Fourteen of us set out from the Toad at the bottom of Boyes Drive at 07h30 in a blustery SSW wind. Steenberg Peak was completely covered in thick cloud being blown at near gale force so our route was not visible from the start. The cool temperature helped us to the base of the pitches and whilst very windy and clouded, the rocks were thankfully quite dry. The pitches, steep slopey rock and chimney were well negotiated by all with one brave hiker topping the arch. The anticipated spectacle of the vista through the arch was a pure whiteout; nought to see but a thick, blown milky cloud.
We had our mid-morning break just after the chimney in a spot that on a clear day offers magnificent views from Silvermine to Strandfontein and beyond. Fortunately, everyone was able to find a spot sheltered from the wind. After the break we headed through the cave, speculated to be Abdullah’s, and on to the ridge towards Muizenberg Peak. The wind at the peak was gusting well over 60km/h so we only visited for a short while every now and then glimpsing a view of Sandvlei and even a far-off Hangklip. We retreated back on the ridge finding a sheltered spot for a snack lunch.
After lunch we rejoined the main path down to Boyes Drive and had an easy wind-assisted walk back to the cars, reaching them at 13h30. Steenberg Peak was by now much less covered and it was interesting to check for certain landmarks of the route.
Half the party managed to convert the morning walk into a full day by refreshing and socialising in the Toad.
Dennis Cope
Photos supplied by Dennis Cope
