Lion's Head and A Swim

Tuesday December 14th.

After packing and organizing this morning I decided to hike up Lion's Head Mountain. It's a pointed peak beside Table Mountain. I took a cab to the base and then began the climb. At first it's a steady climb around the peak and then it's a challenging climb up. At points you use chains and ladders. If you enlarge the photos of the mountain you can see people doing it. Beautiful and great climb. The vista at the top is a spectacular 360 degrees.

After descending, I decided to take the trail that leads to Signal Hill, rather than walking back through the city. The day I was up on Table Mountain I asked if there was a path down off Signal Hill that led back to Green Point. I was told by several people that there wasn't. That didn't make sense to me, I mean there are dozens of paths up Table Mountain and there isn't any off Signal Hill? So, I chanced it. After walking all that way to Signal Hill, I wasn't about to turn around and retrace my steps, so... I did find a faint, very steep trail, over rough ground, but it did lead down to a road. I was afraid that I'd wind up in backyards, with barbwire fences, but I came to a road. Then I found a couple of steep staircases that led down the rest of the way off the hill and surprisingly right to the Jewish Synagogue beside my hostel! Success.

Called a cab and transfered to the Tulip Hotel where I will meet my safari group. Then I went to a bank and took out $1000 US for visas. Then I grabbed a cab (the same one that brought me from my hostel!) and went to the public swimming pool at Sea Point. From the pool I had a wonderful view of Lion's Head Mountain where I'd been a few hours before. When I came out of the pool, the same cabbie was waiting for me and took me back to the Tulip.

Did a quick shop for last minute toiletries and the like and then I met my group. We are 22 strong and come from lots of different countries. I have an Englishman, John Hind from Exeter, as a bunkie. He seems like a good guy, and he'd better be, 'cause we're going to spend 54 days together! He's still waiting of his luggage to arrive! We got our briefing. All systems are go. We leave at seven in the morning.

So, I'm finishing this, phoning Dan and Mom and Dad and then heading to bed.

I am sad to be leaving Cape Town. I had a fantastic time here. The best city I have yet visited. I could see living here. Also sad to be leaving the Atlantic Point Backpackers Hostel, by far the best hostel I've stayed in. However, I'm excited to be beginning the centre piece of my year off - the Ultimate Africa Safari!