The second weeknd of August was spent in the Drakensberg climbing the classic Angus Leppan route. Apart from being a great opportunity to spend time in the mountains, the weeknd was a great training exercise.

We carried relatively heavy, about 24kg packs, which is probably due the Weber braai, charcoal and 6 ready made pizzas we were carrying on top of the 4 climbing ropes, 2 full trad racks of aluminium safety gear and all the warm clothing to survive the -8?C weather.

The climb went really well with Warren (Chuck Norris’ personal trainer) and Dirk leading the 6 pitches to the top of the Sentinel. The weather was great despite the wind and the sun made the winter chill bearable.We spent the night in the cave, savouring the coal fire baked pizza out of the wind wrapped in down jackets.

We all found our spots in the cave and bedded down for the night.

Sunday morning, despite the overcast, we set off up the path to the chainladders for an informal brunch at the semi-frozen top of the Tugela falls. We polished the tuna and biscuits as the first snowflakes started to fall and we headed homeward to welcoming shelter of the Witsieshoek Hotel and a steak lunch.

Here’s to another great weekend in Africa…

For pics, go to my photos on my Facebook profile and see “Angus Leppan”.

On Wednesday, I went with my dear old mother to see Sean speak at a fundraiser at Durban Boys High School. It’s always nice to chat to Sean with his friendly and down to earth manner. Despite being the first South African to summit all 7 Summits, he is still humble and willing to chat and encourage me on my own adventure.

His talk was funny and interesting with breath taking and sometimes startling footage from his trip up the south face of Everest. I took my mom with help her fill in the gaps and experience a true account of the mountain without any media hype and distortion. A good idea, I thought, until Sean mentioned the 5 deaths in Base camp (1996 season) as well as a few shots of frostbite and some really knackered looking climbers.

For more info on Sean Wisedale and his quests to all of the big 7, go to www.seanwisedale.com