Barry's Grave Traditional Cache
Wazat: Will replace when in the area again.
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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The site of Dick Barry's Grave
Dick Barry was a mountaineering pioneer who gave his life to what he loved best. At the age of 22 this talented climber fell to his death on the mountains he loved so much.
With your back to the grave look towards the big flat mountain (Cathkin Peak) in the distance, just to the left of this is the pointed peak of Monk's Cowl or iNkosana. It was while attempting to summit this mountain that Barry fell to his death. Out of view and to the right of Cathkin Peak is Sterkhorn - Mount Memory. As you follow the jeep track down from Barry's Grave you will see Sterkhorn. The summit of this is where you will be able to find another cache of mine. This is a 5 star terrain and should not be attempted unless you are not afraid of heights and are fit. It is by no means a easy hike like this one.
In 1938 Dick Barry and Colin Gerbhardt set of from the Cathkin Peak Hotel to climb to the summit of Monks Cowl. They were making they way up the mountain face when Gerbhardts hand hold was lost and he fell. The rope attached to the two climbers pulled taut and Barry was yanked off the mountain. They fell and tumbled around 100 meters but were still relitively unhurt, however Barry was unconsious for around two hours.
They were now stuck on an inaccessable ledge with their equipment in a bag wedged on a ledge way up above them. Dressed in only shorts and socks (That is how they climbed) they decided that they needed to get back down or, back up to their bag. When Barry regained consiousness they tried now to get back down. But it would seem that Barry was still concussed and at some stage he tried to go off to the right where he lost his footing and plumeted to his death.
In 1952 Des Watkins and Gillian Bettle found Barry's rucksak from where he had fallen. Watkins also fell here moments later but Bettle held the rope firmly and Watkins only suffered a few fractured ribs. They abandoned the climb. In 1962 the route that Barry took was finally conqured by Malcolm Moor although it took him 3.5 hours to do the 4 meter crux section where Barry had fell. This route has seldom been repeated. There have been more climbing accidents on Monks Cowl than any other peak in South Africa. Don't expect me to put a cache there soon.
To get to this cache it is best done following the Grotto Hiking Trail from the Drakensberg Sun. Please sign the hiking register before you go on the hike. It is for your own safety should you get lost or injured. The hike takes you through a lush valley with spectacular plant and animal life. I have come across bush pigs, small buck, wonderful insects and birdlife along this trail. There are two beautiful waterfalls along the way and some other geocaches for you to find. The hike is not strenuous and can be done by small children. The hike up to Barry's grave is not too steep but does gradually take you up out the valley. It may be a little slippery when wet, otherwise it is a very neat and easily negotiated trail.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Va gur pbeare haqre fbzr fgbarf.
Treasures
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