The fynbos, so attractive and covering much of the region, with Lion's Head below and to the west.
On the day before we hiked up Devils Peak via Newlands Ravine, we undertook a fast. Whether the fast should have slowed us down or sped us up, we don't know. We are often confused so it was another dilemma. It seems silly that fasting should have a slowing effect on a person. One might expect that fasting would quicken a person's pace rather than slowing it. Anyway, the hike proved to be strenuous because we were still in fast mode or should that read 'slow' or perhaps because it actually was tough. Whatever the case, this 5-part trailblazer had us feeling very tired when we returned to the car. Our vehicles realize that we almost always return in a completely different mode from departure. When eventually they drive and Google for themselves, who knows what they'll believe we get up to on the trails.
The first section was up a steep incline followed by a contour path. Thereafter, we hit the ravine or more precisely, it hit us. Next, we found ourselves in the saddle although definitely not in charge. Unfortunately, a descent followed which of course meant the next leg required recovering lost altitude. What a waste! The final segment was the climb to the peak over a rough and steep path to reach the Devil itself. This was another situation where the devil is in the details or certainly lurking on the slopes.
Until the final stretch, we had moved along swiftly but came a little unstuck at the end as we faded into the climax, took some pictures, ate our usual breakfast, absorbed the magnificent sights and lay on the rocks to realign various body parts. It all is, of course, a lot of fun. Jen may offer a different view but then she is far more practical.
The cumulative gain was some 3,000 feet on a near perfect day, weather wise. After midway through the second hike in Cape Town, the weather has been glorious. Nevertheless, it can and does change on a whim and as we write, it has indeed turned rather unpleasant. Fortunately, we have just moved on to Kleinmond, where the winds are at gale force by standards of a country couple. Day One reached 102 kilometres per hour. Let's hope day 2 slows down a 'bietjie'.
The longer route to the peak brought Jen satisfaction.
The longer route to the peak also brought satisfaction...a synonym for laziness.
Some color at the top (Orange-breasted sunbird).
Reaching the top of the ravine, hat off to a glorious position.
A view of the city that we found unique. We had reached a different position from those on the 'Table'. It appeared
the city was tucked in to the side and under the mountains. Green Point stadium at rear; Robben Island further back.
After all the fun, collapse...sort of.
Once a show off, always the case. Not much of a chest but at least it's soaked.
Editor is not that keen for me to chase birds but I could not resist a profile from the other side.
A 'mushroom' effect in the Cape.
The editor goes "bossies".
A view from the top, enjoying the hazy mountains on a 'lazy Sunday'.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Continuing to spot the birds and loving it. It's looking for prey and we're looking to pray for a safe return.
And to 'Kaapies', please guess where this shot is taken from and the place below...it is not Cape Town but may be a more beautiful region (oops). A favorite. First correct answer receives a copy of our book (USA only).
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