It became a frantic search! The scheduled route was for Cape Point, but a southeast gale was forecast for our hike day of Tuesday 22 October. Frantic, because the whole Peninsula was being subjected to that gale, so where would we go? And if we changed the date how many would that suit? The email trail became daunting but we found a possible route that would suit Tuesday hikers and shelter us somewhat from the forecast gale on the due date.
The selected route was the contour path from Suikerbossie, Hout Bay to Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine. It is reputed to be at its best at this time of year, as the photos will show. Because we were walking the easier, less steep version, we would be walking into the sun, so we started at only 8:45 to give it time to climb higher into the sky and not be in our eyes. This did mean it would be somewhat warmer, but at 26 degrees maximum, not unbearable.
We chose the outside loop at first to enjoy views of Klein Leuukoppie, Llandudno below and the Atlantic Ocean. The flora was really worthwhile, and several of the group of 11 members were interested in that aspect. For the others, the views across towards Constantia, the Orange Kloof Bowl, and later of Hout Bay in a brilliant blue, as well as the generously wooded slope to our left as we passed Llandudno Corner, Judas Peak etc. were worthwhile. Never to underestimate the enjoyment of conversation with like-minded people.
It was certainly pleasant to walk in shade through Myburgh’s Ravine and then stop for tea some way up Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine. After 20 minutes there we returned mostly the way we had come, then choosing to descend to the pine forest lower down for its coolth.
We had had no more than a slight breeze on our route, whereas back home, a call to Cape Point confirmed that the southeaster was howling at 42 – 48 kms per hour!
Photos – Nicky Jordan
