Gordo's photos from Autumn 1987
All photos and text Copyright © 1998 Gordon Richardson gordonr@iafrica.com

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Autumn trees in front of Table Mountain

autumn trees in front of Table Mountain autumn tree in fron of Table Mountain I have a great view of Table Mountain from my lounge window. For a collection of photos at various times of day and seasons see: 10 years of Table Mountain from Kenilworth

The year 1987 represents the real start of my photographic portfolio. I was doing National Service, and had just been transferred back to Cape Town, where I was born. I was fortunate to move out of barracks, to help look after my elderly mother. She had just purchased this 3rd floor flat in Kenilworth, and it has great views in all directions. Since then I have gone on to take a range of photos of the same scenes, as well as further afield.


views to the East from my flat

hazy Northern Suburbs from Kenilworth view down road to misty Kenilworth Racecourse The views east from my flat also provides endless fascination. I have built a large collection of photos at various times of day and seasons. For other photos see: views east from Kenilworth

When I started I had no specific intent, but over the years several themes have emerged. I keep my eyes open and take photos of things that I see around me. This collection represents 10 years of my life.



views towards Table Mountain Range from Ou Kaapse Weg

wide angle of Constantiaberg from top of Ou Kaapse Weg haze over Southern Suburbs towards back of Table Mountain This mountain pass was built in the early 1970's and provides a direct route from the Southern Suburbs to Noordhoek and further south to Cape Point. The views north are towards the Table Mountain Range. This entire range, 50km in length, forms the "backbone" of the Cape Peninsula, and is scheduled to be listed as a World Heritage site.


close-up of elephants eye

Constantiaberg with Elephant's Eye Constantiaberg close-up with Elephants Eye From the top of Ou Kaapse Weg, Constantiaberg looks like a crouched elephant. The most obvious sign is the cave known as Elephants Eye. It can be reached on foot, and consists of a small cave with an overhanging roof.









hazy autumn views over the Cape Flats from Ou Kaapse Weg (this panorama streches across 5 images)

hazy view over Cape Flats morning panorama with camer flare hazy view over Zeekoevlei towards Simonsberg hazy view over Cape Flats hazy view over ZandVlei towards False Bay














The views from the top of Ou Kaapse Weg over the Cape Peninsula are stunning. There are a number of wetlands which serve as recreation areas and nature preserves. The Cape Peninsula is surrounded on 3 sides by ocean - False Bay can be seen on the extreme right hand side.

proteas in Silvermine Nature Reserve

proteas in Silvermine Nature Reserve
The area surrounding Ou Kaapse Weg forms part of the Silvermine Nature Reserve.
There are a large number of proteas and other species.
This species flowers in late autumn.

reflections in Silvermine reservoir

reflections in Silvermine Nature Reserve reservoir reflections in Silvermine Nature Reserve reservoir reflections in Silvermine Nature Reserve reservoir
reflections in Silvermine Nature Reserve reservoir reflections in Silvermine Nature Reserve reservoir reflections in Silvermine Nature Reserve reservoir
This was one of my first serious photo experiments. The reservoir is in a valley and forms a natural series of reflections. The surrounding area is a popular picnic spot.

Noordhoek and Atlantic Ocean from Silvermine

Noordhoek and Atlantic Ocean from Silvermine From the top of Ou Kaapse Weg the pass dips down towards Noorhoek, Kommetjie and the Atlantic Ocean.
To the right hand side (out of the picture) is the start of Chapman's Peak drive, another scenice wonderland.

In the foreground is the Silvermine retirement village (then under construction.)
My aunt Winnie lived there for some years. She died in February 1998 at the ripe age of 93.



Silvermine Peak from Ou Kaapse Weg

Silvermine Peak from Ou Kaapse Weg
Guarding the approach to Ou Kaapse Weg is this imposing "peak"
This is the headquarters of the SA Navy's Southern Ocean command.


Blue Route freeway driving towards Table Mountain

Constantiaberg with gardens in foregound Blue Route Freeway looking towards Table Mountain Driving back from Ou Kaapse Weg towards Cape Town is along the Blue Route freeway. On the left Constantiaberg and its garden suburbs. Looming ahead are Table Mountain and Devil's Peak.





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14 Mar 1998 added text and more photos
23 Feb 1998 created