The
shortest day of the year has passed, and the longest day is on its way. Can
spring be so far away?
For
those who have spent some time in the berg recently, the main problem and point
of concern is the number of berg fires that have taken place in the last 2
months. Hiking in the burnt areas has
not been much fun with black sooty ground to walk over, or the uneasy feeling
of what if a fire comes at you when hiking over thick, dry berg grass? In any
event, the recent snow and rain have settled the soot and made hiking more
bearable. The cold fronts have caused
some leaders to be very aware of ever changing weather patterns. I
hiked recently with visitors from Sweden who do a lot of hiking, and were very
fit. Saturday was a very beautiful day,
Sunday we woke up to a blood red sky, a good warning of bad things to come. We
ate, and packed and left the cave at 07h45.
By then the weather was changing
fast, we did the next 5k’s in an hour and a quarter as the heavy clouds chased
us off the higher points. As we got to a safer area the clouds/mist
closed out all visibility and the temperature plummeted to zero degrees and a
strong cold wind started to blow. WE
GOT OUT JUST IN TIME. Hiking in snow can cause a problem as the
paths tend to get a bit indistinct, and where there is a deep eroded part in
the path, that is filled with snow, walking into this deep area can be a bit of
a problem with boots filling with snow. It also slows you down a lot. My visitors were totally amazed at how
quickly the weather changed to really horrible conditions.
The
Kosi Bay hike was a great success, thanks to Keith. Although on the hike Noël slipped and broke
her wrist, and Morris took a tumble at the same time and both had to come home
early, the rest of the trip went off without another hitch or break !!
Some
of our club hikes have been disappointingly supported, and some cancelled. As mentioned before, please support our
leaders - your hiking is important for the club to remain active. The monthly socials also require your
support. Should anyone have ideas for
the socials to arrange topics that will ensure support, no matter what the
weather or other matters, please bring your info to the club leaders notice.
New
home for some - Over the recent few weeks a number of club members have moved into Amber Valley,
and a number are still to move in.
Keith has put a notice of our club on the News Bulletin Board, hopefully
we may get a number of new members from here to join the club. Club numbers continue to grow, this is good
news, as the more members we have the more the subs grow, and this helps with
the club finances. It may also mean that despite escalating costs
of running the club, subs may be able to remain at a low level. This will all come out at the AGM
We
welcome new club members Dorothy Randall, Carel
Rossouw and Lin Naylor. May you enjoy
many an adventurous hike in our company.
Please
diarise the AGM
THAT WILL BE HELD ON THE EVENING OF AUGUST THE 21st at our usual
club venue.
We
need nominations for committee members, we need new people with new ideas to
take us forward into the next year. Please consider who you feel should be on the
committee, speak with them, twist their arms BEFORE the AGM, get their
consent, fill in the Nomination Paper attached to this notice, and bring it to
the AGM, or post it to the Secretary before the AGM. Let’s
not try to nominate people at the meeting, this only causes embarrassment at the meeting. It is
your club, your input is needed to keep it going. See you all at the AGM on the 21st
of August 2007. Hiking Regards
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Members are reminded of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
scheduled for Tuesday, 21 August 2007 at the Church of the Ascension Hall, Brindy Road, Hilton commencing at 19h00 (see Notice of
Meeting and Agenda). The meeting will
be preceded by registration and followed by a Finger Supper which will be subsidised
by the Club, while the cost to members will be R20 per head. In order to facilitate catering members
intending to attend the AGM are requested to advise Irene Wisdom on 033 347
0138 or
082 575 4978 or by e-mail on irene@pid.co.za by 15 August latest. Please also note the Nomination Form
attached to the Agenda. Should you wish
to nominate a member to serve on the committee for the forthcoming year please
complete and bring along to the AGM or mail.
Thank you for your co-operation.
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
Members are reminded that Annual
Subscriptions are due 1 August 2007.
Please bring your cash/cheque book along to the AGM to renew your
membership for the coming year..
FRIENDSHIP
IN A FALL Noël Harper
It
was within 1 km of the end of the hike from Nlange
camp, Kosi Bay.
The trail led us down sandy tracks, through coastal forest, across a
slippery stream and so into open countryside with views of the lakes. Boots off, costumes on for those who had
thought to bring them, and into the water wading sometimes ankle deep,
sometimes knee deep and even at times waist deep. Above the splash of eleven pairs of feet
echoed the cry of the Fish Eagle. A
sighting of two hippo dozing near the bank had the cameras clicking as did the
many fish traps. A short land walk
between lakes by the tide-marked, under-rod clad males raised a fit of the
giggles amongst several ‘intombazana’ sitting on the
bank. And so once more back through the
water. Out, boots back on following the
path to the beach and a spectacular view of the Mouth. While some lazed on the sand, others went
swimming, snorkeling or strolling along the tide line. A passing parade of fishermen laden down
with equipment, a procession of bare-breasted maidens toting their catch on
their heads and the sheer tranquility of the scene kept all at peace. Too soon it was packs on for the return via
the same route going south offering a different perspective.
