Welcome to another awesome tour of my hidden coastal paradise here on the rugged and remote rocky shores of South Africa. The south coast of the dark continent is about as far as you can get from anywhere, and in today’s epic photos you can see just how solitary this place is. Also I want to show you a glimpse of my playground in the wild here. I have the place all to myself and so there is a feeling of freedom where I can relax and be myself, or find myself. It’s curious how we have to get lost in the wilderness to really find ourselves sometimes.
Here you can see my little cave hideout. It’s one of many such structures I have come across on my hikes along this southernmost coastline of the continent of Africa. I could really make a home for myself here, since camping out can be loads of fun in such a mild climate. This one feels like a front row seat to the ocean views. These caves make a fantastic place for my meditation, with the quiet and peace that they invoke. It makes a good place to come and still the mind and focus the attention.
In this still place it is easier to become centered within oneself. Once the mind is stilled, one can simply observe – both the view and the mind, without judgement or too much analysis. It allows for real peace of mind and that becomes a platform for bright ideas too because you’re able to hear the soft voice of the witnessing other half of the brain, so to speak. Anyway, it’s my favorite type of set up for meditating, knowing that there are no people around or distractions of any sort.
What I really love about this region of vast remote rocky shoreline is the fact that it is so clean. All you can see is pure nature. There are no man made structures or distractions. There is no litter or advertising. So being surrounded by this clean and pure space really allows my mind to feel cleansed and purified. Add to that the fresh sea air and vast open expanse of sea and sky, and you have a limitless sense of freedom and abundance. It’s great for the health and vitality, as well as the psyche.
The sky was slightly cloudy when I took these photos so the landscape appears somewhat bland at first. You don’t see the bright blues of the sea and sky today, but you can’t help but be warmed by the wash of orange color all over these particular rocks and boulders. I’m not sure if it’s from the ochre color of the rock itself or if these parts are covered by some sort of lichen, but there are certain stretches of the coastline that are just a mass of earthy burnt orange, despite the surrounding rock being quite white or light brown. I become absorbed in gazing at the random shapes formed by the patches of color splashed across the rocks. It’s as if a giant artist took their paintbrush and doused the surface in this awesome natural pigment.
As a result I can end up seeing all sorts of patterns and shapes in the rock, much like one does when observing clouds passing by sometimes. The mind is naturally inclined toward pattern recognition and seeing faces, so invariably you end up seeing images of people or animals looking back at you out of the rock surface if you stare at it long enough. I guess it’s like a Rorschach test, where you can imagine what the image is based on your personal interpretation of it.
I’m fortunate enough to be able to spend many hours and days exploring this coastline on my hikes, and although the shoreline is quite rugged, I come across numerous peaceful pools to bathe in along the way. I have a large selection of natural bathtubs to add to my cave dwelling. And with no other people around, I feel like I’m absorbed in all this natural facility all to myself. The cliffs are quite steep and so not many people can actually access this particular stretch of coastline in what is called the Garden Route, on the south Cape coast.
I have brought one or two friends on rare occasions to explore the place with me and they are also awed by the pristine hideaway set up that nature has created for those who are fit enough to climb down the steep cliffs and back up again. I highly recommend a little adventure tour to this region of the South African shoreline, if you ever get the inspiration to travel to some remote parts of the world. The climate is great all year long and the currency exchange rate is highly favorable, so grab the opportunity and come join me in exploring the south Cape coast of Africa. I will be happy to show you around.
(photos my own)