Don't look down
07 Mar 2011 10:02 #2516
by Errol
Don't look down was created by Errol
I've often read / heard about "exposed sections", does anyone have images of these sections to share (preferably with people on them)? Does exposed mean it’s a long way down (a height issue), or that’s it’s a long way down while using finger nails and teeth to cling on to the rock face (a height and space issue). In particular I've been wondering this in the context of the Bell Traverse, something I'd like to do. I'm okay with heights but not so okay at clambering about with nothing but toe holds.
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07 Mar 2011 19:30 - 07 Mar 2011 19:31 #2517
by tiska
Replied by tiska on topic Re: Don't look down
Hi Errol,
expsoure generally means the extent of the drop-off below you. The terrain can be easy or hard. If its hard, using nails and teeth is fine.
On the Bell traverse there are two spots I remember where you might need a bit of care.
The first is when descending the Gerndarme gully on the south side of Cathedral with the Bell in front of you. At the point where you leave off the gully to connect the path, there is a bit of step down/across onto a grassy ledge. You can go a bit further down the gully if you don't like this bit. There isn't much of a drop-off to bother you though.
The second is an hour or so further along, when you are on the path with the Mnweni area visible on the right and the Horns, Mitre etc on the left. The path goes over a step with a drop off in a gully below. The drop off is 10m or so - enough to make your eyes water if you fell. If you want, you can drop down into the gully and cross it easily below. Bonne route.
expsoure generally means the extent of the drop-off below you. The terrain can be easy or hard. If its hard, using nails and teeth is fine.
On the Bell traverse there are two spots I remember where you might need a bit of care.
The first is when descending the Gerndarme gully on the south side of Cathedral with the Bell in front of you. At the point where you leave off the gully to connect the path, there is a bit of step down/across onto a grassy ledge. You can go a bit further down the gully if you don't like this bit. There isn't much of a drop-off to bother you though.
The second is an hour or so further along, when you are on the path with the Mnweni area visible on the right and the Horns, Mitre etc on the left. The path goes over a step with a drop off in a gully below. The drop off is 10m or so - enough to make your eyes water if you fell. If you want, you can drop down into the gully and cross it easily below. Bonne route.
Last edit: 07 Mar 2011 19:31 by tiska.
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08 Mar 2011 08:05 #2519
by Errol
Replied by Errol on topic Re: Don't look down
Thanks mnt_tiska, that doesn't sound too bad at all. At least theres a "chiken run" available at each spot if somebody is not keen. From reading the forums the Bell traverse sounds like a must do. Now I'll have a description to use while convincing my mates that we need to do this.
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08 Mar 2011 08:44 #2520
by tiska
Replied by tiska on topic Re: Don't look down
Two additional things about the traverse -
The views one gets from this route are right up there amongst the very best in the Berg. The reason is that you walk along a spur which is 90 degrees to the escarpment and therefore have grand views on to the escarpment. Also, you can see all the way across the Mnweni area and all the way south to Cathkin.
In places the path isn't very substantial (its not as clear/good as the path which leads up from the hotel to CP) and I recall more than one option in places. But the distance from Bell to Twins is not great (3 hours if you get a move on) and so you can afford to scout around if in doubt.
The views one gets from this route are right up there amongst the very best in the Berg. The reason is that you walk along a spur which is 90 degrees to the escarpment and therefore have grand views on to the escarpment. Also, you can see all the way across the Mnweni area and all the way south to Cathkin.
In places the path isn't very substantial (its not as clear/good as the path which leads up from the hotel to CP) and I recall more than one option in places. But the distance from Bell to Twins is not great (3 hours if you get a move on) and so you can afford to scout around if in doubt.
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08 Mar 2011 09:09 #2521
by Errol
Replied by Errol on topic Re: Don't look down
The potential for views does look great! Have had a look at it on an old map, ordered a new map, just waiting for it to arrive to have a good look it.
Never hiked in that area so going to be asking a few more questions about other routes once I've got the map.
Thanks for the info!
