As mentioned earlier, the hike can be done fully unsupported. It is more common and arguably
more pleasant to be supported by friends who at agreed points on the hike bring up fresh supplies,
cheer and conversation.
Sue was tasked to arrange the re-supply team to meet us on night 6, and I was tasked to arranged
for a second re-supply at the top of Sani Pass.
The first re-supply typically works as follows:
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Each team member prepares a re-supply load of no more than 2kg. Ideally this is packed into
2x1kg packages so the load can be shared by more helpers if they are available.
-
A re-supply organiser gathers friends and volunteers to hike up to the escarpment carrying
their own load as well as some of the traverse team load. Ideally there should be as many or
more supporters than traverse team members to minimise the load impact.
-
The re-supply team make own arrangements and hike up an agreed pass to meet the traverse
team at a predefined location, Bannermans Pass or Langalalibele pass tops being popular for
this.
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The re-supply team camps overnight with the traverse team.
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In some instances the re-supply team may hike with the traverse team to the top of the next
down route, or they may go down the same pass they came up.
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The traverse team members refuse accumulated to date is taken down by the re-supply team
on their departure.
Sue worked with Neil Ransome to put re-supply team together. The team included Neil, Paul, Tess,
Hanneke, Coen and Bent from JHB as well as Brendan and Tish from Durban. They brought our
goodies to the top of Bannermans Pass, and contributed much positive spirit and cheer. The
following we walked with them to the top of Langalalibele Pass top where we had breakfast before
going our separate ways.
The second re-supply is a little different:
-
Sani Pass allows a four-by-four vehicle to reach us at Sani top. This means that there is no
restriction with respect to re- supply team numbers and load.
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Phil Hall, a long standing friend of mine and Gabby, his daughter, joined us at Sani top. The
company, the fire, the gluwein, and champagne helped us celebrate Gabby's birthday and
cope with sub-zero temperatures before heading out the following morning.
-
We stayed indoors overnight in the Sani Top complex which was a welcome escape from the
cold and snow we had spent the day in. We had all packed a change of clothing and enjoyed
warm showers and dry clothes.
1. What is the Drakensberg Grand ...