From
the bush the yowling sound of what we thought were two cats facing up for a
fight – but no – high in the branches perched two Trumpeter Hornbills
serenading one another in the twilight.
At
the slippery stream it all went pear shaped, taking a tumble, dislocating and
breaking bones in the left wrist. In no
time picked up, somebody had my pack, another the camera and still others the
water bottle and stick. Back in camp
after dark hiking friendship came to the fore with hot sweet tea, boots taken
off, tucked up warm, pain killers, sherry and dinner all being produced. Saturday morning farewells and the long
drive back to Pmburg.
To
my fellow hikers Morris, Keith & Margaret, Mark & Mary, Peter W, Libby
and Phillip & Christeen my heartfelt thanks for your care. You are fantastic!
CLIMBING MOUNT KENYA Peter ‘Peg’
Wedge
December, 2006
This
exceptionally challenging expedition was Allison Gunning’s
brainchild, which quickly became a hot issue with Midlands Hiking Club members
with a provisional figure of 15 people wanting to climb Africa’s 2nd
highest mountain. Malcolm Pearse of Summit Ventures in Pretoria provided all the
infrastructure for the trip but with a rapidly weakening Rand eroding the
original all-in cost figure of R12 000 several people had to drop out due to
financial constraints.
DAY 1 – TUESDAY, 5 DECEMBER
On Day 1 of
the expedition a core of 9 hardy souls stumped up the extra money (now
R15 000 –
but in hindsight exceptionally well spent) and made the commitment to fly to Nairobi and take on Mt. Kenya.
The team
was: -
Allison
Gunning Leader.
Matthew
Gunning Allison’s son and
Medical Doctor.
Jenny Pickles Just finished her Matric but with considerable adventure experience.
Keith Ashton No
surprises here!
Margaret
Ashton No surprises here!
Margret
Kirsten Ex Kilimanjaro and wanting to
sample Mt. Kenya.
George
Archibald ditto
Paul
Archibald ditto
Peter Wedge Up for the challenge.
We all made
our way to Johannesburg airport to meet Malcolm before our flight to
Nairobi. Allison, Margaret, Keith,
Jenny and Peter flew from PMB at 06h30, George and Paul from Durban a bit
later. Margret K was
already in Johannesburg as was Matthew.
So all of us together by about 10h00 – a short briefing from Malcolm,
through passport control and security and then a pleasant flight of about 4
hours by Kenya Airways to Nairobi arriving around 16h30 local time (Nairobi 1
hour ahead of Johannesburg). The airport
is quite large (Nairobi is the hub for East Africa) and quite modern).
Peter and Margret had to pay for visas – but this was far less
troublesome than we had imagined. The
Kenyan authorities seem to be quite tourist sympathetic.
We were met
at the airport by David of Rove Africa Tours (this was the company chosen by
Malcolm to take us up Mt. Kenya) and his tour guide Peterson and driver
Joseph. We were driven to our hotel in
peak traffic through Nairobi – 3 million people – the largest city in East
Africa and probably the biggest between Johannesburg and Cairo.
The traffic
has to be seen to be believed but it was well disciplined without the road rage
we have unfortunately had to become accustomed to in South Africa. There
were modern buildings and clean streets albeit the road surfaces were not too
wonderful. Our feeling thus far about
the country and capital was positive.
We arrived
at the Jacaranda Hotel, (about 14 kms from the
airport) a very comfortable hotel with an upmarket restaurant and friendly
staff. Once we had settled into our
rooms, Peterson, the Rove Africa representative, who had previously been a Mt.
Kenya guide, went through what we could expect over the next 8 days. Thereafter
we had a meal in the pizza/bar adjoining the hotel – all thinking about the
challenge ahead and a good night’s sleep.
DAY 2 – WEDNESDAY, 6TH DECEMBER
After an
excellent breakfast we left the hotel in 2 vehicles – Joseph in the Toyota Hilux and David in his new station wagon – for Mt. Kenya
National Park about 200 kms and 4½ hours away to the
north. The road varied from fair, to
indifferent to downright bad but there is evidence of the Kenyan Government’s
intention to improve road infrastructure.
We stopped
after about 2 hours (100 kms) for a break. This was also an opportunity for the wayside
crafts guys to flog their wares – pretty good quality but somewhat overpriced
as we were to find out later – Allison being charged 4 times the price for
bottled water as the same bottle in Nanyuki (main
town close to the park), 3 kms north of the Equator.
On the
Equator line we had a fascinating demonstration of the Coriolis
phenomenon. This is the legendary direction of water corkscrewing down the
plughole. Everybody knows about it but
few can remember which direction the water goes down in the opposite
hemisphere. The guy demonstrating the
effect walked north of the Equator line about 20m and filled a plastic
container with water. The container had
a small hole in the cone shaped bottom.
