As we returned to the Cape via the west coast, I found to my joy that namaqualand had awoken and the wild flowers had once again begun to transform the landscape. (For those still to visit this wonderland, August/September is the time of year to be here.) I repacked and headed up for a majical couple of days exploring the mountains and valleys in search of hidden treasures.

Leaving Clanwilliam at first light, I climbed through the early morning mist, up the mountain pass reaching the top just as the suns rays began to filter over me pouring golden light onto the river valley below.

Tearing myself away from the beautiful scene, I continued Winding my way along the dirt road through the magnificent boulders of the Cedarberg and then down, down into the next valley. Here I found water streaming down the road maing deep channels in the sandy surface but I made it through and travelled up again and over the next escarpment.

After navigating a very steep, narrow pass with hairpin bends, I finally arrived in the Biedouw valley. Somehow the view before me didn't quite match the description I had been given of it being 'like a wonderland of wall to wall flowers', but then again it was still early and the flowers only open around noon....so on I went. past the sign saying road flooded - a few little streams to cross and then I reached a torrent and decided it really was time to turn around and there at last with the sun high in the sky behind me was the wonderland I had been searching for! and not another soul around - bliss....

Hours later I hauled myself out of the valley and smiled to myself as I watched a stream of cars flowing in, knowing I had been lucky to have been able to enjoy the solitude in this incredible place....