Day 14 - Were Back!

Well we all got back safely. Most of us were at work on Monday, so no rest for the wicked. A very enjoyable Exped.
There are a few thank you's that I must mention. Rob Steadman for heading up the exped and providing leadership and guidence when needed, Al Hadnett for the initial idea and starting the ball rolling, all the staff at "Downhill Adventure" for arranging most of our activities and most of all those that took part in Exped "Top Table". Your a great bunch. Thanks. Mark

Day 13 - Our Last Day

Riding off Table Mountain

Well looking out from our window this morning was not a good sight. The rain was bouncing off the floor, fog loomed all around, it just wasn't a good day. Were we going Mountain Biking, i thought not, as the previous two days activities had been cancelled due to rain and wind.

Well after showering and making the obligotory cup of Tea to revive one's sences there was a phone call from Downhill Adventures, saying that the biking was on and that it was put back 1 hour, just to let the fog clear a bit. Yippeee!

We were all very happy. About an hour later the rain stopped and the fog began to clear. 4 seasons in one day, is true here. Downhill Adventure drove us all to jst past the cable car for our 1st descent. This was mostly shingle and rocks, with a few uphill bits thrown in.

We then had a long slow climb up to our 2nd descent. Some made it up to "Lockhouse Ridge" and the "Old Cannons". This was a fair bit further up the track. Then for the downhill. This was again shingle and rocks but a lot faster route. Quite steep in places, but very enjoyable. There were acouple of 80 degree turns which tested our brakes and our nerves.

That was the fun bit then we had to negotiate the Cape Town Traffic to get back to Downhill's Office. We all made it back safely, a bit wet, but what fun!

Day 12

Rock Climbing

Due to the weather todays activity was also cancelled. Hopefully the weather will clear for tomorrows downhill from table Mountain. So instead we went for a bit of culture and history. We visited the "Area 6" Museum. This was founded after thousands and thousands of blacks and coloured imigrants were forcefully moved from thier homes and relocated to the "Cape Town Flats".

To the left is a map of the area. Everyone who was not white was forced to move. There were a few white people living in this area, and they stayed. the rest of the houses were demolished. In 1994 the descision to make this a white only area was overturned, and some black and other communities have applied to live in the area.

A very moving museum, its hard not be be outraged at what the Southa Africans did and were allowed to get away with.

Later that night we were treated to wonderful meal of mexican fajitias, chicken, salad. all very tasty. more tomorrow hopefully.

Day 11

Freshwater Canoeing

Well it looks like the great weather we had last week has finally gone. We all woke this morning to the sound of rain. Looking out from the balcony and the cloud base was below the balcony. Not very inviting. After contacting the activity centre which had arranged the activity, our fears were confirmed. Sorry no canoeing today. Tomorrow Rock climbing.

sorry

the posts for day 9 and 10 are the wrog way around. I started with day 10 instead of 9. more tomorrow. bye

Day 9

Sea Kyacking

Sorry about the latness of this post. been a bit busy.

Yesterday we went sea kyacking. Very tiring. Anyway, we took the transport to Simons Town just down Cape point and met Brian out guide. He then took us to Cape Point National Park. We got into pairs and launched the Kyacks.

We then proceded up the coast up to Cape Point about 6km away. The sea was quite calm until we reached Cape Point.

We took a few photos and then headed back towards our launce point. The journey back was a lot harder, not only because our ams were tiring, but also due to the wind and swells seemed to be against us.

A very enjoyable day, all in all, but very tiring. A good shoulder massage was in order, curtosy of Lee, our resident masseur. Thanks Lee. Tomorrow some Hourse trekking. Never done it before so that should be good. More tomorrow

Day 10

Horse Trekking

Sorry this is short blog, but food is ready. I'll update this later.
Back after some wonderfull food, by one of the resident chefs , Nigel. Back to the trekking.

What a great day. Never tried hourse riding before. A bit sof a sore bum, but thats to be expected. went along a track then acros the "bonu" down to the shore across sand and then a break for lunch. Very nice lunch. Then about another 1.5 hours back via a different route to the stables. Needed the walk about after that.

Thats me in the dayglow yellow jacket. --->

Day 7 & 8 - Days Off

Weekend Off
This weekend was our own to do with what we pleased. Some went Quad biking, some were supposed to go diving with sharks (in a cage) but the transport didnt turn up, some of us went on Safari. see more pics below:

How close are those rhino!!!!

Check back tomorrow for more AT activities. Mark

Day 6

Cape

Point

Hike

The route started off following the sandy beach following the numerous shipwreaks that have come aground over the years.
We then headed inland towards the lake. This is where we were to stop for lunch.

It took about 2 hours to get from the starting point to the lake. The route from the beach was across the "wilderness" with low level heathland and rocks. There was an opportunity to take in the views and the local wildlife (Some Elkland and Bontebok).

After lunch we headed back inland towards or final destination. This was about an hour and a half of continious walking. The final photo opportunity was just befor the descent back to the beach.

See right ---->

Day 5

Table Mountain

Well this Table Mountain. We went up the Platteklip Gorge. This is a 700m ascent from just below the cable car. The route is a mixture of slabs and boulders, some quite large. The whole group made it to the top after about 1hr 40. the normal is about 2hrs, so we done quite well. Then after a small break for drink we headed off for the summit. This was about another 45 mins from the top of the gorge.



The whole group at the summit. It was quite windy at the top and several degrees cooler.

Top Table Factoids

• Height: 1082m


• Snow: Never in recorded history


• Frogs: yes loads (I was supprised as well)

Then we took a different route back to the gorge. we traversed quite close to the ridge and then back across to the gorge for our descent. This was harder than most of us inticapated. Very hard on the joints, espically the knees. A very enjoyable, although challenging day. We all felt very proud that we'd accomplished the route.

Day 4

Mountain Biking

Todays trials started at the base of forrest. We started up the track fairly well. There was a forrest trial to get to the track which was followed by a steep climb.

then we went laterly across the forrest on a tricky trail, lots of roots, rocks and stumps.

<--- Halfway break

Up again. just as hard as the 1st hill. Barry (our Guide) new his stuff. then another cross forrest trail ending in a short climb. Then for the downhill. That was really good, through the forrest again but this time at speed. Lots of turns and drops, real mountain biking and loads of fun.

Well thats it for now. check back tomorrow for more news