised to find the most delightful restaurant and shop, where I was able to select an excellent heart friendly lunch. There was the added bonus of finding this old Chevrolet truck, which I thought was very photogenic.



I have no idea of its vintage, but would guess late 40’s early 50’s. Not exactly built for comfort, but I guess it served its purpose..



Anyone for pumpkins. From their condition I do not think there have been many buyers this season.



For more insights and pictures on our trip down the Elands River Valley you can visit Suzi-k.

Cockscomb Mountains

The Cockscomb Mountain seen from the Elands River Valley, which runs in a westerly direction from Rocklands, just outside Uitenhage towards Patensie in the Gamtoos River Valley.
A drive through the Elands River Valley is worth while excusion. It is marked by rolling hills, mountain streams and fynbos (the famous Cape vegetation).



Until the 1980's, the valley was a significant wheat growing area, but as a result of a big decline in the annual rainfall, wheat growing is no longer viable. Another example of climate change and global warming?
The contour banks of the old wheat fields can still be seen on the side of the hill.