Clockwise round Lion's Head

Will I ever walk around Lion's Head on a cool day? That is a question we must have all been asking ourselves as we set off this morning to do the clockwise route from the first car park. A howling southeaster kept temperatures acceptable in the southern suburbs, but as usual, Table Mountain cradled the Mother City in its rocky embrace and protected all from being blown about - hence a sizzling start as we (fortunately) headed downhill at the start of our hike.
A short distance down Kloofnek, the uphill track begins where some previous giant set log steps into the loose and very slippery light gravel path. Hauling ourselves up knee-high treads got the heart rates going and in no time we were stopping to admire the view from every available vantage point in the hopes of picking up a cooling breeze from the Atlantic far below. It was not to be, and only when we reached the little copse of pine trees at the lookout above Camps Bay did we get some relief and a much needed water break. This part of the hike is exceptionally beautiful, with Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles showcasing themselves, dipping their feet in the azure waters stretching to the far horizon. Massive container ships slid by tiny fishing boats heading out in search of fruits of the sea, and closer by, tall construction cranes continued their seemingly endless task of adding to the concrete jungle creeping higher and higher up the slopes above Clifton.
Welcome shade from soaring eucalyptus helped us on our way to the favourite coffee break site overlooking the beaches below and I could easily have spent an hour just watching the waves crashing against the granite boulders that characterise the coastline. Soothing for the soul!
And then onwards and upwards, out of the shade and into some pretty severe sunshine, until we reached just the right spot and a gentle breeze provided succour for the perspiring hikers. The hillside was ablaze with pink vygies, almost as impressive as the watsonias seen on Table Mountain last week, and many tiny micranthus alopecuroides were a delight to the eye. With mountains, trees, sea and fynbos, this is one of the most scenic hikes, although there may be a lot in favour of doing it in the cooler months!