Welcome
to the Club new members Carl Fatti, Rob Krogh and Max Ramseier. May you all enjoy many years of happy
hiking on the various Club outings.
Members are reminded of
the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING scheduled for Tuesday,
17 August 2004 in the
Tudor Ballroom, Hilton Hotel, commencing at 19h30. The meeting will be followed by a Finger Supper, the details of
which it is intended to circulate to all members with the request that either Chairman
Mary or Activities Organiser Selven are advised of attendance by Thursday, 12
August, latest. Numbers are needed in
order to facilitate catering arrangements.
Your co-operation is appreciated.
PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND
To Aris Hofland, one of our
most active hikers, we wish a fantastic 80th birthday on the 21
June. Aris, we would all wish to be
as fit as you.
To Joy Long we wish a speedy
and complete recovery from her recent operation.
Members who have indicated that they will be joining the Vergezient long week-end from 24-26 September are reminded that final date for confirmation of their participation and payment is 20 August 2004. Payment may be made by cash or cheque to Treasurer Pat Kirby or deposited into the Club’s bank account at Nedbank, Hilton Branch, Account No 1519007299, with a copy of the deposit slip faxed to Pat on 033 212 3071. Thank you for your co-operation.
This is a new feature to which members are asked to contribute short write-ups on Camp/ Caravan/Chalet sites stayed at during their wanderings, for the information of their fellow members who may be in need such facilities. Our first contribution from the Keating family.
On a recent visit to the Cape to do the Whale Trail, we decided to visit and explore towns “off the beaten track”, so, after leaving the big N1 at the very recently famous Touws River (what a pity we were a month too early to witness Venus scooting past by Sol in her tiny black dot glory!), we headed for Montagu. We found the Municipal Camping ground and having settled in explored the well grassed and treed sites, small swimming pool for the warmer season, duck pond with many noisy occupants and camp sites complete with hen and tiny chicks, all very rural and pleasant. The ablution facilities are more than ample and comfortable. There are also wooden chalets available for those not in camping mode. The camp is within easy walking distance of the town and the Information Bureau, as also are the hiking trails which start at an office near the Old Mill where there is a parking area. There are huts ±1,3 km from here that can be hired and are at the start of the Trail to Cogmanskloof and Bloupunt. The hikes traverse the mountain reserve and offer wonderful views above the rugged mountains that over-shadow the town. From Montagu it is an easy drive to De Hoop Nature Reserve and the start of the Whale Trail at Potberg.
Contact details are Montagu
Tourism Bureau, P O Box 24, Montagu 6720.
Tel: 023 614 2471, Fax: 023
614 3137, e-mail info@montagu-ashton.info,
web page
www.montagu-ashton.info.
9 – 13 April 2004
Irene Dickin got landed with the Berg Cottage
weekend write-up, so as leader of this long weekend I “volunteered” to do this
write-up. Highmoor has become a
particular favourite of ours as it is so close to Howick and we discover something
new every time we visit this magnificent spot.
I had reserved two campsites (each officially
allowing for 6 campers) but due to various reasons some participants had to
cancel, so on Good Friday only three of us arrived at Highmoor, Irene, Margaret
and yours truly. We quickly claimed the
best two campsites (No 5 & No 4) and first erected Irene’s small dome tent
on site no. 4 . Then we erected our
tent, plus gazebo and large beach umbrellas etc., on site no. 5. After setting up the gas fridge (to ensure
a good supply of ice cold beer) we were on our way hiking in beautiful
weather. As Irene had spent a “very
comfortable” New Years Eve with us, out in the open in thick mist and rain
throughout the night on Mount Lebanon (New Years Eve had been planned as her
first cave experience) we decided to try to find the “sleeping” spot for
sentimental reasons, whilst we now had perfect hiking conditions. We hiked across the front of the first dam
and headed the direct route towards Mount Lebanon, then headed south-east
towards my estimated position of our “sleeping spot”.
