Despite a bit of wind and a rather forbidding mass of cloud resting on the table, our group of enthusiastic lunar-tics gathered at Constantia Nek to begin our ascent. After a brief round of introductions and the customary raising of hands for the MCSA Indemnity we set off. The group made quick and easy work of the first stairs from Jeep Track to Jeep Track, an often-tedious part of the route. After a brief chat about moss frogs, we then began the much more enjoyable ramble up Constantia Corner whilst enjoying the last rays of the sun.
We were gifted with an amazing view over Orange Kloof and Hout Bay, with a strangely oval shaped red sun disappearing behind the Twelve Apostles. We had a quick water stop at a view point before completing the final scrambles of the route. All managed well and were in high spirits despite the wind and some cloud. Once on top we were greeted by a reasonable view of the eclipsing moon. The wind and cold kept us moving and in good time we made it to the infamous Camel Rock, a uniquely shaped rock formation resembling a camel standing somewhat in front of the often humorously described evidence of his age, a rather large round lump of rock a meter or two from its hind end.
After a brief stop, we walked over the last ridge to the pleasant sight of a full De Villiers Dam. Once again wind and cold forced us onwards and we descended as planned along the Jeep Track back to the Nek. We had magical views of the celestial event and walked at a slower pace to enjoy the slowly vanishing moon as the eclipse approached totality. We made very good time on the hike and the energy of both our group and the other groups out on the trail was excellent! A very enjoyable hike was had by all and magical to get to experience the eclipse amongst friends and positive energy! A big thank you to all who came and made it a meet to remember!
Hike leader: Danny Walpole
