Karbonaatjieskraal. A climber's guide, by Tony Lourens
Karbonaatjieskraal. A climber's guide, by Tony Lourens. Blue Mountain Design & Publishing. Montagu, South Africa 2022. ISBN 9780639718897 / ISBN 978-0-6397-1889-7
Karbonaatjieskraal: A climber's guide, by Tony Lourens. On the cover photo Julia Wakeling Bird climbs the delightful Dog's Delight (18), Gaper Kloof, with the steep and intimidating amphitheatre looming behind. Photo by Garrreth Bird.
Rock climbing in any form is a dangerous sport, which can maim or kill you, and should be practiced by experienced climbers only. This guidebook attempts only to point out where the different areas and routes are on the walls and crags of Karbonaatjieskraal and under no circumstances should it be used as a climbing manual, or for any other reason. When visiting any of the areas or crags in this guide and climbing any of the routes, the onus is on you to ensure your own safety and that of your climbing companions. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this guide is as accurate as possible; however, mistakes are inevitable. Some of the lines drawn on the topos may not be totally accurate. Please use your own mountain (common) sense when tackling any of the routes in this guide. This climbing area has climbs that are mainly Traditional (Trad), but some of these routes may also have old bolts, which may not be trustworthy, and others may be bolted in a way that will not guarantee a climber's safety. The author and publisher takes absolutely no responsibility for badly placed bolts, the failure of bolts or anchors, nor reckless or negligent climbing and belaying practices. Please take responsibility for yourself and your safety. Whenever you tie into the rope, you are taking your life into your hands. Act responsibly, whether you are climbing or belaying. Under no circumstances can the author or publisher be held liable for any reason whatsoever, even if the information in this book is inaccurate. Now go have fun, and don't come crying to me if you lose your way or bump your toe!
Karbonaatjieskraal
Originally discovered by Deon van Zyl back in 1997, he and Charles Edelstein set about exploring the area and started opening routes. Over the ensuing years Charles, along with various partners, made frequent visits to Karbonaaitjieskraal, putting up many routes. Other people also joined in the fun, and before long the various walls and crags boasted about 40 routes. The then owner, John Rudd, sold the property and for several reasons climbing died off somewhat. The property went through a few change of owners and now is owned soley by Howard Rubenstein. About a year ago Howard contacted me and was keen to get climbing back on the map. I assured him, that climbers would be keen to climb here again, we just need to make them aware that the place is 'climber friendly' again. Anyway, long story short, I suggested to Deidre Pieters and Simon Larsen from RAM Mountaineering, that it would be a great place to run their annual Black Diamond Tradathon. It would also be the perfect way to reintroduce climbing to Karbonaaitjieskraal, and put it back permanently on the climbing map.
The Rock and the climbing
The rock is compact sandstone, and although there are obviously loose and friable sections in certain areas, the rock on the whole is good and solid and the climbing superb. Gear: A standard rack of cams and nuts will suffice. Take some extra long slings to aleviate rope drag. Double ropes are definitely recommended, as many of the pitches are long and many of the rappels are between 40 and 60 metres. Helmets are also strongly recommended. Note: Although every effort has been made to determine the exact line of the routes, some of the lines drawn on the topos may not be totally accurate. Please use your own mountain (common) sense when tackling any of the routes in this guide. [...]
This is an excerpt from Karbonaatjieskraal. A climber's guide by Tony Lourens.
Title: Karbonaatjieskraal
Subtitle: A Climber’s Guide
Author: Tony Lourens
Publisher: Blue Mountain Design & Publishing
Montagu, South Africa 2022
ISBN 9780639718897 / ISBN 978-0-6397-1889-7
Softcover, 15 x 21 cm, 36 pages, throughout colour photo
Lourens, Tony im Namibiana-Buchangebot
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