Table Mountain had been covered by the "table cloth" for the past two days, so when we awoke to the bright red rays of the South African sun and crystal clear blue skies we hopped in a cab and headed straight for Table Mountain. My co-worker and I debated whether to catch the cable car or hike up Table Mountain. I wanted to catch the cable car. He wanted to hike. After he agreed to pay for a celebrator GLASS of wine and lunch once we reached the top of Table Mountain I gave in. The cab driver said the hike takes on average 2 HOURS! The driver suggested we start our hike at Saddle Path which began beyond the lower cable car station.
Ten minutes into our hike up Saddle Path I realized just how out of shape I was. My heart pounded with exhaustion as I grasped for air. Every few steps I desperately searched for whatever rock I could find to rest my heart and catch my breath. Men in their late 60s passed me by on the trail. I vowed that when I returned to the US I would start working out. Despite my lack of fitness I still appreciated the breathtaking view of City Bowl, Clifton Beach, Camps Bay and Robben Island in the far distance. Along the trail there were men singing, beautiful vegetation, and fellow out of shape hikers to talk to as I rested.
2.5 maybe 3.5 hours later
The top of Table Mountain was insight. I gave myself one last pep talk and pushed myself to the top passing a man pushing his wife from the back up the final slope. The view from the top of Table Mountain was phenomenal. Cape Town was sprawled beneath my feet with the sapphire blue waters of the crescent-shaped Table Bay glittering in the distance. I enjoyed a small celebratory BOTTLE of wine and slice of pizza from Table Mountain Cafe before heading down Table Mountain this time in the revolving 360 cable car.
Table Mountain dominates the coast of Cape Town. The mountain is one of Cape Town's main tourist attractions. The best visibility and condition for hiking is in the morning or early evening. Out of the five days I was in Cape Town the day I hiked up Table Mountain was the only day that was totally clear. I recommend that if you have other plans on any given day and the sky over Table Mountain is clear, change your plans, if possible, and hike Table Mountain that day. It is free to hike up Table Mountain and cost 100 RAND for a one way ticket back down the mountain. There were enough hikers on the trail to make me feel comfortable that I would not be abandoned but not too many were I felt over crowded.
Do I regret hiking up Table Mountain instead of taking the cable car? NOT AT ALL! I felt and still feel a sense of accomplishment.
FAQ's about Table Mountainhttp://tablemountain.net/visitor_info/faqs/
I would not suggest buying cablecar tickets online. The weather in Cape Town is unpredictable.
No comments:
Post a Comment