Long Weekend Adventure – Discovering the Five Dams on Table Mountain

Direction pole at Woodhead dam

Shortly after I’ve started hiking, I’ve heard about the five dams on Table Mountain and I made it my mission to go and discover these dams. So this past long weekend, Mr M suggested that we go on a small adventure. I could obviously not contain my excitement and was up at 5 am to start our 6 am hike.

Sunrise over False Bay

We started out at Constantia Nek and went along with the jeep track. The sunrise from half way up the mountain was incredible.

The first dam we got to was De Villiers dam. When we arrived at this dam, it is evident that we’re experiencing water shortages as you can literally see what used to be the bottom of the dam.

Evidence of dryness at De Villiers dam

Just after passing the Overseer’s Cottage (definitely on my list of things to do) we got to the Alexandra dam.

Captured from the dam wall at Alexandra dam

Shortly after is the Victoria dam. By this time, you notice how the dams are increasing in size and volume.

The suns rays over the Victoria dam

The fourth dam is by far my favourite dam and that’s the Woodhead dam. The sight of this dam was simply breathtaking. When you’re here, it’s hard to believe that you’re actually on top of a mountain. You dont’ realise that you’re approximately 750m above sea level.

My most favourite dam….Woodhead dam

Right next to the Woodhead dam is the largest, fullest dam, Hely Hutchinson. The overflow from this dam flows into the Woodhead dam. With the shortage of rain, the Hely Hutchinson barely has an overflow. I cannot wait to see what the dams look like when they’re filled to capacity.

The largest dam, the Hely Hutchinson dam

This has by far been one of my best hikes ever. The views were absolutely beautiful and cannot wait to share it with our Kilimanjaro training team.

Happy Hiker

The Story Behind My Decision to do the Kilimanjaro Charity Challenge

It was a random day in August 2014 after a short trip to Cape Town,  when I sat at my desk and decided that I needed to do something out of the ordinary. It must have been my short love affair with Table Mountain that inspired me to do some research on Kilimanjaro, The Roof of Africa.

It was then that I wrote down my plan to trek Kilimanjaro in 2017.

At this point, I must have hiked about twice only in my life and really didn’t make any further effort. Let’s just say, the idea died almost as soon as it was born.

The Surfboard

I remember seeing pictures of this spot when I first started out hiking. It wasn’t until a few weeks ago whilst training with Kilimanjaro team that I found myself there. I was delighted to have found it, but I was a little disappointed that Mr wasn’t with me to have experienced it together. I promised him however, that he will get a personalized tour. Happy Hiking

Sunrise vs Sunset

I absolutely love sunsets! It’s the most mesmerizing time of day and the Cape is not short of beautiful sunsets. It gives you that assurance that everything has a place and time, like the sun came up earlier, it will set, and simply rise again.

I have, however, started to appreciate sunrises more. It wasn’t until a few weeks ago, when I realised that not only do I have brilliant sunset views from my home, but if up early enough, majestic sunrises as well.

The featured image was captured on my hike the past Sunday, along the Pipetrack just after sunrise. I’ve been lucky to have captured some magical moments on the weekly training hikes.
Happy Hiking

Meeting New People

I’ve discovered so much about myself after moving to Cape Town, that it sometimes feels like I’ve been living someone else’s life all along. I’ve always believed myself to be an extrovert, but on my journey to self discovery, I realised that I truly am an introvert and quite happy to be one.

Making new friends or just meeting new people has always been a daunting task for me. I’ve spent a fair amount of value time wrapped up in my own insecurities and looking back now, I can almost see all the missed opportunities I’ve had, if I had just believed a little more in myself. Nevertheless, rather now than never right? Back to meeting new people….I have met some amazing people on my hikes and in our hiking group. I have been surprised as to how easy it is to get to know new people once you’re truly comfortable in your own skin. The greatest thing about getting to know people is that you rediscover so much about yourself. Happy Hiking

From Cape to Kili

Just two months ago, hiking was just a pastime over the weekends, if the Mr and I felt up to it. Needless to say, we had more off weekends than on.

Exactly a month ago, I decided to participate in the annual fundraiser “Kilimanjaro Challenge”, that the NGO I work for hosts. It was something I’ve always wanted to do, but never really got around to the actual planning of it. So along with the actual climb of the mountain, we are challenged to raise money for the welfare, care and education for the children and orphans of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Now, anyone who really knows me, knows that there are two things I’m extremely passionate about, children and reading. Not having any children of my own, I feel it’s my human responsibility to try and make a difference in the lives of children who are not left with much choice, children who’s voices are not heard. Literacy is a fundamental human right and the foundation of lifelong learning. It is essential to social and human developments in it’s ability to transform lives.

When I first heard of this fundraiser, I super stoked as I simply love a good physical challenge, but the deal sealer was the fact that extra effort has to go into it as we try to raise funds as well. Having full knowledge of where the money is going to and what that money will do, that adds more value to this whole experience.

The trek is scheduled for August 2- 11. I still have a long way to go in terms of training and fundraising, but, I will get there! We’ve actively been training over the weekends, where we’ve been hiking between 3-5 hours. I will be posting on our training sessions, as well as any other hikes or outdoor adventures. Happy Hiking

12 Apostles