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The Chain Ladders
29 Apr 2018 08:14 #73319
by ghaznavid
Replied by ghaznavid on topic The Chain Ladders
On Thursday we were told that the contractor hasn't arrived yet, so we used them.
And no - me posting this less than 100 hours after using the chain ladders doesn't mean I've finally done a sub-100h GT. I'll post the story soon, but Mike got sick and we had to bail at Thuthumi Pass.
And no - me posting this less than 100 hours after using the chain ladders doesn't mean I've finally done a sub-100h GT. I'll post the story soon, but Mike got sick and we had to bail at Thuthumi Pass.
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30 Apr 2018 10:04 #73325
by AdrianT
Replied by AdrianT on topic The Chain Ladders
Correction. There is a sign, but people still use the ladders. Hopefully when the real work begins no one tries to go up 
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04 May 2018 17:32 - 04 May 2018 17:47 #73385
by Colan
Replied by Colan on topic The Chain Ladders
We descended via the chain ladders on Sunday, only to run into a Witsieshoek Guide escorting some others up 
. So to confirm - they are operable.
. So to confirm - they are operable.
Last edit: 04 May 2018 17:47 by Colan.
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22 Apr 2019 18:20 #74916
by Peter Hattingh
Replied by Peter Hattingh on topic The Chain Ladders
Is the construction at the chain ladders complete? In other words, are the ladders "open"?
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23 Apr 2019 11:57 #74920
by GriffBaker
Replied by GriffBaker on topic The Chain Ladders
The ladders are open. No construction has occurred on them. Just follow the grey brick road(trail)
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26 Sep 2019 10:14 - 26 Sep 2019 10:15 #75352
by Herman
Replied by Herman on topic The Chain Ladders
On Sunday morning one of the two anchors on the right-hand bottom ladder sheared off(!) Upon inspection, it was found that it was rusted halfway through. The other anchor looks much the same, apparently. I.e. that ladder is very unsafe. Don't use it!
Last edit: 26 Sep 2019 10:15 by Herman.
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26 Sep 2019 10:43 #75353
by Smurfatefrog
Replied by Smurfatefrog on topic The Chain Ladders
It happened sometime during Saturday, I had gone up the same right ladder on Saturday morning!
This is the latest
Chain Ladders to the Amphitheatre: Update
A meeting was held at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge between the Dept of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and their Implementing Agent on Wednesday 25th September. DEA confirmed that they have allocated funds for access projects in the area, and are in the process of submitting plans to include the complete replacement of the Chain Ladders in that project. In the interim the lower ladder on the right remains closed to hikers. Management of Witsieshoek are currently getting experts to assess repair and stabilization options pending the full replacement of the ladders.
On Saturday one of the shackles that bolts the bottom, right-hand chain ladder to the rocks on the Amphitheatre sheared off at the rockface, and has compromised the structure of that ladder. The left-hand ladder has no problems. These ladders are accessed from the Sentinel Peak Car Park by hikers who are hiking to the top of the Amphitheatre and on to Tugela Falls and Mont-aux-Sources. No-one was injured, and the ladder is still attached to the rockface. Temporary nylon rope has been used to reduce the movement of the ladder, but that ladder is unquestionably not safe for use.
The Sentinel Peak Hike is still open and hikers can either use the ladder on the left, which is open, or the Gully.
www.witsieshoek.co.za/blog/chain-ladders-to-the-amphitheatre-update
This is the latest
Chain Ladders to the Amphitheatre: Update
A meeting was held at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge between the Dept of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and their Implementing Agent on Wednesday 25th September. DEA confirmed that they have allocated funds for access projects in the area, and are in the process of submitting plans to include the complete replacement of the Chain Ladders in that project. In the interim the lower ladder on the right remains closed to hikers. Management of Witsieshoek are currently getting experts to assess repair and stabilization options pending the full replacement of the ladders.
On Saturday one of the shackles that bolts the bottom, right-hand chain ladder to the rocks on the Amphitheatre sheared off at the rockface, and has compromised the structure of that ladder. The left-hand ladder has no problems. These ladders are accessed from the Sentinel Peak Car Park by hikers who are hiking to the top of the Amphitheatre and on to Tugela Falls and Mont-aux-Sources. No-one was injured, and the ladder is still attached to the rockface. Temporary nylon rope has been used to reduce the movement of the ladder, but that ladder is unquestionably not safe for use.
The Sentinel Peak Hike is still open and hikers can either use the ladder on the left, which is open, or the Gully.
www.witsieshoek.co.za/blog/chain-ladders-to-the-amphitheatre-update
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17 Aug 2020 17:59 #75949
by HikerParsons
Replied by HikerParsons on topic The Chain Ladders
Is there an update in respect of the Chain Ladders replacement project? Are both ladders safe to use?
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17 Aug 2020 21:14 #75950
by Smurfatefrog
Not sure on the status, Witsieshoek would be the ones to ask
Replied by Smurfatefrog on topic The Chain Ladders
Bottom right ladder is still unsafe.HikerParsons wrote: Is there an update in respect of the Chain Ladders replacement project? Are both ladders safe to use?
Not sure on the status, Witsieshoek would be the ones to ask
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07 Dec 2020 13:59 #76358
by ridr
Replied by ridr on topic The Chain Ladders
Hi, I'm planning on doing the hike tomorrow (8 December 2020) with my 10 year old daughter. Hopefully the weather permits it! What is the safety like now camping at the top of the Tugela falls / by the ranger's hut? Or where would be best to pitch our tent that doesn't add too much distance to the hike? (We'll probably go up the ladders and possibly down the gully.)
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