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Meridian Calendar and Newsletter
October 2014
www.meridian.org.za
th
Contributions by the 25 to Sam [email protected]. Events subject to change - see website/contact co-ordinator.
Feel free to forward this to anyone you think would be interested! 
Meridian hosts Getaway hike, 28 September 2014
Meridian Badges
Barbara Rausch
Just by sewing a Meridian badge to my backpack I've won R100 in cash!
Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events
1
Regular midweek hikes
Louis van Dyk
I am retired and interested in doing regular midweek hikes with a core of regular hikers, initially basically
mornings only, in the Table Mountain, Constantiaberg/Silvermine and Muizenberg/Kalk Bay areas. We can start
with relatively easy hikes, progressing to more difficult and even adventurous ones. It might even be possible to
alternate between straightforward and adventurous on alternate weeks, or only doing a midweek hike every
second week. Also throw in the occasional overnighter. Generally start at 09:00/09:30 depending on where we
meet (peak traffic considerations) and be done by 13:00/13:30. Generally low cloud and predictions of rain
cancels.
Open to Meridian members and their friends, but strictly no dogs and no small kids. General Meridian rules will
apply.
Please indicate interest by mailing me on [email protected], indicating which day (Wed or Thurs) will be more
suitable, whether every week or every second week, and whether you are interested in simpler hikes or more
adventurous ones (note that “simpler” does not necessarily indicate easy hikes).
I am putting a hike in Newlands forest on for Wed 15 Oct as a start, meeting at 09:15. The hike will be ascending to
the contour path, traversing to Kirstenbosch and returning via the lower tracks. Although a straightforward hike, one
needs to be reasonably fit. I will be there, even if I am on my own.
Day
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15
17
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18
19
20
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27
27
28
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Name
Angus McGregor
Michelle Port
Andri Kleynhans
Danae Harmer
Kevin Carter
Shaun Schneier
Kate Wood
Nicole-Marie Iresch
Marelé Moolman
Giles Keun
Janet Meiklejohn
Veronika Frey
Wendy Grey
Maxleigh Derman
Richard Lowndes
Alison Sussex
Ian De Jager
Brenda Liebenberg
Magda Meyer
Bernard Annas
Greg de Villiers
Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events
2
Calendar
Date Coordinator
Event Description
Event Details
Thu
2 Oct
Launch of Mike Lundy's updated hiking
guide books
WEG!, The Book Lounge and Tafelberg invite
you to the launch of the new editions of Mike
Lundy's hiking guide books "Weekend Trails
in the Western Cape" and "Easy Walks in the
Cape Peninsula".
Pierre Steyn, editor of WEG!, will be in
discussion with Mike Lundy.
17:30 for 18:00 at The Book Lounge, Cape
Town, 71 Roeland St.
RSVP via email to [email protected] or
call 021 462 2425.
The Book Lounge
021 462 2425
Grade
Event
Sat
4 Oct
John James
021 782 2379
Coastal Walk from Lakeside to Kalk Bay
Fish+chips in the harbour, then catch the
train back to Lakeside.
15:00 at Lakeside station. Finish 18:30. No
guest fees. All welcome.
1Aa
Sat
4 Oct
Larry Jenkins
021 712 7759
Myburgh Ravine and Judas Peak
Along the contour path from Ruyteplaats to
Myburgh Ravine. Ascend the ravine and
continue over Judas Peak. From Judas Peak
descend via Eureka Face. Some tricky
scrambling at the top of Myburgh and down
Eureka.
09:00 at the parking at entrance to Ruyteplaats
Estate, Hout Bay. ± 6 hours. Rain or low cloud
cancels.
Contact leader by phone or email:
[email protected]
2Dc
Sat
4 Oct
Victoria Wilson
Email please
Newlands Forest (Beginner's Hike)
Are you new to the club, recovering from an
injury, or simply wanting a quick 60 minute
pleasant forest walk? A mostly shaded walk
round the bottom part of Woodcutters trail,
with one fair gradient, but mostly easy. Well
behaved, controlled hiking dogs and kids
welcome. Duration: 60 minutes max.
8:30 at main entrance Newlands Forest (where
car guards sit) off the M3.
Contact (no need to book):
[email protected] (inquiries about hike
only; no directions please)
1Aa
Sun
5 Oct
Ken Greaves
Email please
Blind Gully
9:00 at the top of Theresa Ave, Camps Bay.
