IN THIS ISSUE:   From the Chair;  Dolphin Holiday Resort Ballito Bay;  Strandloper Trail;  Miss Mount Erksine;

                             Highmoor Aasvoelkans Cave / Cleopatra;  Olienhof

                   

hh01360_ FROM THE CHAIR:                                                                           Brian Henwood

 

Club Activities - At the start of the club year the committee brainstormed the club’s activities and developed an ‘activity planner’ which listed the proposed activities, the preferred venues and their desired frequency. Below is a summary of our agreed strategy:

Category

Frequency

Day hikes

1 Saturday and 2 Sundays per month

Cave weekends

1 per 2 months

Camping weekends

1 per month

Cottage or Hut weekends

8 per annum

Climbing and tenting weekends

1 per annum

Long distance trails

2 per annum

Hike with mountain bikers

1 per 2 months

Night hike

1 per annum

Club nights

1 per 2 months

 

This is somewhat ambitious but we will be monitoring the attendance records and making adjustments accordingly. Your committee and leaders continue to compile a full range of activities from which you can choose the activity best suited to your needs and preferences. If you would like see more or less of an activity we would like to hear from you. We need your feedback and welcome your comments. If you agree we would like to publish your views in our newsletter.

Medical incidents – There is always that chance that someone may get injured or may have an unfortunate medical event while participating in a club activity. When it does happen it usually has consequences for the entire group that may cause an inconvenience to others or even end the activity prematurely. At the time of such an event it would be hugely beneficial if certain critical information was immediately available. We therefore appeal to all members to carry in their backpacks the contact details of their doctor and a close family member or friend, together with their medical aid name and number. 

Keeping the Flock Together – It is not uncommon to find that some hikers in a hiking group have a desire to leave the group to try another route, to take photographs or maybe to take a short cut, or to be adventurous, or to speed up the pace.  Unfortunately our leaders know from bad experience that an unfortunate situation can quickly develop as a result of the group splitting up. Our leaders have a responsibility to protect the group from danger and to deliver them safely to their destination.   If any member of the group has a desire to break away from the group, for whatever reason, it is important that the hiker approaches the leader first and discusses the matter before taking any action. Ultimately the leader will take a decision which will be final and the hiker will be required to comply with that decision. 

Membership – Don’t forget that your friends are always welcome to join any of our activities. In this way they can be encouraged to join our club. This last weekend our club hosted the hiking club of the University of Zululand at the Cobham Nature Reserve.  We had 20 students who left Empangeni at 5:00 on Saturday morning to spend a day in the mountains with us and from the feedback they all thoroughly enjoyed the outing.  Until next time, happy hiking.

 

 

 

DOLPHIN HOLIDAY RESORT, BALLITO BAY                                                                        Libby Deysel

15 - 17 April 2011

Rain, Rain and more rain – what a wet weekend apart from Friday night when I believe the stars were shining.   I only arrived on Saturday morning in time to set up camp and join the hike along the beach to Thomson’s Bay.   It was great to see that the tidal pool had been restored.   Linda was the only one to brave the sea for a swim – it was overcast but, thankfully, not raining so very pleasant for hiking.   We walked back along the road as it was high tide and some places were inaccessible.

We arrived back at camp just in time before the heavens opened for an afternoon of very heavy rain – my tent virtually collapsed.    The rain eased off a bit and we made our way to Mount Moreland to see the swallows.   I was amazed by this little settlement perched on top of a hill in the middle of nowhere and seeing hundreds of swallows swooping down into the reed beds must be quite spectacular.   Unfortunately, the weather was against us and the birds so we only saw a few and took shelter in the lapa for sundowners.

As the weather was still bad, we abandoned the idea of a braai and had pizzas in the lapa back at camp.   As my tent and bedding was wet, I slept in my car.   Dave also had a problem with a leaking tent, and virtually slept on a water bed!

Sunday morning we had a short walk along the boardwalk so that we could be back at camp in time for tea and scones.   It was a bit sad that we didn’t have more members, but we had an enjoyable weekend thanks to Brian and Veronica, Jeff and Linda, Dave, Nellie and Rob.  

STRANDLOPER TRAIL                                                                                                 Libby Deysel

23 - 27 Aprill 2011

 

We set off from Howick and Pietermaritzburg early on Saturday morning, arriving in Gonubie early in the afternoon.   The shuttle collected us at 3 pm to take us to Kei Mouth.   Having settled in the Eco Centre dormitory, 6 of us decided to walk to the local Golf Club for a drink and supper.   As there was quite a large function on at the Golf Club, they very kindly made hamburgers for us as a special favour.   We then had to walk back in the dark and the rain!!

