Table Mountain -- Platteklip Gorge hiking trail with Larry Begyn (Iowa -- North America). 28th January 2021

 

Table Mountain -- Platteklip Gorge hiking trail with Larry Begyn (Iowa -- North America).   28th January 2021

Larry is a guest of mine from North America.   He and his wife Sue arrived in SA on 14th January 2021.   Despite the onerous Covid rules they managed to spend a week in KZN and then on 26th January they arrived in Cape Town where I met them.   Today Larry and I decided to hike the Platteklip Gorge while Sue took the Cable Car.    

We parked about 1km from the start of the hike and walked to the start.   We Found the sign and began our walk at about 9.15am.   This hike is certainly not for the unfit .   If you would like to enjoy the walk, you should have a medium fitness level.   The start was not that tough and we walked at a steady pace.   

There were initially no other walkers.   I was a little concerned about this but that soon changed as we passed hiker after hiker.  Some internationals --   German and French hikers were on the trail.   Probably others as well.  We had a word or two with each hiker as they walked up past us or down having completed their up walk.   

At one point we came to a T junction.  We correctly took a left turn.   We came across a stream but at that stage we realised we had sufficient water for the hike.   Each of us had 3 x 500ml bottles of water.  I also had some snacks which we never used.   The hike is pretty much relentless as there are only a few flat sections.   Mostly we are climbing and climbing.   The rocky steps are a big help but there are times when we would have to use our hands to assist us with the high rock climbs.  We would look up to the gorge and think that we have hardly moved.  But then looking down we could see that we were making steady progress.   

After an hour and a half of walking the climbs became increasingly steeper and more difficult.   We stopped for frequent rests and regular drinks of water.   The sun on this side of the mountain is directly on you and there is no shade at all.  As the rocks and pathway became increasingly difficult to climb, so did our limbs tire.   Here we found ourselves needing to take extra care as you can make mistakes when you are so tired.  

 It is vital that you have sufficient water plus another 500ml.   Water is the one thing that you do not want to be short of.   We also had some Grapes which we found to be good for replenishing liquid.   My own T shirt was drenched.  So too was my backpack.   Fortunately for us we had a cooling breeze for most of the hike.   It is essential to take a spare T shirt for when you reach the summit.  Wearing a wet shirt and the cool breeze could lead to you being sick later.   A warm jacket is also essential not only in case it becomes cool but when you have completed the hike you need to remain warm until your body cools itself down.  

The hike took us, from start to the time we walked into the restaurant to meet Sue,  just a bit more than 2.5 hours.   We certainly did not rush it.  So the 2.5 hour time is fairlly accurate.  

After a coffee and snack we took the Cable Car down to the base where our car was parked.   

Platteklip Gorge.   2.5 hours. 

Larry and I starting the walk  at 9.15am

Looking back to the Devils Peak

The rocky pathway was not too bad at the start. 

We soon climb and look back to the City of Cape Town below. 

Erica in flower

Larry and I chat about our various hiking experiences. 

We start to feel we are making progress.  

Looking down .  We are tired and take frequent breaks. 

Some of the tough terrain

Larry has not done an up hill climb for some time and coped exceptionally well. 

I felt good about doing this walk. 

Behind me is the Gorge.  Still a long way to go.  Only one option -- One foot in front of the other and maintain the steady pace. 

We did not at any time want to rush our hike.   We had started early and had plenty of time. 

At times the pathway was little more than a scramble of rocks. 

The pathway was well maintained with the rock cages. 

Vygies (succulent flowers)

A short respite on a flat section. 

Does that Gorge never get any closer?

The Gorge begins to narrow with another pathway emerging from the left. 

Nearly there

Looking down I feel good about this walk. 

Larry is at the top of the Gorge. 

The Beacon.   We should have turned right as we reached the top.  I asked a man for directions and he showed me the Cable Car was just behind us. 

This sign makes it clear where we should go. 

On the top of the mountain.  At last we have a flat section to walk .

Cape of Storms

The boardwalk to the Restaurant. 

In the Cable car going down with Larry and Sue

Looking down to Table Bay and Lions Head

Contact Peter Giddy (Tour Guide and Hike leader)  to arrange a hike for you and your friends or work teams.    This is something you will keep with you as a goal achieved and a special day.  

SA Guided Tours and Peter Giddy Guided Tours -- Shore Excursions -- Addo Elephant and other Wildlife Reserves -- Garden Route.  Flowers of Namaqualand -- 

0027 (0) 82 55 03 714    Whatsup
peter.giddy@gmail.com
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