Table Mountain

Table Mountain, without its tablecloth!

Driving into Cape Town late Friday, we saw our first view of Table Mountain, with its "tablecloth" of clouds spilling over its top.  The tablecloth was stunning, but worrisome.  We were scheduled to climb Table Mountain the next day, and others had warned us about that same cloud tablecloth obscuring the view.  We were fortunate.  Saturday had a clear blue-sky.

First ones up - 54 minutes!

There are many routes up Table Mountain.  Jim, Beth, and I took the cable car up.  The floor revolves as you ascend, so everyone inside gets a view of the mountain - as well as the bay and city below.  Our students and Mark climbed 'the steps.'  I don't know how many of these steep steps there were, but we were told that it would be about an hour and a half before the first ones would arrive.  Tucker, Bobby, Patrick and Joe were up in 54 minutes!

Views

Vegetation

Whatever length of wait you have is enjoyable.   I walked around the summit, marveling at the views and vegetation...

...and this little rock dassie.  He was very friendly, attracted by my peanut butter sandwich.  He is about the size of a large guinea pig - and I was surprised to later learn that he is the closest living relative to the elephant!

Table Mountain Rock Dassie
Closest relative is the elephant!