Alternative entry point to Xeni Valley
10 Feb 2011 01:51 #2369
by Serious tribe
Alternative entry point to Xeni Valley was created by Serious tribe
Hi Guys
Just thought I would ask what might be a rather stupid question related to a hair brained scheme of mine.
Does anyone think/know if it would be a feasible option to traverse and go up behind and around Mt Helga and drop down the gully almost opposite the confluence of the Cockade and Zeni pass/river? Does anyone have any images looking up at mt helga from the zeni valley or from part way up cockade pass. See the GE image as to the route.
Why when there is a perfectly good, (but no doubt very bushy) path up to the C/Z junction? Perhaps because it is there, and it intrigues me and i prefer ridge walking to being stuck in a valley.
Cheers
Just thought I would ask what might be a rather stupid question related to a hair brained scheme of mine.
Does anyone think/know if it would be a feasible option to traverse and go up behind and around Mt Helga and drop down the gully almost opposite the confluence of the Cockade and Zeni pass/river? Does anyone have any images looking up at mt helga from the zeni valley or from part way up cockade pass. See the GE image as to the route.
Why when there is a perfectly good, (but no doubt very bushy) path up to the C/Z junction? Perhaps because it is there, and it intrigues me and i prefer ridge walking to being stuck in a valley.
Cheers
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10 Feb 2011 05:02 #2371
by Aux
Replied by Aux on topic Alternative entry point to Xeni Valley
Hi ST.
I think it might be posseble. The decend to the river might be tricky so i would take some climbing gear with. Would love to go and have a look at it. Had a look at the map and it looks very steep but on the foto you posted it looks if there is a "ridge" to the left of you entry point that might go. Dont have fotos but would love to have a look at some to see if one can spot a line.
I think it might be posseble. The decend to the river might be tricky so i would take some climbing gear with. Would love to go and have a look at it. Had a look at the map and it looks very steep but on the foto you posted it looks if there is a "ridge" to the left of you entry point that might go. Dont have fotos but would love to have a look at some to see if one can spot a line.
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10 Feb 2011 08:22 #2373
by Stijn
Replied by Stijn on topic Alternative entry point to Xeni Valley
You're in luck! The bottom looks fine...
...but the top looks pretty steep. May need a few abseils:
...but the top looks pretty steep. May need a few abseils:
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10 Feb 2011 08:27 #2375
by intrepid
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
Replied by intrepid on topic Alternative entry point to Xeni Valley
I took this shot in December last year while ascending the Pyramid:
{joomplu:449}
It doesn't show much of the classic gully you see in Stijns pics from Cockade Pass, but the neck is more or less in the centre of this pic, and zooming in it may be possible to work out a zig-zag along the grassy bits. I also suspect that there will be some Berg-treachery at some point, requiring rope in some form or the other, if if just a handrail.
{joomplu:449}
It doesn't show much of the classic gully you see in Stijns pics from Cockade Pass, but the neck is more or less in the centre of this pic, and zooming in it may be possible to work out a zig-zag along the grassy bits. I also suspect that there will be some Berg-treachery at some point, requiring rope in some form or the other, if if just a handrail.
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
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10 Feb 2011 08:35 #2376
by SeriousTribe2
Replied by SeriousTribe2 on topic Alternative entry point to Xeni Valley
Nice pics all.
Based on the assumption that I will be included in this hair brained scheme - thanks.
Looks like gully in, bank to the left and ramp down to the ubber rockfall.
Anyone got pics of the OTHER side? Although geographically it should be a little less steep.
Adventure UP!
Based on the assumption that I will be included in this hair brained scheme - thanks.
Looks like gully in, bank to the left and ramp down to the ubber rockfall.
Anyone got pics of the OTHER side? Although geographically it should be a little less steep.
Adventure UP!
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10 Feb 2011 08:43 #2377
by Stijn
Replied by Stijn on topic Alternative entry point to Xeni Valley
Just had an interesting thought: I wonder what the Berg pioneers (George Thomson, etc.) would have thought of this forum?
A question about a new route is posted from Australia and within 8 hours there are 2 responses with photos, giving a much better idea of the challenges and obstacles to be faced.
