Meridian Hiking Club February 2015 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! The Meridian AGM: Coming to you in early March (See the calendar for details) Happy Valentine’s Day to you all Renewals It is that time of year again! 2015 membership renewals are due by the end of February 2015. The cost is R144 for the year. Please could you send proof of payment to Marilyn on [email protected]. You will then be emailed you 2015 membership card. Please also send your ID number as we will be putting this on the new cards and renewals. Cape Getaway Show: 13 - 15 March 2015 MERIDIAN has a stand at this prestigious event – the premier outdoor show in the Western Cape, taking place at Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West. Volunteers who offer to man (or woman?) the stand for a couple of hours get free entrance to the event. Contact Sam on [email protected] or 082 498 0361 or Jenni on [email protected] for further info. Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events 1 Thank you Meridian Hiking Club Home of Hope The Meridian Hiking Club On behalf of children at Home of Hope we would like to sincerely thank you for your donation of the Christmas gifts. We are truly appreciative of the kindness and generosity you show us. Home of Hope would not be in existence if it were not for the support of people like you and for that we remain indebted with gratitude. We thank you for partnering with us, for helping us make a lasting positive difference in the lives of children that have been abused, abandoned and neglected and those who suffer from Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and HIV. It is our belief that if children live with security they learn to have faith. If children live with approval they learn to have confidence and to like themselves. If children live with acceptance and friendship they learn to find love in the world. At Home of Hope we are constantly trying to create and reinforce this positive environment so that our children can learn these invaluable lessons and experience the love they so desperately deserve. Thank you for reaching out and sharing your love with our children. Yours sincerely Genevieve Brook Fundraising and Events Co-ordinator Home of Hope 021 556 3573 [email protected] www.homeofhope.co.za Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events 2 Booking of hikes Some members have complained recently that they are not able to join hikes as they are fully booked. Unfortunately, the numbers of people have to be limited on some hikes, owing to the nature of the hike, e.g. lots of scrambling which takes substantially longer with more than 12 people. Larger groups can also be a problem if the pace and the experience level of hikers varies, leading to stretched out groups virtually impossible for lone leaders to manage properly. Also the risks of serious accidents is higher in big groups (rock falls, little space on small exposed ledges, people have to wait in queues before pitches, etc.). Limited parking is also an issue on some hikes, especially when it is necessary to shuffle cars. Given the demand for certain hikes, it appears we need more hike leaders! There is a demand for beginner hikes, for moderate hikes and for advanced and difficult hikes. However, there are very few hike leaders offering advanced and difficult hikes. We also have very few hike leaders who offer new or previously little known hikes. So, if you’re finding yourself frustrated by full hikes, please consider putting what you want on the calendar and leading it for your club. Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events 3 Trail Run Spain I was in contact with you last year in connection with hiking holidays in Andalucia, Spain. I have now joined forces with TrailRunSpain (www.trailrunspain.com) who have many years’ experience in running and walking in Spain and together we are putting some great walks. Any walkers who run as well and may be interested in some of the runs are welcome. I have helped out on some of these and they are great fun and a real challenge for the runners. Take a look at my website http://toniwillis.wix.com/spanishharlem as it is also updated from time to time with different trails available and photo's so you can get an idea of the area. Regards Toni W illis Vapur Anti-bottle now in SA The Anti-bottle is the most portable water bottle on the planet by being incredibly light, flexible, foldable, freezable, attachable