Suidfront route
The weather was ideal for a day out in the mountains. Compared to the last days, it was very calm in the valley with a gentle breeze from the north-west as we went higher up. Here and there everchanging loose clouds over the neighbouring peaks and in the kloofs around us, gave that extra dimension in depth for the amateur landscape photographer, and magic moments for the outdoor adventurer.
Link to the Photo album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/hdbJ9ndvy8N8nHSZA
“Will the party be homogenous enough to tackle the Suidfront route on the southern-west corner of the Pieke?”: one of the questions in the head of the leader – who did not know many of the participants beforehand. Luckily, he could count on some senior members as well as younger members who volunteered to carry the rope. The group had been warned to be prepared for a long day, bring a headlamp, and enough water containers. They met at the Jonkershoek gate by 07:00 and shortly after the necessary admin, the group of 19 (including four guests) started on MTO’s yellow hiking trail leading directly onto the Jonkershoek Twins traverse trail.
After a short stop at the stream coming from Nerinakloof we contoured around to the most prominent grass slope leading to the start of the Suidfront route. Bobbejaanskloof, slightly awkward because of loose rock and boulders, brought us to a shoulder with a splendid view over Jonkershoek. Then up and left towards a rocky ridge line followed by some fun scrambling brought us in view of the U-shaped little kloof, our next target. We opted to traverse out to the right before the nek. Further traverses up and left again led us into Proteakloof. Its nek offered us a direct view into Sentralekloof and an excellent place to stop and admire the world from above. After a grassy slope and further scrambling we reached the base of a 4m block, the C-grade pitch. Two options were available, the majority opted for the straight up crack climb while a handful did the exposed but easier traverse and step-over pitch. A rope was used on both options.
A long lunch period at the summit of the southern Twin was enjoyed, photos were taken, and names written in the summit book. The route down was via Nerinakloof with short water stops in between. The last of the party was out of the reserve by 17:45. It was indeed a long day, a very exciting and rewarding route, enjoyed by all. The leader slept very well that night.