A steep ascent with rock scrambling along the Please book at [email protected]
way. The more adventurous can scramble up
Blinkwater Needle whilst the others take a
break. You need to be fit. ± 5 - 6 hrs. Rain
and strong wind cancels.
2Dd
Sun
5 Oct
Stuart Dumville
083 552 4842
no call backs
Black Hill / Red Hill
Come and join a moderately strenuous hike
from the the Black Hill to the Red Hill dam
area, which is a wonderful combination of
fynbos and rocky outcrops with some
stunning views of the surrounding hills and
sea on both sides of the peninsula. ± 4-5 hrs.
Strong winds, heavy cloud and rain cancels.
11:00 at the Southern Right hotel parking area
in Glencairn to follow in convoy to parking area
at start of hike at 11:15.
Phone number on day of hike: 083 552 4842
(no call backs).
3Bc
Sun
5 Oct
Jen Bader
Email please
Around Maiden Peak, Silvermine
A wander around Maiden peak in Silvermine
Nature Reserve. Easy walk for beginner
hikers as I’m not the speedy sort. No water
on the route. Rain and cloud cover cancels.
8:30 at the car park on the eastern side of Ou
Kaapse Weg (the left if coming from the City).
Email to confirm: [email protected]
There is no cell phone reception so late
cancellers please sms me on 083 459 5914
before 07h45.
2Bb
Wed
8 Oct
Louis van Dyk
082 510 3060
Full Moon Muizenberg Peak
16:45 at Muizenberg Police, School Rd,
Watch the sunset (just before 19:00) and the Muizenberg. Book with leader by phone or
email: [email protected]
moon rise (just after 19:00) whilst having
sun downers / supper. Ascend via St James
peak and return via Peck’s valley when the
moon is fully up. Back at cars ±20:30.
Headlight / torch and sufficient warm clothes
a must. No dogs. Low cloud or rain cancels.
2Bc
Constantiaberg Road
From the parking lot we walk to the top of
Blackburn Ravine, followed by the tough
climb to the beacon on Constantiaberg.
Then all the way down the tar road. We reenter nature at the highest level of Tokai
Forest. From there a long but not difficult
return to Silvermine parking. Rain or low
cloud cancels.
4Bd
Sun
Larry Jenkins
12 Oct 021 712 7759
9:00 at Silvermine Dam parking lot. 6-7 hours.
Contact leader by phone or email:
[email protected]
Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events
3
Date Coordinator
Event Description
Wed
Louis van Dyk
15 Oct 082 510 3060
Newlands Forest
9:15 at Newlands Forest parking. Contact
From Newlands Forest parking ascend to
leader by phone or email: [email protected]
contour path. Traverse to above Kirstenbosch
and return via forest tracks. Route about
90% indigenous forest or fynbos. No dogs.
Approx 3½ hours.
Event Details
Grade
2Bc
Sat
Mario Anthes
18 Oct Email please
Muizenberg Buttress
A short exposed B grade rock scramble up to
Muizenberg Peak. This is a recce hike for
experienced hikers only. Rain and strong
southeasterly wind cancels.
13:30 at the start at Boyes Drive, 150m north
of the junction of Old Boyes Drive and Boyes
Drive. Booking essential.
Email to book: [email protected]
1Dc
Sun
Tim Jenkin
19 Oct 083 3549374
021 6854741
Right Face Arrow Face Traverse
Ascending India Venster and following a
spectacular traverse with some unique cave
passages on the Right Face of Table
Mountain. Be prepared for B grade rock
scrambling and some very narrow and
exposed sections. Descending Yellowstone
Gully.
9:00 at the Lower Cableway station (where the
busses park).
2Dc
Sun
Sam Greyvenstein Alphen Trail (Beginner's Hike)
15:00 at Alphen Trail entrance behind Alphen
19 Oct 082 498 0361
2 - 3 hours. ± 8km. Socialised dogs welcome. Hotel, Constantia.
Drinks and dinner at Alphen after hike. Bring
friends, umbrella and water, as well as extra
clothes.
2Aa
Sat
Jenni Fitzell
25 Oct 083 324 8866
Kalk Bay Adventure Circuit
Cave Peak to Kleintuinkop. Ask leader for
more details.
1pm at Clovelly Road parking lot on LHS after
robots. Contact leader by phone or email
[email protected]
1Cc
Sat
Mario Anthes
25 Oct Email please
Jonkershoek Haelkop
A challenging route with some fairly difficult
rock scrambling up Haelkop (1390m) on the
southern side of Jonkershoek valley. Requires
fitness and good rock scrambling experience!