 

The first day of the trail is from Kei Mouth to Double Mouth.   We had a look round what is left of the Pump House.   It used to be the first night’s stop, but was destroyed in the floods – quite a solid looking building, but makes one realise the power of the sea.   We stopped at Morgan’s Bay Hotel for lunch and a swim.   Our accommodation that night was a very comfortable cabin with a view of the sea and we had the use of the ablution facilities at the caravan park nearby.

Day two was from Double Mouth to Cape Henderson with a river crossing which was not too much of a challenge and one of the streams had a bridge.   We stopped at Haga Haga for lunch.   That night we again had comfortable accommodation in the cabin which was set high in a forest with a long boardwalk from the beach.   There was no shower, so we had to bathe in the lagoon.

Day three was from Cape Henderson to Beacon Valley – lovely walking along the beaches with stops for a swim.   We had lunch at beach restaurant at Cintsa West.

Again we had comfortable accommodation in the cottage and were able to have a cold shower.   Firewood was collected and we had a lovely bonfire that night.   The following morning we were up early and onto the beach to watch a magnificent sunrise.

Day four was from Beacon Valley to Gonubie.   This day was the most challenging as we had a full on gale force wind which really sandblasted us and we had two rivers to cross.  At Gonubie it was high tide which made the last stretch a bit tricky over the boulders.   We survived the final river crossing with thanks to the men for their help.   On reaching the beach at the other side, there was a sign up “beach closed” and the shark warning flag was flying – just as well we didn’t see that before the crossing, as I would probably still be on the other side!!   We were all very hungry by the time we reached the town and stopped in at the hotel for a late lunch.

As a culmination to the trail, we treated ourselves to B & B accommodation for the night.   We had a braai and a very festive evening with plenty of beer and wine.   Brian had a slight accident with the sliding door of our chalet and ended up with a cut, sore nose (before the braai!!).   If that wasn’t enough, I did exactly the same thing at 5 am the following morning – nose still sore!!

We had the most perfect weather (apart from the gale the last day) and wonderful company.   Thanks to John for his leadership and to Christie, Hettie, Irene, Susan, Mark, Stephen, Brian, Kevin, Robert and Dave for their companionship.

 

MISS MOUNT ERSKINE                                                                                                              Christie Exall

 7 May 2011

 

Approximately 30 hikers descended on the ever popular Mountain Shadows Resort during the weekend 6-8 May.

 

It also served as a farewell to Hettie Randall, who is returning to England, after her two months stay in South Africa. She won the Midlands Hiking Club Competition for the best write-up last year.   Her prize was a two-night stay at Mountain shadows Resort.   She brought her family along, including her delightful, 8 year old granddaughter, Jessica.

 

On Saturday morning two groups of hikers set off at 08h00.   The one hike was to go to the top of Mount Erskine, led by Keith Ashton.   The other was to drive up the pass to Highmoor and to walk from there to a most beautiful cave called Aasvoelkrans, led by Rose Dix.

 

Jessica set off with the Mount Erskine hikers.   It turned out to be a tough (for some!) ever upwards, hike to the top of Mount Erskine.  The last bit was a rocky scramble to the top through a gully.  Once on top we were met with amazing views of the Kamberg valley and unusual rock formations, some free standing, as well as skirting a large Tarn, surrounded by a shear rock wall.   Here Shadow, the border Collie cooled off in the water.   Another grassy scramble took us to our lunch spot at approximately 11h30.   Here we sat down and simply admired the view until the dark clouds overhead prompted our leader to move on.

 

I understand that the total climb height was over 700m and this Jessica did without ever complaining!!   We decided to crown Jessica  MISS MOUNT ERSKINE.   Well done Jessica, you must be the first 8 year old girl to climb this mountain.

 

The descent was steep in a bit of a drizzle.   Halfway down took us to a contour path, which we followed until we reached an old ruin built against the rock face, for what reason and by whom we will never know.   Photographs were taken and then we were off on the last gentle slope back to Mountain Shadows.   Shadow, the Border Collie, followed us from beginning to end, always keeping an eye on us.

 

We arrived back, all accounted for and everyone in one piece.

 

Apparently Rose’s hike was 12km long but she and Margaret did an extra 4km!! – See separate write-up by Rose.

Saturday evening a braai and get together was enjoyed by all in the Boma.

