Peace and sanity station

Some Cederberg hillocks or knolls appear manmade; an illusion soon dispelled by cursory inspection. The resemblance to craftily stacked earthly possessions on the back of a very old bakkie moving slowly while smoking antisocially past all beckoning graveyards, is also quick to recognise, but not worrisome.

Both kinds of mounds are very South African, reminding citizens that they are home, although the images may be unequal in their likelihood of bringing inner composure.

The endless shapes of contorted sandstone formations combine order and chaos in such a way that Cape Town residents of all ages find their way here repeatedly for doses of peace in quick breaks or extended holidays.

Continuous rock erosion in the absence of madding crowds is an exceedingly quiet process, recommended for the frenzied brain hankering for stillness. The range of rock colours and endless shapes present deceivingly busy detail at first glance, but not so. Their stark immobility adds instant soothing and a surprising cure.