Attributable and Contributory Intrepid

For the record, and I hope Intrepid does not mind, self-effacing that he is, but I have no doubt that regular members of the VE Forum will concur, he rarely misses an opportunity to contribute serious-minded, well balanced and thoughtful options, opinions and advice, which particularly comes with the gravitas of many, many years spent in the Drakensberg up and down and all around its unique environs. While some of us old timers may enjoy bantering about with him on what is the best cave, where are the finest views, what to take to the mountains, etc., I have the greatest respect for what he brings and demonstrates as the pioneer of this highly useful and one-of-a-kind website and is now applying it for the benefit of everyone. I particularly appreciate his concern for the safety and conscientiousness of all web-users/hikers, first timers conspicuously, but for all of us. I trust Intrepid as a well informed, experienced opinion leader on most any issue regarding the Drakensberg. This is something I believe needs to be said for the record and credit is due.

The bottom line: one can be assured of getting the best help available on VE especially when Intrepid weighs in; then one can go and make well informed personal decisions of one’s own. The best hikers are not the best equipped, they are the best informed and (knowledge)able.

thomas wrote: what is the best cave, where are the finest views

That isn't really disputed, I'm sure Roland Smith would find great honour in the answer. Its hard to beat a cave that comfortably sleeps 8, is completely dry all year round, has never had any form of attack or theft reported and has that insane view...

Hey Thomas - great idea (& of course waayyy overdue)

Intrepid (& VE) is of indispensable value to me & I'm pretty sure most of us here as well.

Thank you Chris for all your time & effort with this site & with your well thought replies / inputs.

I would sure like to see VE grow from power to power & still be in existence in many years to come!!!

J

I have been lurking here for the last month since coming back from a 3-day hike from Sentinel Car Park, up the chain-ladders, camp near the falls, across the Amphitheatre, up Mt Amery, overnight in Ifidi Cave, back through the Lesotho valleys behind the Amphitheatre and down the chain ladders again to SCP. this is not my first trip into the Drakensberg, but it's been over 30 years since the last, and I loved it.

Anyway, just wanted to commend you Intrepid on an awesome website & forum, you have no idea what an amazing resource this is to noob hikers/trekkers like myself, and also a big thanks to the forum members who so freely share their knowledge & experiences with humility & grace.

I second that!

VE is awesome!!! Thanks Intrepid!

andrew r wrote: Anyway, just wanted to commend you Intrepid on an awesome website & forum, you have no idea what an amazing resource this is to noob hikers/trekkers like myself, and also a big thanks to the forum members who so freely share their knowledge & experiences with humility & grace.

I think all of us who found VE when we had just started hiking feel that way. For me what was really awesome when I joined was that I quickly learned that the term "rock pass" doesn't mean a place I mustn't go, a lack of a trail isn't a deal-breaker and exploration (without always reaching your goal) is a perfectly valid way to spend a weekend. Also that security in the Berg actually isn't as bad as people may make it out to be. All of this put together has allowed me to do things I would have never otherwise done.

VE has also functioned as a great place to meet other hikers - I believe I have met just over 20 different VE members now and have ended up doing most of my hiking with other VE members.

My stats tell me that I have done 1125km of Berg hiking with a group that included VE members, that is 79% of my total Berg distance! I am yet to do a Berg hike in 2014 that didn't include a VE member.

So - I also second (third?) that