Monday
Dear Elsie
Today I was reminded how important it is to try avoid solo hiking. I was so saddened to hear of the death of a young American hiker who went hiking on the same day we did (but a different part of the Table Mountain range). She was on her own and must have fallen. When she didn’t return, her friends and family became frantic and search parties were sent out. Those on foot couldn’t find her, but eventually on Sunday, a helicopter spotter saw her and she was retrieved. News of Brook Cheuvront’s death has swept across the world. When we were climbing the other day, I saw some treacherous parts that made me shudder at how easy it is to have a fatal fall. Falling off a ledge on the mountain can of course happen in a group, but when you are alone, you don’t have someone watching over you. Here are some of the scary spots…
Looking down at Camps Bay – there’s a vertical cliff.
In this photo below, Mike looks safe – but if he overbalanced and took a step back, he could have fallen into Platteklip Gorge.
And this is the view from the path. Scary for sure.
On the open mountain, there are no barriers or guard rails. You have to be so careful. And one of the biggest issues is there is so much beauty before you, there is the temptation to take photos, get a little closer and get distracted by looking at your cell phone.
So sobering. We are eager to go climbing again, but I will be even more careful than Saturday. I’m praying for the Cheuvront family today. What a tragedy.
Isaiah 43:1
But now, this is what the Lord says— He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
It’s not about now – we are only passing through.
Keep the smile going.
God bless you.
In His Grip,
Gran xx 🙂