Pre-Mutter 16 & 17 2012 Report

This year's Pre-MUTTER took place in a weather window shortly after a heavy snowfall across the Berg. Seven athletes took up the challenge: 4 from KZN with prior experience of the route, and 3 from Gauteng who had not visited the Southern Drakensberg before.

We set off just after 05h30 to find a substantial flow of water in a previously dry river bed. The outdoor temperature was 1 degree centigrade and wading through the two streams and river was wake-up call. As daylight appeared we were greeted by stunning views and snow-covered upper mountains. Once up at the top of Bushman's Nek Pass we headed into Lesotho to find the new 'Natural Archway' checkpoint. There was snow around and parts of the tarns were frozen. We made quick progress to Sehlabathebe Lodge and from there stayed on the higher ground to avoid the many boggy areas towards Tsoelikane Falls. The river was in full flow and the Falls an impressive sight. Much of this area had not been burned. After climbing out of the valley, we tested the two-way radios between the lead group at Bellevue and those at Lonely Rock. There was good reception. Day1 ended at St Bernards in 11h 57m with a distance of just under 50km. Everyone was still in fairly good shape.

The superb meal and hospitality at St Bernards helped strengthen the resolve for Day2. We set off at about 06h15 and did well to avoid the boggy patches on both sides of the river. We reached the top of Thule at 2537m above sea level in a time of 3h 25m to once again enjoy the spectacular vista of snow-covered mountains. There was so much water that we didn't need to carry much at all. Leon van der Nest must be commended for carrying a thermos of hot coffee on both days and for sharing his hard-won treat. We reached the derelict buildings on the Lesotho/SA border in 6h 35m and successfully completed Day2, without any serious problems, in 8h 39m.

The group was fun, worked well together and deserves hearty congratulations on completing the Pre-MUTTER. The group was made up of: Madelein Barnard; Thys Nel; Leon van der Nest; Barbara Seele; Andrew Neal; Christine Harris; and Malcolm Millar.

Thanks to all who helped make the Pre-MUTTER possible including: Silverstreams; St Bernard's Peak Mountain Lodge; Margot van der Nest for driving our kit round; and Neil and Judy for keeping tabs on us from a safety point of view.

MALCOLM MILLAR 18 September 2012tel 083 2530645 fax 086 6898560email mjmillar@mweb.co.zahttp://sites.google.com/site/muttertrailrun/