Day 5 - Mnweni Pinnacles - North Black and Tan Pass
Even I was up early for the sunrise this morning and it was totally worth it - really awesome views! The mist had disappeared entirely and it was going to be another perfect day. It was a short walk over to the top of the pass, and we found the first section the standard grassy slope with some boulders , about 45 degrees. After making our way around one or two obstacles, we reached an area that had been burnt, which in a way made the going easier, but at the same time more care had to be taken with sandy loose conditions underfoot and blackened spiky branches catching your clothing. It was very inspiring to see the huge pinnacles and turrets towering above us. We could see the two large waterfalls that are side by side us below, and the descent towards these was tiring as there is a large boulder bed to get through, the ground is steep and at times we had to make our way through head high chi chi bushes. We crossed the right waterfall and made our way on to the steep grassy slopes which we had to stay on for some time to by pass the twin arm of waterfall as well as the one a little further below it. By this time I was getting tired and lunch break was needed. We dropped into the river bed and enjoyed the fabulous views above and around us, before continuing on in the river bed. The boulderhopping continues for a while with the river dropping further down in to the valley. Eventually we exited the river on to the left hand bank just before the ridge from Rwanqa pass joins in. We had hoped to find a suitable tent spot in this area, but the entire valley has been recently burnt, so we made our way down to the Mnweni River before putting up our tents in the river bed below Shepherds Cave.
