A group of 11 senior scouts from 6th Rondebosch came together under the leadership of scouters to test themselves against the mighty Vlakenberg in the pitch dark. Walking from Price Drive to Constantia Nek.
I was really excited and looking forward to the hike but did have a few worries with the thought of hurting myself in the dark but the scouters reassured us of our safety and throughout the hike made us feel secure.
We set out at 6:30 pm just as the sun was starting to set in the sky. Sadly, we missed the sunset as the clouds descended over the mountain.
It started with an easy flat path which gradually turned into an uphill climb. A slight detour in the dark led to a bit of bundu bashing but soon we were back on track.
By the time we reached the top of the mountain the sky was dark. I will most definitely be buying a much brighter and better torch as it was quite tricky to see the path but we all worked together and stayed together to reach the goal. Which is an important value that scouts teaches us. Team work is dream work.
At the top the scouters treated us to a very delicious mug of hot chocolate as we watched the twinkling lights of the city below. Coming down it was not as steep but a gentle downhill walk ending with wooden steps.
A few minor scraps but we all triumphed and got back down in the end reaching the parking lot at 9:15 pm laughing and shouting as we jumped into the warmth of the awaiting vehicles.
If you get the opportunity it is an adventure I would definitely recommend to other scouts.
Isabella Ciolli
6throndeboschscouts.org 
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