COCKSCOMB CLIMB SEPTEMBER 2013

COCKSCOMB CLIMB SEPT 2013

Fred Kohler
Jeremy Kohler and Sally Mitchley
Dirk and Jo-Anne
Graham Richards
John Nelson

This climb has been in the making since our Harkerville hike two months ago. Being allowed or invited on this hike is quite special. I have been fortunate enough to have been up this Eastern Cape landmark on previous occasions.


We left early Saturday morning 21st Sept. Graham left his car at my home, we fetched John and then all met at  Fred's home. We left from Fred at about 5:30am. The drive to Cockscomb takes about two hours. There is a really long stretch of uneven, rocky and bumpy gravel road. Ahead you are able to see the mountain peak ahead. Quite imposing! My car temperature guage read 3degrees and then moved up to 6 degrees when we reached the foot of the mountain.

FROM A LONG WAY OFF YOU CAN SEE THE COCKSCOMB PEAK. THE CAVE THAT WE USE IS SITUATED ON THE WEST FACE OF THE PEAK ON THIS SIDE OF THE HIGHEST PEAK.

THIS IS OUR GANG: JOHN; FRED; GRAHAM; DIRK; JOANNE; JEREMY AND SALLY

We parked our cars at the farmyard where the hike starts. Shouldered our backpacks and started the walk.  The first section passes the hut and then we move along the bed of the stream. The stream was dry. After passing the disused windmill we cross the stream twice before starting the ascent. Fred led the way up this tough climb. Fortunately it was still early and cool. Those of us who had kept on a jacket were soom peeling layers off as we warmed up. I had come to terms with the fact that it would be a slow climb for me so I merely took one step at a time and made my way to the top at my own pace. The problem with this climb is that there is never a "top".

Each time you think that you have reached the top of a section you look up and see more climbing ahead. We made steady progress. While we heard later that there was a really strong wind blowing in PE, we had gusts but nothing like being buffeted around. Fred sets a steady pace. Pretty relentless in fact. However he would stop and regroup from time to time. We had one longish stop and took out something to eat.

THE HIKE IS MAINLY UP HILL WITH AN OCCASIONAL UNDULATION

SHORT BREAKS ARE ESSENTIAL. THERE IS NO REASON TO REACH THE CAVE EARLIER SO HERE GRAHAM PETER AND JOHN ENJOY A SNACK.

JUST BEFORE REACHING THE FENCE THERE ARE SOME BOULDERS AND ROCKY SECTIONS TO NAVIGATE.

The last section is also quite tough as there are some rocks and boulders to climb. We stopped just before the final ascent and could make out the Fence which we were aiming for. Once you are through the fence there is a final bit of rock climbing. Today the path was quite indistinct as a fire had killed off all the protea and other vegetation. We looked out for the Cairns and made our way across to the final climb. This is an "all fours" climb as you hoist yourself over the lip of the rocks, climb along a steep section where you are made safe by the ropes tied to stakes.

Finally we reach the cave. Every time I am up hear the cave takes my breath away. It is simply amazing. The height and depth and the structures in the cave are quite spectacular. We all set our matresses in place and then settle our sleeping bags and other comforts. Inside the cave it is chilly but as soon as you are in the sunlight you warm up. So we kind of found ourselves a rock or small place to sit and relax for a while. The sun warmed us up.

Across the valley we could see the extent of the damage caused by the fire. Where we would have walked in bush above our sightline, it was now barren. We could make out the path to the saddle on the other side of the valley. As we sat chatting in the sun I spotted a tiny Chameleon. It was perched on a blackened branch and had made itself almost invisible by merging in with the surrounding colour.

WE REACHED THE CAVE AT AROUND 11AM. IT WAS SUNNY AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE CAVE YET WE HAD TO KEEP A WARM TOP ON TO WARD OFF THE CHILLY BREEZE.

