Table Mountain: Not a Good Place to Forget Your Camera

The dominating feature of Cape Town is Table Mountain, a flat-topped massif that wraps around the city center.  It is a big reason why I think Cape Town is one of the most, if not the most, beautifully situated cities in the world, but it is more than eye candy.  With multiple trails to the summit and a modern cable car, Table Mountain's tabletop makes for an accessible day out.

Today, Magge, three fellow volunteers and I tackled the main trail to the top through the Platteklip Gorge.  As soon as we began the ascent, Magge realized she forgot the memory card for her camera.  The weather could not have been any more beautiful for taking pictures, so this was a big disappointment.  Luckily, someone in our group had a camera, but she only remembered to take pictures once we reached the top.  The hike up took a strenuous two hours and made us painfully aware that we've gotten out of shape since our days in the Andes.  It was well worth it, though, with stunning views 360 degrees around.  You can see Cape Town, the Atlantic beaches, False Bay, the Cape Flats (home to many of the city's townships) and the Cape Peninsula leading to the Cape of Good Hope.  Next week I'll be sending Magge up again, this time with camera and memory card in tow, so we can have more pictures.

On top of Table Mountain, with the Cape Peninsula stretching out behind us

More pictures in the full post.

Cape Town, west to east

My submission for a bottled water ad

Us with Maddie and Will (the other volunteer is a heavy smoker and didn't make it)