There have been times I’ve set off to climb India Venster and have had to go back home because of the dangers it poses. I must have at least tried to do the trail twice and each time, I went back home with my tail between my legs. Too often people undermine this path and as a result have fallen to untimely their deaths.
The staples were put five deaths too late
I’m fortunate enough to be surrounded by people who love outdoor activities just as much as I do. It was Himself’s eleven year-old son, who suggested that his dad ask his friend Dave D’ Aguiar to guide me up India Venster, because ‘no offence dad, you need him for this one.’ The Lion himself had tackled the route a few months prior and is certain no inexperienced mountaineer can conquer it without the help of a seasoned climber.
Fun Fact: India Venster (Afrikaans for window) gets it’s name from the shape of the ravine housed between two large rock buttresses, that are shaped like the Indian subcontinent, hence the name.
The window! Dave tells me a lot of people miss when hiking up this trail, its not easy to find.
That very night we got in touch with Dave, but he was done climbing for the year. He promised to take me this month. True to his word, on Friday he got in touch to check if I was available on Saturday, seeing the South Easter was a lot better compared to what Sunday had in store for us.
At 6:30 on Saturday Dave was at my door step and our adventure began. Now here’s one thing I want you to wrap your mind around: there’s fit, and then there’s FIT! Dave is the latter. He is insanely fit. He climbs as many as 33 times a month, compared to my humble two. And can go up to 145 a year… it’s alright, you can collect your jaw from the floor now.
He also does the K-WAY Platteklip Charity Challenge where you have to hike up Platteklip Gorge as many times as you can in 11 hours.
Jumping for joy a few minutes after the halfway mark.
For the most part, I climbed without assistance, but there were parts when Dave had to show me where to put my feet, because one wrong step you are a goner.
I thoroughly enjoyed the hike, I hope he can let me tag along next time when he explores a route I have not yet seen.
Resting our legs for the last 220 steps
Photo Cred: Dave D’ Aguiar
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