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Montegu
Monday, 26 February 2007
Kirsten, Monique and I left Friday afternoon from Cape Town. It was a hot day and there was plenty of traffic due to a nasty accident and a mountain pass closure. Our destination, Montegu, was only meant to be a two hour drive. We arrived in a little less than five hours but it was well worth it. The mountains within Cape Town and well beyond the city boundaries are spectacular. They are a rock climber’s dream. We stayed at a farm called De Bos (http://www.debos.co.za/debos.html) Monique and Kirsten are really talented climbers, so they were the rope guns for the weekend. We went up a six pitch route called “Another Day in Paradise” (it is rated a 21, which is like a 10D). The rock is sandstone and has great friction and formations. We were in the sun all day and were rather wiped out. Luckily, there is a refreshing pool at the farm stay. We did some yoga till sunset and then made dinner. There was a campfire and I played my guitar, it was like being in West Virginia… except we were in Africa. It was nice to be out in the country where you don’t have to always be looking over your shoulder.
The next day we hiked into a canyon and winded our way up to Skull Wall. The trails are loose and rocky and very eroded. Not the best trail for sandals! It was a bit challenging in that sense. The climbs were nice and long, facey, crimpy, balancey… nice positive holds and good ledges for your feet (to all the non-climbers sorry for the gibberish lingo.) I love climbing. This sport has taken me to some of the most incredible places in the world. Some of the climbing areas are close to towns and cities, but most are further away. Being in the wilderness is a nourishing break from the bustles and commotions of civilization. At the same time, it also makes one all the more appreciative of that refreshing swimming pool at the campground! A cold beverage tastes all the better too after having spent hours sweating in the sun drinking hot water. For me it’s all about finding the balance between the two, civilization and wilderness, and being grateful for my health. We got back to Cape Town Sunday night. Today Saul and Kelly and I are going to Stellenbosch (http://www.stellenbosch.org.za/) to do some wine tasting. Don’t worry, Kelly is 5 months pregnant so we have a designated driver!
Posted: 02.26.2007
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