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Platteklip Gorge Trail: The "Easy" Route
The Platteklip Gorge Trail is often referred to as the "easy" route, but it’s anything but simple. Especially for those of us that live in the land of the flat (Midwest US). Over the course of just 1.1 miles (1.8 km), we ascended 2,200 feet (670 m). The trail was challenging, particularly as the sun began to rise and heat our backs, making us question our life choices. However, the stunning views made every step worth it.
Reaching the Summit of Table Mountain
Once we reached the summit, we were greeted by a vast, flat plateau that gives Table Mountain its name. There are trails around the top that offer panoramic views of Cape Town from every angle, and we were thrilled to explore them all. We were also glad we started our hike early in the day—by 11 a.m., the gondola was bringing up crowds of people, making the summit much busier.
An Evening Drive Along Chapman’s Peak
After a refreshing nap and shower back at our Airbnb, we decided to drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive. This scenic route offered incredible views, and we even managed to pick up some geocaches along the way. We ended our day at Chapman’s Peak, where we watched a breathtaking sunset over Hout Bay, with the sun dipping into the Atlantic Ocean.
Dinner at Jakes on the Common
On our way back, Mark found a restaurant with great reviews called Jakes on the Common. However, when we arrived, the restaurant was without power due to loadshedding—a common occurrence in South Africa where electricity is rationed. Fortunately, after enjoying our first local gin drinks, the power returned, and we were treated to a truly memorable meal.
Understanding Loadshedding in South Africa
Loadshedding is South Africa’s way of managing an aging electrical grid by rotating power outages across the country. While most places have backup generators, Jakes on the Common had a blown generator that left them temporarily without power. This experience gave us a firsthand look at the challenges posed by loadshedding, which has significant economic impacts on the country.
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