This is the upper part of the wall, a little perspective of the climb up Table Mountain.
The pictures are in sequence so as to give a reader an idea of the climb.
The signboard sets the tone for the hike. Once I had quit crying and Jenni had dried my eyes and comforted me, we set off for another spectacular day in Cape Town, specifically, on and around the Table.
Another reason I love South Africa is for the signboard below. After reading the warnings at the commencement, the signboard at the top was typical understatement. One would think slightly stronger language might be appropriate.
Perhaps, to view the hike, India Venster, through the eyes of Jenni, using my perception of her attitude is a good way of relating one of the great climbing/hiking experiences we've enjoyed or endured. We knew the hike would be difficult because that was the consensus of our research. Jen gets a little concerned ahead of hikes when she believes it's appropriate to allow fear to encroach. So true to her nature, she headed into the hike with a little trepidation and a few hints/suggestions to me. I'm torn between trying to be brave (not always succeeding), understanding her concerns as well as pushing her a little...from time-to-time. I'm called upon to use judgment quite often and of course Jenni finds it lacking every now and again. Nevertheless, we get by. Anyway, she considered this to be one of the most dangerous we've undertook. While I would argue the point, I wouldn't put up a very strong counter.
Jen has a height disadvantage. Many of the rock faces we had to climb were vertical. In only one instance were staples hammered into the boulder faces with a chain to assist the climber. The rest of the hike was natural. So at each of these tricky junctures, a person needs, inter alia, a reasonable reach to be able to grab something for support and leverage. Fortunately for me, she spent a lot of time groping me...perhaps that could be expressed differently. Unfortunately, the difficult climbs could not be photographed as we were busy holding on for dear life, literally, at times. Many years ago I mentioned, although it is not an unknown concept, even bordering on a cliché, I discovered the meaning of courage. Not being scared is not necessarily courageous; however, being terrified and facing that fear and attacking it is true courage. I witnessed it again from my beloved in the beloved country last Thursday.
It wasn't always plain sailing for me as we scaled those sheer faces—there was an element of mental cruelty. The editor was quite feisty, something quite unusual but understandable. I was ordered about quite a lot especially in places where a slip could result in a disaster. So I did understand; at times I smiled and every once in a while told the normally gentle editor to 'slow down' and rather focus. That she had to stretch for the out-of-reach handholds in the rock made it 'unfair' and thus had to become more dependent upon some help. The feeling is a distinct disadvantage as it means a person has to rely on others; and are those others worthy? After all, the only thing separating a person from tumbling to the ground is the hand-grip.
The hike/climb commenced at the lower cable station, crossed the Contour Path and headed up the front of the mountain. It was, so to speak, mostly a full-frontal attack (see end for diagram). There were times it did not seem possible there would be a path to the top. An added benefit was being under the cableway and having the cars pass us every few minutes. As we rose, of course the cars spent more time appearing below rather than above us. When we neared the top, the path reached an upper contour and we traversed the front of the mountain and arrived on the western side. We still had to face more tricky rock climbs with exposure and drop-offs, to the base of the mountain. A few of them were as they say in some circles, 'dicey'.
We then reached another sector of the Table which was close to our previous hiking route, on the western side. In four days, we had explored three different routes of Table Mountain, each fantastic in its own right. We then headed toward the cable station but not before stopping for brunch which took place overlooking Cape Town, at 1pm. Food becomes less important when one is active and engaged. Also, eating knowing risky climbs are ahead is not conducive to getting and keeping the food down. After enjoying tea at the café, we then took the Platteklip Gorge route down the mountain and re-joined the Contour Path and arrived at the lower cable station a little tired but excited after a safe, stimulating and fantastic day and experience. Most people hike one way and take the cable car for the other leg. So on the way down, it gave us an opportunity to engage in short conversations with people from many different countries including one, we have to admit, we had not heard of before.
En route up, we came across 12-14 other hikers, including an Australian group led by a guide. We could not help noticing that the next oldest person to us was a woman in her early 30's or younger. The funny part is when we reached the final top, we did not realize we had arrived yet. There were many people walking around and we wondered where they had come from. Were they all on their way down the treacherous route? Then it dawned upon us that they were cable car riders who were strolling on the Table. Phew! For, they all looked fresh and sprightly. On the descent, I greeted a youngish man, in Afrikaans. He replied by addressing me as "Oom", a show of respect for an elderly person. Apparently, the face does not lie. For me, a beautiful moment occurred as we went down the steep Platteklip Gorge, with Jen a distance behind. I saw a young man sweating profusely who had no backpack with him on his ascent. I offered him water and he replied with a blessing which I gratefully accepted. It turns out we were both African-Americans, one white and the other black.
It was a day we grabbed, that which the Cape offers, with both hands, its challenges and beauty.
Jenni grapples, struggles and succeeds.
We were under the cableway for the first part of the hike.
Early stages with a view of Cape Town suburbs, cable station lower left.
A wonderful haze in the morning provided some attractive views.
Often, not having easy places to grip or rocks to leverage off.
Unusual view of Lion's Head and a treacherous wall to climb. Note the cable car below.
This is the only assistance we received during the ascent, a few staples.
The target as we get closer but will turn right at the gulley.
We reach the western side of the mountain and make the turn to continue our ascent from the another side.
Finally, the path levels off for a short while but the views remain outstanding.
"Just what I need, another climb."
Here we go again...up, up and away...wrong comic.
Another gorge(ous).
During lunch, we grab a 'bird's eye-view' of the city and wonder if all birds have blurred vision.
Sea Point tucked behind the 'Lion' and Signal Hill.
Gone 'walk-about' after lunch at the top of the Table. Mom always said to keep elbows off the table but I don't
remember her saying anything about feet.
Platteklip George, the descent in the late afternoon.
On the Contour Path, linking Platteklip Gorge with India Venster.
Rejoining the India Venster track, under the cable car.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
A nice view from under the cables.
A bit of fog on the mountains behind Devil's Peak, the Table's neighbor.
For those a little interested in the technical aspects of the hike, the two diagrams below show the route of India Venster.
This shows the route from commencement until below the cable station where the route continues onto the other side of the mountain.
This shows the continuation of Fountain Ledge as we turn and head for the top of Platteklip Gorge.
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