It's a testament to the success of our little community online but worlds apart from the available resources even just 10-15 years ago.
A question about a new route is posted from Australia and within 8 hours there are 2 responses with photos, giving a much better idea of the challenges and obstacles to be faced.
It's a testament to the success of our little community online but worlds apart from the available resources even just 10-15 years ago.
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10 Feb 2011 10:37 #2379
by Aux
Replied by Aux on topic Alternative entry point to Xeni Valley
From the pics it looks like there might be a route down. Will be very interesting. It one starts from Mlambonja side at junction c5 and go up the the ridge from there it might be shorter than the "old way". Or from c4 up the river and over, looks like it is not to steep. Would be lovely to do it no matter what way you approach it.
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10 Feb 2011 11:47 - 10 Feb 2011 12:10 #2383
by Serious tribe
Replied by Serious tribe on topic Alternative entry point to Xeni Valley
A picture paints a 1000 words, thanx for the images and comments. Looks pretty scary from this angle:sick: Where do i get these weird ideas from?
In 2008 I walked almost to the base of Mt Helga from what I called called Karl and Lloyd campsite. It sure looked amazing from the ridge, very steep on my lhs. Problem is though, if you go along that route and you cant get down without ropes etc, it means walking back so you can get down into the Zeni Valley. That will add a day of frustration.
I would walk as i did from C5 and contour around the northern slopes of Mrs H to and slowly increase my altitude without getting caught in any rockbands, and then cut into the valley coming in from C4.
In 2008 I walked almost to the base of Mt Helga from what I called called Karl and Lloyd campsite. It sure looked amazing from the ridge, very steep on my lhs. Problem is though, if you go along that route and you cant get down without ropes etc, it means walking back so you can get down into the Zeni Valley. That will add a day of frustration.
I would walk as i did from C5 and contour around the northern slopes of Mrs H to and slowly increase my altitude without getting caught in any rockbands, and then cut into the valley coming in from C4.
Last edit: 10 Feb 2011 12:10 by Serious tribe.
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17 Feb 2011 11:02 - 17 Feb 2011 11:04 #2428
by intrepid
I would like to think that they'd appreciate this forum since they themselves produced a decent selection of publications and many articles in MCSA journals.
There is a school of thought that too much detail on the Berg shouldn't be openly or widely circulated in order to preserve the sanctity of certain areas, campsites, caves etc. It is an attitude I understand but only partially support. It can make for some interesting discussions, especially in the light of how much info is available on this site. Too much of this thinking leads to exclusivity however, whereas the Berg belongs to all, should be enjoyed by all, but then must also be protected by all. In this information age we live in, I see it as inevitable that more and more info will be available on the Berg and my thinking is that this should then rather be hosted in an environment and community where values of preservation, respect, consideration, appreciation, safety and security are promoted strongly along with the information.
Incidentally, here is another photo of the gully coming down Mount Helga, posted by Mountain Bear some time back:
{joomplu:320}
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
Replied by intrepid on topic Alternative entry point to Xeni Valley
Some of the pioneers are still alive...Stijn wrote: Just had an interesting thought: I wonder what the Berg pioneers (George Thomson, etc.) would have thought of this forum?
I would like to think that they'd appreciate this forum since they themselves produced a decent selection of publications and many articles in MCSA journals.
There is a school of thought that too much detail on the Berg shouldn't be openly or widely circulated in order to preserve the sanctity of certain areas, campsites, caves etc. It is an attitude I understand but only partially support. It can make for some interesting discussions, especially in the light of how much info is available on this site. Too much of this thinking leads to exclusivity however, whereas the Berg belongs to all, should be enjoyed by all, but then must also be protected by all. In this information age we live in, I see it as inevitable that more and more info will be available on the Berg and my thinking is that this should then rather be hosted in an environment and community where values of preservation, respect, consideration, appreciation, safety and security are promoted strongly along with the information.
Incidentally, here is another photo of the gully coming down Mount Helga, posted by Mountain Bear some time back:
{joomplu:320}
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
Last edit: 17 Feb 2011 11:04 by intrepid.
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