A match floating on the water slowly turned anti-clockwise as the water
emptied. 20m south of the Equator the
match turned clockwise and on the invisible line it did not move. This is explained by the opposing magnetic
forces which stretch from the poles and converge at the Equator. Enough of the physics!
Off the tar
and onto a dirt road about 9 kms from the Sirimon Gate to the Park.
It had been raining for a while and after several unsuccessful attempts
by Joseph to get the Hilux moving in a straight line
it was apparent that we would have to walk. We set off in heavy rain followed by our
guide and porters with all our packs, the food, tents, cookers and their own
things. It was quite heavy going
underfoot. It was now clear that we
wouldn’t make Judmaier Camp tonight as scheduled in
our itinerary. In the end this turned
out to be quite beneficial as it gave us a longer acclimatisation.
We arrived
at Sirimon Main Gate and Lodge around 15h00, with
good accommodation – proper beds, showers (cold), a fire and the first sampling
of our camp cook, Peter’s culinary offerings.
Hot, tasty and very welcome! The
rain had stopped on arrival but a heavy mist prevented any views – a good
evening with general talk about what was to come and all in bed by 22h00. Sirimon’s Lodge
is at 1700m so a good acclimatisation start.
HIGHMOOR
WEEKEND Roseanne Dix
18/20
May 2007
Leader:
Keith Ashton. Margaret… Warwick...Dave
S...Pat & Bushy...Joan and Andrew...Pam (Oz)...Gerhard, Alice & Martie…
Max…Christie…Jenny…Rose & Dan
Highmoor – The Moor of Constant Surprises, especially under
the inspired leadership of Keith, who always
discovers new places, new views, new waterfalls. What a privilege to hike with Keith.
Friday: 10k hike :
A
few of us had arrived early, so went for an afternoon walk, via the recently
demolished “Lookout” to Aasvoels Krans
Cave. A warm-up for the hikes to come.
Keith
led 17 eager hikers in the direction of Mt Erskine
where he told us of ruins on the mountainside.
An easy walk, mostly off path with glorious weather, with the added
bonus of two groups of magnificent eland who watched our approach with luminous
eyes and velvety ears pricked in our direction before melting back into their own dun coloured
landscape.
We
didn’t quite make the ruins, but the rivers, gullies and a beautiful waterfall
en route made the hike unusual and spectacular. We reached a look-out point overlooking Kamberg and stopped
there for lunch – marveling at the views way down in the valley and picking out
landmarks (Mary’s old cottage and Roman Baths). Kamberg looked
rather forlorn and deserted – if they lowered their cottage prices, it might
encourage more visitors. Here we were
treated to the sight of a Cape Vulture which slowly flew past giving us a
perfect view of his back and tail
Sat evening: we gathered around a huge fire, some
people braaing
and others warming their own variations of supper
(lentils!) .
Time
spent chatting about the day and enjoying our favourite
tipple, some making new friends, others renewing old friendships…..that’s what
makes hiking such an integral part of
our lives.
The
wind strengthened quite frighteningly during the night and most of us were kept
awake by strong gusts buffeting our tents, threatening to blow us away – well,
that’s what one’s imagination says in the early cold hours!
Sunday 13.4k
Despite
a rather disturbed night, we were up early (as usual!) and after a few
fortifying coffees, struck camp and were packed and ready to hike by 9.
The
wind was very strong as we set off at a good pace towards the Plaque which
stands solid and lonely under Giant…After a brief stop to read the faded
legend, we set off down the valley to Ka-Dedakushe
Falls – a breathtaking sight, as, on approaching the gulley, the spray from the
waterfall misted over us enticing us down for a better look. We stood right on the edge of the falls- savouring
the beauty of a rainbow ribboning in the
wind-tossed spray - taking photos of this magnificent hidden place. The wind was too strong to have lunch on the
edge, so we retired to a sheltered dip to carbo-load before the long pull back
to the Beacon. By this time the wind was
battering us as we repeatedly staggered off the path into the long grass. What if you just spread your arms out
wide…would you fly? So it felt, but
we didn’t tempt fate .
On
the way home, on an easy path winding slowly through the shallow valleys, we
saw a huge veld fire coming from behind our
campsite. Had we forgotten to turn off
the gas stove?. Keith told us sad stories of rangers being burnt to death and
Dave’s advice about carrying matches, certainly nagged at us as we watched – in
awe – as the enormous clouds of white smoke, tinged with the redness of flames,
roared over the hillside. What a relief
to get back and find our vehicles were safe –
Keith,
thank you so much for yet another spectacular weekend which will remain with us
for a long time as we return to our
daily lives. How privileged we are to be
able to experience our beautiful country with such a friendly and welcoming
group of hikers. As Jenny and I agreed, “the hiking bug bites deep”