Training Log Archive: Stijn

Day 2 was along the escarpment for a short while (after waking up to a sunrise over a sea of clouds) and then descending the technical and rocky Nguza Pass. We dropped into the mist pretty quickly, so the going was slow over the wet and loose boulders. We had to bring out the rope at one point to lower ourselves down a huge chockstone in the gully, but it was fairly straightforward after that.

Once we were back on the Rockeries Pass path, it was a speedy cruise back to the Mnweni Cultural Centre. 2000m descent.

Another lekker weekend in the Berg!

Another light & fast Berg hike, this time with 6 other Vertical-Endeavour forum members. Turned out to be a great bunch of guys all keen on a solid mountain mission. There were only 2 passes I had not done between Sentinel and Injisuthi, so the plan was to tackle both of these in a weekend hike.

Day 1 was up the Mnweni Valley, up Pins Pass (directly opposite Mnweni Pass) and around the cutback to sleep in Mponjwane Cave. One of the guys was suffering a bit after the first 15km so 5 of us continued up Pins Pass while the other 2 went up Mnweni instead.

Pins was spectacular, but fairly challenging terrain in trail runners. Think clinging to steep grassy slopes and loose scree fields for most of the way up (no path). We made good time though, and topped out at 13:45, with some great weather allowing us to enjoy the views along the cutback.

Got into Mponjwane Cave just as the hail storm started!

3x20 pushups with 30s rest between each set

PB for this route by a few mins and didn't have to push hard to get it. Just beyond comfortable most of the way.