Oct 30 2015
Peck’s Valley Hike with MBC
Even when the waves aren’t pumping at Muizenberg, nobody here at MBC is happy taking a day off and not being out and about. I found that out for the first time went we went hiking up Peck’s Valley (just behind our offices).
Mike leads us along the path
It had been quite a hot day and with the sun beginning to set, we – Mike, Asi and fellowvolunteer Lèna – set off up the valley in perfect hiking conditions with a strong wind keeping us cool. As we followed the rocky trail up, led by Mike, our guide for the day, I was quickly shown the extent and beauty of the Cape Flats that are so visible from the beginning of the hike.
The walk up was swift with everyone keeping a good pace, stopping only to drink from some of the great fresh water streams that had filtered through the rocks and fell down the cliffs. After around an hour of climbing we hit the top of the valley and were presented with an open landscape. Unscathed and sand covered with mountains as far as the eye could see – it was closed to perfection in my hiking eye. We battled on across the plain against the howling wind toward the caves where I was told we’d be able to crawl around and explore (when we eventually found them).
Up the Valley we go
However, following finding them I was completely astounded. Mike and Asi hurriedly took us into the darkness assuring Lèna and I that they knew the caves like the back of their hands, though after a few tense minutes of crawling we were all a little confused as to where our exit was. Though this was a slight issue, everyone was completely relaxed by the serenity of the caves and the wonderful silence they brought. The extent of the caves was too very impressive, with many smaller tunnels running far deeper into the mountains; we could only wonder where they’d take us if we were small enough to fit. After a few photos were taken, Mike then found us the exit through a gap in the rocks and a path back down the mountains.
The path – completely open and gracing us with mountains as far as our eyes could see
Stumbling back down the mountain covered in soot from the charred plants and with tired legs after running sections of the path and hopping from rocks, everyone was clearly tired from the hike. Regardless, it was clear how inspired by the enjoyment it brought we all were and ready itching to do a few more. Once again the MBC dudes have shown me an epic day out and I can only wonder where this experience will take us all next.
Asi, Mike, Lèna and I (Dan) stoked at the top of the valley being blinded by the sun trying to take a selfie
Beautiful views of Cape Point from a cliff edge