THE CHAMELEON IN BLACK

Fred suggested that we should attempt to climb to the peak of the mountain. I have never done this. I knew that it would be a tough climb and was hesitant but decided to carry on and that I would stop when I felt that I had reached my limit. Fred set off at pace. My left knee was particularly painful each time I stepped down so I was far behind him within minutes. They waited for me so I felt obliged to press on. Once we started the climb up to the saddle on the other side of the valley I felt a bit more comfortable and was able to keep up.

FROM ACROSS THE VALLEY JOHN POINTS TO WHERE THE CAVE IS. THE SUN IS NOW IN THE WEST AND STARTING TO WARM THE CAVE UP.

BEHIND JOHN YOU CAN SEE THE VALLEY. THE STREAM AT THE BOTTOM OF THE VALLEY IS WHERE OUR HIKE BEGAN THIS MORNING

After the saddle there is still a VERY long climb to the peak. We started up an indistinct pathway. Following Fred. Sally and Jeremy seemed game. John was just behind them and I struggled at the back. It was not long before I saw this huge rockface ahead of me. John was on top, the others continued to climb. But that was it for me. John also (maybe in sympathy) decided that this was his limit. We climbed back down and then across the valley and back to the cave where we were greeted by a lazy group of sun-worshippers. After a shower and a bit of lazing on the rock next to the shower we joined the group in the cave for a lazy second half to the afternoon. We could see the trio coming back down. They then went over the ridge to the Mountain Club cave.

UP AND UP YOU CLIMB AFTER THE SADDLE

THIS IS THE SECTION OF THE HIKE WHICH BECOMES TECHNICAL. SALLY AND JEREMY WERE GAME TO FOLLOW FRED

SO FAR AND NO FURTHER SAYS JOHN AND PETER

All of this sun and exercise made us rather sleepy but we managed to hold out until "the Boeing flew over" which it literally did (but a little later than was suitable for us. We lit an early fire, opened some snacks and beverages and had a really enjoyable end to the evening as the sun finally dipped over the mountain. It was still light in the sky but in the cave the temperature dropped quite drastically as the last rays of sun left us.

WE MAKE OURSELVES REALLY COSY WITH WARM BAGS AND GOOD FOOD

The Braai was excellent. I had crumbed chicken and veg, John had some venison wors and pork chops with sweet potato, Graham had chicken sosaties and veg. While the youger group had huge steaks and smash. Fred made his own appetising concoction on the stove. I was able to remain with the group for only a short while before sleep grabbed me and chucked me into my sleeping bag. And within seconds I was history. I had taken a pain killer for my knee which Jo Anne had given me. This and the red wine made for an extremely restful (and long) sleep.

AFTER THE SHOWER -- ONE WITH THE BEST VIEW IN THE ENTIRE AFRICA -- I WAS ABLE TO SOAK IN SOME SUN

A VERY UNFLATTERING PIC OF PETER

THE SUN IS JUST SOOOO GOOD

THE SUN MOVES DEEP INTO THE CAVE UNTIL IT SUDDENLY DISAPPEARS AND THE CHILL SETS IN.

FATHER AND SON AS JEREMY AND FRED USE THEIR SELECTED SPOT FOR COOKING

AN EXPRESSIVE JOANNE TELLS A STORY WHICH CAPTIVATES JOHN. SALLY IMPRESSES US ALL AS SHE IS THE FIRST LADY TO WEAR A DRESS IN THE CAVE. WELL DONE SALLY!

Sunday morning 22nd Sept 2013.
I wake up a few times in the night but sleep really well. It is sunrise. The sun is bouncing off the east face of the mountain across the valley.
One by one the team starts to rise. First off is Ablutions and then Breakfast. I make some Oats so easy and banana followed by Tea and a rusk. We pack our stuff, tidy up the cave and head off back down the mountain. Graham and I take an early lead to get a bit ahead of the group. They catch up soon enough and we regroup with a stop before tackling the final descent.

