Feedback Saturday 2nd April: Constantia Nek

21 turned up in the pre-dawn dark of an early autumn morning for our group run which eventually turned into a challenging pot-pourie because  Sandy, suggested that we take advantage of the cool morning to run a longer distance.  This was immediately perceived as a challenge by most  who enthusiastically endorsed this suggestion.  So without further delay we set off at a brisk pace up the winding trail to the upper route and contour path to Skeleton Gorge.   Here we parted company with five who had commitments and had to turn back, some seemingly reluctantly.  


Now the hard work began as we made our way up seemingly endless steps to reach the contour path, then after clambering over  rock-falls we discovered a poorly looking Tim- the El Supremo of trail running who was having an infection induced stall.  He was being watched over by Di the Acsis VOB club captain who had joined up with Tim's group to sass-out this trail running mania for herself.   She decided to join up with us as we were far better company.  Tim  assured us he would be OK  waiting for the long run group to return so we left him contemplating what economic advice he would give the Japanese to aid their recovery.


After a flattish jog along the narrow stony path interspersed with running on the boardwalks above Newlands we cut down the Silvertree route and made our way back to Kirstenbosch and after a quick, no instant group discussion, [after all Di was present] decided to forego the easy run home and head back up to the upper path above the gardens and follow the narrow trails cut into the wooded flanks of the mountain back to what remains of Cecelia forest. Then through the upper gate, down the steps and back along the upper gravel road past Angela's plaque and down to Constantia Nek.  


By all accounts a good, somewhat tough yet uneventful run of 12.8 Kms with a running time of 2hrs 18 mins.  Although Sam was heard to mutter "Trail run 1: Sam 0"