Pipe track in the heat and wind

Today we walked along the pipe track from Kloof Nek above Camps Bay on the path across the Twelve Apostles (not all twelve!). I was hoping that the towering cliffs of  Table Mountain would provide shade on a day forecast to be 33 degrees, and we were due to start at 8 to avoid the heat of midday. I left home at 6.30 to give myself a headstart on the horrendous traffic snarl-up that we have to endure on the way to Sun Valley every day, but even this was too late and it took forty minutes to get past the reason for the traffic jam (we all know who and what but I am not going to go into that in what is supposed to be an enjoyable read - but later in the afternoon there were three traffic cops at the various intersections and some semblance of civilisation prevailed). I got to my destination at 7.50, feeling fairly relaxed as I still had time to put on my hiking socks, ankle brace and hiking boots. I did wonder why no one else had arrived yet, but enjoyed the view from the carpark under the cable way for some time - of course I had the starting time wrong, it was 8.30!
The sun was already beating down on us at the start and the steep uphill to reach the pipe track didn't help, but once the path levelled out and we were in the shade, it was very pleasant despite no breeze at all. The rest of the Peninsula, and the sea down below, were being battered by a strong southeaster.
I always enjoy this hike, being a little up and down and not strenuous, but particularly for the fantastic views both above and below. I love the rugged rock faces of the mountains, and the stories that go with the engineering achievements of the old days when the dams on top of the mountain were built and water piped down to the dams on the lower slopes above the city. And I never get tired of looking over the sea, which constantly changes in colour and texture, with ships and small boats plying to and fro as they pass the Cape of Storms. Speaking of which, as soon as we rounded the corner to Blinkwater Ravine, the southeaster blasted us with a vengeance and we were kept cool for the rest of the hike (or at least until we returned to the spot where stillness returned).
The shade didn't last for long as the sun just seemed to climb higher and higher very quickly, and we stopped many times for essential water breaks - never wait until you are thirsty; by then it's too late.
Lots of other hikers were enjoying the track, and it was a splendid outing despite the stress of getting there, initial and final heatwave, and strong wind in between. The variety is what makes it all fun! 6km/13 000 steps