Lost and found on Table Mountain
A cross believed to be from a gravestone, which was handed to TMAC staff as lost property.
One of the most common questions one wants to ask when getting a call about a lost item is: “Where was it lost?” But clearly the item would not be lost if the answer to this question was known!
Being in charge of lost property on Table Mountain has its rewarding and frustrating moments.
Just recently, I came across a lady who was so upset she could barely speak. I eventually got her to sit down, drink a glass of water and tell me what the problem was.
It was her teenage son’s birthday and the family had decided to celebrate by coming up Table Mountain. They had bought with them the son’s brand new camera – a birthday gift from his parents.
The mother had being taking the last photo of the day and had, in the excitement of the moment, left the camera wherever she had taken the pic.
The good news is that we have a lost property procedure on the mountain and in most cases we manage to reunite owners and lost items.
This particular day was a good one and I have never been happier or seen such joy as when I handed back this young boy’s camera.
I am sorry I don’t have a picture of the particular moment, but it will forever be in my mind’s eye as a special day at work for me.
And the frustrations that come with lost property? One of my challenges right now is trying to figure out how on earth I’ve come to be in the possession of what looks to be a cross from a gravestone…
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