A Night On Table Mountain

5/22/09
We met up with Doug after work tonight for our overnight hike up Table Mountain. Because Doug is a mountaineer, he has access to some of the cabins on the top of the mountain. His father, Gordon, picked us up and dropped us off at the base of the mountain. Doug’s father is from Scottland, and absolutely endearing. It’s clear where Doug gets his chivalry from. Because it was so late in the day, we took the most straightforward trail up the mountain. I have never hiked with so much weight. Doug did his best to bear most of the equipment and strap us up properly with what we had left, but it was still a challenge. He kept going on about how much stuff he had for only one night. It became a running joke. He even told another hiker that he was only hiking for an hour, when she commented on his massive pack. He asked, “you think it’s too much? I’m just trying to play it safe. You never know.” Jamie and I were trying to play along but it was just too funny to watch this grown man talk so seriously with a pack that looked like it would last him two weeks. When we got tired, he threw us (packs and all) over his shoulder and proceeded up the mountain. Even in the most honorable of men, there’s a 12 year old boy screaming to come out.
We finally made it to our cabin just as darkness was fully setting in. Since the trail was a simple one (and mainly “road”) we made our way using night vision. It was a fun challenge. The cabin was much bigger than I imagined; two big rooms, tables, benches, mats, and even dishes and cutlery. We couldn’t find the “bathroom” in the dark so we used various rocks and trees. The air was damp but the rain held out. After a pesto and pasta dinner (a lot of it), toppers and Cadbury chocolate, we set out on a moonlight hike. The rain from earlier in the day left massive (and well hidden) puddles and we only had two head lamps. Linked together, we made our way through the obstacles of bush, fynbos, rock and puddle. It was amazing to be out there; on top of Table Mountain. When we could see the ocean between a break in the mountains, we turned out the lights and stood to take in the atmosphere. The stars, the sounds of running water and crickets, the smell of nature (after a rainy day) and our intimate presence was indescribable. That moonlight hike was a rare moment in my life; one of raw splendor; one I will keep with me forever.