After filling our water bottles at a delightful
small crystal clear stream we reached the western side of a gorge overlooking
our estimated “sleeping spot”, then settled down for a rest and lunch. Photographs of the “sleeping spot” were
taken and one will appear on our website with Irene and Margaret pointing
towards it. We made our way back to
the campsite via the top of the escarpment which provided magnificent views of
the valley below and many waterfalls.
Back at the campsite many more campers had now settled-in and campsite
(no. 3) next to Irene’s was full with about 6 tents and six vehicles, far more
than the permitted number. Irene’s
tent looked
like a pea on a pod with oceans of room (however we were saving a spot for
Selven and Prema – due on Sunday morning).
It was a brilliant star-lit night on the Friday
but as we arose on Saturday there was very thick mist and drizzle. However,
after a good breakfast (comfortable under our gazebo) we set off in the mist to
Caracal Cave. After hiking past the
three dams in mist and rain through soaking grass towards Caracal Cave we
eventually reached the turn-off point to Fulton’s Rock (from this point the
track peters out and the terrain is extremely steep with sheer drops in
places). We re-assessed what we should
do and Irene, having so much confidence in me, “insisted” that we include
Fulton’s Rock even in rain and mist (what a dedicated hiker!! – please don’t
check the truth of this with Irene).
However, although it was extremely tricky on this steep terrain with
neck high soaking grass we gradually negotiated a safe descent and although we
could not see where we were going, with a bit of help from the compass we hit
the exact point we wanted to cross a stream south of Fulton’s Rock . From here, although still very wet and
misty, it was fairly easy going to the Rock (Fulton’s Rock is not shown on any
of the new maps). It is well worth the effort and was most rewarding for Irene
to see these paintings for the first time. Although Margaret and I have visited
this spot many times we still enjoy viewing the beautiful paintings on this
isolated rock – amongst many paintings of antelope and human figures several
exquisite paintings of elephant are depicted. (See our website for
photographs). From this point we made our way to Caracal Cave, took off our
dripping waterproofs, and enjoyed lunch
in the relatively comfortable shelter of the cave. Suitably sustained, we made
our way back to the camp (still in mist/rain) by the standard route and felt
invigorated at having completed a fairly demanding hike in such conditions. We
rounded the day off by braaing in the rain under the beach umbrellas and
enjoyed our meal and drinks under the Gazebo.
It
was a beautiful day on the Sunday and Selven, Prema and grandson Nadim arrived
early. Greetings exchanged, they
started to unpack and erect their large substantial tent and enclosed
awning. They decided to take their
time and have a fairly relaxing day, so three of us (Irene, Margaret and I) set
off to Ka-Dedakushe Falls, first bearing left along the old jeep track near
Kamloops and Salma Dams (both beautiful trout fishing dams, but the daily rod
fee is R80 and the bag limit is only 2 trout). We then climbed gradually for
about 3km until we reached a track junction at ±2080 and bearing right we
continued for another 3km to the “Plaque” with lovely views of Giant’s Castle
and beyond. The “Plaque” marks the spot
where history was made on 18 May 1973 by S P Botha (Minister of Water Affairs
& Forestry) declaring this reserve the first wilderness area in a state
forest (Upper Mkhomazi & Mdedelelo). KZN Wildlife is now keen to keep
wilderness areas as such and I understand the plaque may also be relocated at
some time, closer to the office. The
old look-out tower has already been demolished.
From
the “Plaque” we descended along a ridge for about another 1,5km, the track
eventually disappearing) until we reached the falls. We had a leisurely lunch at this beautiful spot at the top of the
twin falls (about 80m high) and there was a lot of water coming over. After lunch we retraced our route but took
a left turn about a kilometre past the “Plaque” to descend by a narrower track
(the “short cut”) back towards the dams.
After an enjoyable days hike of about 15km we returned to camp and
enjoyed drinks. In the evening we
enjoyed a braai in the open around a
campfire with Selven, Prema and Nadim, joining us.
