Anyone reading my "Rod's Spot" might be forgiven for thinking that the BIG FIVE CHALLENGE that I undertook last year finished me off for good. And though I must admit that my major challenge for the year - the Moonlight Hike to Bannerman's Hut - very nearly did finish me off, I survived thanks to the leader and fabulous support of my fellow hikers, as a tribute to them I present our group photo (taken by Dave Slanders - a GREAT leader). As I said in my report "the professionalism of the Midlands Hiking Club leadership is truly inspiring" see my report at Moonlight Hike .I note the hike is on our calendar again for 24-25 July 2010, if you are fit and have the stamina to do quite a tough hike, speak to Dave, I consider it a real privilege to have done this hike.
2009 HIKES
My final tally of hikes for 2009 is:
Byrne Area - Hike from Enon Cottage - Leader Dave Tighe
Umgeni Valley Day Hike - Leader Keith Ashton
Moonlight Night Hike to Bannerman Hut - Leader Dave Sclanders
Another Umgeni Valley Day Hike - Leader Selven Nyker
Bisley Valley Nature Reserve Hike - Leader Selvyn Nyker
Amber Valley Hike - Leader Margaret Ashton
Minerva Heights Day Hike - Leader Dave Tighe
Worlds View Hike - Leader Neville Lee
Ferncliffe Day Hike - Leader Selven Nyker
Cumberland (with Durban Ramblers) - Leader Jon Stevens
Everdon Estates Hike - Leader Cecil Hackney
Looking at that list it appears as if I was not as inactive as I thought I may have been! Many of these hikes are written up with photos in the NEWSLETTER section of this web site, have a look, I found them all "not to be missed" hikes (especially the Everdon Estates hike, and of course Dave Tighe's fascinating hikes, and Margaret's classic social hike around Amber Valley, Selvyn's hikes are always bound to be varied and interesting even when going over old ground - well when it comes down to it we have fantastic opportunities for hiking all around us). If I had Rose Dix's skill on graphics I would present you with a collage of pics from these hikes but as I don't I encourage you again to have a relook at some of our photo reports.
PHOTO OF THE MONTH
Apart from my Rod's Spot not having been updated it was also pointed out to me (as uber Webmaster) that the PHOTO OF THE MONTH page had not been updated for a while (OUCH - 2 years actually) - well if you guys would kindly submit some photographs I would have some material to choose from...
OK, OK I will admit there have been an increasing number of photos coming in and I will go through all those past submissions and update the PHOTO OF THE MONTH page - so keep an eye on that spot! Anyway as encouragement our next social is having a talk by distinguished local amateur photographer Leon Heyes so hopefully we will be flooded with photos after the following hike - remember pics of your hike placed on our website will be visable WORLD WIDE and we don't even charge you.
A potential "Photo of the Month" pic is shown below - Dave Sclanders pic from his Wet and Misty Protea Hike
PERSONAL NEWS
Is that we are due to have an addition to our family in the form of little "Reggie Ridgeback" shown below at 5 weeks, still another 6 weeks to go before we pick him up - Sam and I are looking forward to welcoming him to our family.
