Hike Around Table Mountain

Wooden extinguisher

Trail roots

Camps Bay

Four of the Apostles

We took a hike to enjoy the beautiful weather. We drove up to the parking lot by the Table Mountain tram and parked. We asked the woman at the national park station where we should go. We wanted something relatively easy (no ropes and clamp-ons please) that would last about 2 or 3 hours. She directed us to a trail around the mountain. We started along the trail. It was a warm day, and many people were out enjoying the spring. We’ve had a long, wet winter here in Cape Town. We passed many people, kids and adults, on their own, in large groups, with their dogs, just out having a wonderful day.

As we walked, we went to the side of Table Mountain. To our right was the view of Camps Bay, ahead of us were the 12 Apostles (a group of close peaks), and behind us were Lion’s Head and Cape Town. We took in the whole lovely sight.

We thought of Smokey the Bear as we walked, and his slogan, “only you can prevent forest fires”. Good to remember, but I don’t think the fire extinguisher carved out of wood would be much help in an actual fire. Good thing there was not fire to been seen. Just blue skies, gorgeous views, and friendly people.

We had a great day, and we’ll definitely be hiking that trail again.

A Windy Hike at Silvermine

A view of Fish Hoek

Wild animal

On the descent

Our hike in Silvermine started on a chilly and windy Sunday morning. We weren’t sure if it would actually happen, but when we got to the trailhead, there was our hiking group. We had joined a hiking club so that we could meet new people, go on the many new hikes, and learn more the terrain here. This one was lead by a hiking expert named Gunther, from Germany. Most of the others on the hike were also German, or South African of German descent, so the conversation occasionally strayed into German. We were also serenaded by Marta and Laura in a rousing version of the club song.

That was the jolly part – however for much of the hike, we could not sing. We could barely stand up. The cold antarctic wind was blowing strong, and it tried it’s best to blow us over. A few members of our group were actually blown over by the strong gusts. We enjoyed the hike heartily though. Our Alaskan experience got us through the cold with with no problems. We were all warmed by the great company, and the beauty that surrounded us with every step. We definitely recommend this hike (but maybe on a warmer day next time).