Monday
was another magnificent day and we all set off early, in a southeasterly direction
from the campsite, towards Cleopatra, but along the top of the escarpment which
has awe-inspiring rugged views down into the valley below. The Impofanyana River winds its way in this
valley to eventually join the Little Mooi River. If one is adventurous enough to descend extremely steeply into
this valley and to explore, there are many wonders to discover. From our lookout I was able to point out
“Grotto Cave” (my name for it) which has unique Bushmen’s paintings and there
are many others to find in the valley.
We continued on our way to have lunch at the Cleopatra cairn. A Berg Adder disturbed Prema’s lunch but I
was able to take a lovely photograph of the beautiful snake. (See our website).
A leisurely return
to camp via a different route and once back at camp Prema provided us with well
earned cups of tea and home-made goodies.
Our last dinner was held around a roaring campfire. During our long weekend we saw many
animals, including, Blesbok, Eland, Mountain Reedbuck, Baboons and Mongoose
plus loads of birds including Secretary Birds and Jackal Buzzard. Thanks everyone for your wonderful company
and enthusiasm. Keith Ashton
18
April 2004
A large group of 16 Club
members plus a family of four Belgium's who have recently purchased part of the
Davidson’s farm and have immigrated to the area, met at the Anderson’s house
for the start of the hike. The road up
to the Anderson’s was a lot improved since the last visit.
Again we had the services of
a local guide, the farm manager who led the party down through the forest to a
small waterfall before climbing up a valley along the side of the stream. The path has been re-aligned and requires
less scrambling as was the case on a previous hike. However this still could be an issue in summer when the forest
is wetter.
Emerging from the trees the
party traversed to an outlook known as Breakfast Rock where lunch was declared
and all relaxed enjoying the spectacular 180o view. Lunch over ten stalwarts clambered down the
cliff face via an unstable ladder to inspect some small, disappointing
caves.
Warwick Keating
1 – 9 May, 2004
The
Whale Trail is fast becoming one of the top 2 or 3 long hikes in South Africa
with an
“occupancy
rate” of over 80%. Keith &
Margaret Ashton and Peter Wedge were to have undertaken the 1st of 2
hikes planned for Midlands Hiking Club in September 2003, but due to an
unfortunate vehicle break in and theft of Keith & Margaret’s hiking gear
and supplies the latter three had to cancel their trip. The next available period was May 2004 and
with accolades thick and fast from Midlands members who did make the September
hike, Keith had no difficulty in getting another party of 12 together. They were: Keith & Margaret Ashton, Campbell & Lorraine Downie, Warwick & Brenda Keating with
Kerry, Morris & Noel Harper, Hildegard Lenz, Selven Nyker and Peter Wedge.
All are experienced hikers, some more than others! Most people travelling down to the SW Cape
individually with several already in the area on holiday before the hike. Details of experiences, events, evenings
around the fire, follow.
SATURDAY, 1 MAY (relates to the Ashton Group) Workers Day! But all up around 05h00 for take off at 07h00 – Keith &
Margaret picking up Peter at said time.
Down to PMB to pick up Hildegarde and then on the E. Cape via Richmond
and Umzimkulu. The road into Ixopo
never fails to wonder. This of course
is the road described by Alan Paton in ‘Cry the Beloved Country’ and is
probably still as spectacular as when he decided to open his famous novel with
the line “There is a road………”.
Through to East
London and our first overnight stop on the way to S W Cape. Keith had booked “Niki-Nana” Backpackers –
bizarre name but quite comfortable accommodation. Noel & Morris had arrived earlier so a walk to the
beachfront and a beer in the local O’Hagans.
East London is not the most fashionable place in the E Cape and looks a
bit run down – particularly in the beach area. However there is character there (somewhere!). Niki-Nana is in a street predominantly
black but well kept and with youngsters playing with a rugby ball – not
round! You hear about local E Cape
Africans playing rugby with some disbelief – it’s true!
An
early night for all of us – relatively undisturbed.
SUNDAY, 2 MAY - On the road to our next stop
at Nature’s Valley via the N2 Garden Route – this never fails to be of
interest. We stayed over at Hiker’s
Haven – a well-known backpackers, 4 or 5 star quality (in backpacker parlance
of course!) for people on the Otter Trail.