Never hiked in that area so going to be asking a few more questions about other routes once I've got the map.
Thanks for the info!
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08 Mar 2011 10:01 - 08 Mar 2011 10:02 #2522
by intrepid
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
Replied by intrepid on topic Re: Don't look down
The BT is a classic, and honestly, I don't find the exposure that bad, but understand that this is a subjective things which differs from person to person.
As mnt_tiska explained, exposure relates to the degree of drop-off, "fresh air" below you, and consequence of a fall. It's a "head factor" rather than an indication of technical difficulty and is a very subjective thing since it varies from person to person, and routes that don't feel exposed may be just as dangerous. It relates strongly to perception.
I've done the route several times but don't have pics of the exposed bits. I've had several attempts at doing it again, probably up to 2 years, but every time our plans change. When I get around to it I'll get some shots, and will also re-GPS it with all the exposed bits marked on it. My current GPS tracks are not of good quality due to a spell of poor satellite reception. Check out some of Stijn's shots that he posted last year after a snowfall, on another thread someplace.
As mnt_tiska explained, exposure relates to the degree of drop-off, "fresh air" below you, and consequence of a fall. It's a "head factor" rather than an indication of technical difficulty and is a very subjective thing since it varies from person to person, and routes that don't feel exposed may be just as dangerous. It relates strongly to perception.
I've done the route several times but don't have pics of the exposed bits. I've had several attempts at doing it again, probably up to 2 years, but every time our plans change. When I get around to it I'll get some shots, and will also re-GPS it with all the exposed bits marked on it. My current GPS tracks are not of good quality due to a spell of poor satellite reception. Check out some of Stijn's shots that he posted last year after a snowfall, on another thread someplace.
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
Last edit: 08 Mar 2011 10:02 by intrepid.
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08 Mar 2011 10:45 #2523
by Errol
Replied by Errol on topic Re: Don't look down
The "head factor" is an issue that my brain must just deal with (if I can walk on it on the ground I can walk on it.), well thats my theory at least. My main concern is a space issue, I'm more Eland with big hooves (187cm/115kgs/UK13)than Klipspringer you see, not the most agile buck on the mountain slopes.
I'll take a look at that other thread now, thanks!
Having not been to these places I just want to have an idea of what they are like before a drag people up there, only to find we should have stayed home and watched the movie instead.
I'll take a look at that other thread now, thanks!
Having not been to these places I just want to have an idea of what they are like before a drag people up there, only to find we should have stayed home and watched the movie instead.
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08 Mar 2011 11:06 #2524
by Errol
Replied by Errol on topic Re: Don't look down
Aaah, found it, "snow watch 2010", page 11, thanks.
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08 Mar 2011 11:45 #2528
by intrepid
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
Replied by intrepid on topic Re: Don't look down
I remember one or two washed away sections around the Bell which are a little more than just walking. Compares roughly to the section of trail between Windy Gap and The Camel. In fact Organ Pipes Camel route is good gauge for the BT.
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
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09 Mar 2011 05:02 #2534
by Aux
Replied by Aux on topic Re: Don't look down
Hi Errol.
We will be hiking the Camel in April(24-27). We will go up the Camel and down Tseketseke pass and out to the hotel. You are more than welcome to join us. We will be taking it slow as there will be a 10 and a 13 year old with us. Both have hiked with us befor but not to the high 'Berg. Like Intrepid said it is a nice hike to se if you are comfy with the exposed bits.
By the way i also were a 13 boot and rock hopping use to be problem, i started slack lining and it helps a hell of a lot for hiking and rock climbing.
We will be hiking the Camel in April(24-27). We will go up the Camel and down Tseketseke pass and out to the hotel. You are more than welcome to join us. We will be taking it slow as there will be a 10 and a 13 year old with us. Both have hiked with us befor but not to the high 'Berg. Like Intrepid said it is a nice hike to se if you are comfy with the exposed bits.
By the way i also were a 13 boot and rock hopping use to be problem, i started slack lining and it helps a hell of a lot for hiking and rock climbing.
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