A few years in the past I discovered myself in Cape City, South Africa with an open itinerary and keen willpower to discover as a lot as potential. The imposing presence of Desk Mountain, overlooking this beautiful metropolis, beckons me. Possibly mountaineering is in my blood, however there should have been some hidden power calling me to hike to the highest.
Because it stands at 3,563 toes above sea degree (Mount Everest is at 29,029 toes), reaching its summit will doubtless take hours, not days. In reality, most hikers can conquer it in half a day or much less, relying on the route chosen, which speaks volumes for its recognition as a result of climbing and tenting tools shouldn’t be required.
With a day devoted to this upcoming mountaineering journey, I made certain to take time to discover different sights such because the Cape of Good Hope, Kristenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape City Metropolis Middle and the encompassing shoreline. I additionally delved into the historical past of Langa apartheid district and museum, and even indulged in some wine tasting within the areas northeast of Cape City.
All improbable selections for half day or full day journeys relying on how detailed you need to get based mostly on desire. On the similar time, the spotlight I used to be most wanting ahead to was the climb to Desk Mountain.
Whereas some go for the cable automotive — a handy possibility for a lot of — the avid mountaineer in me knew that reaching the summit was a journey greatest undertaken on one’s personal two toes. Desk Mountain, with its breathtaking backdrop in direction of Cape City, presents views that, on a transparent day, are merely awe-inspiring. From the Cape of Good Hope to Robben Island, a spot steeped in historical past the place Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in jail, the panorama unfolds like a residing tapestry.
There are fairly a couple of routes that can be utilized to climb to the highest. With trails on all sides of Desk Mountain, hikers haven’t any scarcity of selections. For me, selecting the Platteklip Gorge route was a choice extra for comfort than anything. Centrally situated and solely a 20 minute drive from my downtown lodge, it made excellent sense.
I had visions of not having the ability to discover parking anyplace close to the trailhead, nevertheless, having made certain to depart comparatively early and arrive round 8am, I used to be shocked on the ample parking I discovered: an excellent begin to the day. Lifting my backpack on my shoulders, with an excellent provide of water and protein bars in hand, I headed for the beginning.
The one unpredictable issue at this level was the climate. Cape City and its environment are identified for speedy adjustments in climate. The day began out shiny and clear, however by the point I received to the trailhead, cloudy skies have been looming. The placement of Desk Mountain usually attracts clouds created by the southeast wind. They stand up the mountain, condense the moisture and create an ethereal cloud cowl, typically culminating in rain, sleet or perhaps a little snow, relying on the season.
Unfazed, I continued on as I used to be effectively ready with a light-weight wind/rain jacket for my outer layer. I’m an advocate of all the time mountaineering in layers and adjusting to the hike as wanted by including or subtracting mountaineering clothes. I didn’t carry mountaineering poles with me on this specific hike. In line with my estimates, different hikers used them in a 50/50 ratio. For longer hikes with important elevation achieve, I might positively carry them, however I thought-about this a shorter hike that I might do with out.
The hike itself, at 2.8 miles, is not lengthy by most requirements, however the 2,339 ft climb meant a gradual climb all through. As I climbed, I used to be greeted by a really mild rain, mild however persistent. Greater up, the clouds enveloped the trail, creating an virtually mystical ambiance, as in the event you have been ascending to the heavens.
One of the best photograph spots alongside Platteklip Gorge that I seen have been inside the first 45-60 minutes of the climb. Because the western ridge rose, views of Cape City and the ocean under turned obscured. A fantastic cause to cease and take pictures within the first hour of the climb.
For worldwide mountaineers, Desk Mountain appeared like a magnet. Conversations in several languages stuffed the air. Fellow mountaineers passing one another, some climbing, some descending, a way of friendship solid by the joint seek for this extraordinary peak. We are sometimes caught up in our personal worlds, however seeing so many nationalities who’ve achieved and are pushing for a similar feat as me was by some means invigorating. The path was certainly not busy, however I most likely handed about twenty different hikers both climbing or descending.
Close to the highest, visibility turned virtually zero. I dared to run into the cloud, and if there was a marked path to the higher Cable station, it eluded me. Following the trail, I finally got here throughout a station which is a few 30 minute stroll from the highest of Platteklip Gorge. Though I used to be a little bit disillusioned to overlook the panoramic view, I loved the exhilaration of climbing Desk Mountain.
I handled myself to a late morning tea and scone on the Higher Cable Station cafe. (Sure, there are bogs for these questioning). As I sat with my late morning snack, I believed concerning the many vacationers who took the cable automotive to the highest. I am certain the views by the cable automotive route are beautiful (however unlikely on this cloudy day), however I spotted I would not change a factor.
The unique plan was to hike up Desk Mountain and take the cable automotive down. Regardless that I knew the visibility was poor and I must stroll again to my automotive parked on the trailhead, the simple selection was to hike again down the identical gorge. As beforehand said, the summit of Desk Mountain was shrouded in cloud and visibility was poor. There are lots of different paths and tracks on prime of this mountain and I virtually tripped up subsequent to the descent by the Platteklip Gorge from above, even after coming down it an hour in the past all of it regarded unfamiliar. When I discovered it, the descent was, as anticipated, sooner. I encountered a couple of tough steps as a result of intermittent rain, however no main mishaps. Again in my automotive, finishing the spherical journey with a 30-minute cease on the prime station, the whole journey took about 4 and a half hours.
Whereas quite a few routes result in the summit of Desk Mountain, the Platteklip Gorge route proved to be a passable selection. I used to be pleased with my determination, whether or not it was influenced by the proximity of my lodge or its immediacy. The climb was not solely a bodily achievement, however a testomony to the need and talent to beat the marvel of nature alone phrases. It is an expertise I wholeheartedly suggest to anybody visiting Cape City. The rewards, each private and within the views it offers, are immeasurable.
Joel Speyers: Co-founder of www.prep4travel.com