Up to the dams

Our Intrepid Leaders felt that the hiking group had overindulged over the festive season and threw us a lifeline to rectify the damage on New Year's Eve - a hike from Constantia Nek up the jeep track to the dams above Kirstenbosch, around 5km of steady uphill - some places more uphill than others - and the return trip of a rather unsteady 5km downhill.

Having never been up there before, I was eager to do this hike, even cancelling the party plans for seeing in the New Year as I expected to be far too tired to stay up past 9pm. I also dragged my son along, as I knew he would enjoy the experience and it might encourage him to hike more regularly with friends. An early start and no commuter traffic got us to Constantia Nek by 8am, where about 15 others and a couple of dogs awaited us. 

The tar road up to the jeep track is notorious for tiring out the fittest among us right at the beginning of these hikes, and it was already a relief to reach the level part, still in the shade. A strong southeaster was providing low cloud cover, but  this was likely to vanish like the morning dew - unless it became heavier and enveloped us, it being summer in Cape Town. Fortunately it remained mist-like as we started to long ascent, the relentless uphill we had been warned about, but the wind was at our backs and provided no coolth. 

As we gained height, we looked back with satisfaction at achieving superiority over hiking landmarks - Eagle's Nest, Steenberg Peak, Vlakkenberg - and the expansive views made every step worthwhile. Soon the patchwork of vineyards was a blanket laid across the hills of Constantia, and the deep blue of False Bay and Hout Bay could be seen on either side of the ridge. The clouds hung heavy over the Hottentots Holland mountains and Table Mountain lay hidden beneath its tablecloth.

We were passed, as we toiled ever upwards, by no less than three vehicles, apparently bearing staff who replenish supplies, transport luggage and clean the Overseer's cottages that can be hired near the dams, and there were moments when we envied them their ease of ascent, but that soon passed and I think we definitely had the advantage. There were many groups on the route, which is one of the most popular on Table Mountain, and there were all shapes and sizes, ages (very young and very old) and levels of fitness. It truly is a trail for all.

It was wonderfully peaceful on top of the mountain as we perched on the rocks overlooking De Villiers Dam. Watsonias bloomed around us, birds flitted among the trees and a watery sun warmed us through the wisps of mist. As always, the reward for the effort was to commune with Nature and reflect on our place in this world. There are no words, it is a feeling. You should go there.

The return down the mountain track, with its never-ending steps, was rather jarring on the knees and two hiking poles would have been useful. New Year's Eve saw me fast asleep at 9.30pm and a good rest was required the next day. But so worth it.