Where’s Washer – Three Peaks Challenge 2003

Washer and about 86 other mountain lovers

I remember a few years ago seeing an article on the Three Peaks Challenge and thinking that it sounded like a good idea until I read further and found out what it entailed. This event which reenacts C.W Schneeberger’s 1897 feat of ascending all three of Cape Town’s Peaks (Devil’s Peak, Maclear’s Beacon, and Lion’s Head) starting at Green Market Square and returning there after each peak in one day sounded ludicrous. So how did I find myself standing on a chilly Saturday morning at 5:00 am with about 87 other crazies awaiting starters orders for my 2nd challenge?

Not quite sure really but the truth is I’m hooked on this event. Even though I promised myself last year while half way up Platteklip Gorge that I would do this only once, I now find myself aiming at completing 5 challenges and receiving my “permanent” 3 peaks number.

This year the weather gods were not so kind, making the Challenge just a little bit tougher (As if it isn't tough enough). Eighty-seven of us set off from 108 Long Street (the site of the old Johannesburg hotel and Schneeberger’s starting point) jostling with coke dealers and late night revelers on what I can only call a particularly special and uniquely Cape Town event.
I wasn't feeling so cheerful as I summitted a dark, cold and windy Devil's Peak at about 6.25 am, wondering what the hell I was doing there (no pun intended). Things started looking up though as we descended to the saddle. The sun peeked through and lit up the top of Lion's Head like a beacon; beckoning and teasing us and making me wish I were there.

It would be roughly another 5 ½ hours before I would reach the top of that third and final peak. Standing on Lion's Head, now bathed in sunshine, looking back on Devil's Peak and Table Mountain it suddenly all made sense again. The reasons why we do this become clearer and more obscure at the same time.

A little while later I completed my second challenge in 8 hrs and 17 minutes beating last year's time by 10 minutes. Very tired and very happy I started to consider doing it again the next year.
The truth is I wouldn't miss this event for the world. I'm not sure what it is but these challenging and special events seem to be addictive.

Pics and results of 3 Peaks Challenge 2003

See you on the mountains