THE VALUE OF HIKING A WILDERNESS

 “HIS WALK IS AN ADVENTURE AND HIS DEPARTURE AN ESCAPE. HE HAS A KIND OF TURBULENT PLEASURE, BETWEEN FEAR AND ADMIRATION”

DR. S JACKSON

THE VALUE OF HIKING A WILDERNESS

After a hiking trip of a few days one always return with a sense of being refreshed and with new enthusiasm for one’s work. One feels as if one has undergone a physical and spiritual rejuvenation. This is so because hiking does not merely involve the movement of one’s legs – it involves the sum total of one’s being.

Hiking helps you to get to know yourself

Man is a being that can be counted – he is this or that special, unique being. In our mass society, however, man becomes a mere number, and you can list them: ID number, student number, passport number, tax number, car registration number, bank account number and at the end…….a grave number.

Man is not a cypher, though.  Each human being is a unique, special creature. Each person needs time to get to know himself, apart from getting to know the world around him. If you are always on the run you cannot discover yourself or your unique abilities or qualities. There is no better form of relaxation which can promote the “turning inwards” than hiking in the wilds. The restful manners in which this type of recreation is practiced and the environment in which it is done are perhaps the most important reasons for this.

Hiking will allow you to breathe again

Man does not only have a spatial dimension, i.e. inhabit a specific space. He also experiences space – or the lack of it.

Many people’s living space has nowadays become very limited: an office by day and a room in a flat by night. Some become so used to it that they develop a fear of open spaces when they drive through vast open landscapes. Others, who were used to more space, suffer from persistent claustrophobia.

It can also be dangerous when one begins to experience the small space in which one finds oneself every day as the real world. Physical, spatial limitations can add to spiritual impoverishment.

If you have ever been tempted to think of yourself as being something special, look up to the heavens and reflect on the following: You are not even a speck on the face of the earth. The earth itself in turn, is an insignificant almost burnt out planet of an unimportant star floating in the immeasurable distances of space. The distances are so enormous that they are not measured in kilometers but in light years.

These spaces are so enormous that they threaten to overwhelm one completely. Fortunately we do not experience these distances, which completely surpass our limited intellects, in this way when we are out in the open at night marveling at the beauty of the stars. The small amount of space that we can experience is just enough to let us breath again.

Hiking brings you to life, real life

Together with the animal man rises above grass, flowers, and trees, because man also has senses. Man is a physical being, who can hear, see, small, taste, and touch. Plants do not have these senses and therefore cannot experience pain or joy.

Psychologically hiking allows a renewal of one’s humanity. It teaches you to realize anew the privilege of having these senses and to be able to use them. Somebody has rightly observed that “Nature is filled with wonderful things which are patiently waiting for our senses to be sensitized to them.”

You are filled with a child’s sense of joy and wonder that you have eyes to drink in the beauty of color and line.

Sit down quietly for a moment, and you will hear sounds which have never penetrated your awareness. In the wilderness, where the silence is almost tangible, there is always the rustling whimper of the wind or the noise of a stream – talking to itself to exorcise the solitude!

In the wilderness you discover that you still have a nose. Hike through the forest and grasslands and smell all the herbs growing wild around you.

You feel the scorching sun and the bite of the cold.

What you eat tastes good again. To hike literally adds savor to your life.

So-called modern, civilized people have to be taught how to use their senses again. This does not happen by itself – it is an art which our primitive ancestors knew far better than we do nowadays.

Furthermore, one acquires self-control, discipline, and perseverance on the hiking trail.

This is apart from the fact that most of us – often unconsciously – carry excess baggage of emotional tensions and stresses. Hiking purifies you of this and creates a new sense of balance.

Hiking makes you think clearly

In spite of what evolutionism wishes to teach, man is not simply a highly-developed primate. Apart from the facets already mentioned man has at least nine more dimensions, which make him tower above the animal. His reasoning ability does not only differ a little from that of animals – it is totally different.

Not much can be said about the value of hiking for our intellectual ability – why do you think philosophers and other learned people liked walking so much? You have probably experienced this personally. Perhaps you have also sat struggling with a problem for hours, finally to give up and go for a walk around the block. The result? You are suddenly able to think clearly again – problem solved!

A hiking trip is not only good for one’s legs but also for one’s brain. Apart from which it also gives you a new perspective on matters. And it is important to retain perspective because however interesting our work might be, we easily fall into a glum and monotonous routine.

The End.

Safe Hiking.