Rain, low cloud cover and strong wind
cancels.
07:30 at Jonkershoek Nature Reserve gate.
Permit fee (R40) at gate, or Wild Card (+ ID).
This is a full day hike (± 10 hrs, 15 km) with an
elevation gain (and loss) of ~1200m. You need
to book as group size will be limited to 12
people. Email to [email protected]
4Ee
Tue
Karen Watkins
28 Oct Email to book
Supper Club: The Taproom, Salt River
Join Karen at this cosy atmospheric space
just off Main Rd from 6pm, or earlier if you
like. Pay for drinks and food when you order.
Lost? The Taproom is on the 1st floor,
entrance is discreetly situated under the grey
canopy on Cecil Road, just off Durham Ave in
Cecil Rd. Pints range from R26 to R35, carafe
of wine about R30; meals between R55 and
R90, bar snacks R15 to R40. Live music
between 5pm and 7pm.
No need to book but email if you have queries:
[email protected]
For more
information:www.capetownmagazine.com/thetaproom-cape-town
Fri
Jenni Fitzell
31 Oct
Email please
Meridian's 26th Birthday Bash Weekend:
31 Oct - 2 Nov 2014
Meridian Hiking Club always celebrates the
offbeat "big" birthdays and our 25th-plus-1 is
no exception. Let’s see how many Meridian’s
we can get together to celebrate our birthday
at the beautiful Goodhope Farm outside
Robertson. Stay in the beautiful self-catering
mountain cottages or cottages on the dam.
Chill, hike off-path up the mountain, relax,
swim in the many pools, or sparkling crystal
clear rock pools, or just play. A special free
wine-tasting from Wandsbeck has been
organised for us – in the comfort of our own
lapa on the farm, so we don’t have to drive
anywhere. Some lucky Meridians will win the
weekend for free – draw at Goodhope Farm.
See www.goodhopefarm.co.za for a taste of
things to come.
Bookings close soon!
Cost R555 per person for the weekend. Book
now to ensure your spot. Email Sam
[email protected] or Jenni
[email protected]
Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events
Weekend
4
Date Coordinator
Event Description
Sun
2 Nov
Simone Anthes
Email please
Left Face B (Sunset Hike)
Meeting time and place to be announced.
An exciting afternoon hike up the left face of Booking essential! Email to book:
Table Mountain, including some B grade rock [email protected]
scrambling and exposed traverses. Join us to
watch the sunset at 19:14 and use the cable
car down afterwards. Last cable car down:
20:00; free ride for cable card holders,
otherwise see rates on
http://tablemountain.net/visitor_info/rates/
Rain and closed cableway cancels.
Event Details
2Dd
Sun
2 Nov
Louis van Dyk
082 510 3060
Hiddingh/Ascension
From Newlands parking ascend to contour
path. Traverse to Hiddingh Ravine and ascend
via Hiddingh and Ascension Ravines to
Maclears Beacon. Return via Skeleton Gorge
and forest paths to Newlands Forest parking.
Carrels Ledge a possibility. Very steep ascend
with some B-grade scrambles, you need to be
fit. Approx 6 hours. Low cloud or rain cancels.
Note: Those that want can make own
arrangements to meet at Kirstenbosch and
shuttle cars to Newlands.
3De
Mon
3 Nov
Sam Greyvenstein Whale Trail: 3 - 8 Nov 2014
Fully booked. Waiting list only.
082 498 0361
Named after the hundreds of Southern Right Cost is R2295 including porterage. Contact Sam
Whales that return to this area within the De on 082 498 0361 for more info.
Hoop reserve annually to calve and mate, this
beautiful 55km trail which stretches from
Potberg to Koppie Alleen, is one of the top
trails in South Africa. It offers unsurpassed
natural diversity, fynbos, a protected marine
environment as well as numerous birds perhaps a glimpse of the last remaining Cape
vulture colony in the Western Cape –
antelope and other wildlife. There are 5
comfortable overnight stops. You’ll need a
moderate degree of fitness to do this trail as
it is portered.
Trail
Sun
9 Nov
Vivien Marais
Email please
8:30 at Newlands Forest parking.
You need to book as group size will be limited
to 12 people. Book with leader by phone or
email: [email protected]
Grade
Hell's Gates and Dingane's Ridge
Rock hopping and rock scrambling in
restricted Orange Kloof area to Hell's Gates
and up Dingane's Ridge to Woodhead
Reservoir on the Backtable. Descent via
beautiful Disa Gorge. 6-7 hours.
