Paarl Mountain- a geological wonder

An interesting day in intense- 37C - heat in the Paarl region. After calling in at the beautiful Rhebokskloof wine estate for coffee, we took the dirt road which climbs into the Paarl Mountain Reserve.

Rhebokskloof

The three rounded outcrops that make up Paarl Mountain is the second largest granite outcrop in the world and forms part of the Nature Reserve for which Paarl is well known. Paarl Granite belongs to a group of granites known as the Cape Granite, known to have intruded into the crust of the earth between about 548 million years ago, up to the last events at about 488 million years ago; most of the intrusive action seems to have been in the time period 525-501 million years ago, and the cooling period must have taken many millions of years.

On top of Paarl Rock

The outcrops are certainly impressive, and after a few sort walks we returned to Paarl for a late lunch at La Grande Roche Hotel with its stunning view across the Paarl Valley.

The view from La Grande Roche