Kunena Site Syndication http://www.vertical-endeavour.com/ Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:24:02 +0200 Kunena 1.5.12 http://www.vertical-endeavour.com/components/com_kunena/template/default_ex/images/english/emoticons/rss.gif http://www.vertical-endeavour.com/ Kunena Site Syndication http://www.vertical-endeavour.com/forums/32-nepal-general/1706-another-lukla-flight-crash.html#1706 ** This thread discusses: Another Lukla flight crash ( epal/34/164.html) ** A step-by-step analysis of what happened can be read here: http://www.nepalitimes.com.np/issue/2010/09/9/Nation/17418 On board was 31 year old Jeremy Taylor from Cape Town, who was on his way to climb Everest. http://www.climb.co.za/2010/08/capetonian-killed-in-everest-crash/ Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:34:38 +0200 http://www.vertical-endeavour.com/forums/12-drakensberg-caves/4-waterfall-cave.html#1705 @BergAttie: The pic below is the classic front view of the cave. It shows the forest in which the campsite is situated. A little further along from the view position, before you enter the main overhang, is a smaller shelter which may be used (too small for 8 though). When I saw it last it didn't have manure in it but does have a bit of litter and summer drips. The first, main sleeping area which you can see to the left of the waterfall is small but extremely well protected. A little dark and dingy though (and wet in the summer), but at least didn't have manure in it either. This pic I uploaded a while ago. It is taken from the furthest sleeping area along the cave which was also manure-free. You can see how eroded and messed up the floor of the cave is. Particularly behind the water, which you can't see very well, there used to be a big level sleeping area from what I understand. This is a shot of the campsite. There was place for us to sit and cook, which could be place for a third tent. 8 will probably be pushing it - it depends on the size and number of tents and on what you consider comfortable and how creative you care to be with camping spots. Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:32:38 +0200 http://www.vertical-endeavour.com/forums/40-general-discussion/1598-water-bottle-or-rehydration-pack.html?limit=6&start=12#1702 The MSR bladders are great (and very strong and durable). The other thing you can do with them if you have an MSR water filter is screw an adaption onto the opening and pump filtered directly into the bladder without any fuss. Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:26:38 +0200 http://www.vertical-endeavour.com/forums/14-drakensberg-general/1079-dragons-wrath-2010.html?limit=6&start=6#1701 Thanks for posting that kliktrak. Very grim, very sad. :( Agree that it is better to bury toilet paper than to burn it, especially in the Berg, and especially after this incident. Can't remember if I've ever tried it in the Berg, but I used to do it in Nepal. Firstly it doesn't always burn that well and secondly it also resulted in a small fire once that I had to stomp out. Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:22:51 +0200 http://www.vertical-endeavour.com/forums/40-general-discussion/1696-mpa-statement-on-kgaswane-lodge-august-2010.html#1696 This thread discusses the content article: MPA Statement on Kgaswane Lodge, August 2010 (/component/content/166.html?task=view) A very critical issue in the history of the conservation of the Magaliesberg! Further information and updates from the Magaliesberg Protection Association will be published on the site whenever they have it. I happen to live very close to this fantastic little mountain range and anyone who has spent time there will know that it is a delightful place for camping, hiking, wildlife, has wonderful rock pools, and has well over 1000 documented climbing routes on good, solid quartzite! Please take time to read this information, pass it on, and support the initiative in whatever way possible! Tue, 07 Sep 2010 22:02:19 +0200 http://www.vertical-endeavour.com/forums/9-drakensberg-climbing/1666-centenary-of-the-first-ascent-of-the-sentinel.html?limit=6&start=12#1695 @gollum: my party was alone at the summit too (ClimbyKel, Roy Turner, and myself). We got to the base of the first pitch of the Standard Route at 9h45 and had a very long wait until the three of us were finally at the top of that pitch at 13h00! We hit the queue at a very bad time! Less than 20 minutes later we were at the base of McLeod's Variation though. By the time I got to the top of that pitch, most of the crowd had moved off the summit - John Hone and Terrence Jonker came to say hi briefly while the others were belayed up. Then Tony Van Tonder and Gavin Raubenheimer came to chat about borrowing our ropes. They had aborted their attempt on the South East Arete earlier that day (because the going was too slow) and had come up the Standard Route. Their 2 team mates had continued on the route, which eventually proved too much for them and they radioed for help. Our ropes were tied together to make about a 70m top-rope, which got them to the top just at sunset (this was after we had left)! After our lonely moment at the summit cairn we headed to the top of the Standard Route just in time to catch Nigel Bailes and co topping out on Angus-Leppan, and just in time to be the last to ab off the Mountain Club rope. We caught up with a small group of folks cleaning up the gear at the bottom pitch. So, Standard Route had a little over 50 ascents (exact number to be confirmed). McLeod's Variation was only done by our group. Angus-Leppan had Nigel Bailes' party (around 3 I think?) and gollum's group (how many?). Another 2 aborted the route due to lack of time. An attempt was made on Paradigm Shift, but was aborted on pitch 2 due to loose bolts. South East Arete had 2 ascents (albeight on top rope for the last bit), and 2 aborted but summited via Standard Route. No attempts on Here Be Dragons, Thatcher Route and Blood On The Rocks, as far as I am aware. Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:51:39 +0200 http://www.vertical-endeavour.com/forums/40-general-discussion/1694-otter-trail.html#1694 I am hoping someone has hiked the otter fairly recently, and was wondering if any one could tell me how the crossing of the Bloukrans is at the present moment. When we did it two years ago, the sea was very rough and the river very deep, and having my children with we had to opt for the escape route,a bit disappointing but rather safe than sorry i guess.And yes we did leave at 1:30 in the morning to make it at low tide at 6:00. Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:30:55 +0200 http://www.vertical-endeavour.com/forums/13-drakensberg-environment/1674-mountain-water-to-purify-or-not-to-purify.html#1687 The Mnweni is definitely one place to be cautious. I don't touch the water until well clear of all kraals, and even then I look for water that originates from seepage and drips from ridges and rock bands. I avoid water from the main rivers like the Mnweni and the Ntonjelana, even very far up the valleys. Even in April, while passing by the base of Mnweni Pass near ChiChi Bush Camp, we came across somebody's business (hikers I would think), right on the trail , which had been covered with small rocks, but bits of toilet paper still sticking out! I think all of us have an important role to play in conserving our fresh drinking water. And it starts with realising that what you as an individual do in these mountains does add up and make a difference. Whether it means not driving your 4x4 onto the escarpment, or having eco-friendly toilet habits - all of it is important. Something to think about next time we sip good, clean Berg water...whether it is freshly scooped from a Berg stream, or from a tap in Durban or Joburg. Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:01:23 +0200