7.13 Chapman’s Peak (left): “We’ve looked at clouds from both sides now.”

Wow! Sitting on the 'rock-of-the-bay.' A short way up Chapman's

What a 'corner' of the world in which to reside...hmm

Storm clouds gathering

Clouds growing darker but more fascinating

We thought yesterday was an incredible outing. We were correct. However, we think today’s surpassed it. We know we go on about the natural beauty at mountain level extensively but when we look in the mirror, we realize how accurate our thoughts are. Last February, we hiked up Chapman’s Peak to the ‘fork’ and turned right. Today we made a left turn. Both peaks are a delight although at this higher summit, there is a massive level area on the mountain. Yesterday we mentioned something about seeing beacons from different mountains and then exploring further. Today, we noticed the VHS tower only two peaks to the side. However, the approach to it is from the eastern side as opposed to the western assault that we took today. Everything appears to be interconnected.

Right peaks from previous visit's hike behind Jenni. (The picture in the right-hand column was taken in February—the opposite 'easier peak' mentioned.)

Directions confuse us on a good day. However, the Western Cape with its numerous peaks is complicated. Turn us around and we become confused. Turn us around a second time and we get dizzy. Try it a third time and you may get ‘bopped’. If the Swiss ever think of buying the Cape, which we suppose is always a possibility, we could imagine them building villages on many of the mountaintops. They’ve done it before and the Cape lends itself ideally to the concept. Stuart Laiken, a friend of ours, might add that the Swiss would at least place a restaurant on each peak.

Curtain rising for another daily 'spectacular' brought to us by the Master Choreographer

Not much chance of rain today, we forecast

Perhaps it's time to 'go to ground'—in case our forecast is off

We gained about 2,500 feet today up a steep incline on another step-stone trail with nearly nine miles of walking in light rain, at times. We commend the locals for the quality and maintenance of the tracks. It is a real treat to tread them. The highlight for our editor was clearly the dark clouds hovering over the peaks set against the blue-ocean and partial equally blue sky. It was a unique experience contrasting the very dark clouds in places against the sunshine reflecting off the limited cloudless areas. The view of Houtbaai is magnificent from atop. One cannot get enough of it. Each day, Hashem’s world provides a surprise and usually, a treat. B’H.

After half-hour of stepping downwards, this is what we faced as we rounded the bend

The trail was bare. We passed three hikers all day. They turned around after deciding it was too cloudy and windy. We were surprised as they were from the nation of prolific hikers. Yesterday, too there were few on the trails. Reminds us of the friendly Muslim couple attempting Platteklip Gorge the other day. She was dressed in 'full black regalia', many, many pounds overweight and most un-athletic. "How long should the climb take us?" she asked. If ever anyone had given us an opportunity for a great retort, it was her. However, being on our best behavior with 'world peace' in mind, we suggested that they drink a lot of water.

Tranquility before the storm that failed to materialize

Perhaps a good way to express our experiences over the last couple of weeks is to mention that it is a privilege to hike the mountains of this province. It takes a lot of energy and strength but then again what’s worth doing that does not involve a struggle. When and if this province is able to provide a more secure environment on the mountains, an important issue, we won’t be able to justify staying away.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

Cycle track right, our path left, towards peak

On the return, granite peak peeks from behind

Jenni at beacon on the peak

The other Chapman's Peak below and across