Exploring the rugged cliffside terrain within walking distance of my rental cottage on the remote south Cape coast of Africa is a truly fulfilling experience for me. From my subjective perspective it feels like I’m walking about in a vast open art gallery. And nature is the artist.
Windows to the other side - rock features on the hidden side of the Cape south coast of Africa
The rock formations are simply majestic and awe inspiring. My new word for everything lately is “awesome”. I have been able to free myself from time constraints and simply wander around at my leisure. And it is in this particular mindset, which is open and receptive, with no expectations, that I’m able to enter “the zone”, so to speak.
A little skylight window appears at the very top of this chasm
Living the permanent holiday life, while still being without much money, allows one to tap in to the beauty of nature all around, if you’re in a conducive environment. City folks like to visit art galleries, museums or theaters to be inspired by creativity. Or they go online to see beautiful sunsets or other inspiring scenes and images. I like to wander around on the remote and empty solitary cliff edge and down the steep slopes to the deserted rocky shoreline of Africa.
Stepping back a bit one can see the chasm in the distance from this awesome cave nearby
This particular stretch of the southern African coastline, aptly called The Garden Route, right at the foot of Africa itself, is really majestic in its primal beauty. The colors that I see on the rocks are so attractive. They arise from the mineral content I presume, or from lichen that grow on them and also water that flows from little streams.
Apologies for the skew horizon, on the right you can see the trickle of spring water emerging from the colorful rock face
With intermittent rain, the run off finds numerous little streams to flow down the steep cliffs to the sea below. Even at sea level, I can find ground water springing out of the bare rock face just before it enters the sea itself. Of course without the little seasonal streams, the place could appear rather dry and life-denying, but even so it appears awesome.
My favorite colors of rich earthy burnt ochre along with the dark patterns all formed by lichen and minerals I presume
And if these streams continue to flow, as they have for months on end, the place appears gentler and thus more attractive. The vast wall of rock seems harsh and austere initially, but if you take the time to look closely you can see the rich multicolor patterns and shapes. All of this makes for a really attractive art gallery, where the walls are the art. There is no need for man-made extra additions to the display.
The steep slopes meet the Indian Ocean with no beach at all on this stretch of rugged coastline
Perhaps as an artist I am subjectively perceiving my material surroundings in this light or perspective, and if so then what a blessing. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder yet anyone would be impressed by some of my findings here on this rocky shoreline. Take a look at the rich ochre rock face and mottled patterns from the lichen. Strangely there are varieties of rock types and thus varying colors. Also the micro-climates change at every turn and so diverse lichens are growing at different alcoves and rock faces, producing the most awesome palette of colors to accompany the rock.
Smoother by water over millennia, this rock face looks markedly soft compared to the surrounding sharp angles
Add to that the sheen and shine and shimmer that the little rivulets create on the varying rock types and you have a delight for the eyes. Whether looking at the bigger picture or actually going up close to inspect the detail, every angle makes for a masterful piece of artistic creativity.
Spring water pop out of the rock face and adds a shimmer to the rocky slopes just a few steps from the water's edge
And then I also occasionally come across really epic geological features that are rare and unique. These are the truly artistic formations with their own harmony and awe. I climb to really remote places with some effort, and when I come across these giant rock features, they are like a treasure find, even if just for the photographer.
Surprisingly lush vegetation grows right at the very edge of the rock as it meets the ocean thanks to the streams flowing down the cliff
Since hardly anyone else actually explores around here, I like to capture the sights with my humble phone camera. Not even the locals who live in this area and the town nearby actually know much about this place or come here at all. Firstly you need the time and secondly you need to be quite fit and agile to make the climb to access these hidden gems.
Another angle of one of the best rock features - a massive open hole in the wall or arch
So I can’t get enough of the place. It’s my own personal treasure chest of awesome sights as well as my art gallery with sculptures carved by time and nature. The artistic achievements are totally random and abstract and manifest of their own accord, without design or intent. Nature simply does its thing and the elements clash to form the epic results.
Proof of place - I was there
Wind, rain water and ocean clash with rock and earth to form a carved work of natural art. Of course it’s the subjective mind perceiving it in this way. Humans are designed to harmoniously fit in with our natural home on the planet here, so we are built to resonate with our surroundings.
Stark rugged beauty - and the rocks look good too lol
When the world and nature can also sometimes be harsh and unforgiving, even murderous and torturous in its deadly capacity, it’s helpful to be able to tap in to the other extreme, namely life-affirming waters and attractive climate and geology. Not everyone has access to this kind of pristine natural beauty, depending on where you’re situated on the planet.
Back up at the top of the cliff with a bird's eye view of one of the rock arches on the Garden Route Cape south coastline of Africa
Since I’m surrounded by nature in its more uplifting aspect, I like to bask in it, as well as capture it in thought, word and image, so that I can share it with you and you can thus remember that there is still harmony, beauty, nurturing and a beautiful life to be experienced on our fast-changing planet. Earth is our home for now and so let’s embrace her and take shelter of her protective aspect. At this stage we can’t take it for granted any more but need to remember that earth – and life itself – is pure and precious, every bit of it.
(photos my own)