The last part of the descent is reasonably difficult. There are a series of unseen drops ahead of us. Until we reach the last of the steep descents where the footing consists of loose shale. I consider each step before moving on. I am not nearly as confident on this trail as some of the group. At last we reach the stream where I find a small pool and have a bit of a face wash to cool off. The last little bit back to the cars is relatively easy. Unfortunately I have a flat tyre. We quickly replace the flat with the spare and say our goodbyes.

The Dirt road back is particularly long. I am not sure how far it is but I am cautious; more so now that I dont have a spare tyre. It seems endless. We have no sense of where we are or how much further to go. Each time we come around a bend we kind of think that we should be reaching the tar road, but no -- there is simply no end to the dirt road.

An interesting thing happened on our way home. We passed a flock of angora goats. The farmer was in the field with his two Collies who were hearding the goats. What was interesting to us was that the goats had different colour paint on their noses / faces. The farmers wife was in her bakkie and we asked about the painted goats. She explained that each of the colours (Blue; Green and Red) indicated a different week in which the goats had lambed.

Of course in the end we do reach the tar. Relief! It is a short easy drive from there. I drop John and then Graham who has left his car at our house. What a great weekend: thanks Fred and the rest of the team. ininAnd thanks Frans for allowing us to be up there.

URBAN RUN PORT ELIZABETH SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2013

BERND AND PETER BEFORE THE START OF THE URBAN RUN. THIS WAS MY SECOND URBAN.


URBAN RUN PORT ELIZABETH SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2013
BERND AND CATHERINE
CATHY AND LISA
SIAN AND SHEENA
ANDREW AND FAMILY



I had, by chance, been the first person to enter this year's run. I had been in the process of doing an entry for another event and found the Urban Run entry open so had done the entry immediately. As it turned out; the administrators had been busy testing the site and; I had just gone in on the site at that time.

Saturday afternoon I went to the Donkin area and registered. This event carries a compulsory R100 minimum charity donation. There were a number of events for children as well that took place this afternoon. I had done my early morning Saturday run. Then organised the Parkrun. And then done the administration for the parkrun which means loading times and results and uploading them to the net so that everyone who takes place will receive a result.

Sunday morning I got myself ready with my Urban Run Shirt and number. I had a green wrist band which indicates that I have donated the minimum of just R100. If you have raised more than this then you have a different colour wrist band and leave earlier.

GINO FABRI IS THE FUNNY MAN AND ENTERTAINER THIS MORNING

GINO SINGS AND JOKES AND KEEPS US ALL LAUGHING AND CLAPPING IN TUNE

BERN AND CATHERINE AT THE START OF URBAN RUN AT THE DONKIN RESERVE

Gino Fabbri was on the stage singing and telling jokes. Personally I find his humour and singing to be quite entertaining and I could have gone on listening to him for the rest of the morning. I met up with a number of fellow PE runners but then found that Bernd would be doing this for the first time and he did not have a running partner so I was more than happy to have someone to share the experience with.

There are probably around 1500 runners. All kinds of costumes and outfits. I am not sure how they survived as it was a really warm morning. We waited in line for our chance to go. I had a bottle of water so was okay when we finally set off, probably about 30min after the first group had left at 9am. The route takes you immediately up the steep Donkin Hill; Left turn past what used to be the YMCA and then right again down towards town on Municipality st. At the bottom of this road we turn right and have to climb up and over a concrete pipe and then crawl through a pipe on the other side.
Down towards town on the steps; right into Govan Mbeki ave; over some road barriers and then right again up Donkin St. Here is the first real line where we run up and then down just below the Donkin Reserve there is a huge pyramid tressel to climb over. Catherine is waiting for us on the other side taking pics. She has recently found out that she is pregnant with their first baby.

BERND AND PETER BEFORE THE START OF THE URBAN RUN. THIS WAS MY SECOND URBAN.

