Not at his fittest and a little fearful of heights, it was going to be a challenge, but Paul Sliwa rose to it and achieved the summit of Table Mountain via the India-Venster route, in a very respectable 3 hours.

Paul Sliwa, from Florida, USA, takes in the view from the top of Venster Buttress. Photo: Tred Magill

The first 30min, from the lower Cable Station to the Contour path, is often enough to put most visitors off. Despite being tempted to quit, Paul doggedly continued up Venster Buttress and finally got his second-wind.

From there it was just the narrow ledges on the upper reaches of Arrow Buttress that nearly unnerved Paul, but with sheer determination and strength Paul hauled himself up and onto Fountain Ledge which we traversed in more leisurely fashion; and on to the top. Well done Paul!