and BPA free! We have had great initial feedback from hikers due to the light weight, flexibility and attachable features. We even have world renowned explorers such as Eric Larsen who depend of the Vapur Anti-bottle to keep them hydrated no matter the terrain. Please see the following links for more info: http://vapur.us/ https://vimeo.com/48021017 https://vimeo.com/73243877 Jono Malan JCM Brands (Pty)Ltd +27 83 943 5633 http://jcm-brands.myshopify.com/ Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events 4 Belated Happy Birthday for January Name Day Michelle Africa 1 Gary Anstey 1 Gerhard Engelbrecht 4 Geraldine Hattingh 4 Yolande Deacon 4 Isabel Mueller 9 Franziska Ruetschi 10 Richard Walton 11 Robin Mc Bride 11 Sanet Stevens 13 Kathryn Lowndes 14 Mecheal Wickham 14 Roslin Liemens 14 Chris Geerlings 18 John James 18 Chris Geerlings 18 Ann Price 19 Kerith Gibbs 19 Paul Stevens 19 Susan Smit 19 Melodie Hertslet 20 Douglas James 21 Francis Clerke 25 Michael Louw 25 Ivy Hartman 26 Derek Foster 27 Jill Sloan 29 Meike Voigt 31 Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events 5 Happy Birthday for February Name Day Morgan McKenzie Sandy Doyle Vincent Coetzee Andy Dunlop Carmen Clegg Heather Glass Neil Levy Barry Yon Warren Kane Ebrahim Domingo Wendy Ann Melwich Steven Solsky 8 8 8 9 12 14 14 18 22 26 28 29 Calendar Date Coordinator Event Description Event Details Larry Jenkins Sat 7 Feb 021 712 7759 3 Peaks in Silvermine South 08:30 at Silvermine south parking lot (non-paying side). End ± 13:00. Contact leader by phone or email: [email protected] 2Bb Dave Macé Sun 8 Feb Ash Valley Ridge Adventure Tour 8am at Constantia Nek main car park. Contact leader by phone or email to [email protected] 3Cd Permit hike, limited to 12 people. Definite bookings only! Email to book: [email protected] 2Bb 082 569 1111 Karen Watkins Sun 8 Feb Email please A roundabout route in Silvermine, including St. James Peak, Muizenberg Peak, and Steenberg Peak, followed by a quick descent to the parking lot. A wonderful off track circuit. Strenuous with some easy scrambling. 5-6 hours. Orange Kloof - Woodhead Tunnel Afternoon hike along the ring road and then up to Woodhead tunnel on the Hoerikwaggo Trail and return the same way. Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events Grade 6 Louis van Dyk Sun 8 Feb 082 510 3060 Sat 14 Feb Simone Anthes Sat 14 Feb John James Sun 15 Feb Victoria Wilson Sun 15 Feb Dave Macé Email please 021 782 2379 Email please 082 569 1111 Aqueduct via Nursery Buttress From Cecilia Forest parking to contour path. Traverse to Nursery Buttress and ascend to top (strenuous). Hike via Smuts Track to aqueduct to view disas. Return via dams, the Nursery and Cecilia Buttress. Steep ascend up Nursery Buttress with lots of B-grade scrambles, some very exposed. Approx 6 hours. Rain cancels, in case of low cloud will ascend via Skeleton Gorge. Take at least 2l of water. Brisk pace. 8:00 at Cecilia Forest parking. Limited to 12 people. Need to be very fit. Book with leader via e-mail only at [email protected] 3Dd Lion's Head Southeast Arête 16:45 @ Lion’s Head parking (wooden kiosk). Numbers A challenging direct route up the limited! Email to book: southeastern ridge of Lion’s [email protected] Head past Wally's Cave. B+ graded exposed rock scrambling. ±3 hours. Rain cancels. 1Dc Silvermine Circuit (new route) 15:00 at parking area just inside pay gate (Silvermine Easy pace, finish at 18:00. north). Drinks afterwards. 2Cc Valentine's Contour Path Hike 8:30 at Newland Forest main entrance (helicopter pad). We A slight variation on the usual will move at a moderate pace, Newlands Forest to Rhodes rather than a sluggish Memorial hike. We'll commence beginner's or super-speedy from Newlands Forest along a one! Any sign of rain cancels. lesser-known path up to the Well behaved dogs welcome, contour path, to have tea at the strictly on a leash at the start. picnic spot halfway to Rhodes Kids also allowed. The guest Mem. We will then retrace our fee of R20 applies for ALL steps to Newlands Forest. non-members. No need to Hikers who wear something red book. Contact will receive a heart biscuit (for [email protected] fun)! about hike only. Get directions from Google or map. 2Ba Klein-Tuinkop Adventure Traverse and Buttress 3Cd 8am at Sunbird Centre in Silvermine Valley (extreme south). Strenuous with B grade At Noordhoek 4way scrambling and some exposure. intersection turn towards the Bring a torch as we will be golf course, drive as far as the exploring an optional cave. 6 boom and turn left. hrs. Contact leader by phone or email to [email protected] Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events 7 Sat 21 Feb Mecheal Wickham 082 640 1268 Blouberg Beach Walk Meet in the car park below Blue Peter for an hour's beach walk there and an hour back. Children and dogs (on leash & with poop bag) welcome. Optional: bring money for drinks at Blue Peter after. 