CATHY PEARSE (NEL) AND SISTER LISA ARE AT THE URBAN RUN

After the tressel we run down an escalator, back into town and down towards the train station; up and over the foot bridge and then through the train; exit into the station and out at the Campenile. From here we run around the old post office and out into the main City Square at City Hall. And then a really tough climb past the Feather market hall and up to the Fort Frederick. We are pretty Exhausted by the time we reach the Fort where we have to climb up some cargo nets over the wall of the Fort. My legs are a bit shakey but we seem to manage okay. There are willing hands to assist you over the top.

APPROACHING THE WALL OF FORT FREDRICK AFTER A LONG CLIMB UP FROM THE STATION

SIAN AND SHEENA OKEEFE HAVING FUN ON THE RUN

BERND AND I ARE IN LINE TO CROSS THE BAAKENS RIVER ON THE SCOUTS BRIDGE

From here we carry on upwards and through the Central area of Bird St; into the PE club; around the park; through what was supposed to be live wires and skipping over tyres. Then through some of the old historic alleyways and buildings until we came out near to the St Georges park. Here there was a scaffolding and some bars to climb across. I skipped this obstacle. Bernd managed well. Luvuyo who we met on the run, took a fall into the muddy area below the bars.

Then it is through the Cricket stadium, not up into the Duckpond Pavillion like last year.  Then it is onto the field and under the cargo net where you will be sprayed with water from a garden hose. From there we run through the park to Settlers Park. Through the parking lot and down the stairs to the crossing of the stream. The scouts have built a bridge of planks floating on plastic bottles. We cross this. Bernd falls in the water. Deliberately?

BERND FALLS OFF THE BRIDGE

BACK ON THE BRIDGE AND READY TO CONTINUE THE RUN

Then through a muddy section and out at Bridge St Brewery where we have a slippery Slide. Across the stream again and then along the Baakens River to the old Newspaper house. Through the last bit of the city and then up past the Statue of Queen Mary and back up to the Donkin.

Bernd and I have had a great little outing. We have enjoyed every step of the run. For Bernd there are many places that he visited for the first time. We have a cold drink and then head off home for a shower and rest. A great Sunday morning adventure.

CLIMBING UP THE CARGO NET ON FORT FREDRICK

LOOKING DOWN FROM THE FORT TO WHERE THE BRIDGE ST BREWERY IS THERE WAS A SLIPPERY SLIDE

ACROSS THE STREAM AND ONTO LOWER VALLEY ROAD

LOWER VALLEY ROAD AND BACK DOWN TO THE BAAKENS RIVER

BERND AND PETER FINISH THE URBAN RUN

BERND ON THE CRUSADERS PRACTICE FIELD CRAWLING UNDER THE CARGO NET WITH A HOSE PIPE SPRAYING THE RUNNERS

PETER HAS HAD FUN CRAWLING AND GETTING SPRAYED

EARLY ON IN THE RUN AFTER MAKING IT OVER THE HIGH TRELLIS

REACHING THE TOP OF THE WALL AT THE FORT

FROM UP ON THE FORT YOU SEE THE SLIPPERY SLIDE WITH BERND AND PETER

WE APPROACH THE FORT AND THE CARGO NET CLIMB

BERND AND PETER WITH CATHERINE ON  CAMERA

CLIMBING UP THE CARGO NET, OVER THE WALL, DOWN INTO THE FORT AND OUT THE OTHER SIDE TO PE CENTRAL AREA.

STARTING THE URBAN RUN WITH BERND

LOOKING DOWN ONTO LOWER VALLEY ROAD NEXT TO THE BAAKENS RIVER WITH BERND AND PETER

SUNSHINE COAST TRAIL RUN SPRINGMOUNT 2013

IF YOU LOOK VERY CARFULLY YOU WILL SEE PETER AND ANDRE ON THE POSTER USED FOR THIS YEARS TRAIL RUN.

