The Mt Aux Sources - Amphitheatre - Tugela thread

Hi guys! Looking for some expert input please..
we are planning a 1 night overnight hike to top of amphithetare via the chainladders this coming Saturday (25 june). We know it will be freezing up there/ want to experience a proper winter overnight hike/ are going well prepared. A few questions:
1) if there is frost/ ice, is the route via the Gulley easier/ safer than the chainladders or is there no real difference?
2) I am aware of the security issues near tugela falls for camping- is this risk still relatively high even in the middle of winter and if there is a group of us (between 6-8 people)? 
3) if it's still advisable to rather camp elsewhere, then considering either Top of ribbon falls or Ifidi cave (or near pass if cave occupied)- between the 2, which is more easily accessible from tugela falls, and which offers better views? We will be taking tents anyway, but would prefer to be somewhere with as spectacular views as possible to wake up to! If there are other options that aren't too far, will consider these too.
4) considering there may be snow up there this weekend, would the above two options be accessible without too much effort? (We are all relatively fit but none of us have hiked in thick snow before- are going as prepared as possible!).

Any input/ advice would be most appreciated!

Hi JoMil

In answer to your questions:
1. I would prefer the gulley in icy conditions but both will be possible
2. You should be Ok but no guarantees. This time of year the chances of interested parties is lower. My personal preference is to not camp there (also to avoid the crowds). I would recommend Crows Nest cave - nice and cosy with spectucalur views over the Amphi
3. Crows Nest as mentioned above. Ribbon Falls is closer than Ifidi.. Ifidi is about 14km from the carpark and well worth it. Make sure to go to Ifidi cave proper which is +/-1km south of the Pass itself. Ample space there and the annex is an option if occupied.
4. Heavy snow fall will slow you down considerably. I would halve your normal pace to be safe. in thick snow Ifidi might be a challenging goal in one day. Doable but expect a long day. Be sure to hike in boots with gaiters and take extra socks. Trekking poles also recommended since you often fall over due to unseen uneven surfaces you step on through the snow.

Hope this helps
 

Hi Jomill, welcome on VE!!!

Below my response to your questions:
1) Depends on the level of snow/ice. It takes quite a bit of snow and some serious bad weather to make the chain ladders unpassable, but if snowed or iced up they can be slippery. So from an absolute safety perspective the gully would probably be safer, but for myself I would go check out the chain ladders first and assess the situation.
2) I haven't heard of issues in this area for a while now, and with bad weather it could be safer than say middle of summer. However, this is no guarantee that this is indeed the case. More people is generally better, especially if the higher numbers are made up of men. Unless, of course, if the ladies are very dangerous.
3) Based on your higher numbers and the fact that it is winter, if it was me I would probably take the chance to camp at the Tugela. None of your other possible overnight spots are particularly far away so this can also work. Ifidi cave would, in my opinion, be the safest spot (if safety is your main concern) as you only have to guard/defend the entrance position in case of a confrontation. All these locations offer spectacular views, with Ifidi having a more southern view.
4) Depends on the level of snow cover. The probability of deep snow at the moment is low, and the terrain is not difficult, so you can go for either of the 3 spots.

Do consider the availability of water as well. Ifidi is probably the furthest away from water (max 1km or so), but you can fill up on your way to the cave. The other spots usually have water where you can camp. If the rivers are iced up then you will have to melt snow if you can't break the ice. Have had this happen to me before. The solution is simple- just take extra gas and do take waterproof gloves (a checkers plastic bag over normal gloves will do the same, although much less elegantly) else your fingers will freeze!

Thick socks, warm gloves, jackets, sleeping bags, enough food, gas and a sturdy tent and you should be ok. Oh, and waterproof gaiters. Did a hike last year in knee-deep snow ( for 3 days) without gaiters, and my feet got wet and really cold. A Nalgene bottle filled with near-boiling water sorted my near-frozen toes out in the evenings.

Have fun!!!

Hi JoMill,

My son and I will also be camping up at the Tugela Falls on Saturday, so we might see you guys along the way.  I am hoping for a bit of snow up there, which will be a first for the youngster.

Enjoy!

 

Thank you so much everyone for all the helpful advice, really appreciate it!

Awesome! See you guys up there

Hi

I took this photo over the past weekend on top of the Amphitheatre.  See attached Google Maps screenshot for location.  It is the first time I notice these huts and was wondering what the mirror like reflection objects to the left are ?
Anyone have more info on this maybe?

Solar panels for hot water?