It’s spring and the living is getting easier in Hermanus.  Saturdays are great for morning exercise before indulging at the Hemel-en-Aarde wineries.  I took a walk on the wild side and headed out with newly qualified Hermanus based tour guide Emilia Knight. We started out at 7:30 following the Elephant Trail behind the cricket field in Hermanus.  Initially a steep climb before the path evens out and the walking gets easier.  We walked on the contour path above Hermanus Heights and Fernkloof Nature Reserve and saw tiny fynbos species speckled along the way.  The views were just great and stretched from Gansbaai to the New Harbour.  We came across two waterfalls and turned around just below one of the three dams on the Voëlklip side.  On the way back Emilia guided us through the gardens at Fernkloof and straight to the Hermanus Country Market for freshly brewed coffee.  It did not take long before we were offered a glass and wine.  My resistance crumbled when Newton Johnson’s rhone blend, Full Stop Rock, was put on the table.

The 15-kilometre walk was a super start to the day and my guide was prepared for all eventualities.  Fortunately we did not need any first aid but the sunblock came in handy.  I look forward to my next walk with the very capable and enthusiastic walking partner and super guide, Emilia.