Table Mountain contour path - a favourite

Freezing fingers of fog furled around Kloof Nek as we gathered to start the steep ascent to the contour path on Table Mountain. It is so true that the weather can change in an instant in this part of the world, and one has to be prepared for extremes at all times. We lost no time in seeking the sunshine that we knew was just above us, and it definitely gave our legs the incentive to escape the icy wind sweeping over from Camps Bay, despite this end of the contour path being famous for slippery pebbles and knee-high steps to negotiate. We paused many times on the way up, not only for breath, but also to admire the myriad flowers starting to make an appearance on the slopes as winter marches relentlessly towards spring. It is sometimes breathtaking to observe the variety and beauty of our fynbos, and a foray off the beaten track would reveal so much more, but time doesn't allow for this on a hike.
As we broke through the cloud cover, bright sunshine bathed the crags above us, where the cable car is currently undergoing its annual checkup - all visitors to our marvellous mountain have to take the long way up, and there were no lack of them as they passed us in shorts and T-shirts heading for Platteklip Gorge. Rather them than me! Lion's Head peeked cheekily out above the clouds and Signal Hill came and went as the thermals shifted - the fog didn't put off the parachute jumpers who were drifting down to the lawns of Sea Point; couldn't have been much of a view!
The contour path (once you actually get up there) is a wonderful walk, even though you need to watch your footing and can't gaze at the amazing views while you walk, due to the sheer drop, but there are plenty of places to sit on a comfortable ledge and enjoy your coffee and snacks. The rains have brought out the best in Table Mountain's streams and they are flowing from most of the rockfaces, so there was ample opportunity to wet a cloth and cool ourselves down - the sun was pretty fierce for midwinter and we had long shed all outer layers!
A few of us took a small detour to scramble up to Woodstock Cave - having got this close, it seemed necessary to make the final effort - but the loose, rocky and very steep path up doesn't make it a friendly climb and I have to say the view was no better than from the contour path. But at least I have done it.
We made it down to the end of Tafelberg Road after about 3 1/2 hours and I have to say I felt really tired - a great hike with plenty of cardio. Back at the cars, the fog was still furling.