The upcoming hikes thread

Hi Quentin,

Just remember along with the advice to use the Contour Path around Hlatikhulu Nek and Blind Man's Corner, to turn off the Contour Path along the Shada Ridge path and return to Injisuthi via Van Heyningen's Pass, as opposed to continuing on the Contour Path past Cowl Fork and Ships Prow streams, so that you avoid the serious bush around Ships Prow to Cataract Valley.

Hey Quentin - sorry to hear you've had to postpone! I'd agree with Riaang & Nicolaas, heading down that south side of the Cowl is missions! We did it a bit earlier this year, if you're interested here's my write-up: www.vertical-endeavour.com/forum/drakensberg-trips/56306-monk-s-cowl-camp-to-cowl-cave-late-april-17.html

While Elaine was charging up and down dangerous passes this last weekend with the mad crowd I had a nice photo hike to Cobham. I visited this area last year and everything was burnt out and could not get decent photos. The weather was great for photography and I got the photos I needed for my coffee table book which I am publishing at the moment. My first port of call was Pinnacle Rock then up past Gxalingenwa Cave to The Hub. I past 2 groups of Dagga smugglers coming down Masubasuba Pass and thought of those two guys who were recently ambushed and robbed in that same area. There were many large rocks for potential ambushers to hide behind. It has taken me years to purchase expensive photographic equipment and I am not prepared to part with it.....
After lunch on the hub I was planning to collect water at the very top of the Gxalingenwa Stream which starts at the top near The Hub....and right there was sitting another large group of dagga smugglers so I decided to look for water elsewhere. I then went off the main path and found water and a lovely tent spot on the top of The Watcher 2385m. What superb all round views I had of the whole of Cobham... enjoyed a beautiful sunrise and sunset. The next morning I went down to Spectacle Cave and back along the Pholela River.

Hi guys.

Hoping to see some VE faces this holiday. Camping at Injisuthi for two days then Judges Mafadi Leslies loop starting the 25/12.

Then camping two days again and then off to Monks Cowl doing KB Grays and maybe Ships Prow.

Have a nice day! Cheers

I will be doing a 5 day hike from Cathedral Peak hotel to Champagne Castle and then Monk's Cowl reserve. It will be from 17 till 21 December. If anybody would like to join please get in contact with me.

Hi HannesT,

We will be in the same area, Starting at Moncs Cowl Friday 15 Dec then going towards Didima cave and down Thlanyaku pass and back to Moncs Cowl campsite via Shermans ridge.
We might see you somewhere along the way

Regards
Riaan

Hi Riaan

I hope I will see you so I can thank you in person for the help I think I will be around Thlanyaku one day after you will go down.

Great to know other people will be enjoying the top of the berg. I was surprised how few people I saw on top during my previous two 5 day hikes.

Keep well
Hannes

Jip, done a couple of 5 day hikes where I didn't see a single other human - not even a shepherd! Nice!!!
See you in the Berg

Hi Hannes, I sent you a PM

Heading to Ifidi cave from Sentinel this weekend (8, 9, 10 dec). Anyone else heading that way as to 'make the circle bigger'?

PM me if yay...