Matoppie Peak - Franschhoek, South Africa

High on Matoppie, a mountain above Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands, this camera looks out over the Franschhoek Valley, with vineyards, farms and forest spread across the valley floor and rugged mountains rising on every side as the weather moves through.

Franschhoek, Afrikaans for "French Corner," takes its name from the French Huguenots, Protestant refugees who arrived at the Cape in 1688. Many settled in this valley, which has grown into one of South Africa's best-known wine regions.

Matoppie is a favorite with mountain bikers, who ride a 9-mile (14 km) loop around it through rocky and sandy sections with views over the Berg River Dam. The weather changes fast up here, so mist and sunshine often take turns across the valley.

Did You Know? Before the Huguenots arrived, the valley was known as Olifantshoek, or "Elephant's Corner," because vast herds of elephants roamed here.

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