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.

Milnerton stroll

A view of Table Mountain and Cape Town

Catching a gust

Endless skies

On a windy, bright Sunday afternoon, we browsed the wares at the Milnerton Flea Market, just north of Cape Town. We enjoyed snacking on chocolate pastries as we walked along the booths selling various items including antique chairs, car parts, and colorful spices.

We also spent some time at a nearby beach enjoying the sun, the waves and the views of the city in the distance.

A stroll along the ocean

These were taken on July 15th:

Three Anchor Bay, Green Point

Sea Point (our area!) with Signal Hall and Lion’s Head in the background

Construction of World Cup Stadium (and Table Mountain in the background)

Cycling team at Mouille Point

Blue skies

This was written on July 12th:

It’s Saturday, and it is absolutely gorgeous outside. It’s sunny and clear, and Table Mountain is carved out against the blue, blue sky. We’re running around trying to finish up details on apartments and cars, but we can’t help but take a few moments to enjoy the scenery after so much rain. We had terrible rainstorms for our first week here, and it was quite devastating in sections of the city. Fortunately for us, we just got wet. We’re very lucky.

Lisa finished her first week of work. It seems to be really good. She shares an office with seven other people, and a phone with four others. It’s definitely different than the cushy life at the State of Alaska. It’s the non-profit lifestyle though. She rides the mini-bus taxi to and from work every day.

Chris has spent this week investigating apartments and vehicles. It has been a real learning experience, figuring the rentals market here, as well as the car market. It’s made even more challenging because we don’t have a vehicle now, so Chris has to connect with all of these people all over town. He’s definitely getting some mileage on the old legs. Good thing we still load up on a major breakfast every morning at the Ritz.

We’ve found some favorite restaurants close to our hotel, and they already know us as the Americans who order everything with a little extra spice. We are getting to know people too. We attended the 4th of July celebration at the US Consulate. It happened on the 9th, and we got to meet the Ambassador.