Waking up to rain wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for, but that’s why it’s called adventure and nothing is predictable & things seldom work out exactly as planned.
So, after a quick pack of the electronics and some brekkie, my old mate Mark (aka B1) arrived to shuttle me to the start: Cape Point Lighthouse.
After some quick pics and light banter, the stopwatch was started and we headed off… Mark bailing at the car, of course. He still thinks I’m mad.
Getting through the reserve is also a scenic journey in itself – 12km of amazing vegetation, great views and speeding busses. One would think the tourists would insist on driving slower so that they can actually see the area they’re travelling through.
One couple did stop next to me and ask if they could give me a lift and didn’t look too happy when I said they weren’t likely to be going anywhere near where I was going, so I’d rather walk. After explaining a little better, they laughed and commended by jokes and high spirits considering what a massive challenge lies ahead of me.
Two and a bit hours into the day I made it to the entrance gate and took a short break, giving the shoulders a much needed break and time to enjoy some Mule fuel. Followed by some Red Bull I was off again, pressing for Simon’s Town for lunch.
The rain came in, however, and made the going tough… especially as the wind was picking up too. Progress slowed as the body tired, shoulders really taking strain.
I pulled into Simon’stown and wolfed down a toasted sarmie, which is probably what I miss most on the trail. With grey overcast conditions and a soaking rain, leaving the restaurant wasn’t the easiest thing to do, but I thought that seen as I was already soaked, a little more rain wouldn’t hurt.
As the wind picked up, my exposed hands felt like someone was stabbing me – which is where bigger pockets wouldn’t come in handy! Alas, no such luck.
By the time I hit Kalk Bay I was pretty keen for the day to be over, but a flurry of smses picked up the spirits again and got me to Muizenberg. This is where I would’ve liked to finish the day, but home was calling so I pushed through a few more kilometres to get home for a hot bubble bath, home cooked meal and my own bed.
Featured Gear of the Day:
Buff – Merino Wool
What an amazing product! Dry or wet, this kept me warm without overheating and cut the wind out making me nice & comfy. Check out www.buff.es
Suunto stats for the day:
Time walked: 9h27min
Training effect: 2.8
Max HR: 158bpm
Avg HR: 131bpm
Energy consumption: 6774kcal
Distance: 45.77km
Avg Speed: 4.8km/h
Ascent: 1103m
Descent: 1341m
