L to R: Kenneth Willemse (temp member), Charles Smith, Ed and Mimi Kay Shuttleworth, Henrietha Mey, Tim Gaskell, Gillian Forbes, Christelle and Johan Olivier, Tony Bowen (meet leader)
The hike had been postponed from its schedule date of 2 June due to unfavourable weather. Unfortunately, 7 participants dropped out of the rescheduled hike.
We met at “Sputnik” at 8.30 a.m. From here we could spy the route of the “short” option. This goes straight up to the skyline ridge via an old path now signposted as “Bonecrusher”, and then westwards along a disused path (barely visible). At the end of the ridge, it descends on the north side down a gulley to meet the established path at the nek above Camferskloof. The route then descends along the path back to Sputnik.
Shortly after commencing the steep ascent, one member of the party exhibited unwelcome health issues, and two of the group turned back to head home. The remainder pressed on up the wet and slippery path towards the ridge.
Once on the ridge, the views of Waboomskraal were splendid. The sun was out in a cloudless sky and enthusiasm was running high.
The ridge heading west is rocky with low bush. It affords 360-degree views
At the end of the ridge, one descends a gulley where an occasional handhold is needed
At the nek, 3 of the party elected to do the “short” option and retuned to Sputnik along the trail path. That left 5 to continue the “long” option.
Google Earth image looking north, with the “long” option shown
The route is anti-clockwise, starting at the nek. It descends Camferskloof on path, then breaks left off path up a steep east-west scramble to join a north-south ridge leading back to the nek via Peak Ten67.
The scramble up the east-west ridge is certainly “4×4” but there are no exposed moves as one weaves through the large boulders and vertically dipping strata.
Someone spread the rumour that all pointed rock formations had to be scaled
Someone else spread the rumour that rests were normal
The final ascent to join the north-south ridge
Once the north-south ridge was reached, the route turned south and went up and down a series of koppies to the base of Peak Ten67.
Peak Ten67 from the north. The direct line is a scramble. This may be avoided by traversing below the rock bands on contour to the nek (taken by some of the party).
Taking a break before some of the party does the scramble up to Peak Ten67
Meet Leader ~ Tony Bowen