Cathedral Peak hikes - 3 days

I just posted a query about Cockade pass which looks like a great route but I see that Mikes pass is closed which makes access to Organ Pipes an issue.

There is quite a decent description of the route on the site

Stijn's description is great, but he does make it sound easier than I found it. But his description was great.

Stijn's writeup: www.vertical-endeavour.com/blog/38-drakensberg/passes/158-cockade-pass.html
Selous' writeup on the alternative summit: www.vertical-endeavour.com/forum/11-drakensberg-passes/55385-the-upper-southern-split-in-cockade-pass.html
My writeup from last year: www.vertical-endeavour.com/forum/drakensberg-trips/55700-mlambonja-pass-elephant-gully-cockade-pass.html

Ok so got a second hand eTrex 30 and loaded up some waypoints so I reckon we are good to go.

Just trying to figure out the best spot to camp once we are up through the pass, it seems like there is a good spot between Cleft peak and Castle buttress.

Are there any reasons for security concerns up in this part of the Berg?

Regarding camping spots - that would not be my first choice. Actually it would probably be about 80th on my list of preferable escarpment camping spots

That particular valley is notoriously dry and is a renowned hot spot for traffic of "local farming produce". One of the most beautiful escarpment valleys though - due to how steep and high the ridges on either side are. There are a lot of caves around there - Upper Ndumeni is always an option, and is far from the traffic (although it is a big slog up Ndumeni Dome). There is a stream that flows down from near Thuthumi Pass. I don't have photos of it, but I seem to recall that Tony has uploaded a detailed account of finding water on one of his pass writeups (Organ Pipes Pass I think).

I would personally go with camping in the Tseketseke valley (i.e. before you start climbing Cleft Peak). It gives you a longer final day, but at least you have a better spot for camping. Just be aware that the massive obvious gully in the middle of the valley south of Cockade Pass is NOT Tseketseke Pass - this gully has fooled so many people. When I first stood above the gully it fooled me, even though I had read up about the infamous False Tseketseke Non-pass. The one guy in our GT team last year commented that they should actually put a large sign board up there - it wouldn't look nice, but I would rather have an eyesore than a fatality.

Ok great thanks. Feeling much more confident now after doing some research, always helps to be prepared.

One other thing, after looking at www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Cathedral-Peak-2/forecasts/2500 it seems like there might be a bit of rain over the weekend.

What is the protocol when encountering a thunderstorm up on the escarpment? I assume it is better to make this call beforehand rather that getting surprised when camping at the top. I assume that is not where you want to be when the Thunder starts rolling in.

So it it looks like Lightning is a possibility rather head for the cave?

We had the "what to do in a thunderstorm" discussion while walking up South Hodgeson's ridge on New Years Day this year (on a GT). Apparently being close to a cliff (e.g. in a cave) makes your odds of getting struck much worse. You don't want to be on top of a ridge or near a cliff, but otherwise there is nothing you can really do.

The chance of encountering a thunderstorm with lightning this time of year is perhaps not too big. If it happens, they are not as fearsome as the typical November - January storms.

They can strike quick, but you will have some advanced warning if you keep your eyes open for it. Make sure you are not on the highest ground in the area, and yes, rather keep on grassy patches than being close to a rock band or sitting on top of exposed rockbed.

Put on your raincoat and hunker down, don't lie down. Pray.

Lightning is obviously not to be messed with, but the chances of being struck when taking these basic precautions is really small.

Thanks for all the tips guys.

Amazing the difference in preparation between my previous hikes with mates and this one with my Girlfriend. For this hike I will be acting as the "leader" I suppose and feeling a responsibility I have not yet previously.

Decided to alter the route so we are not coming down the Camel, but rather Tseketseke or normal Organ pipes route. She saw some pics of the exposed sections and she looked a bit concerned. Since I have not done it myself would rather play it safe.

Hopefully done enough planning and preparation so that she can experience the magic of the Drakensberg the way I have done in the past. Will be taking lots of pics to put up a report, can't wait!

I went up the Camel this weekend, slept in Rolands Cave and came down via Organ Pipes pass. The series of photos of the tricky bit on the Camel really makes it look worse than it is. I only realised it was the tricky section when I looked back at the other people in our group as they went over it. I found the rockwalls going down the Camel trickier (just my personal opinion and experience). Also, should you slip there is a nice firn bed below to soften your fall. Just don't roll down too far

Rolands was, uhm, in a different class in terms of exposure. Sjoe, my hands are still sweating a bit thinking about the route into the cave. Going out was fine, but as I approached the cave I made the mistake of looking down just as I started the last 8m or so to the cave entrance I don't have a problem with heights but this time I think the combination of height plus exposure caused a bit of sensory overload. Awesome cave though, best I've slept in so far. BUT if you have a problem with heights then this one should not be on your list (my opinion).

Also, there are a few places on the Camel route where you have to concentrate, it would be quite easy in thick mist to literally step off the path and fall off. It looks like the path carries straight on but then sort of unexpectantly it turns right. Fun pass though, awesome scenary, I really liked the way it sort of weaves upwards - not like Organ Pipes where you see far ahead what awaits you

Can somebody please tell me why the route is called the Camel? Some of the guys in our group pointed out a section they said looks like a camel but it looked more like a tortouis to me (ok, I am very much left brain orientated which puts me at a serious disadvantage here). Picture perhaps would help.