RE: first time on Table Mountain | After 21 years of looking at it!
I was born at the foot of that mountain and if the photos we big and hi-res, I'd be able to zoom in and circle 4 places I've lived. My current place is just outside of your one shot.
Glad you finally did that! Remember that you get to ride the cable car for free on your birthday in case you weren't aware.
You are both in great shape, so I do recommend the hike up. It's no easy stroll, but far from impossible. I did it while overweight and more than once!
Once you step over that last bit of rock and onto that plateau, it's a rush man. You feel so high on life and appreciate the view and the beauty of the mountain's unique biome even more. Nothing like tripping out on your own endorphins.
It's also a good idea to choose one ravine for the ascent and another for going down. The ravines on the Southern Suburbs side are covered in indigenous Afromontane forest, much like what you find on the Garden Route. The ones that end up in Kirstencosch are particularly stunning.
wow! i had no idea you can ride it for free on your birthday! thanks so much for your comment. yes i am so keen to hike up now, iv hiked lions head afew times aswell as elephants eye and many other places, nothing clears the head more than an early morning hike! your advice will be heavily considered when we plan on hiking Table Mountain.