With muscles complaining a little, we decided to ease into Shabbos, particularly because we have a big hike planned for Sunday. Today, it was back to Lion’s Head to see wonderful views from the summit. What a time we enjoyed yesterday reaching the peak of the special mountain. We read one ‘expert’s view’: if you haven’t been to Maclear’s Beacon, you haven’t climbed Table Mountain. We might not agree with his supposition practically but certainly do in spirit. Do we give the impression we are fascinated by this mountain? Funny, we would not have thought so.
Change is in the air. Perhaps not the change POTUS envisaged but one should be careful for what one wishes. However, all is not lost, yet. Yesterday we took a drastic step in the spirit of change. Yes, sir. We put our stylish hat away and wore our local version—in green, too. Who says we are too staid in our ways to change? Our challenge to the president is: We made the change, it’s your turn now.
It was Jenni’s desire to hike Table Mountain on her birthday. However, with erratic weather this season, the idea is to grab every opportunity when conditions are reasonable, hence yesterday’s ascent a day early. The offer stands to try it today but she has opted for the shorter hike. Shows you. A certain maturity has crept into her since she turned sixty—let’s hope it’s only a temporary lapse. Next week, G-d willing, we’ll try a different route up.
What a day. It takes a lot to beat the views from the peak of Lion’s Head—a fine place to stand and admire the beauty of Hashem’s handiwork. On Wednesday, the wind raged; today it was as calm as we have ever felt. The contrasts are amazing. Who knows what tomorrow will bring. Whatever it is, we’ll take it. The first part of the hike is up a steep path, followed by stepping on rocks to continue upwards and then rock scrambling with intermittent use of chains to the summit. In a way, it is similar to a mini-version of Angel’s Landing in Utah. When one looks at Lion's Head from the base, one wonders how it’s possible to ascend that vertical block of rock. For a city to be ‘blessed’ with Lion's Head on the one flank, Table Mountain in the middle and Devil’s peak on the other flank is truly remarkable.
Finally, a puzzle is solved for us. We searched the other day for the Lion’s body. We now understand that Signal Hill below is its rump. We are resting easier, hope you are too.
Have a great Shabbos and/or weekend.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
PS Jenni thanks all those who sent her birthday wishes. Wonderful!
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