EVENT: Centenary Climb of Sentinal Peak
DATE: 4 September 2010
PLACE: Sentinel Peak

On Saturday 4 September 2010, the KZN section of the Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) managed a successful mass climb of Drakensberg’s Sentinel Peak with at least 60 people reaching the summit to celebrate the centenary of the first ascent on 29 September 1910.
The Club arranged for the climbers to stay at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge, the closest accommodation to the peak.  With a good weather forecast, and some serious back-up support, Hannelie Morris, President of the KZN section of MCSA oversaw an innovative belay system that allowed the safe ascent and descent in one day.  “This was a massive undertaking, and only possible because of the number of experienced MCSA members available to help with the safety set-up very early in the morning and to assist the climbers on their way up”, says Hannelie.  “The weather in the high ‘Berg is notoriously unpredictable and we are really pleased that we could combine experience and good weather to pull off what will be for many a once-in-a-lifetime climb of the Sentinel Peak.”Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge was packed to capacity, with the “overflow” camping in the grounds.  A convivial, happy evening with a braai for 95 people, and a ceremony in the lounge rounded off a successful day.  Lize du Plessis, manager of the Lodge commented : “It’s always good seeing big groups together, focused on a common goal. MCSA pulled off a wonderful climb and we loved being able to support the event. ” For many of the climbers this was a first visit to Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge since new management took over. “We’ll be back” was the resounding message.

Note to all climbers  – Requests for photos:One from Lize (lize@tfpd.co.za) for the Witsieshoek website and one from Jurgen (jug@flyingpigs.co.za) for his pilot movie on Supersport. Either send directly to them or via Bruce (Bruce.Tomalin@mondigroup.co.za) – then MCSA can keep a collection as well. Please include the photographers name and if possible, names of people in picture.