Climbing Table Mountain

Yesterday was an adventure; a test in patience and perseverance. There were definitely moments that I thought I wouldn't make it, but yesterday I climbed a mountain... and I'm still climbing!

We started gathering in the late morning, and it was almost noon when our large group reached the base of the mountain where the cable cars take the less ambitious travelers to the top of the mountain in a matter of minutes. The sun was hot, one of the hottest days we've had since I've been here, and there was mixed opinions about whether or not it was wise to set off on such an ambitious challenge as the sun hit its highest point in the sky. But set out we did - a group of about 9 German interns, 3 local Capetonians, and me. The first part of the trek took us to a resting place and it was clear that we had two different groups of climbers - those that wanted to rush ahead, tough and determined, and those that wanted to take it more relaxed, slow and easy. I was in the second group. There were 5 of us - me, a German girl, a German guy, and 2 guys from Cape Town. We made 1 wrong turn near the beginning of the climb, straight up a rocky trail, (which we were later told was very dangerous) but quickly realized we were on the wrong path and made our way back on track. The little detour added about 30 minutes and some extra effort to our climb, but in exchange we found a beautiful little waterfall where we stopped to cool down. The sun was extremely hot, and there was some consideration of abandoning the whole thing. But we had come this far, we couldn't just give up!

Once we regained our sense of direction, and had a few moments to cool down, we pressed onward and upward, stopping often to rest and rejuvenate. It was a steady climb, my calves were aching, my head was spinning and more than once I asked myself why I agreed to join crazy venture. I made several pleas to God to come and rescue me, wishes to be scooped up on a magic carpet and more than once contemplated just laying down and giving up. We measured our progress by those returning from the top - "Only one hour left!" we kept hearing - "Not much farther!" and more honestly, "It's only going to get harder from here!" At a certain point one downward traveler said, "Put it this way, you're closer to the top than the bottom" and I realized that the only way out was up. As we approached the top, I was having to stop every few steps, my muscles were seizing up, I was breathing heavy and feeling dizzy. I am so grateful for my traveling companions, who reminded me often to close my eyes and breathe, relax and take it slow. After over 3 hours and hundreds of steps, we finally made it to the top. It was with a great sense of amazement that I stared out over Cape Town, looked down to where we started and realized how far we had traveled. I understand why the analogy of the mountain climb is so often used to describe the journey of life. Life is a challenge and sometimes you want to give up, but with determination, faith and encouragement from yourself and others, its amazing what you can accomplish. My spirit felt freer somehow, uplifted knowing I could complete such a challenge.

The top was bustling with activity, tourists from around the world, most who pay the $20 (Can.) to take the cable car, which zips up and down so fast that you hardly realize you're on top of a mountain. Before starting the climb, part of me judged those who took the "easy way" up, thinking that you can't really experience Table Mountain without the climb. However, with aching muscles we took the cable car down to meet the other (more ambitious) group who ran down the mountain in 30 minutes, and I realized that life is not a race. In fact, each person's experience of Table Mountain will be different, because each person's experience of life is different. We all made it up and down the mountain, we just did it differently. We all choose our path in the world, which mountains we will climb and how we will climb them. As long as I listen to my spirit's calling, choosing honestly the path and tempo that that work for me, I am truly living.

We ended the day at Camp's Bay Beach, with the cold Atlantic water lapping on the shore, people playing in the sand and enjoying the sunshine. I was exhausted as I looked up at Table Mountain, barely believing what I had accomplished in one short day. Even more than just the physical challenge, the climb helped me reflect on the mental challenges that block my ability to live compassionately in this world. My compassion must extend to myself as well as those stronger and weaker than me. It is with this spirit that I hope to live my life.

Last night, some my travel companions asked if I would climb the mountain again. "No way!" was all I could think. But after a good nights sleep and some time to reflect on the whole experience, I'm wondering when the next climb will be. I guess I just keep climbing.