2.5 hours. Sat 21 Feb Louis van Dyk Lakeside Buttress Sat 21 Feb Sun 22 Feb 3pm at the car park below Blue Peter Hotel in Bloubergstrand. Contact Mecheal on 082 640 1268 or [email protected] 1Aa 8:30 at Parking for Steenberg Plateau on Boyes Drive. From parking hike along Boyes Book with leader via e-mail Drive to start of ascend. Ascend only at [email protected] Lower Steenberg via the buttress (also called Steenberg Buttress). Some B-grade scrambles with exposure. Hike to Splitkop, and from there to Muizenberg Peak, before returning to cars. 3 – 4 hours. Low cloud, strong wind or rain cancels. 2Cc Mario Anthes Franschhoek to Jonkershoek via Assegaaiboschkloof 5Cd Email please Following the Berg River above the dam, up Assegaaiboschkloof to Bergriviersnek (1100m). Then down the Contour Path above Jonkershoek Valley to the gate of the nature reserve (± 22 km). Most of the route on walking pathes, but some of them are rarely used and could be overgrown or eroded. ± 8-9 hrs. You need to be fit. Excessive heat, rain or low cloud cover cancels (hike will be postponed to the following day or weekend). Dave Macé Steenberg Buttress Adventure Circuit 082 510 3060 082 569 1111 Hike is already fully booked. 7:15 at Jonkershoek Nature Reserve gate. Permit fee (R40) at gate, or Wild Card (+ ID). Car shuffling to the start in the Berg River Dam area of Franschhoek. Limited to 20 people. Enquiries: [email protected] 8am at Silvermine South car park to shuttle cars. Contact leader by phone or Strenuous with B grade email to scrambling and some exposure. [email protected] 5-6 hrs. Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events 3Cd 8 Wed 25 Feb Mecheal Wickham 082 640 1268 Table Mountain top sunset meander Catch the cable car up & down for the last week of the summer sunset specials. Meet at the upper cableway exit and have a walk around the top, weather dependent, towards McClear's Beacon. 5.5km return for sunset on the top at 19:28. Bring warm clothes, wind breaker, comfortable shoes, drinks & snacks. Duration of walk will be dependant on the weather on top and if the cable car is operating. 2.5 hours. Thu 26 Feb Rodney Manicom Pub Night: 'Pastis Constantia' From 18:00 onwards at Pastis, Shop 12, High Constantia Join Rodney for a pub evening Center, off Main Road, at the popular Pastis (in Constantia. Constantia). Live music on No need to book. Once there, Thursdays. Enjoy a drink or find you may get a table if you'd a corner and enjoy something like to eat; all drinks ordered off the well priced menu. are to be paid for immediately. Kindly use these contact No tabs in the club's or numbers and links for any leaders' names. further directions or information: 021 794 8334 orhttp://pastisbrasserie.co.za Sun 1 Mar Dave Macé Suther and Karbonkelberg Peak Traverses 082 569 1111 An adventurous tour of some very interesting places. Strenuous with a little B grade scrambling and exposure. Jenni Fitzell 22 Waterfalls, Porterville: 6 - 8 R250 per person for the March 2015 weekend. Book asap to secure your Get away from the Argus cycle place. madness to this stunning Contact Jenni Fitzell on 083 holiday farm in Porterville. 324 8866 sms or email Beautiful surroundings and well [email protected] maintained hiking trail. Stay in chalets - each sleeping 5 - and hike, swim, chill. Bring: bedding, towel, food, braai-grid, hiking shoes. Sneak preview at:www.22waterfalls.com Fri 6 Mar 083 324 8866 18:15 on top at the upper cableway exit. Return tickets: R112.50 for adults, R55 for children after 6pm from lower cableway station. Free for Cable Card holders. Contact Mecheal on 082 640 1268 or [email protected] 8am at top sand dune parking area above Sandy Bay in Eustgia Way, Hout bay side. Access from Helgada road and 4 way robot. Contact leader by phone or email to [email protected] Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events 1Ab 3Cd Weeken d 9 Sat 7 Mar Victoria Wilson Email please Elsie's Peak It has been a while. Let's do this quick but steep-ish workout up, then across; to view the beauty of Fish Hoek Bay. Bring hats, sun block, at least two litres water, optional costume for swim afterwards. Pace: Brisker side of moderate, but no speed freaks. 