WHAT A DAY! Talk about next level! Literally! The photos tell some of the story eloquently. Huge thanks to the photographers!
When we were there in March, the waterfall was hardly a trickle; in April we were stumped at the ledge under water, and, not being prepared, we turned back, so never got to see the waterfall. This day – WOW! Suspecting that the 5m ledge might still be under water, and it is the only access to the narrow section from there to the waterfall, we had been advised to bring water shoes, or just do that section barefoot (or with spare socks on).
There are 3 routes in Hell’s Gate kloof:
The ‘summer’ route, by which we basically walk in, traverse the dry ledge and do the easy B-pitch to the waterfall;
The ‘winter’ route which requires us to bypass the higher water level in about 2 places, and continue as for the summer route;
…And now the ‘storm’ route! Read on.
When we arrived at the entrance to the kloof, already the water stream was wider and livelier than before. With some trepidation the leader found a way across, already worried about what might lie ahead. Instead of just donning our water shoes at the ledge much further in, we found ourselves needing to remove our boots MUCH earlier on. Those who had not brought water shoes, believing bare feet would suffice along the 5m ledge, now found themselves contending with a much longer distance over rougher terrain. These adventurous barefoot contessa’s gained the leader’s admiration for uncomplaining endurance!
Much of the route was spent in freezing calf-deep water. Although we knew there would be slippery rocks at stream crossings, now, because the water level was so much higher, the rocks protruding above water level were further apart with the stream gushing strongly in between! Everyone proceeded carefully, because rescue there would have been an enormously complicated procedure.
At the ledge, which, as suspected, was under water, a further complication presented itself. The ‘wedge’, a key ‘step’ along that section, was deeper under the dark water level and not visible! It took several minutes for Suzanne to try and locate it, even though knowing where it should be, then gingerly, in good faith, reach for the invisible! After that, each member had to blindly put their faith in her directions of where their foot must go when they got to that point! The adventurous spirit of the group was heartwarming.
The easy B-pitch, where most of us usually go up un-roped, was running thinly with water right across, so Suzanne thought it safer for all to rather rope up.
Fortunately the waterfall was worth it all! And then we did it all in reverse to get back to our boots and rucksacs that we had left behind near the ledge. (No attempt was made to continue to Journey’s End.)
The plan had been to visit the tunnels as well, but given the extra time taken over this more difficult terrain and the satisfaction of this adventure as a highlight, it was suggested that we leave those for another day, and return via the Basin. There is a special lunch spot en route, and it was a real treat to take our break next to the stream gushing over mossy boulders.
We had taken 7 hours and arrived back at the cars not only in one piece, but exhilarated.
Photos: Lillii Holst and Christo Steyn
