CONTACT US Email: deon@pictureperfectcapetown.co.za Website www.pictureperfectcapetown.co.za
What a hectic April it has been, after the fires on Table Mountain that destroyed the Mostert Mill as well as some of the buildings of the university. It is clear that more needs to be done in order to keep our mountains safe . Each of us has our own role to play to keep our amazing city beautiful by working together and keeping the fire away by acting responsibly . Remember to also to join our FREE Newsletter ,simply by going to : www.pictureperfectcapetown.co.za and signing up . Have a great May and make magic every day. Deon
EDITOR IN CHIEF/ PHOTOGRAPHER DEON MYBURGH
ASSISTANT EDITOR & CO-ORDINATOR TERRY GABRIEL
Cape Town’s historic windmill, Mostert’s Mill was destroyed In a Wildfire : The historic windmill, Mostert’s Mill located in Mowbray, Cape Town has been burnt down by the recent wildfire that has hit Cape Town. Mostert’s Mill was a historic windmill in Mowbray, Cape Town, and it was built in 1796. This was the oldest surviving and only complete windmill in South Africa, however, it is now no more. It was initially a private mill on the farm Welgelegen, owned by Gysbert van Renen and was named after his son-in-law, Sybrand Mostert, after Van Renen’s death. It was also the first privately owned mill in Cape Town, Cape Colony. Prior to the British occupation of the Cape in the Battle of Muizenberg in 1795, only mills controlled by the Dutch East India Company were allowed.
Mostert’s Mill had ceased working by 1873 but was owned by the Mostert family until 1889 when it was sold to a Mr. Wilks, who then sold it in 1891 to Cecil Rhodes. The mill became derelict but restoration was undertaken by the Dutch millwright Christiaan Bremer. The restored mill was opened on 1 February 1936 by Dr. Lorentz, the Minister Plenipotentiary, and Envoy Extraordinary to the Netherlands. The ceremony was attended by the then Prime Minister, General Hertzog, and flour was ground for the guests. The mill was worked on occasion but it again became derelict during the Second World War. In 1986, the windshaft broke and the sails crashed to the ground. The Vernacular Architecture Society of South Africa started a campaign to preserve the mill, leading to the formation of the Friends of Mostert’s Mill in 1993. A further restoration in 1995 by Dunning-Bremer (who restored the mill in 1935) returned the mill to working order again at a cost of R245,000.
Andy Selfe and the team have started renovating The Mostert Mill : On Freedom Day, we thought we'd do some more clearing up at Mostert's Mill. As I arrived, there was a team waiting from Bruce Dundas Builders, ready to plaster over some cracks that weren't covered by the plastic. NO cement! Just lime, sand and water! I brought in a chain-saw to cut off the worst-burnt ends of the external wooden beams, the Breast-beam, Long-Stays and the Tail-pole. We had a willing team of helpers to carry the beams to a stack, off the ground. Then John and I went through the debris inside the tower and with a fine tooth-comb looked for the smaller metal pieces. We were well rewarded, finding gems! We even collected modern nails along with the old square wrought nails. We also found the position of one of the pillars of the Hurstings which support the huge weight of the stones on the upper floor. From this we can work out a lot.
A FIRST FOR AFRICA, VÏB CAPE TOWN IS SET TO REVOLUTIONISE THE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE The new Vïb Cape Town is a first for Africa. One of only four of its kind in the world, it is the only Vïb in the whole of the Southern Hemisphere! Short for ‘vibrant’ and pronounced ‘vibe’, Vïb is the newest hotel offering from global hospitality group Best Western International and a coup for Cape Town. 181 Main Road, Green Point, Cape Town 8005, or reservations or more information contact: enquiries@vibcapetown.com
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OPEN MIC NIGHT 4 TH MAY MC : DALIN OLIVER OPENING ACT :PHIL DE LANGE HEADLINE: ROB VAN VUUREN EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT @18 30 INCLUDES CHOICE OF MAINS WITH A DRAUGHT OF BEER OR CARAFE OF WINE DM @VIBCAPETOWN OR EMAIL ENQUIRIES@VIBCAPETOWN.COM TO BOOK
The Best Hiking Trails in Cape Town from leisurely rambles to invigorating hikes, Cape Town has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re after a windswept coastal wander, a mountainous hike with spectacular views, or a leisurely amble through one of the Cape’s lush nature reserves, here’s our pick of the best hiking trails in and around the city. So, lace up your hiking boots and get cracking… And, let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Important note : Although the Cape is rich in natural beauty, tourists and locals are urged to take necessary precautions when exploring secluded areas, as crimes and accidents do happen. Those venturing into the Table Mountain National Park should have the following emergency numbers on hand: 086 110 6417/ 107 or 021 480 7700. Criminal incidents should be reported to the nearest police station as soon as possible. We also recommend @safetymountain as a useful resource for hikers. This free safety tracking service allows you to notify local trackers of your contact details, intended route and travel time via whatsapp. You are then able to provide hourly updates on your progress, and to notify trackers when you are safely off the mountain.
