The upcoming hikes thread

I want to return past Pholela Cave - I know its a bit shorter. Hmmm, a trail, what exactly is a trail? Never heard that word before

The temptation exists to leave the tent at home and stash packs near the cave with the goal of looping the entire escarpment bit in a day - but I am not sure that this is a wise idea, especially seeing as it will be far below 0 on the escarpment at night - and in an area that I am not familiar with. But if we get up Amakehla quickly and manage to bag the 2 Hodgesons with 3+ hours of day light to go, I have every intention of heading down to either Pholela or Gxal Cave - well actually just need a flat spot near water seeing as I will have a tent.

You didn't say how many were in your group. IMO Pholela Cave is disappointing. Its now very eroded and can only sleep 2 or 3 comfortably. If you really want to go strait down Masubasuba Pass rather head for Spectacle Cave. I think its prettier and will be drip free at this time of year. The reason Smurf disn't see a path down Masubasuba is because it is probably overgrown. Expect heavy brush and brambles in places at the bottom. I would consider going down the south side of the Pholela valley (also no path), rejoining the Amakehla Pass, then down past to Pholela/Spectacle Caves. The Gxal Cave route is scenic and do-able (but has a good path ).
And another option: Stash the packs and loop back to Lakes. Then return to Cobham via the upper route - past the tarns, Policeman, Titty, Whale Back, taking in the view of Hodgesons and Sandleni from the San paintings at eSiphongweni Shelter...
As usual the 'Berg always spoils with choices.

Hike cancelled

Well, perhaps it will happen next weekend.

Hi Ghaz

Let me know if you re-schedule for the 6th/7th weekend - I havent booked for that other tenting trip yet

Can anyone tell me the water situation at the top of Giants pass?

I was up there at the end of June, and the stream flowing south from near the top of the pass had loads of ice but very little flowing water. We had to head quite far downstream to get enough flow to collect water. Not sure what it would be like now, but probably quite dry still. If there isn't water or ice in that stream, a longer walk northeast over the ridge into the Jarateng valley will be required to find water.

Thanks for that. It was pretty much the same when we got there

I lost my MSR spoon at the bottom of Giants pass! If someone finds it please keep it for me

It's in an easy spot just after you cross the small stream at the bottom of the pass. As you cross the stream there is a big rock about 2m high on the LHS. It's about 5m off the path and we stopped there for a hot drink. If you have your back to the rock looking up in the direction of the pass there are some small rocks just in front of you and my spoon is lying on one of them.

If anyone is going that way anytime soon please look out for it and let me know. I've had that spoon for 10 years or more...

Hi,

We want to do to the Amphi next weekend and we are a group of about 24 people. I am afraid it might rain the whole weekend. Does anyone have any suggestions if it starts raining?

We could rather maybe go to Xeni-cave. Would 24 people fit in there?

Regards
Gerrit