 

Sunday morning dawned misty and cold. The intrepid Keith and followers did a short hike to Cleopatra, a rock formation against the mountain side at the beginning of the pass leading to Highmoor, so called because the rocks resemble the profile of Cleopatra’s face.   Sadly her nose has fallen off during a rock fall but the name remains.

 

Some of us took a leisurely stroll around the surrounding farm’s perimeter.   Then it was back to the business of packing and leaving this peaceful area until a next time.   My thanks to fellow hikers and friends for their love, understanding and camaraderie. (See web site www.gohiking.co.za for photos)

HIGHMOOR - AASVOELKRANS CAVE                                                                                  Roseanne Dix

7 May 2011

 

Keith took the High Road to the top of Mt Erskine while we opted for the Low Road. ("we" being Cheryl and Terry. Almut and young Max - plus Duracell Granny (Margaret Robberts).

Keith kindly allowed me to lead a hike to Aasvoels Cave, for which I was grateful as Highmoor is as beautiful as ever and is always full of surprises for those who care to explore off the well-trodden paths.

The walk to Aasvoels Cave is always rewarding with its beautiful waterfall and contour path which skirts the winding river to the cave.   We explored the "splash pool" at the top cave which is a shallow pool offering easier access than the main deep pool under the Bottom Cave Falls.    Then we took a walk along the escarpment hoping to catch Giant peeping out from his cloud, but - no luck.

 I took them to that enchanting spot where, after scrambling down a tussocky slope and clambering along a narrow stone spit, one can view three cascading waterfalls.    White water tumbling over black rocks.

I am grateful to the hikers who came with me as I love showing off these beautiful places to appreciative people.

Max at the age of 6 was a delightful hiking companion with great stamina and a ready smile.

The two grannies (Margaret and I) started walking back to camp, but were daunted by a sudden thundery downpour, however, we managed to make our legs work a bit more by going to meet Keith and Company who fooled us by coming down a different way, so after patrolling up and down the road for almost an hour, we gave up and did a pretty little circular walk around Mountain Shadows. (See web site www.gohiking.co.za for photos)

 

Highmoor toCleopatra – Sunday 8 May:

Keith and Margaret, Marie, Nevil, Cheryl, Terry, Margret K, Margaret Robberts, Barbara (a visitor from Germany), Libby, & Margie. 

For those chirpy souls who were still eager after their impressive Saturday climb, and for us who had taken the easier route, the 9km hike under Cleopatra (or what is left of the poor Dame after a spectacular landfall) was a bonus.   A couple of short sharp scrambles through a rock band and we were rewarded with an easy contour along the firebreak to view hidden waterfalls.   We were also able to see where Keith’s Saturday party had descended from Mt Erskine - an awesome sight.

 

Keith and Margaret literally 'went that extra mile' through heavy brambled valleys and up rough slopes to allow us to enjoy these two beautiful hikes - off the beaten track which is the very best way to see the Berg.  We are very privileged to have such dedicated enthusiastic leaders - Keith and Margaret, we salute you. 

Thank you to everyone for a super weekend. (See web site www.gohiking.co.za for photos)

 

OLIENHOF                                                                                                                                          Noël                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Never arrive in a small town/village on a Saturday afternoon without an accommodation booking.   Before we could blink an eye we had driven through Prince Albert and out the other end.   Returning we spotted the local Police Station,  parked and wondered in.

 

On asking the Constabulary where we could find out about B&B’s or camp sites, they enquired how much we wanted to pay? to which the man replied, “Oh! about R100.”  That caused an enormous amount of merriment,   after which it was recommended that we try the camp site down the road.   Opposite Lewis Stores turn left, through two stop signs, the second one was the end of the road but it went on!!!   More laughter!   Left turn and we found Olienhof Cottages and Camping located on a farm, a small camp site, some pleasant looking cottages and absolutely spotless ablutions, even flowers in the Ladies, all for R100 per night for two people!   Cottages are R150 pppn and include linen, coffee, tea, and private braai areas.

 

Camp sites have electricity, private braai areas and are pet friendly should you wish to take the family hound.    Neighbours were a couple in a camper and another couple who arrived on motor cycles.  They gave us some valuable advice on the route we proposed travelling the next day.  There are one or two good restaurants in Prince Albert where one can obtain a reasonable evening meal. 

 

 Should anyone be travelling down that part of the country and intend camping, we can recommend this for a night or two’s stay and it won’t break the bank.   Contact details are Tel: 023 541 1687, Cell: 072 465 8314, e-mail olienhof@yahoo.com.   The physical address is 29 Hoop Street, Prince Albert 6930.