New Big Wall Free Routes in South Africa
Reinhard Hones repointing the crux 3rd pitch (5.12c) on Your Mothers Face, Yellowwood Amphitheatre, South Africa. Photo by Martin Schindele
Martin “Wusel” Schindele takes a minute to enjoy the runnout on the second pitch of Your Mothers Face. Photo courtesy of Martin Schindele
News link: Bavarians Max Dünßer, Reinhard Hones and Martin “Wusel” Schindele climbed a new nine pitch route at 7b+ (or 5.12c) at South Africa's impressive Yellowwood Amphitheatre. The bullet hard sandstone presented many natural protection opportunities thus the team placed only a few bolts, but always at least one at anchor stations, in TraSchlaBo-style (which translates to Trad-Piton-Bolt) on the 350 meter wall. The Germans named their new route Your Mothers Face.
After a short break bouldering at Rocklands, and at the 2009 Rock Rally climbing event in Waterval Boven, Schindele returned to Yellowwood with Daniel Gebel and completed another new route. The three pitch Episode I – Fight Against the Dark Side of Gravity (7c) is on the right side of the amphitheatre and climbs halfway up the wall. The first ascent team plans to return and add Episode II which will connect the bottom portion to the top of the wall.
The Yellowwood Amphitheatre with Your Mothers Face (7b+) on the left and Episode I – Fight Against the Dark Side of Gravity (7c) on the right. Photo by Martin Schindele
Read Martin Schindele's complete trip report and see more photos at Climb.co.za.
Sources: Justin Lawson, Martin Schindele, climb.co.za
Date of Ascents: October and November 2009
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