Today’s ride took us into the Boosmanbos Wilderness Area of the Langeberg Mountains, an area known for dramatic terrain and lush fynbos. Fynbos (Afrikaans derivation meaning fine-leaved plants) refers to a natural shrubland unique to the Southern Cape of South Africa with some of the greatest plant diversity in the world (over 9,000 species, most of which grow nowhere else in the world). It’s a marvelous and unique area. A wild fire came through within the past few years and the plants are making a strong comeback. It’s heartening to be reminded of nature’s resiliency.

At Garcia’s Pass, we stashed our bikes at a trailhead and wandered into the fynbos, where we enjoyed ripe nectarines and the view of the valley below until an inhospitable male baboon, with its characteristic “wa-hu” bark, made it clear we were intruding and should be on our way. We happily obliged.

Back in town, we ate a delicious lunch at a coffee shop that could compete with any in Seattle, both in terms of bespoke roasts and cheap philosophy. Quote on the wall: “Nothing changes if nothing changes.”

Speaking of cheap philosophy (or philosophers…), today I noticed a number of houses in Riversdale with happy yellow address plates depicting a couple dancing in what might be described as an athletic Latin style. Well that’s nice, I thought to myself, there must be a local dance society and these folks must be members showing their pride and enthusiasm. How quirky and fun! But when I pointed one out to Allegra and made a seemingly insightful comment about Riversdale’s great love of Latin dance, she just looked at me quizzically and shook her head, for reasons that should be obvious…