It all started with a trip to church together. Surprisingly that went well and the wriggling, squirming, and complaining was much reduced. A short trip to the local supermarket for some picnic goodies and we were almost set to go. The smart church clothes were retired in favour of good walking shoes, shorts, and a backpack. The backpack filled with essentials like costumes, towels, and a first aid kit. In my family it pays to be prepared!
We were going on a family walk. A recent brainstorm has been that some walking in the majestic mountains that surround us will provide not only health benefits but some good family time. Today’s walk was to be just a short 45 minute foray up a mountain to Luiperd’s Kloof in Betty’s Bay.
We set off with much excitement, the boys practically running up the path! Things settled down with Matthew taking over the role as pace man. For a short kid with only four years of experience in life, he was pretty quick. We climbed over boulders, crossed bridges, hopped across rivers, climbed ladders, and had a thoroughly great time. We saw birds, insects, lizards, tadpoles, fish, and crabs. About halfway along the walk we came to a locked gate, to which we had been given the key. From this point to the top of the gorge, the walk took place in a forest. It was lovely and cool and a coke coloured stream swished past us. Don’t fear, the coke colour is a result of tannins in the soil. The water was cold, crystal clear, and tasted slightly like a fruit tea.
The top part of the walk was the adventure section, or at least that is what my children seemed to feel. Due to the steepness of the gorge, a network of ladders led to the top. Obviously huge fun for any kid! We had our picnic at a lovely pool in a large grotto. Just behind the grotto, water cascaded about 30 metres down a series of rocks covered in mosses and vines. It was peaceful and beautiful.
Then my eldest decided that he needed the toilet and that things could not wait. Hmmmm. So after a quick dash down the mountain, he made it safely to the bathroom at the bottom. Much relieved!
We then visited the penguin sanctuary in Betty's Bay where thousands of penguins huddle together. After meeting this creature’s virtual partner in many movies, my children were thrilled to meet the real thing.
On the way home, we passed one of my favourite surf sports, called Paranoia. My wife had never seen the place and it was time for her to be introduced. The wind was savage and so we poked around in a couple of rock pools before heading off home.
What a wonderful day. Family day is to now become a Sunday tradition. We all agreed that walking is fun and enjoyable. The mountains around us are covered in walking trails, and it is so exciting to find that we can enjoy them together. I was most proud of my children who had not a word of complaint
At long last I feel as if I have done something fatherly; created a new family tradition and found time for some real family interaction! Yeha!
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