An extraordinary day, an extraordinary hike, an extraordinary set of views, (sights rather than opinions). While our vocabularies may be found wanting, we cannot think of a better day than Tuesday, September 26th. The primary reason, an unemotional one, is that everything about the day was near perfect. We awoke in the same bed, set off for Camps Bay by car, began the hike in light rain, climbed to the top of one of the buttresses that form the Twelve Apostles (although there are in fact 17 of them, but then who's counting). We crossed part of the western Table through the valley of the Red Gods, passed the reservoir on the mountain, took a wrong turn which put us in marshes but arrived at a wonderful position across the valley from the upper-cable station, returned to our point of erring, climbed some more, continued to absorb the stupendous sights including the reservoir which is magnificent to view and realize it exists up on a mountain top, gained views of Camps Bay and the ocean, Lions Head in changing weather patterns, Chapman's Peak and many other edifices situate amongst glorious flora with yellow the dominant color land-wise and ocean blues providing a pleasing contrast, all elements united to keep us spellbound. (I tend to write short sentences so I just rebelled). We did not seem to tire from a hike that was many miles, 3,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain including rock scrambling, ladder and chain climbing, playing (climbing) boulders and the odd walk or two.
We did mention the non-emotional aspect of a delightful day. If that's not at least partially emotional then what is. Therefore, one should deduce there's more to come. Forty-eight years ago, Jenni and I went on our first date, a school dance (prom) at Highlands North High. The year was 1969. I was probably a lot more nervous then than I was today although we experienced a few interesting incidents on wet and slippery rocks as we ascended what has been awarded the title 'One of 7 wonders of the natural world'. Who would have known what would follow from that momentous first date? For me, a wonder!
"An English country garden, somewhere on the 'Western Table'."
The day before, alone on the 'Table'. You have to wonder what could have been so amusing in such conditions.
Our first hurdle, the western buttresses.
Looks like someone is not expecting much of a challenge.
Weather takes a turn for the worse.
Not getting any better as we approach higher terrain.
Really getting high but her spirits continue to soar. (Must be the company).
Editor takes a short leap. Camps Bay below.
Going up at an interesting juncture.
Jenni approaching the 'valley of the red gods'.
The rain ceases, we finish brunch and the sun warms us and shows off the beauty.
Lion's Head across the way. It is a dominant feature in the region. Robben Island at rear.
Jenni takes to a ladder as we come up from the valley.
We come across the reservoir...never knew it existed.
Two favorite shots follow, simple but stunning.
Getting a little higher.
Chapman's Peak, looking away from the cable station.
Wonderful vantage points and areas to explore.
Cable station and car viewed from the Pipe Track, close to the base on our return.
Bringing it closer and getting 'rid of the flowers'.
A shot of some trees and ...a mountain, Lion's Head, of course.
Some color at the cable station, after a glorious hike. Jenni is given a 'heroine's welcome'.
The reward of the hike, tea and coffee and views of Cape Town and yet another of the Lion (next photo).
Our commencement point below, Camps Bay.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Lion's Head was impressive from the different angles.