8:30 sharp at the public parking next to NG Kerk on Kommetjie Rd; just down from the Fish Hoek Main Rd traffic circle, to your left (if facing Kommetjie). End approx 10:30. Email: [email protected] (no need to book; inquiries about hike only; use google maps for further directions). 2Ab 18:15 at the slipway to the beach, Woodbridge Island. Contact Mecheal on 082 640 1268 or [email protected] 1Aa Contact Sam on [email protected] or Jenni on [email protected] for further info. Event Cape Argus Cycle Tour Sun 8 Mar Wed 11 Mar Mecheal Wickham Milnerton Beach Walk 082 640 1268 Walk along the beach towards Blouberg and back. Bring money for drinks/dinner at Seaside Café. Dogs on leads & with poop bags welcome. The tide will be high so the sea may be high up the beach in parts. Bring a warm jacket in case of wind. 1 to 2 hours weather dependent. Fri 13 Mar Sam Greyvenstein / Jenni Fitzell Cape Getaway Show: 13 - 15 March 2015 082 498 0361 MERIDIAN has a stand at this prestigious event – the premier outdoor show in the Western Cape, taking place at Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West. Volunteers who offer to man (or woman?) the stand for a couple of hours get free entrance to the event. Sat 14 Mar Mario Anthes Jonkershoek Cathedral & 3rd Ridge Peak (Recce hike) Email please A very challenging route with a fair amount of rock scrambling and some exposure up the Cathedral (1525m) and 3rd Ridge Peak (1515m) of Jonkershoek. Ascent via Slab Route, descent along the ridge to Bergriviernek and back down to Witbrug. Very fit and experienced hikers only, please! Rain, low cloud cover and strong wind cancels (hike will be postponed to the following day or weekend). Hike is already fully booked. 07:15 at Jonkershoek Nature Reserve gate. Permit fee (R40) at gate, or Wild Card (+ ID). This is a full day hike (± 10.5 hrs, 17 km) with an elevation gain and loss of ~1500m. Limited to 16 people. Enquiries: [email protected] Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events 4De 10 Fri 27 Mar Hiking Weekend at Good Hope Farm, Robertson: 27 29 March 2015 Meridian hiking leaders will be leading a number of different level hikes on Saturday for all guests. Levels of difficulty will range from easy to strenuous, so there will be something for everyone! Saturday afternoon, Wandsbeck Wyne will be hosting a wine tasting. Snacks will also be served. 10% discount on all accommodation. For more Weeken information about Good Hope d Farm and their accommodations, events and promotions visit their website www.goodhopefarm.c o.za R600.00 per person for the weekend. 12 places only. Weeken To arrive after 14h00 on d Friday. Transport to be arranged between those going closer to the time. To book email to [email protected] Fri 24 Apr Rodney Manicom Gifberg Weekend: 24 - 27 April 2015 Email please Enjoy the last of the summer season in this beautiful part of the country north of the Cederberg. Day walks in the area or just stay and chill on the farm. Accommodation in 2 cottages on Gifberg Holiday Farm. Bedding & towels provided. See website for further details:www.gifberg.co.za Fri 14 Aug Rodney Manicom Oystercatcher Trail - Mossel Bay: 14 - 18 August 2015 Thu 31 Dec Volunteer Email please R6100.00 per person all inclusive (based on 5 people) To arrive on Friday afternoon. Hike from Cape St Blaize to the Transport to be arranged mouth of the Gouritz River. Fully between those going closer to catered, guided and portered the time. trail. Hike past cliff tops and sea To book email to front caves to sandy shores [email protected] while whale watching on this unspoilt stretch of coastline. Accommodation in 4 star lodges. See website for further details: www.oystercatchertrail.c o.za 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] Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events Trail You decide 11 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 recommended d kit 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: 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: R20 for all Meridian events on the calendar. (R20 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 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 12
© Copyright 2024