Magnificent Table Mountain...

We are off today to make our way to the top of Table Mountain.  She is the backdrop of our hotel and a lovely sight this morning with not a cloud in the sky and no wind.

Paul has had a cold for three days and now I have it.  At first, I began coughing after they sprayed that noxious bug bomb on the airplane, using the same size on our 52 seater that they use on the big planes.  It was very strong and lingered a long while. If you have asthma I seriously suggest bringing a mask.

But this morning it is apparent that I have his chest cold.

With no appetite, we had only a scone for breakfast. I personally am very wobbly today.  I am wearing my infinity scarf pulled up over my mouth and nose to protect my colleagues on the bus.  My cough is certainly enough to make people scatter.

Heading off past the new stadium built for the world cup, we enter downtown traffic, passing what they not so affectionately call Trump Tower and the home of the National Bank.  Wending our way through some old neighborhoods, we begin our ascent through the tree lined foothills.  All the umbrella pines look a little bit like Rome.  

Cars are already parking on the shoulder of the pavement and hiking up to the tram station. Johnny is our fine driver and manages on the narrow road.  We park and everything goes like clockwork.  Skipping the queue we are soon climbing aboard the cable car, a tram car that rotates 360 degrees during the four minute ride to the top.

Lion's Head Mountain with Robben Island in the distance.

Soon we alight on the top of this granite mountain topped with sandstone, a plateau stretching two miles wide and edged with impressive cliffs. Flanked by Devil's Peak to the east and Lion's head to the west, it forms a dramatic backdrop to Cape Town.

Our hotel is the multi storied building faintly visible at the water's edge

The views are spectacular and Tony is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to anything Cape Town, his home base.  We have some free time to wander around glad that it is not yet too hot.  Hiking trails mark the mountain and many deaths are recorded each year from accidents.  It is very rugged terrain and the sedimentary rock is soft, the perfect combination for falls.

Now we are off to the Boschendal Winery for a tasting.  White wrought iron tables are set up under a spreading oak tree with sets of tasting glasses glinting in the dappled shade.  Paul, Gary and I skip the cellar tour opting to lay our heads on an empty table.  I think all the others enjoyed to two white and two red tastes.

But we are not done.  Back on the bus we drive a short distance through the vineyard to Alleé Bleu, attached to another winery.  Here picnic tables are laid out under the trees.  There is yet another tasting captained by a very pretty girl.

After salads were laid on the table, the staff arrive with wicker baskets lined with blue and white checked gingham.  Inside are salads in mason jars,  a spiced beef wrap, some minced beef and curry buntie pies (empanadas), white chocolate mousse and a score of condiments.  Very nice presentation. We couldn't eat much.

It as after three and Tony can tell that his flock is flagging.  So rather than add any more stops, we head back to the hotel.

View from our room

Bedtime for the Krupp's: 4:30 PM