Lion’s Head : The distinct slope next to Table Mountain known as Lion’s Head offers magnificent views of the city, Table Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, making it a top spot for Instagrammers. Starting and ending point is at Signal Hill Road located at the base of the Forestry Road. Duration is between 2 – 3 hours. Need to know that you will have to do some climbing, however there are handholds and chains to assist you. If, like me, you’d prefer to avoid the climbing, a roundabout route (that’s still quite steep) adds half an hour to your hike time. Child-friendly? Yes, although they’ll probably want to avoid the climbing chains (and rock scrambling near the end of the trail) Dog-friendly? No Contact 021 422 1601 (Kloofnek Office) 021 712 0527, Table.Mountain@sanparks.org TMNP emergency numbers: 086 110 6417/ 107 or 021 480 7700
Platteklip Gorge : Probably the second most well-known hiking trail in Cape Town (after Lion’s Head), the Platteklip gorge is not so easygoing, despite its popularity. Sure, there’s not much climbing or scrambling involved, but there’s a lot of upward walking, which probably makes it the ideal route for a workout. It provides a direct route to the summit of Table Mountain. The starting point is on the Tafelberg Road just past the Upper Cableway Station. Duration is 3 hours, although some ridiculously fit people have been known to run up the trail in just over an hour. Need to know that Platteklip is best avoided on a hot day, as there is little shade to be found along the trail. Be prepared for all types of weather, and bring a hat, sunblock and a jacket. Proper hiking shoes are required; do not attempt this trail with slip-slops. If you plan to take the cable car down, make note of operational times and ensure you reach the station before the last cable car leaves. Important note SANParks has informed us that many rescues are performed at this site, as people underestimate the heat and the level of fitness required, or they miss the last cable car and end up stranded on the mountain at night. Please take the necessary precautions. Child-friendly? Yes, although take note of the above mentioned. Dog-friendly? Bringing dogs is not recommended on this trail, as they struggle in the heat. Contact 021 712 0527, Table.Mountain@sanparks.org TMNP emergency numbers: 086 110 6417/ 107 or 021 480 7700 Location Table Mountain National Park
The Pipe Track : This trail is not only mesmerisingly beautiful but it also has an interesting history, in that it was built for the purpose of servicing a pipeline that used to supply 19th-century Cape Town with water from the Disa Gorge, hence its name… The starting point is located at the junction of Tafelberg Road and Kloof Nek (you can park your car in the Kloof Nek parking lot) End point is in Camps Bay and the duration is 4 hours. The route is easygoing, although it becomes slightly tougher after passing by the Slangolie Ravine. Good to know that there are a number of trails that lead off the Pipe Track, but these should not be attempted without the assistance of a knowledgeable guide. Many of these trails are not beginner-friendly, and they are not recommended for children or dogs. If you do have a guide, it’s recommended to visit the Tranquility Cracks, a hidden gem that Capetonian hikers have only recently discovered. These are narrow, labyrinthine tunnels through the rock, formed naturally through erosion over the years. Need to know that The Pipe Track can be tough on hot days, as large portions of it are exposed to the afternoon sun. Child-friendly? Yes Dog-friendly? Yes, although the Table Mountain National Park is under the jurisdiction of SANParks, which requires that dog-walkers have a Level 1 My Activity Permit (R270 for a year). Contact Tokai Plantation Office (021 712 7471) for more information.