WHAT TO DO, OR NOT, ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON ON TABLE MOUNTAIN

WHAT TO DO, OR NOT, ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON ON TABLE MOUNTAIN

After having a relaxed morning with my family I decided to get rid of some work stress and some much needed training for Kilimanjaro on 60 days away. I decided to break the number 1 golden rule of hiking: NEVER HIKE ALONE”. Yes mom I know not the best choice; however a stunning Cape Town day, no wind, sunny about 19 degrees Celsius made it final.

Driving to Table Mountain I decided on a couple of possible options, including my “most liked” walk the Pipe Trek.

Starting walking the Pipe Trek at about 12:30 with some spectacular views of Lion’s Head, Camps Bay and the mighty Atlantic. 30 Minutes passed the split up to Kasteelpoort I decided to go to Slangolie Ravine and back about 10km’s. Arriving at Slangolie Ravine I stopped for a smoke & drink break, yes I know I should stop smoking.

Feeling strong with the Sunday summer sun inviting me to progress I decided to venture on to the section not as popular as the rest of the Pipe Trek called Corridor Ravine. Pole-Pole (slowly-slowly) I made my way to the top of Corridor Ravine, which I see rated as “moderate”. Eventually reaching the top I had various options, retrace or cut across back to the Cable station. I decided to follow the path toward the back of Table Mountain. I can remember when was the last time I felt so free & at peace with myself, just me and the mountain.

Making my way across the many valleys and negotiated a couple of hectic areas I realised I am running the risk of darkness catching me on Table Mountain. Getting to cross roads, I decided to come down Kasteelpoort, to connect back on to the Pipe Trek which took about an hour. If my knees could speak they would have said: “Man that was hectic going down Kasteelpoort”. I got a bit nervous in thinking, I am stuck on my own, should anything go wrong I could find myself in deep trouble. I made a call home to advise Julie that I am ok, and that I am going to be later than anticipated. I applied more caution in my descent, and took my time even, keeping an eye on the sun as it started dropping fast towards the Atlantic.

I had a bit of false comfort knowing that I have wet & warm clothing in my back pack with a basic first Aid kit, however no light. Always have a light, always have light, and always have a light!

Quite excited getting the Pipe Trek, I realised that I have no more water or Game, however with only about half hour to negotiate to get back to the car it didn’t bug me too much. It was nice to see some people on the Pipe Trek pushing on home. 5 hours from when I started I arrived back at my car with some American tourist taking photos of the Guiney foul in the car park and the sun starting to set rapidly. It was an AWESOME walk and it’s my new route which I think give stamina, endurance with some nice flat areas some next day sore muscles up’s and down’s.

Lesson learned:

• I took 3 litre (2l in my back pack bladder & 1l water bottle) fluids, rather take more you will need it.
• Walking alone, peach vs. risk?
• Always make provision for additional 2 hours.
• Always have a light in your kit.