Blomme in Namakwaland

[lamercyfly]

Hi Folk.

When do the flowers start and what is the best viewing period.

I will in all probability fly to Loeriesfontein, then on to Springbok before going down to CT then up the coast back to KZN.

Is this area, Loeriesfontein to Sprinbok, a good area.

Regards.

[Boet]

Hallo David, it is extremely difficult and also risky to try to predict EXACTLY when the flowers are going to be at their peak. So far we have had regular as clockwork rain. Good. But will it keep up? During years past, we had exactly the same situation: LOTS of rain initially, and then all of a sudden the rain stop, and then the dry, hot bergwind start blowing, sometimes relenlessly drying everything out for weeks on end, with little rain in between, but sometimes not enough to compensate for the drying effect of the wind. On seasons like that, the flowering plants flower quickly, and the flowers are very small, just to make sure that there will be seeds for the next cycle. The wonder of nature!!.
Normally the best time to come for flowers is around August, September. Hold thumbs for some good rain and pretty flowers this year. Last peak flower season was more than 5 years ago!! For information, you can call me at 082 8041896
Please bear in mind that the flower pictures that I am posting now, is from flowering seasons during years past!

[lamercyfly]

Hello again Boet.

Thanks for your cell no. Yes, I will call you.

Just one last question, when the blooms start, how long before full bloom and how long does it last?

Also, how predictable are those westerlies. I have to factor those winds into my flight up. Am flying up with a French tourist, in my trike.

Thanks Boet.

Regards.

[Boet]

The easterly wind started blowing about 4 o clock this morning. Pray it wil die down soon. The duration of the flower season depends on how regularly it rains. Very difficult to predict just how long that will last. It is still wet here, and this morning it was leeu koud. Hoping for some moisture within the next week or so.

[lamercyfly]

Hello Boet.

I thought it was called 'bibberend koud' )

What I have come to understand of the weather in that part of the world, is that sunrise till about 9am you have light easterlies, then it swings to north westerlies and even west, getting stronger until after dark after which it dies down at ground level to start all over again the next morning.

Does this apply, generally, to Namaqualand?

I understand you need moisture, but my question is, when the blooms start, how many days or weeks before it is all over. In other words, if you call me and tell me the blooms are starting, and I only get there 7 days later, will there still be a good show?

Another question is: When does it start getting warmer? What temperatures can I expect at sunrise late September to early October? I sure as hell aint gonna do this journey if it is freezin' )

Thanks, and enjoy the fires and heaters and blankets and 'rooi neuse' en hannepoot )

[Boet]

So now we are in the 3rd day of a constantly blowing dry easterly wind, that is drying everything out very fast. Already I see patches of green flowering plants showing signs of distress. We MUST get rain within the next week or so, otherwise the plants will start flowering, in wich case the flowering season will be over in 2 weeks or so.... Tragic

[Boet]

Wind still blowing steadily from the east. Blommetjie plants seems to be doing OK, but it MUST rain within the next week or two.

[Boet]

Still no sign of rain. Me and my Softness went walkabout yeaterday afternoon. Everywhere there are tiny flowers showing. A sure sign of distress and shortage of moisture. As I explained in an earlier post. It is still not too late for a huge flower season, but then we MUST have rain, (and no dry wind afterwards), within the next week. We did find some pretty flowers yesterday. Enjoy the pictures.

[Low Level]

Die blommetjies tussen die dor klippe is nogal 'n gesig. Very nice, Boet.

[Jabbanaught]

Hopefully rain on its way

[Boet]

Vanaand se weerberig het groot reen gewys op Sondag! Hou alle duime vas, as ons nou n bietjie reen kry sal die blomme vanjaar nog mooi raak.

[lamercyfly]

..en toe? Have the rains fallen? I need to make final plans for the journey:)

Regards.

[Boet]

3 mm, gisteraand met GROOT gedreun, omtrent soos n politieke vergadering, nie veel gebeur nie. Net die droe wind wat heeldag gewaai het en die 3mm reen weg gedroog het.

[lamercyfly]

Ek dog daai dorre land hou 'n 'party' op 1mm?

What do you suggest? Shall I prepare to fly up or shall I look at going to lake Malawi as option 2? I need to finalise, as the client is coming from France, and needs final dates from me...

Thanks.

[AndyG]

Dave,

Malawi is going through political turmoil and riots at the moment. Don't advise going there.

Cheers,