Meeting time and place to be announced. Max.
12 people (permit hike). Booking essential! To
book email to [email protected]
3Dc
Sat
Jenni Fitzell
15 Nov 083 324 8866
Nursery Buttress
Lots of tricky B grade scrambling with some
exposure. Descent via Skeleton Gorge.
1pm at Cecilia Forest parking lot. Contact
leader by phone or email
[email protected]
1Dc
Sat
Larry Jenkins
15 Nov
021 712 7759
Suikerbossie to Constantia Nek (the long
way)
From Suikerbossie, up Eureka Face and
Llandudno Ravine. Along the Apostles
(Grootkop etc.) to top (almost) of
Kasteelspoort. Across to Woodhead Dam and
down, down, down to Constantia Nek. Rain
cancels.
8:30 at Constantia Nek. End ± 15:00. Drivers
please phone leader to plan car shuttle.
MEMBERS ONLY. Contact leader by phone or
email: [email protected]
4Dd
Sun
Louis van Dyk
16 Nov 082 510 3060
Blind Gully
Via bottom part of Diagonal Route and
Blinkwater Needle up Blind Gully. If time
allows, we could do Echo valley. Return via
Diagonal. Steep ascend with some B-grade
scrambles. Approx. 5 hours. Low cloud or rain
cancels.
8:30 at Theresa Ave, Camps Bay.
You need to book as group size will be limited
to 15 people. Book with leader by phone or
email: [email protected]
2Dd
Sat
Larry Jenkins
22 Nov 021 712 7759
Elsie's Peak & Brakkloofrant
Climb the steps and path to Elsie’s Peak.
Across the ridge to Brakkloofrant peak, then
back down to Fish Hoek. An easy hike, with
the option of ice-cream or lunch at a beachfront restaurant.
9:00 at Outspan parking lot, Fish Hoek (on
Kommetjie Road, opposite 2nd Ave). End time:
± 12:30. Rain cancels. No dogs. Contact leader
by phone or email: [email protected]
2Bb
Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events
5
Date Coordinator
Event Description
Event Details
Sun
Mario Anthes
23 Nov Email please
Jonkershoek Twin Peaks via
Sentralekloof
Another challenging route of the series of
Jonkershoek classics: Ascending Twin Peaks
via Sentralekloof, a spectacular route with
lots of rock scrambling and narrow and
exposed traverses. Steep descend via
Nerinakloof or Langrivierkloof. This is a recce
hike, so expect the unexpected! Rain, low
cloud cover and strong wind cancels.
07:15 at Jonkershoek Nature Reserve gate.
Permit fee (R40) at gate, or Wild Card (+ ID).
This is a full day hike (± 10 hrs, 15 km) with an
elevation gain (and loss) of ~1400m. Very fit
and experienced hikers only, please! Group size
limited to 12 people. Email to book:
[email protected]
Sat
6 Dec
Camping Weekend at Klondyke Cherry
R70 per person per night.
Farm, Ceres: 6 - 8 December 2014
Phone to book or email to:
It’s the 2014 Klondyke Cherry Fair weekend! [email protected]
- Get your camping stuff out of mothballs and
spend the weekend at a simple campsite with
lots of shade under the old pine trees. There
are electricity connection points. Ablution
block with 2 hot water showers. There’s even
a kiosk selling boerie rolls. It’s cherry picking
season but cherries can also be bought if you
don’t want to pick your own. Matroosberg 4x4
trail and hiking close by. Or you can just loaf
for the whole weekend. Bring EVERYTHING.
Bring wood too. It’s a camping weekend.
Glynis Jennings
083 514 6681
Grade
4De
Weekend
Sat
Larry Jenkin
13 Dec
021 712 7759
Alphen, Diep River & Klaasenbosch
Trails, Constantia
A pleasant but steady climb along the Alphen,
Diep River Trails and Cecilia Forest to the
Lower Contour Path. Enter Kirstenbosch (no
charge) and exit at the Rycroft Gate. We then
take the Klaasenbosch Trail down, and join
the lower section of the Alphen Trail back to
the cars.
13:00 at bottom of Alphen Drive off Constantia
Main Road. End ± 16:30. No dogs. Contact
leader by phone or email:
[email protected]
Tue
Kevin Carter
30 Dec
021 696 3102
Camping at Jamaka: 30 Dec 2014 - 8 Jan Cost: R50 per person per day.
2015
Contact Kevin on 021 696 3102 after 6pm for
more information.
