Fourteen of us set out from Cecilia carpark in excellent weather conditions, calm, clear, cool and dry. Ascending the path to the start the good visibility prompted discussion and speculation on the proposed route up the buttress. The rocks were dry and scrambling was easy, vastly different from last year when we had to exercise extreme caution in the rain.
Everyone managed the pitches comfortably with varying degrees of elegance and some opted for the less awkward pitches at times. The Cape Flats and False Bay were completely wadded over in low lumpy cloud an impressive contrast to the green slopes below.
We enjoyed a leisurely beverage break and were safely on the concrete road at the top of Spilhaus just after 10h00. Two of the party who planned to descend at this point continued with the group to Hole in the Wall, which allowed for fun pics en route at the Throne. We then threaded through all the corridors with only one spot of wet rock that required extra alertness when scrambling up.
Considering the crisp clear conditions, it was mandated that the team had to enjoy the spectacle offered at the overhang; brilliant framed views down the Disa River valley to Hout Bay. We then all took the tunnel route which was somewhat damp in places, to our lunch venue. We had a long break with some enjoying the warm sun whilst others preferred the shade. A strong westerly was blowing over the Apostles bringing billowing mist which at times obscured the trees round the Peoples’ hut. These conditions prevailed all day and never once reached us. Even on our descent the Apostles were completely covered in cloud and we had bright sun.
After lunch we exited through parts of the Enchanted Forest; a privileged treat in any weather. We did the Middle Earth loop which is always fun and all used the hole under the top rock when descending the chimney. On our way down via the concrete road and the step path, we spotted Three African Black Ducks comfortably dabbling in the De Villiers dam. We reached the cars at 16h20 after a rewarding and refreshing nine hours.
