Tuesday's hike saw us scaling the heights of Noordhoek Peak, between Chapman's Peak and Constantiaberg, an ascent of 500m over the 4km from the carpark at Silvermine dam to the peak. This is possibly the greatest vertical distance I have done since starting hiking in June, and it tested my fitness as we progressed along the jeep track above Noordhoek. I stopped frequently to admire the view, which was spectacular in all directions, stretching from Hout Bay, down the coast to Kommetjie, across to Simon's Town and Cape Hangklip on the other side of False Bay, a view that made the exertion more than worthwhile. It is a view that one could never tire of.
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| Looking down at Long Beach and Kommetjie |
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| Hout Bay |
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| Tea from a china cup |
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| Silvermine dam with False Bay in distance |
A stiff westerly wind buffeted us on the peak as it swept in an up draught from the icy Atlantic below, and we were very happy to shelter among the rocks on the leeward side, like rock rabbits in the sun, as we chatted over a coffee and snack break (always a highlight of the hikes!). The fascinating shapes of the weathered sandstone boulders are a delight to the eye, and sometimes make for very comfortable sitting. One couple brought china cups for their tea - what a marvellous idea! - and I think I will follow suit. Drinking from a plastic cup is not one of life's great pleasures!
The walk down was much easier and took us along sandy paths through pretty fynbos. A lovely morning in Nature's finest surroundings.
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