Camping at Jamaka Organic Farm in the
Cederberg. Riverside campsite under trees.
Hot and cold showers. Plenty of river pools.
Wed
Volunteer
31 Dec
Yes you can do it!
Just became a member? Jump in and lead
something for us. Why wait for someone to
ask? Name the route, the meeting place and
if you are going for drinks after the hike. You
choose the date, the start/end time, and it
can be easy to difficult, just tell us what you
like. Email Sam all the details of your hike
you want to lead: [email protected]
If you have any queries on a specific hike on
this calendar, please contact the hike leader.
All other queries must be addressed to the
committee member handling the portfolio (see
our Contacts page on the website) or to:
[email protected]
2Bb
Camping
You
decide
Meridian Notes
Call METRO rescue at 021 937 0300 if you need medical assistance on the mountain.
For other emergencies: call 086 110 6417.
New Hikers
(& members)
The
Please contact the co-ordinator before joining any advertised hike and also have a look at our
grading system and "what to take on a day hike" notes below.
Best time to call : 18h00-21h00 (or as specified on calendar entry)
Please remember that our committee members and hike co-ordinators do these duties on a
voluntary basis. If you are unable to get hold of them via the telephone - please do not expect
them to phone you back - please leave a message with your comment, or phone back later if
you are requiring an answer. Also no SMSes or Call me backs. They are not refunded for
phone calls. Your assistance and understanding is greatly appreciated. Happy hiking.
-slip soles
following items
are
ountain)
recommended
Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events
6
on
day hikes:
Read Essential Info for Hikers
Meridian Grading System
Length: (per day)
1 – short – up to 6 km
2 – short to med – 6-10 km
3 – medium – 10 to 14 km
4 – long – 14 to 18 km
5 – very long – over 18 km
Gradient:
A – flat/undulating – beach/contour.
B – medium – Lion’s Head.
C – steep – Skeleton Gorge – Hiking Boots & water essential.
D – steep with scrambling – Devil’s Peak via Knife Edge - Boots & water.
E – more difficult scrambling–Kloof Corner – Boots & water essential.
Effort:
a – easy
b – mod easy
c – mod fit
d – fit
e – very fit
Please Read the Following Carefully:
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Risk: Members and guests participate in club activities at their own risk. Listen to the hike leader’s instructions.
Children & dogs: Please call the leader to find out if s/he is happy to take children on a hike, or if dogs are welcome.
Opinions: Members’ and hike coordinators’ opinions etc. are not necessarily those of the Club.
Cell phones: Please remember to put your cell phone on “silent” for the duration of the hike.
The following items are recommended on day hikes: Hat, sun block, 2 litres water, lunch, warm clothing, space
blanket, money, personal first aid kit, rain gear, torch, whistle, cell phone (on “silent” during the hike).
Visitors: R15 for all Meridian events on the calendar. (R15 per day on longer trails / weekend away).
Cancellations: Please phone the leader/co-ordinator to check that the hike is on, especially if you are not on e-mail.
Cancellations do happen and you may be disappointed.
How to book on a Trail/Weekend Away
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No advance bookings. Phone the hike leader at the opening date & time given in the calendar (not before).
Members get preference. Visitors’ names will be placed on the waiting list and if the trail is not filled, visitors will be
included from waiting list.
If you cannot book at the time bookings open, you may ask a friend to book for you.
Give the Trail Leader all your contact details
The Trail Leader has right of refusal.
A member may book for one other person (including a non-member, though preference is given to members).
You may also deposit your Trail fee directly in the 'Meridian Hiking Club' Account, Nedbank, Claremont Branch;
Branch Code: 104609; CURRENT A/C No.1046348396. Please include your NAME and the name of the TRAIL in
the payment reference, e.g. Joe Blogs/Otter. Email proof of payment to: [email protected] as well as
[email protected]
You will need to make your own Travel arrangements.
If payment not received by you within 14 days, your name will be moved to the waiting list.
Cancellations: No refunds can be made.
In the event of you needing to cancel it is your responsibility to find a replacement
The Trail leader will have a waiting list, the names on the waiting list will be given to you, with contact details, and the
Trail Leader will assist as far as possible to help you find a replacement. * You must contact the people on the
waiting list first.
If a replacement cannot be found from the list you are entitled to go elsewhere, but the replacement must be
accepted by the Trail leader. * Financial arrangements will be between yourselves i.e. refunding of the Trail fee.
If a replacement cannot be found you will forfeit the fee.
Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events
7