The original inhabitants of the Cape – the Khoekhoen and San tribes – called Table Mountain Hoerikwaggo – “sea mountain,” and we had a beautiful hike to the top.  The cloud that often surrounds it, otherwise known as the tablecloth, was nowhere to be seen as we started our trek.  The route we took was through Platteklip Gorge.  The route takes you up some pretty steep rock steps, pretty much the whole way up.  We made it to the top in just under what they said to plan for–about 2.5 hours.  Our main concern was that it was recommended you NOT walk back down.  It’s steep and quite tough on the knees!  We ended up short on Rand (cash) after the taxi to close to where the trails started.  We were told at the lower cable station we stopped at to ask for information that credit cards were probably not accepted at the top.  Oh well, we decided to hope for the best, but after the climb we could hardly imagine having to walk back down.

The panoramic views from the top were unforgettable.  Cape Town and Table Bay were clear in the distance.  Interpretative plaques helped explain some history, flora and fauna of the table mountain, and more detail on what we were looking at.  We still wasted no time finding where tickets for the cable car back down were sold.  What a relief!  They accepted the credit card, and we left to meander around enjoying the views until we head back.  The cable car is quite modern, and revolves as it descends.  The views on the way down were lovely but brief.  After all that hard work to get to the top, the return took less than 4 minutes.

Back at the Ashanti, it was time for some cold Black Label beers, and visiting with some new friends.  Among visitors we’ve encountered, Americans seem to be in the minority.  There are a whole range of ages, nationalities and both guys and gals staying in the hostel.  Most are in the dorms, which sleep 6-8 people.  We have a double room, with a bed and sink.  The bathroom is shared.  For two nights, we stayed in an ensuite (private bathroom), which already seems like a big luxury.  Towels and soap are provided in the ensuite as well.  Whoo hoo!

One of the guys from California had just arrived.  The other had been here for a few weeks, fell in love with Cape Town, and returned to spend another month.  The other guys that night were South African; one worked at the hostel.  We played some pool, chat for hours, and had a great restful night after our climb.