Friday 22 June 2012

Drakensberg South Africa Day 6 - Natal Mountain Hut to West of Rwanga Pass 15 May 2012.

Drakensberg South Africa - Day 6
Natal Mountain Hut to West of Rwanga Pass
Distance 20km Climb 100m
Tuesday 15th May 2012


As usual, Fatha and Woody were up first, putting the water on.  Closely followed by Lyle and then a little while later by myself, then Tim, Steely and Itchy.  As we were packing and getting ready to move off, the other walking group came up to the hut and moved passed us.  They had camped at the bottom of the bank next to the stream, the stream that fell over the Thukela Falls.

Fatha, Lyle, Woody, Itchy and Steely had a look down the side near the falls and said it was some steady drop.  Apparently it took some time for a stone that fell off the top to hit the bottom.  Our expedition leader told us that a couple of years ago a climber had fallen on some ice at the falls so this was a place where you need to be careful. 

Getting ready for the day.
When we were ready Tim navigated us up the path South from the hut away from the falls and kept us to the high ground as best as he could.  Woody would also be navigating and doing the check navigating.  Each day started with a climb, and due to the altitude I found it would take me a few minutes before I would get into my stride.  It did not take us long before we saw the other group, they should have been a long way ahead but they seamed to be criss crossing the area rather than taking a direct route as we had.  

The other group passing the hut
Lyle, Tim, Steely, Woody checking the route
Moving across the area we passed a few uninhabited huts.   

Steely moving from one of the uninhabited huts 
Fatha pointed out to me an eagle sitting on a rock.  As he had a good camera with a zoom lens he tried to sneak up on it and take its photo.  We sat and watched.  It flew off just as he got into a good position to take a photo.

Fatha stalking an eagle
Tim, Woody and Lyle moving towards another hut 
Woody and Tim
Hitchy, Fatha and Steely at rest

Fatha, Steely and Lyle
 Due to the height we were at although bright and sunny the weather was cool.  Which would lead to a high risk of sunburn.

Tim, Lyle and Itchy
Lyle lying that he was knacked,  what a fibber.  It was all so easy for him.
Steely
We passed near what was called Crowest Cave at 2970m and a high point of 3110m.  Before following a stream to take us to another stream junction approx ½ km West of Rwanga Pass at 2995m, where we stayed the night. 

We had approx 100m climbing and descending and covered approx 20km walking.   

More to follow


Boz North
Details correct at time of walking.
If you have enjoyed reading my walk or found it useful you may also like to read other walks I have done in South Africa or other areas. Please check out the links on the right hand side.

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