By Table Mountain: Platteklip Gorge hike is the fastest way to the table top. You can expect an hour and a half up and about just over an hour down, depending on your fitness. However, don’t be fooled by the short trek. You will be burning your quads as you power lift your body up the rocky steps that zig-zag to the summit. This is a stair climb in no time at all. The cross-fit of hiking.
The trail begins as short distance passed the lower cable way station on Tafelberg Road. My journey up this chimney to the smoky tablecloth reminded me of one of my grandfather’s favorite stories.
Folklaw goes that a Dutch settler named Jan Van Hunks used to smoke his pipe on the slopes of the mountain. One day he met a stranger who challenged him to a pipe smoking competition. The stranger happened to be the Devil and by the time Van Hunks won their smoke had covered the mountain.
No adventure athlete knows everything about their field of play. You always learn what more you can do, or if you were me on this particular ascent, what not to do. Diplomatically speaking, if you wish to conquer an uphill challenge comfortably and safely, make sure you keep sober and get a good rest the night before.
Needless to say that this was a particularly challenging adventure especially as the descent involved a twisted ankle and a trip down in the cable car. Like a wet cat, I grimaced with a hot cup of hot chocolate awaiting my “evac” and I kicked myself with my better foot.
Trail running requires not only power to scale sharp gradients and endurance to do it over and over but the mental focus to constantly watch your footing between rocks, roots and uneven ground. Losing your focus can mean a sprain or worse. However, I am no mountain Nazi, and beers after a hard adventure are definitely the better order to enjoy.
The real celebration of the day was owed to a middle-aged man who was on his fourth run up the chute. He was training for a race called the Platteklip Challenge. I was humbled when he explained to me that he was aiming to do the ascent ten times in an effort to raise money for charity. There is always more to learn always more to aspire.
A word of caution to local and the more seasoned hikers and runners. The summit of Table mountain can get busy during the season so be aware of weary tourists trying to navigate their way around this tombstone of brave and adventurous souls. My experience of the Cable Car was somewhat different to the fun I remember as a child.
In respecting the peace this mountain represents, the income that the cable station generates keeps it such a wonder. However, I prefer the more peaceful routes around the mountain. Table Mountain is larger than most think. Ironic but there are plenty of trails that do not attract as much commercial traffic.
However, if your best buddy is in town and you wish to shoot up the mountain this is your pick. Enjoy it and remember that the Devil is in the detail. Watch your steps.
