Meet leader: Alex le Roux
The morning breaks with thick westerly mist enshrouding the south west corner of the mountain. These conditions can be great, as long as the rock on the corner remains dry. Up we go, into visibility down to 30 metres or even less at times. When we reach the first C pitch, the rock is still dry and grippy enough to ascend with reasonable safety, so we make the decision to carry on up the corner.
The second pitch of Hout Bay Corner shows off the real character of the route. It is about 12 to 15 metres of the mountain’s most wonderful B/C grade scrambling. This brings us to a small stance at the base of the third pitch, which is not large enough to accommodate the whole group of eleven. The third pitch is a short but challenging crack, containing a few chock stones to help. However we find that by now the rock is damp, making things more challenging, and perhaps a little risky. Thankfully, everyone in the group has strong scrambling skills, and we make it up without too much ado.
At the fourth pitch we find that the crux point at the top is too wet to negotiate on the normal line. We try off route to the right, where a couple of stout tree stems help us up.
Once up the corner, we follow Geelklip ridge towards the peak above. The mist is very thick, but the conditions are ethereal and very pleasant. We are however at the mercy of the GPS recording from the recce to find our way, because navigation is impossible otherwise. Judas Peak makes a sudden appearance in the mist, and we settle down in the cave below for a well-deserved lunch break.
After lunch, the mist starts to clear from the west, allowing us to review the upper parts of our route so far. The final part of our adventure takes us down Llandudno Buttress, for a few more fun scrambles. This ascent of Hout Bay Corner has been unusual, in that the exposure to heights have not materialized, because of the low visibility. It leaves the first timers in the group wanting to come back again to experience those dramatic views.
Thanks to Esme Beamish for the photos.
