Aloe comptonii suspended by strong stems

Scenes like this are there, available to bring enjoyment to all who seek or drive through mountain passes. Places provided for safe stopping serve to enhance comfort and road safety. The rest break is advisable. It also prevents the driver from stealing a fateful glance too many at the beauty around and come to grief in driving.

Upon alighting from the vehicle, the realisation hits that there is much more to see than anticipated while in the moving car. Photos and memories of the inconspicuous that grows here develop fondness and glimpses into the rich biodiversity around us. It sustains human life, and all life. The moments spent lingering at these natural vista stops remain among the treasured memories and investments of many.

This is a roadside scene that changes only slightly as the succulents and shrubs pass through the seasons of their largely undisturbed life cycles. It looked like this when the early road builders worked here way back. And your children may see it much like this when you are gone.

The place? The dirt road between Van Wyksdorp and Calitzdorp in the Little Karoo. A place rich in plant diversity, notably endemic succulents.