Hiking in Kirstenbosch/Table Mountain

Mark and I thought we learned our lesson about the truthfulness of hike estimates in southern Africa. Sort of. On this particular day of sunshine and adventure, we didn't even look at the trail route ahead of time. Our initial plan was to arrive to Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens and hang out, maybe hike for an hour or two on Table Mountain, then do lunch. But curiosity got the best of us when we found a trail named Skeleton Gorge. The path was shaded and the kids were in good moods (though their relative mood factor rarely changes what we do)- more importantly, I got out of my ugly sleep disturbed funk.  

We went up the trail what we now know is considered "a long and strenuous 6.2km hike." Indeed it was, but it was also fun: we crossed bubbling streams, climbed ladders, and scrambled up rocks. By the time we realized we'd have to ration the water for sake of getting down, we made it to where the path turned into sandy beach which meant of course we had to keep going. We might as well hang ourselves for sheep than lambs. 

Hard work did pay off, leading us to the beachy De Villiers Reservoir that sits in a saddle of Table Mountain. Clothes (some of them) went off immediately and the kids set to their much deserved break, playing in the ridiculously cold water. Mark did a total submersion. I wimped out and parked my butt on the shore. As all good things must come to an end, we mentally prepared ourselves to head down by looking at a map for the first time. It didn't really help. There was no where to go but down, and our options were to go down from whence we came, or down the Nursery Ravine. Fellow hikers advised we return down the latter, saying it was an easier descent. As I write this, I still have no idea if I agree with that statement. Not only did we lose the trail twice, we had no ladders on this route, and all four of us had to scramble down on our butts in the extremely technical sections.  

Taking a break under the scant shade in the ravine, we craned our necks up to see our progress and I saw a man-goat lithely skip down the rock faces. He must have been 85 years old, and scoffed when we made idle chat about the Nursery side being easier than Skeleton. Looking up again, I shrugged. Damage was done. And down we went. Eventually we made it back to Kirstenbosch and attacked the first water fountain we found. In total it was 6.5 hours of intense hiking, yet kids still had enough energy to run through the gardens, effectively blowing my mind. 

Back in town, we ate delicious pizza and drank too much wine, ending our terribly planned but ultimately great day. Mark reiterated to the kids (after both of us apologizing for our lack of preparation) that they were tough monsters: despite being tired, hungry, and thirsty, they were capable of physically pushing through tough times. I will full out brag here: without whining. I've never been so proud.

Yeah, we mistakingly went up there.
Credit: Mark

Going up Skeleton Gorge.

Cooling off at De Villiers Reservoir.

Cityscape on the descent.