Helderberg Sleepover: 27 February 2010 — 28 February 2010
 
We were 5 adults and 6 children. The youngest participant was 7 years and the oldest 62 years.
 
It was rather hot on the first leg up to the gorge, but everyone was in good spirit. Even blisters didn’t dampen the enthusiasm.
At the gorge we had a rest and refreshing drink of cool mountain water.

Water falls in Disa Gorge

Our next leg was to reach the neck. Luckily we walked in the shade most of the time from here.
Slowly we all zigzagged up the mountain.
 
“How long still till we reach the top?” was a question often asked. Andreas patiently explained how far it still is.
 
Reaching the neck was wonderful. It was a fantastic sight, Cape Town and Stellenbosch lying way down below.  Now we were nearly at the top!
 
At last the sleeping area was reached. From there it was a short walk up to the beacon.
 
All the effort was worth it! The feeling of standing on top of the world! The sun setting one side and a full moon shining on the other!
 
Everyone found a sleeping spot among grass tufts and stones.
Luckily there was nearly no wind where we slept and it was warm.
The full moon lit up the sky making the use of torches unnecessary.
We were all very tired so we soon fell asleep.
 
The orange moon setting over Table Mountain the next morning was just overwhelming.
 
We went down on the western side then followed the top contour route, along the cliffs. It was a lovely shady walk right back to the gorge. Andreas showed us where the caves are situated. We saw the most beautiful Nerinas flowering among the cliffs.
 
All in all it was an adventure never to be forgotten. Well done to everyone who came along!