Quite a few of the party had stayed here before. A young Yorkshire lass pitched up a bit
later, visiting South Africa, Australia and New Zealand in her post graduate
year. Nice to see young people
travelling the world.
On arrival – a
walk along the beach to the only restaurant in town for some of the “amber
nectar” and then back to Hiker’s Haven for a short rest before returning later
for an evening meal. Nature’s Valley
continues to grow – but in a sedate manner.
Many of the properties are quite delightful, some bizarre, some not
really in keeping with this quite beautiful area. A pleasant overnight stop.
MONDAY, 3 MAY - On to Potberg via George
where the party stopped over for a while to buy meat for a braai in the evening
– Peter now beginning to drool thinking about the attendant fire to come. Beautiful clear weather – George is an
attractive town with a lot of recently added facilities, plenty of restaurants,
arty shops and malls,
Arrival at
Potberg in the De Hoop Nature Reserve around 14h00, at the same time as
Campbell & Lorraine who had been in Cape Town to see Campbell’s son before
the hike. Warwick, Brenda and Kerry
arrived shortly after at about the same time as Selven, who was with Prema on
holiday – Prema relaxing in their time share for the week whilst Selven joined
the hiking party.
Now
all together as a team we set to for the braai – Lorraine taking on her usual
mantle as
No.
2 Fireman – Peter jealously guarding Fireman No. 1’s position!
The
Potberg hut was in good shape – we were to find that overnight hut
accommodation on the Whale Trail was by far superior to anything we had
experienced thus far. This is not to
say that we were cosseted but each hut has plenty of room, comfortable bunk
beds, loft sleeping accommodation, hot water for showers, flushing bogs and a
great kitchen.
A
very welcome braai with Hildegard pitching in with her special “Deutsch
Apfels”, roasted in the fire with raisins and brandy. Almost a fistfight amongst us to get a share of this treat!
A
great first night with everyone looking forward to day one on the trail the
following morning.
TUESDAY, 4 MAY - All off by 08h00 after
self-catering breakfast. Quite a hard
pull for about
3
kms climbing around 400m with a dramatic view of the Breede River and valley
below.
The
fynbos in the area is quite spectacular.
The S W Cape area is one of the planets 6 floral kingdoms. This
is an extremely small area in comparison with the others but boasts an
incredible variety of proteas, ericas, alpine type flowers etc. Almost beyond belief. We saw the orange-breasted sunbird, which
is only seen in this area. At the next lookout point we saw Cape Vultures
soaring overhead. This is their only
breeding area. Cape sugarbird seen on
the way down to the river.
Most
of us feeling a bit tired as we approached our 2nd overnight stop at
Cupidos Kraal. Morris & Noel had
done the trail in September 2003 and both remarked that when you eventually see
the hut it never seems to get any closer.
Quite true! Arrival around
14h30 after about 17 kms. We had all
taken advantage of the porterage option, ie our backpacks being taken on ahead
by National Parks Board staff so we only had daypacks to carry – apart from
Warwick who was carrying almost a full back pack with quite a lot of gear for
the family.
There
is a subtle change in the type of flora after the downhill route from the
summit.
Another
good fire followed by our first “choir practice” – Hildegard giving a sterling
performance of Lili Marlene. Most
people opting for an earlyish night around 19h30/19h45. A good first day on the trail.
WEDNESDAY, 5 MAY - Another stiff climb immediately
after leaving the hut for 450m, again - magnificent flora and some small
proteas none of us had seen before.
A
long walk along the limestone headland and then a steep descent into the
Ecozone. This is again quite different
from the earlier and higher zone. Cape
rock jumpers seen in this area.
Margaret had a bit of excitement seeing a snake – but it was too quick
to be identified. We were now
approaching the sea and Noetsie came into view below – quite a setting with a
magnificent coastline. 16 km today.
Peter
now going into raptures with a round fire in front of the hut looking on to the
beach. Some serious firewood collected
here with a conflagration of note in the evening. Another good evening – Brenda getting quite philosophised saying
that she had a feeling of real privilege to experience such country and sight
and sounds – a feeling with which we all were in total agreement. Third night on the trail and an excellent
evening.
