We were fortunate with the weather. The morning’s cloud cover ensured that we were not overheated while ascending the steep Grotto Ravine. The sun emerged at about 11h00, so we were pleasantly warm while descending.
Fourteen members left Theresa Avenue at 07h15 on 8 December, walked up to the Pipe Track, thence north to the overgrown path up Grotto Ravine. It took four hours to reach the Grotto at the top of the ravine, which was explored, following which lunch was eaten. After lunch we followed the much easier path and ladders to Echo Valley, Valley of Isolation and the Valley of the Red Gods, descending via the Diagonal path to the Pipe Track and Theresa Avenue, arriving at 15h45 after walking 10.7km. One tahr and two meerkats were seen en route.
About half way down Porcupine Ravine we passed four inadequately clothed and shod German tourists. Without local knowledge, maps, protective clothing, food or water they had hoped to find their way to the Upper Cable Station. In the interests of safety I advised them to descend – advice which they chose to ignore.
Stephen Craven
Photos supplied by Colin Pritchard.
Map supplied by Rudolf Rode.
