Table Mountain Royal Hike
I recently guided Mr. Villar and Gregor on a Table Mountain Royal trek. We were the first to greet Platteklip Gorge (most direct route up Table Mountain) with it being darkest before the dawn. With no delay our spirits high we started our hike up Table Mountain, as Mr. Villar described it as “walking off in to the dawn”. The chirping of Grass birds, Sun birds and common weavers calling out the start of a new day as the sun rise approaches. We were about 25minutes from reaching the entrance to “Smith’s chasm” (top of Platteklip gorge) as the sun greeted us with her radiance.
Mr. R. Villar and Mr. Smith
The best thing about starting before the sunrise is one can see the sky change as the day brightens, definitely a jaw dropping and memorable experience that one must at least witness once every now and again. We got to the top cable station and saw the first cable car come up and staff members opening up and getting ready for what was going to be a beautiful day. We made our way to the back table and that’s where we took a moment to give thanks. After reaching the highest Point on Table Mountain a short break and we headed on to the Dams and Water works museum before ending off along Kasteels Poort and the Pipe track where a Rock Kestrel hovering past us, saying farewell in the process of it scavenging for prey. At the end of the days hike it was a great pleasure and honour to show Mr. Villar and Gregor what beauty Table Mountain hides from a distant gaze. Pctures provided by Mr. Villar, Gregor and Mr. Smith.
Kasteels Poort
View of Lions head and Camps Bay