Cape Town - a beautiful town, tough hike

It was nice to wake up at no specific time. Pete, Jess and I headed out for coffee and breaky supplies around 9. Ted decided to stay home and we didn’t wake Liv. We enjoyed a simple breaky at home for once, and then headed to Table Mountain to do a hike. Stunning coastal views on the drive there. We weren’t quite sure where to park and start the hike earlier than we needed to as it seemed crowded with cars. We walked about 800m to the lower cable car station with a cafe and kiosk, and then another 25 mins to the trail head. Finally, we started the hike, Platteklip Gorge to the Upper Cable Station. It was at the fork in the trail about 15 minutes into the hike, we reached an impasse. Ted absolutely did not want to hike the 2.1 km directly up, already complaining about the part we’d just walked up. After a terse discussion, Ted left to go on another path and wait at the bottom of the cable car, a 760 m flat walk. Pete, Jess (begrudgingly as she was too scared to go alone with just Ted), Liv and I did the hike. It was hardest walk I’ve done, it being a steep, large stair-like, rocky route the entire way, needing to use your hands at some points to be able to climb it. The route overlooks the city, Table Bay, and Devil’s Peak. Platteklip Gorge splits the cliffs of the main plateau, and the views from the top of Table Mountain are described as one of the most epic in Africa. The route finished at the top, spectacular views, we would have enjoyed savouring this view, however wanted to find our lone wolf, Ted. It was 5.8 km in total walk, which doesn’t take into account the incredible steep ascent, and took 2.5 hours. It was relief to get to the top, Jessica wishing she’d opted out with Ted. We took the cable car down, with more spectacular views. A beer and celebration to find Ted (lying down on a bus bench using the free wifi) to finish the hike. We chilled at the house before Pete, Jess, Ted and I walked to Camps Bay beach for a swim. It was cold. Beautiful end to the hike. Showers and back for a beautiful sunset and cocktails dinner. A great chat talking about our highs and lows of the day. Ted’s best was not doing the walk! It was Jess’s worst and Pete, Liv and I were happy we achieved it.Read more