Up Elsie's Peak in a gale

A huge weather system in the South Atlantic with the strength of a tropical cyclone has lightly brushed the southwestern Cape, bringing unseasonal gale force north westerly winds and a promise of some rain later. As luck would have it, the morning hike up to Elsie's Peak in the south Peninsula would be clear but subject to strong winds as can only blow down the Fish Hoek valley (in both directions, popularly known as Hurricane Alley), so we knew it wouldn't be a hot walk.
The initial stage was tough going, a two-stick hike for those who are even slightly unsteady, with a very rocky and steep path (in fact it was easier to walk along the gabions if you didn't mind the drop off the side!). The fresh wind at our backs kept us cool as we toiled upward and eventually reached a sandy track winding up through low fynbos, still recovering from the fire a few years back, and it was a treat to be able to take our eyes off the path and enjoy the multitude of blue, purple and pink flowers that predominate at this time of year.
As always, the path steepened again and quite a bit of scrambling ensued, with more loose, rocky sections - caution should be exercised, says she who is still recovering from the sprain up the mountain at Cape Point. The wind freshened some more, becoming strong enough to wobble the unwary. Lovely views in all directions made it all worthwhile and we eventually reached the mast and settled down for refreshments in the shelter of the heavily burglar-barred building (presumably housing equipment for the relaying of signals, etc.). There were plenty of others enjoying the blustery morning up on the mountain, all accompanied by their dogs, and there was a cairn at a fork in the path where a bottle of water and a plastic bowl have been carefully inserted to ensure a supply of water for the canines.
The hike back down was into the wind and at times we almost went backwards, but we enjoyed lots of laughs as we were blown hither and thither and that's what it's all about. Companionship, enjoyment of nature and getting your hair blown back!