Well then I reckon I must have EXCELLENT judgement at this point in time ;-P

Some random bits of news:

I bought Bibi a voucher as a “thank you” for a favour she’s doing me. She LOVED it, I’m so glad - she has in her own way made such a big difference in my life.

Steak and Ale burned down
What a sad day. I heard the news on my way to our Via Ferrata outing. I’ve spent so many nights there listening to the finest music. Sometimes I walked in on a whim only to discover the most awesome band playing music like I’ve not heard before.

I sincerely hope they get the opportunity to rebuild the pub, there or elsewhere, with the same dedication to playing live music. There are truly not any other place that I know of that could compare, especially since Tings moved.

Me and my dad at a Black Cat Bones show, many moons ago thanks for the pic Charlie!:

On Sunday I took the gang out for a crash course in multi-pitch climbing. There is an easy climb with a large ledge where I could show them how to tie in to the anchor, check them belaying someone from above and abseil down. It ended up being a long sit on a ledge while my conversation partners came & went, but it was a nice relaxed Sunday. I got a tricky 18 later the day and while easy, climbed a good couple of other routes: setting up and cleaning for some more new climbers in our little “gang”

I’m very much looking forward to our trip to the Dome and my little holiday after that. We’re all staying in the most beautiful chalets with a few of the guys camping at the same resort. Denny & Douglas will probably be getting up to all sorts of mischief – Denny’s ankle is still healing & Douglas refuses to climb but wants to tag along anyway. Dougie can truly cook up a storm, so he may very well end up the designated chef

I can already feel the crisp, cold Limpopo night air, smell the wood fire smoke and imagine relaxing into my chair as I listen to all the chatter of everyone after the excitement of their first multi-pitch.

By chance there was one in the Magaliesberg (this one legal) at a place called Shelter Rock which is a short hop from where I stay – an ideal introduction.

The approach:
After a short introduction, a brief, interesting lesson in the historic significance of the area (which we all found rather interesting) and an explanation of how we will be climbing we embarked on the walk to the base of the cliff. The not-so-fit in my party found the walk-in a bit taxing, but the guide is patient and there are plenty good rest spots on the way up. Having said that, I would not want to do the walk-in late morning in the summer.

The main attraction:
The Via Ferrata itself was good fun. The route is well protected and even my friends with virtually no climbing experience finished it with ease. There’s a beautiful rest point about two 3rds of the way up with spectacular scenery. It truly is a safe and fun option for young and old to experience a fresh breeze high up a cliff face.

The views from the summit is spectacular. One can only say thank you for some people’s foresight in protecting areas like this * 1

Coming down:
There’s 2 options for getting down from the summit – a 2 part 100m abseil or walking down. We opted for the walking option because
a: I don’t care much for abseiling to start of with
b: We were on the end-of-the-month Salticrax.

I’d gladly walk down again, it’s a very pleasant route with nice scenery.

Overall:
The Shelter Rock website gives a good indication of what to expect. I would advise on taking more water than the suggested 1.5l each especially in summer – at the time of our visit the area was surprisingly humid and even the guide who was obviously fit and used to the slog up & down took more (and came down with little to spare).

The time estimate of 4 hours was spot-on, we arrived back at base camp within a 15min margin, all while not watching the clock and taking our time up and down, taking some pictures and taking in the scenery. I’d guess the estimated time for the abseil would also be accurate.

The guide is competent and friendly (above all very patient ), Corry & Johan were friendly and accommodating and even arranged for some beers waiting for us when we got back down. I’d gladly visit them again either to try out the couple of sport routes they have, have a go at some trad or even the Via Ferrata again.

* 1 From a MCSA news letter this morning: “It is with great sadness that we advise that Francois Junod has passed away at 7:15 this morning (22 April) – 12 days after his 82nd birthday”

There is great write-up about him and the work he has done in the “Eggo” 1997, MCSA Magalies’ publication

Some more pictures:

I know the Bulls fans can like to sukkel a little, so just click the pic

“My new Thai girlfriend says that a small penis shouldn’t be an issue in a strong and loving relationship. Which I suppose is true… But I still wish she didn’t have one….”

“This morning I was sitting on the train opposite a really sexy Thai girl. I thought to myself, “Please don’t get an erection, please don’t get an erection.”
But she did.”

Fanks El!

After his selfless, heroic act, I asked: ‘Are you a vet?’

He replied, ‘Vet? I’m fucking soaked!’ ”

It’s really been fun watching everyone improve. Charl regularly on-sighting 18′s, Jaco leading stuff he could not finish on top-rope before, Annelie getting over her scare at Boven and Linnea starting to lead. It’s only poor Denny stuck on the side lines, while El’s the new addict and doing well to catch up.

Personally I’m getting more confident and less scared at my limit, more willing to risk taking falls and so on. It may sound trivial, but it’s kept me from progressing in the past. I also did a proper trad lead this past weekend: We were bolting a route but ran out of juice so Johan got me going on a 100m or so traverse low of the ground making as many placements as possible as an exercise. I had to set up hanging belays on gear and he checked my placements while following. The only critique I got was for one cam that I should have placed the other way around to lessen the possibility of it “walking”, the rest of it was solid. It was a lot of fun and the actual climbing was very good too.

So, what else has been happening? We saw The Narrow & Not My Dog. We introduced The Black Cat Bones to Muchness and generally had a blast at Firkin (…..I really don’t like the place much and normally you won’t find me there – they’re expensive and it’s a very local-is-lekker-gone-commercial type vibe – not my thing)

Linnea’s turned me to the dark side – got me watching “True Blood”. In typical HBO style it has a catchy theme song, an engaging story line and my favourite: each episode plays out with a song that captures the essence of that particular episode.

I’m looking out for a new place to rent and it’s got me pretty excited. There are some nice places close to where I stay now at relatively affordable rates. I’m looking forward to making a place mine ( as much as the missus will allow – the woman’s got some weird ideas about wood furniture, not sure how much of a say I’m going to have )

Coming up:
It’s Linnea’s birthday party, so I took the day off – a party like that at The Chair warrants it. Another long weekend – read ‘em ‘n weep me ‘earties!!!

We’re doing a Via Ferrata in the Magalies, would have been this weekend but El decided that since we’re having a BIG bash on Friday, it’s probably a better idea to move it to next weekend – 8am sharp…

Ja ma, it probably is a good idea to move it and I must grudgingly admit that by Saturday morning 9am I’d probably be thanking you

Wellingtons Dome!!!! Who needs to wait for an MCSA meet?! With the security issues and all that I decided to arrange my own little meet and we’re off for a dose of Dome at the end of the month. I’ll make sure to get everyone up “Sexy Lady” (the easiest proper multi pitch there) and then Johan and I will get on something harder, at least the reportedly awesome “Where Eagles Dare”.

Be good!