References and Acknowledgements

From the book – the enchanting world of the Drakensberg Mountains –

                               B vd Walt

Photos – Willem Pelser

Compiled by Willem Pelser

WRATH OF THE DRAGON

 “MAN’S SELFISHNESS AND GREED

IS THE CAUSE OF ALMOST ALL OF OUR PROBLEMS”

WRATH OF THE DRAGON

The following story as told by the writer John Hone:

“During 1995 I spent many days and weeks photographing Bushman Rock Art all over South Africa, but more particularly in the Drakensberg. Conservationist and friend Meridy Pfotenhauer, who had a broad knowledge of the foothills in this area, accompanied me on many of the berg trips. On one occasion the objective was to record the paintings found in three specific shelters in the Didima Gorge. As was so often the case, we set off late after the drive up from the coast. Rain and thunder activity was predicted, but we had no idea how severe it would be”

On Friday night, 15 December, we parked our vehicle at the old Brotherton store on the Cathedral road, above the emHlwazini River and paid the owner our parking fee. We set off in the dark at 7pm. It was a warm humid night, and in the torch light the path was alive with insects and even the odd snake.

   “Lightning flickered above the high ground of the upper Didima, but held its distance. Eleven kilometers further on, and after two crossings of the emHlwazini River, a chilly swim under a forest waterfall and an obstacle course through a forest short cut, we eventually arrived at Leopard cave in the Didima Gorge sometime after midnight.

   Heavy rain was forecast for the following day. Summer downpours are common at this time of the year, but it did not concern us as we were well prepared. I was looking forward to accomplishing some good recordings of the rock art, and damp, overcast weather would provide optimum conditions. After an early start on the Saturday morning, I was able to complete the planned photography of the sites along the north facing slopes of Didima well before midday. We then made our way down the grassy incline to a point were crossing to the opposite bank would be easy.

The next cave on our list was high up above the forest line of the steep, south facing slope. Crossing the river was easy ad we were soon struggling our way up under a dark forest canopy with its tangle of competing undergrowth. The ground was a slippery combination of algae-laden rocks entwined with wet, slippery roots and decomposing leaves. In fact, it was so slippery that we were forced to make use of a rope we carry for emergencies. The climb took us a lot longer than we anticipated, and we reached the cave only by mid-afternoon. After a quick look around I immediately set to work with the photography.

   In the meantime the sky was becoming darker by the minute, and thunder rumbled in the distance. The plan was to complete the photography, retrace our steps down and cross back over the Didima River before nightfall. With this in mind, we had left our tents on the opposite side, well off the path, hidden under a distinctive Protea tree.

   Through the lengthening duration of my camera exposures I was aware that the light was becoming increasingly dark, but soon was so intent on the task at hand that I did not notice how ominous the approaching storm was. Besides, the cave was facing away from the storm, and its built-up was not immediately apparent. Soon rain began to fall, slowly at first, increasing steadily until it built up into a crescendo, with continuous bright flashes of lightning followed by crashes of thunder. 

We all moved into the most sheltered area of the cave, well away from the paintings, made supper and settled for the night. There’s something special about lying in a comfortable sleeping bag and drifting off to sleep to the sounds of a storm. Rain was falling in torrents. Because there was no wind we were able to remain dry even though the huge run-off from the ledge above was creating a wide sheet of water that cascaded down only meters away.

We awoke at 4:30am and made ready to move out. Rain continued to teem down and the river, far below, had the sounds and appearance of an angry sea. Some of the group thought that we might still be able to cross. Wisely, we decided against this. To climb all the way down through the difficult terrain to find we had no possibility of crossing was not the preferred option. Our tents were on the other side, and we were naturally concerned about how we would retrieve them. We stood there in the pelting rain gazing down at the raging torrent far below us.

   We all agreed that we should climb up the high ground heading in the direction of the main Berg while remaining roughly parallel with the direction of the river. After a couple of hours of climbing steep grassy slopes, the rain which had stung our faces soaked down our necks and into our clothing. Our boots, too, were full of water, and we were wet through and starting to feel the cold. After a heavy slog up a succession of thickly grassed hills we eventually reached the contour path that leads down to the point where the Thuthumi and Didima Rivers have their confluence. The path was a slippery, muddy challenge. Everywhere water was streaming down the slopes, seeking out the nearest gully that would channel it into the thundering Didima. For a brief moment the clouds opened up to reveal the Didima Falls on the main escarpment bin full spate, to then be concealed once more as the grey cloud curtain closed in.

   We arrived at the Thuthumi Stream. Normally not much more than a trickle, we were confronted with a violent, rushing torrent. There was absolutely no way we could cross. If this was the state of the Thuthumi Stream, the Didima River, 100m over the rise, would be many times worse. Reluctantly, after trying to figure out how to cross if our lives depended on it, we turned and headed back up the contour path. Rain continued to fall and the sounds of rushing water where everywhere. On arriving at the boom gate above Mike’s Pass, we were all feeling very cold. One of our party had his face all turn blue.

   Several hours later, on reaching the Parks Board offices, we learnt of a terrible tragedy that had befallen three hikers. The three hikers had been walking in the storm at the same time as us. The three hikers had attempted to cross the Didima River near the point where we recently left. One of the hikers had crossed the river onto the Thuthumi ‘island’ where the two rivers meet. One hiker had been swept back onto the south bank and the other hiker had lost his footing and disappeared under the wild, rushing water.

   The hiker on the island was stranded, but at least he was safe so long as he stayed where he was. He was only meters away from where we had to cross, but we had not seen him because of the lie of the land. Also, the noise of the river was such that he could never have hoped to hear us. On the far side, the hiker on the bank had no alternative but to run the 16km downstream for help. Little did he realize that the swollen Hlwazini river, 5km lower down, had to be crossed. On reaching it, panic and fear for his missing friend gave him the courage and strength to swim across its raging waters.

   Over the following 48 hours the storm-front played itself out. For two brothers and their friend it ended tragically. Ours had been a mere ‘adventure’ and, looking back, I pause and feel grateful that none of those chances I have taken in the mountains from time to time have ever had an unhappy ending.

The power of floodwater in the Drakensberg can never be underestimated. If one loses one’s footing in a flooded river, a backpack becomes a major liability and getting it off would be an almost impossible task. Swimming or trying to recover one’s foothold with a backpack on one’s back is out of the question. One has to only observe an area after a flood to witness the awesome power of water. Massive boulders get moved about as if they are pebbles. New gullies form, islands disappear, trees get uprooted and debris clogs every channel and hollow.

   Never camp in or close to a watercourse. If trapped by floodwaters rather wait the downpour out, and take comfort in the fact that floods in the mountains usually subside as quickly as they rise.

   On the Wednesday, three days after the tragedy, I returned with a friend to retrieve our tents. All the rivers were rapidly subsiding. Newspapers were full of reports of roads that had been flooded and of stranded hikers. As we made our way down to the point where we had left our tents the search for the missing hiker was well underway. A helicopter droned overhead as it slowly traversed the Didima Valley, while others combed the banks of the river. Though an extensive search lasting several days was carried out, the missing hiker’s body was never found”.

The End.

Safe Hiking.

References and Acknowledgements

Photos:   Willem Pelser

Source:   Encounters With the Dragon – John Hone

Compiled by:   Willem Pelser

DRAKENSBERG SAFETY

 “OUT OF THIS NETTLE DANGER,

WE PLUG THIS FLOWER, SAFETY”

SHAKESPEARE

DRAKENSBERG SAFETY

The Drakensberg has rich gifts to offer all who come to its soaring peaks and quiet valleys, but too often the bright anticipation of the morning had ended in needless sorrow and regret.

Offered here is what I hope will be useful advice to the aspirant hiker in avoiding these dangers.

   The Drakensberg continues to increase in popularity as a place for healthy recreation, place of escape from the tensions and turmoil of modern life, and as a place for spiritual refreshment. More and more people are coming to the Berg. Because of this, more and more accidents happen.

   Ninety per cent of these accidents should never occur. They are caused by sheer carelessness and ignorance. The Drakensberg is a place of matchless beauty and grandeur. It has rich gifts for the hiker who comes with humility and respect. But for the casual tripper who could not care less, for the man who goes blithely but mindlessly on his way, heedless of the advice of those who know, it can be a killer. We need to create a greater awareness of the possible hazards, and how to cope with them.

  What can we do to avoid these totally unnecessarily accidents?

   First of all, plan your journey well beforehand. Get hold of one of the many excellent maps that are available. Study your map well before your trip and plan your route carefully.

   Secondly, make sure you are equipped adequately for the trip you have planned. Clothing and food supplies are largely a matter of personal taste, but there are often certain essentials that must never be forgotten. Remember at all times to have plenty of warm clothing with you. Even on the hottest summer day blizzard conditions can blow up with startling suddenness. If you are on a summit trip take two sleeping bags with you, even in summer. Wind in cold weather can be a killer: make sure you have a windbreaker jacket with you. You will often get wet while on the march. Make sure you have a change of clothing for when you reach your night’s camping spot. Shorts are better for climbing than longs, but you must have something to change into at night. Track suits are excellent for this purpose. Strong leather boots are better than shoes and “takkies”. To avoid blisters wear two pairs of socks, the inner thin, and the outer thick knitted, with some talc powder between the two pairs.

   Food, even more than clothing, is a matter of personal choice, but make sure that what you select is light in weight. There are so many types of food on the market that this should prove no problem. There is no point in carrying heavy tins of meat when a few packs of soup powder will do the job just as well.

   One very important point: always carry more food than you actually require. This need not be anything elaborate: a few extra slabs of chocolate, extra oatmeal – enough to keep body and soul together for a few days in an emergency.

   Always remember to fill in the Mountain Rescue Register at your point of entry into the Drakensberg, and to sign off when you return or where you exit. THIS IS ESSENTIAL. These registers are available at all entry points. Complete the register in full, especially the exact route you intend to take. This information is essential for the rescue team in case you have an accident or get lost. Much valuable time and effort can be wasted as a result of insufficient or incorrect information. The party, for instance, who died in Ship’s Prow Pass in 1981, had filled in their route simply as “walk up Cathkin”, which was both incorrect and meaningless. If there is a likelihood of you deviating from your planned route, you should say so. Even if you are going only for a short walk in the Little Berg, an afternoon’s stroll; always tell someone where you are going.

   Summit trips to the inexperienced are particularly hazardous. It is wise to embark on these gradually. Don’t make your first trip to the summit a ten-day hike! Make your first trip a single-day one, and learn what the summit is like. At Cathedral Peak and Giant’s Castle it is possible to reach the summit and return in a day. Then go up and spend one night on the summit. See how you like sleeping out at 3 050 meters. It may not be your cup of tea! After that is the time to plan for longer trips.

   It is wise to familiarize yourself with the various passes leading up to, and down from the summit. The main escarpment is nothing less than a gigantic sheer wall of rock, sometimes 305 meters high. But in the 100 kilometers from Mont-Aux-Sources to Giant’s Castle there are only 12 to 15 well-known passes breaching this rock wall, and it is wise to know where they are. If you are caught in heavy snow on the summit you may want to get down quickly, and your only hope will be one of these passes.

   This brings us to the next point. If you are on the summit and the weather does show signs of breaking, it is best to get down as quickly as possible, especially if you have little experience of snow conditions. Sometimes, after days of snow, the passes become choked with snow and ice and it is impossible to get down.

   The mist comes down, and you are lost. What do you do?

   On no account start stumbling around blindly in the mist. You will soon lose all sense of direction and could easily be lost for days. It is best to stay put until the mist rises. Sometimes, however, the mist can last for days, especially on the summit. Your food is running out: what do you do? If you are in the Little Berg, there should be no problem, especially if you are on a path. Keep to this path. But if you are really caught out, away from a path, and the mist persists, simply follow the nearest stream downwards. All streams in the Little Berg flow roughly from west to east, and will lead eventually either to below the mist belt or to a habitation of some sort.

   If you are caught on the summit in the mist, it is a little more difficult, for here there are no paths and the mist can persist for many days, especially in summer. It is still best to stay put, to sit it out, for it can be dangerous to start walking about in mist near the edge of the escarpment.

   Make a special study of Drakensberg weather. Learn to interpret the cloud formations, the winds, and the signs that accompany a change in the weather.               Remember that Drakensberg weather can change dramatically within a few minutes.

   Although stressed here is the necessity for caution and experience in tackling the wonder-world of the Drakensberg, do not misunderstood. There is another side to the coin.

   Man has a deep-seated, built-in urge to test himself against the hazards of life, to pit himself against the elements, and it would be a sad day if the Drakensberg were ever made totally safe. It is the very element of danger that gives hiking and mountaineering its peculiar mystique. Man needs to know that deep satisfaction of discovering the limits of his abilities, of being able to stare, unblinking, into the face of danger, and to know that it was good. There is a risk that overemphasis of the hazards may become counter-productive, and may frighten people off who would become better men and women through having had to face danger and still remain unshaken.

“IT MUST BE A POOR LIFE THAT ACHIEVES FREEDOM FROM FEAR, BUT IT IS A CHARACTERISTIC OF WISDOM NOT TO DO DESPERATE THINGS”

Perhaps that is just it. What is needed is a balanced viewpoint. Let us take all due precautions, but at the same time recognize the need for the challenge of high and perilous adventure. You will find it in the Drakensberg.

We as hikers, explorers, and adventurers have the absolute duty to respect and protect our Wildernesses. Nobody else will do it for us. Take ownership!

 

 

The End.

 

Safe Hiking.

 

           

Acknowledgements

Extract from the book – Dragon’s Wrath – J Byrom & RO Pearce

Photos – Willem Pelser, The Mountain Man.