Seven of us set out at 07h30 from Theresa in ideal and calm conditions. The clear cloudless air gave us the opportunity to outline the planned route and debate the ravines and gullies to the north. The Diagonal path was dry and little affected by the recent heavy rains.
We easily reached the pitch below Jubilee/Barrier cave but the waterfall was too active to risk taking the usual route up. A detour on the left was managed by everybody and we had spectacular mist free views whilst enjoying the beverage break. The traverse round Barrier, Valken and Kasteels buttresses was spectacular as usual and all done in welcome shade.
It was decided to take the scrambling route up Postern which went relatively easily as we were a small group and the less experienced scramblers were keenly helped by the stronger members. We lunched in the yellowwoods atop Postern and exited through Rendezvous cave to the Apostles path. As we had bypassed Wood buttress, we detoured down past elephant rock for the initiates’ pics.
A short discussion confirmed that we would continue down the four or five pitches at the top of Wood to reach the traverse into Woody Ravine.
As a down route this was new to all of us and a refreshing change from the ravine. We joined the Woody Ravine path near its midpoint and descended to the mandatory stop in a few minutes. After a short rest there we continued down reaching the cars at 15h20.