SUNSHINE COAST TRAILRUN SPRINGMOUNT 2013

Claire Breedske
Robyn Steyn
Sian and Sheena
Dallas and Jane


Sunday 8 September 2013
It is a perfect morning. There is a Westerly blowing but more of a cooling off wind rather than obstructive. Slightly overcast. In fact a great morning for a run. Barbara is still in Canada and returns tomorrow.

THIS MORNING I MET NOMFUNDO WHO IS DOING THIS EVENT FOR THE THIRD TIME

MICHELLE AND CLAIRE SHARE A STORY

CLAIRE IS QUITE INTENSE AS DALLAS GIVES THE BRIEFING

BONE VALLEY. THIS IS THE ENTRANCE TO THE DREADED DUNE VALLEY

BONES OF BONE VALLEY



AFTER YOU PASS THE BONES YOU THEN HAVE AN"ALL FOURS" CLIMB TO THE START OF THE DUNES SECTION OF THE COURSE

THE DUNES AT THE TOP HAVE A STRANGE ZEBRA EFFECT. THE WIND HAS RIPPLED THE SAND SO AS TO DISORIENTATE YOU.
AS WE STARTED TO  DESCEND. WE SHOULD HAVE TAKEN A RIGHT TURN BUT INSTEAD CARRIED ON TO THE LEFT AS IT APPEARS TO   BE THE EASIER ROUTE. BUT THIS IS AN ILLUSION. YOU MUST TURN TO THE RIGHT FOR THE BEST SOLUTION TO CONQUERIN THESE SAND DUNES 

I had arranged to meet Claire and Robyn at Claire's house. 7:30am. Ally had to be at Save a Pet for her community service project, LENE would pick her up later and then take her to Water Polo at Pearson. Meanwhile Digby had run away twice yesterday. First time Anne Morris had picked him up and given him to Dale Watsonq who had put him back in the yard. Then Digby had escaped again and was picked up and given to the vet. LENE collected him from the Vet this morning.

We left for Springmount in good time and had a leisurely drive. I took the turn off at Kinklebos Stasie. We were certainly not first there but as I had collected our numbers the previous afternoon we were quite relaxed. As we waited for the start we mingled with familiar faces, catching up and chatting about running and similar stuff. There was a solid family atmosphere. There was a safe area for children with a trampoline. These events are put together by Dallas and Jane, and Sheena and Sian.

Dallas gave us a short explanation, the course would be the same as 2012. The roar of a shotgun set us off a Lillie after 9am. I was with Claire, Michelle, Robyn and Letitia. This went well for a short while until I heard Robyn says: "We had better catch up to Michelle". I knew that I would not be able to stay with the young ladies. I tried to maintain a steady pace and found myself in the vicinity of Nomfundo, Letita, Eidie (AD), Lisa-Marie and Katherine.

LISE MARIE CLIMBS OVER THE FENCE.

This first section had a number of slow tough climbs, the pathways are not easy with rough under foot and while I tried to maintain a jog, I did walk from time to time. Finally after a bit of running through bushes, we came to a clearing and then some downhill. From the top here we are able to see across the fields and down to the dunes and ocean. I meet Nomfundo who has also run this all three times and we run together up to the water station.

ROBYN ON THE TRAIL RUN. THIS WAS EARLY WHEN I WAS STILL ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH
 HER.

THIS EVENT IS DIFFERENT DUE TO THE DUNES. AT STAGES THEY SEEM ENDLESS. ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU TAKE A WRONG TURN AND GO OVER THE SOFTEST SECTIONS OF DUNES WITH YOUR FEET SINKING INTO THE SAND

EARLY STAGES BE FORE THE DUNE FIELD. LOOKING QUITE CHIRPY

THIS IS NOMFUNDO'S THIRD SUNSHINE COAST EVENT

LETITIA JUST DOES EVERY THING

We run down and climb over the fence, cross the farm road and then down to the sloot. The views are magnificent from anywhere along this section of the run. A short steep descent, through a quick bit of narrow valley and then we run to where the only refreshment table is located. I take my backpack as I like to have constant sips of water. We have a drink and then climb up towards the dunes, Bone Valley awaits us! There is a short section of grassy paths before we are down in the dunes. After Bone Valley we climb a steep dune. Sian is waiting with his camera.

From the top we can see across this vast plain of sand dunes. A Scottish Flag points the way: and now comes the super doff part for me. Two years ago I had suggested to Andre that we take a short cut. It was a stupid idea as we went up and down soft sand, sinking up to our ankles and struggling while the rest of the runners had an easy firm path. Last year we took the correct route and realised how much easier it was. I know all of this, but still follow the runners in front, who I know are on the wrong (more difficult) route. And for the second time struggle through these tough ups and downs and soft sand. Doff!

Finally at the bottom I take off my shoes and socks and empty the sand and shale. Now I am on my own. I can see Lisa Maria and Katherine ahead of me. AD and Letitia are a short distance behind me, taking pictures and enjoying the dunes. I make my way along the beach; with the wind behind us this is fairly easy. Turn left where the fishermen are parked and then climb up and up the dunes again. Dune climbing is slow and arduous. The track takes runners to a pathway and finally out of the soft sand to "The Dairy". When I see this sign I know it is not far to the refreshment station.

LOOKING FRESH BUT THIS IS FALSE. CLIMBING DOWN THE DUNE FIELD IS REALLY QUITE TOUGH AS THE SAND GETS INTO YOUR SHOES AND YOU SINK WITH EACH STEP

CLIMBING BACK UP THE DUNES

Sian is there to capture more pics of us suffering. I grab a drink at the refreshment table manned by Rotarians, and press on over the final 4k of hills. There is one hill which is particularly steep. I walk this one but manage to walk run the rest of the way to the finish. Claire has finished around 5mns ahead of me while Robyn was probably 15 minutes in front of Claire.

I have no idea what my time is, probably around 3 hours. This is a particularly tough event. I am not sure of the distance but roughly 20k. What makes it so tough is the uneven footing at the start, short and steep hills and then the Dune section makes the run really difficult. Fortunately it was overcast with a breeze to cool us off.

I put on fresh clothes. I heard that there were showers but the prize giving takes place as we arrive. Each year I am so sad as i miss the Guitarist who plays such relaxing music to the finishers. I will have to run a lot quicker, do the shorter distance or the cycle. this year for the first time there was a MTB event as well. We have a beer and relax on the grass. Claire wins a prize. And we pack up and leave for home.

This has been a good outing. After this event you know that you have had a morning of exersize. I have some time at home for an afternoon nap before I fetch Ally at school from Polo. Later we attend church. It is a confirmation service.

Monday morning it is raining so I am happy to stay in bed. Barbara arrives home from Canada today.

CLAIRE APPEARS TO BE MAKING LIGHT  OF THE CLIMB OUT OF BONE VALLEY

AND THEN IT IS CLIMB CLIMB AND CLIMB SOME MORE DUNES

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CLIMBING UP THE LAST SECTION OF DUNES





THE DAIRY



 AS YOU SEE THE THE DAIRY SIGN YOU KNOW YOU ARE OUT OF THE WORST OF THE CLIMBS.

THE TOP OF THE DUNES SIGNALS THE WATER TABLE IS JUST AHEAD, WHAT FOLLOWS  IS A REALLY STEEP HILL

LIZE MARIE AT THE TOP OF THE DUNES

ROBYN CLIMBS THE FIRST STEEP DUNE FROM BONE VALLEY

CLAIRE MAKES MINCEMEAT OF THE DUNE CLIMBING (WAY AHEAD OF ME)

THE CLIMB OUT OF BONE VALLEY IS TOUGH FOR ME