Hike 31: An absolute treat at the Table

Table Mountain, a perspective

Hike up there? You can't be serious
No 'blues' for us

February 9th

Hi All,

There are many reasons not to hike up that overpowering mountain but then we might as well sit on the couch and eat potato chips—the fat-free ones, of course. “That’s not going to happen,” our editor remarked, “Isn’t that so?”
“No, Boss, it sure ain’t,” we answered.

Lion's Head--the hike from day before

We decided on the Platte Klip Gorge trail to the summit. Wow! It was particularly strenuous because of the heat (above 90 degrees). However, we prefer it to the winds and rain. We were strongly motivated and the spirit soared to be in such a beautiful but rugged place. The elevation gain was well over 2,000 feet but in a short span. We often climb double that distance on a hike but never as steep. Our editor does herself proud. With the sinus congestion, the stomach bug and her ‘creeping age’, she showed courage that made us stand by in awe. At times, we wished we were standing ‘by’ the apartment, rather. No, never. Sometimes we get a bit carried away. However, today the climb reached into the soul and as we struggled up the ‘Stairway to Heaven’, we realized it ought to be difficult. What is worth achieving that comes without a struggle? On arrival at the summit, we paused to absorb the words on a plaque from Psalms. It always helps to have some perspective. Nice touch in South Africa.
Perspective

Here comes the Editor
A well earned rest

Addressing the Mountain Tops--no one else listens

Doesn't get much better

Barry Kassar replied: “You are as close to Heaven as one can be on earth”. We would never argue with Barry. He is too smart and strong for us and besides, he could be correct. However, we would say that the world has many Heavenly attributes—our senses are not always open to them.”

Approaching the Gorge in trapped hot air

We met Joan Love from Washington at the top of the mountain, a fellow African-American. She loves this country (and potato chips); she is excited to be away from DC in the snow. In fact, we met people on the trail and at the top, mostly Germans and a few English. People were particularly charming. We even had a German couple tell us a joke but we had to complete the ‘punch-line’. However, it’s a start. One young woman announced this as her last ‘Table Mountain hike’—she will retain boasting rights, however. We came across another woman who was delirious (for a moment we thought it was because we were looking particular attractive today) but it turns out she had no water. Yesterday, we met young Erik from Sweden on the Lion’s Head hike. Today, we bumped into him on Table Mountain and again shared stories and a drink. He then decided to walk down the mountain with us. He had wonderful stories to relate of endurance and adventure. Youngsters who don’t spend their time in front of television sets have great experiences.
Rugged and staggering

We seldom fall on a hike but today it occurred not once but twice. The hike down is quite treacherous and we found ourselves on the rear end both times, the second occasion saved by our ‘pinky’. We are thankful that we only need two fingers with which to type. For the upward climb, we stood before the massive mountain and wondered how we would reach the peak. It is an awesome, humbling and exciting sight. We are obviously back down; nevertheless, the spirit remains perched at the summit…for a few moments more.
Fairest Cape

“How did all these people climb to the top?” we asked our sweaty editor when arriving at the ‘table top’. “They look so fresh and clean.”
“Don’t be a dummy—they have the good sense to ride the cable car.” Something to look forward to for our 80’s, N’H.
Looking down at the Lion...with respect

Finally, there are people who are poor and might feel justified being aggrieved. The “mixed-race” of South Africa are perhaps the most ‘colorful’ and entertaining people we have met...anywhere. The fellow in the picture earned a gratuity today in looking after our car while we hiked. We all had a good laugh when we returned and he showed us the car in the condition we left it. “But,” we asked, “does it still have an engine?”

A friend in need

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey