Time
to get high (3482 meters).
We will meet at:
S29°
35.065 E29° 17.289, 05h30, 10 March
2012.
Actual Event Date: 10
March 2012 @ 13h00 to 13h10 on top of the mountain is a qualifier
to log.
Our primary goal is a gathering for mountain
goat geocachers and to learn and to share some specific skills, in
this case mountaineering sense, from each other. I hope all will
enjoy this one. If not then I hope you enjoy the Sani Pass or at
least the location. Please note that the event will be the trip up
the mountain, the final 10 minute break on top of the mountain and
the trip back. As the location is remote we would prefer that
geocachers stick to the group in case something went wrong.
This event location is on top of a mountain
and it is probably one of the highest events ever held in Africa.
No other cache in South Africa is higher than this one. The final
climax of the event is in the form of a 10 minutes quick snack on
top of the mountain and a group photo. You can only log this event
when you made it to the top, or else it will be unfair to the other
cachers. Difficulty is a 1 but terrain is a 5. Difficulty is a 1
due to the fact that you can hire a porter at Sani to carry your
stuff. If you are really lazy you can also hire a Basotho horse for
this trip and he will take you to the peak. The focus of this event
is on a geocaching event and you will have to find your own way to
get a porter or a horse. If you do select a porter or a horse
please stay with the group.
To attend this event you need to climb to
3482 meters ASL. You will start at Sani Top Chalets at a height of
2882 meters ASL. To get to the event you will need about 9 hours to
the peak and back, estimated round trip is about 25 km. could be
more, could be less. I was here a long time ago so maybe I lost
some details and hopefully not the direction. It will not be funny
to end on the wrong peak. If it does happen please refrain from
beating the cache owner senseless. Straight line will be about 9
km. But we are not going straight; we will stroll around, up and
down and then straight up for the final assault. After all we want
to enjoy the scenery so why rush it and we also want to make sure
our bodies are getting used to the height. We will ascend slowly
and we will descend fast. The final ascend will be slow for sure
but straight up.
I smoke 40 cigarettes a day and I am on my
way to this mountain, so a person with average fitness should be
able to jog pass me.
Please refrain from doing that. If the going is tough then focus
your eyes in front of you and take small steps and think about
something nice. In return you will be standing on the second
highest peak south of Kili and you will be able to share your
experiences with a group of geocachers, very few geocachers
achieved this one. We will stay together as a group and we will
accept the pace of the slowest walker as our pace. There are no
medals for the first one on top.
1.
Special Caution: (Mountain Sickness)
At this height it is possible that you could
experience mountain sickness in some sort or another. It can happen
to anybody and at any fitness level on this mountain. The air is
quite thin and you will be breathing deeper than normal. That is
normal also the burning sensation in your lungs is normal. Please
do not smoke while doing this trip, you need all of the oxygen in
your blood. You can have one on top of the mountain. Dehydration
could accelerate mountain sickness so make sure that you have
enough energy drinks and energy bars. Also make sure you have
enough white gold, you never know. There are no safe water points
such as rivers and dams on this trial.
I will lead the group and if I do notice severe symptoms of
mountain sickness I will not allow you to proceed any further. If
the symptoms are above acceptable risk, you will go lower and you
will wait for the group to return.
Symptoms of mountain
sickness (mild stage)
Headaches is the primary indicator and if
this is in combination/s with the below than you could suffer from
mountain sickness, inform the cache owner immediately.
§
Lack of appetite, nausea,
or vomiting
§
Fatigue or
weakness even when rested.
§
Dizziness or light-headedness
§
Pins and needles
§
Shortness of breath upon exertion
§
Nosebleed
§
Persistent rapid pulse
§
Drowsiness
§
General malaise
§
Peripheral edema, which is
the swelling of hands, feet, and face, the Oros man
effect.
§
Running tummy
2.
Special Caution: (Weather)
Weather can change quickly and all types of
weather can be experienced. It can be as hot as hell, it can snow,
the wind could pick up to 80 km/hr plus, it can rain, lightening
can occur without warning and mist can isolate you - you need to
prepare for all. You have to carry sun block and sunglasses with
you. Make sure you have thermal underwear with you, something warm
and something that can protect you from wind and rain. Your boots
must be good and it must support the ankle and non-slip. You need a
good rucksack, which is waterproof. Pack the heavy things on top
close to your shoulders; make sure it does not swing on your back.
Preferably there must be a strap on your chest and one on the
stomach to keep it from swinging. Make use of a walking stick.
Always carry two plasters, due to the possible cold you could
suffer from nipple rash, use the plasters to cover them if needed.
If the weather conditions are not favourable we will carry our
sleeping bags. Always carry a small torch or headlamp with you.
Route will be given as additional waypoints
for your benefit. If you have any questions please contact the
cache owner. Good luck and enjoy it. Prepare yourself mentally for
the trip to the event.