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The Dry Mouthed Guild met again on Sunday. We had 4 members ready to get dry in the mouth and dry in the mouth we got!

We had a great morning trying to push our limit leading on trad, some more successful than others… I barely got 5 m off the ground when my mouth was dry and shortly after I decided to rather bail than die! Leading on bad gear is just not an option. Tuxedo Junction is one beautiful route though and I would love to go back in a couple of months’ time…

Bruce tried to open a route for which we had much hope, but the last 3 meters was unprotectable – so he followed my example and bailed, rather than take the risk. We both decided that it is an important skill to know when to turn back!

Tea time: Gavin Raubenheimer and Tony van Tonder

So we lit the stove and had some tea instead!

Hannelie Morris

For more info on guided climbing in South Africa, please have a look on the Peak High Website: http://www.peakhigh.co.za/rockclimb.php or contact Gavin on gavin@peakhigh.co.za

The Dry Mouthed Guild met very early on Sunday morning at Boothill in Kloof (Durban). Only 3 members arrived, but not that, nor the weather – low hanging mist, deterred us…

Gavin Raubenheimer started the day by leading the amazing Liquid Desire (19) in great style, managing the crux with just a “watch me”! Hannelie Morris then took her time working up Signing Off (18), finding many a rest that Bruce Tomalin has never seen before. Then Bruce lead the first pitch of An End to Innocence (17), doing the hard move of the ground without a word. Hannelie took the lead in second pitch and got quite dry in the mouth as she had to tiptoe gently past a hornet, Bruce followed suit, but Gavin decided that the hornet had to go – luckily without any dire consequences.

Can’t wait to go back for Tuxedo Junction…

For info on climbing courses offered and run by Peak High Mountaineering please visit our website: http://www.peakhigh.co.za/courses.php

Or contact Gavin on:

gavin@peakhigh.co.za or 082 990 5876

The Dry Mouthed Guild or DMG met as per usual on the last Sunday morning of the month (August 2009). As per usual we all got a little dry in the mouth!

Deidre leading Cain at Monteseel

Diedre did her 5th trad lead and did Cain, a grade 10 face climb. This was followed by Gavin R leading Top Heavy grade 19 which was way harder than he remembered.

Colin seconding Top Heavy

Dave leading Powder Finger at Monteseel

Dave Drummond then did Powder Finger (22), one of the harder routes at Monties. Colin lead No Feet which we all felt was way too easy for his ability !