Rachel Colenso

Met with good friend Cherice today for a walk up one of our local mountain peaks, Swartberg, situated near Simons Town. It is a super walk with astounding views, magnificent flora and easy options to be lengthened by adding in additional peaks of Simonsberg and North Peak. These mountains rise steeply for over 600m straight out of the sea, and are a daunting prospect for most hikers on a hot day. Less known is the ascent options from the opposite West flank of Klawer Valley. This area is mostly a dedicated Naval base with live firing ranges which possibly put some people off. The entry is past large signs reading "Enter at your Peril," somewhat reminiscent of a pirate story, but foreboding nevertheless. So for those who are brave or foolish enough to continue down the deeply eroded and steeply inclined dirt track, (just about manageable in an ordinary Golf in first gear,) a pleasant surprise awaits. The path leads up via the old military blockhouse, and gives stunning views o...

Summer has finally hit the Western Cape. Over the passed week daily temperatures soared to nearly 40deg C. For some the 'holiday' week may have involved ferrying irritable kids in hot cars to overcrowded beaches with no parking. Here are a couple of Cape Town's beach alternatives; outdoor, family activities where you can enjoy being active and close to nature without overheating. Silvermine Nature Reserve Part of the Table Mountain National Park, Silvermine is a great family option for all ages. Get there early, to take advantage of the shady picnic sites and take swimming costumes for a dip in the dam. The water is normally cool and refreshing, without needing to don an Atlantic Ocean wetsuit. Mum, Dad or the keen and fit can increase the activity level with a circuit run to the top of Noordhoekpiek which overlooks Houtbay. Come back and report your findings down below to the rest of the family who might well be studying the variety of flora and fauna around the dam. A gen...

The Avon Justine iThemba Walkathon is a family fun walk for the whole family, there will be various activities for the children as well as stalls and food vendors for walkers to enjoy. The fifth annual Avon Justine iThemba Walkathon is in Johannesburg on Sunday, 17 October and the third annual iThemba Walkathon in Cape Town on Sunday, 31 October 2010. This promises to be a great event for a very worthy cause. As a speaker at the Ithemba Ladies Day, I was moved by the courage and positive outlook of the women that this organisation supports. The iThemba Walkathon’s form part of the Avon Walk Around World – where people across the globe unite in the crusade against breast cancer and show their solidarity. ( www.ithembawalkathon.co.za ) The event in Cape Town on 31st October, and will be posted in a couple of days. Do hope to see some of you there.