Table Mountain is a sedimentary rock-formation (formed by or from deposits of sediment) that was laid down in layers over a period of about 200 million years. A collision between Africa and an unknown oceanic continent about 250 million years ago upheaved the earth’s crust around the southwest corner of Africa, scrunching together multiple layers of solidified sediment about 5 km thick.
Table Mountain is approximately 260 millions years old! Much older than the Himilayian's or the Rocky Mountain
Back then, Table Mountain soared 3 to 4 times higher than what it is today. Then erosion got to work on it – millions of years’ rain and wind – gnawing away its tilted outer layers one grain at a time, reducing it to its inner core, where the layers had remained horizontal. These layers eroded along the vertical planes and created a flat-topped mountain. But that’s only part of the story: what contributed to the formation of the Table is the random absence of major faults in the chunk of rock that ended up being Table Mountain. Faults, or cracks, are lines of weakness that erodes more rapidly (water run-off) than the surrounding rock, forming ravines, gorges and gullies.
We left our hostel, Salty Crax, (I just like saying that because it makes Roman laugh) at 9:30am. Our first stop....McDonalds for breakfast in the car. One can always trust that they know what they are getting no matter what country the McDonalds is in. Of course, this may not always be a good thing but it was a convenient thing and a small comfort while far from home.
Very good news that Dad's international driving has grown to left lane driving from the "passenger's seat" while shifting with the left hand, drinking a latte and eating a Sausage McMuffin. Good that we are all trained in CPR to resuscitate Mom after each morning rush hour drive through Cape Town.
Mom researched the many trails which can be taken to summit Table Mountain. We selected the trail that follows Platteklip Gorge to the top. It is a prominent gorge that runs up the center of the mountain. It is obvious from the bottom that you are in for a tough hike.
A picture from the trailhead.
Mabret and Roman embraced the challenge and set out ahead of us but staying close together. They took turns leading and following each other.
We are truly proud to report that Roman and Mabret reached the top without a single complaint and while offering each other support and companionship.
Mom and Dad finished "a few paces behind." As usual, Dad had both backpacks.
Our just reward was a cable car ride to the bottom. A view of Lion's Head Peak which is to the west.
After returning to Salty Crax, Roman and Mabret willingly sat down to tackle a couple hours of school work. They did an outstanding job. We are all feeling over the jetlag and settling into life in South Africa.
We returned to Catch 22 for dinner. It was outstanding again. As in most restaurants here, the staff is made up of people from South Afrcia as well as many other African Nations. We have had many conversations with folks while learning about their heritage and sharing our travel story. Tonight, our waiter, Sam, shared that he is originally from Zimbabwe. Sam inquired of Mabret about his heritage. Mabret explained that he was from Ethiopia and we were traveling through Afrcia en route to Ethiopia. Sam gave Mabret a big handshake and hug and said, "good to meet you my African Brother."
After dinner we headed to the beach to watch fireworks. As I am certain that all of you know, today is Guy Fawkes Day. Guy Fawkes was a member of the Gunpowder Plot to kill King James I in 1605. Mr. Fawkes was arrested while guarding explosives the plotters had placed beneath the House of Lords. Celebrating the fact that King James I had survived the attempt on his life, people lit bonfires around London and an annual tradition began.
We have no plan for tomorrow. Knock off some school work and take it from there.