THURSDAY, 6 MAY - Heavy mist in the morning but
clearing quite rapidly. Full moon,
quite dramatic even at 07h00 in the morning.
We had a more leisurely start today with a somewhat shorter hike of
around 10 kms. Some climbing early on
but rewarded again with dramatic views of the coast line. Very interesting limestone caves and
indentations in the cliffs. Port
Jackson willow in strong evidence – this is an alien invader of note –
originally brought in from Australia – makes a good fire when dry. Stilgat about halfway accessible only by a
chain ladder. Brenda, Kerry and
Hildegard taking advantage of the very calm water and cooling off with a swim.
Some interesting rock pools teeming with marine life – Margaret totally
absorbed.
Several
ascents and descents again with dramatic coastal views. Close to the next overnight stop at Hamerkop
we saw the memorial stone laid in memory of one Daniel Stephanus de Wet who was
swept out to sea from these rocks in 1933.
Quite sad to think of a 20-year old losing his life in this way.
Several
dolphins offshore “surfing” – they actually enjoy it! Arrival at Hamerkop around 14h30 again – 10 kms probably
understated – our hut was still being cleaned but no problem. Peter getting his wood collecting team under
way for an even bigger conflagration this evening. Would have been seen for miles out at sea were it not for the
fact the Hamerkop is in the dunes, back from the beach.
Hamerkop
is an attractive stop over with a big sleeping loft upstairs and a great
verandah look-out.
FRIDAY, 7 MAY - An earlier start than our
usual 08h00 with quite heavy going on the beach. Nice cool overcast day to Lekkerwater – ex President de Klerk’s
coastal hideaway, now open to anyone. A
team of fishermen on the beach from UCT led by a young Prof. was conducting a
scientific study of fish populations, movements and breeding habits. They were
all very forthcoming and this is an annual study -–all fish caught are tagged
and put back into the water. Over 12
years over 37 000 fish have been caught, tagged and subsequently studied. The surprising thing is that most are very
parochial in their habits, not moving much from their breeding grounds. Not too surprising therefore that beaches
which once teemed with fish are now becoming less and less populated due to
over fishing. Fascinating stuff and
extremely important for the environment.
They get paid for doing this as well!
Some
very unusual rock formations further along the beach with many rock pools. We saw dolphins surfing again, which is good
for the soul.
We arrived at our
last overnight stop at Vaalkrans around 13h30. This is probably the most dramatic siting of all for a hut,
literally perched on top of a cliff with the sea all around. Most of us just spent an hour or so just
watching the sea, surf and bird life.
A
bit of a hiccough with our backpacks which only arrived at 16h00 but this
really wasn’t an issue with so much to see and do. On arrival we saw a group of people – who moved out very quickly
when they saw us approaching. When the
official cleaning crew arrived Lorraine swung into effortless Afrikaans and the
crew said they would investigate and pass on to the authorities. This was really the only potential sign we
saw of intruders (if that’s what they were).
Our last campfire and choir practice tonight.
SATURDAY,8 MAY - Our last day on the hike with a short walk
along the beach for about 2½ Hours.
Again some fantastic rock formation – notably “Duck Rock”. This actually looks like a gigantic
swimming duck just at the surf level.
We noted a lot of
rubbish and pollution on this last section.
Presumably dropped by day walkers who can access the beach from Koppie
Alleen, being the information centre for the Whale Trail. A classic example of “civilisation” (?)
meeting nature head on.
Whilst
we waited for the bus to pick us up for the journey back to Potberg we had an
entertaining half hour watching a small family of striped mice feeding on
scraps of food left by visitors. They
are almost tame if you stand still.
Back
to Potberg and then each of us on our separate ways.
A great
experience with great company.
Although we didn’t see whales – and probably didn’t expect to – this in
no way diminished our enjoyment of the Trail.
Not to be missed. Roll on the
next one. Peter Wedge
HIKE
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1
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Very Easy
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PRE-HIKE / TRAIL PROTOCOL
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GRADES/
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2
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Easy
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As always a gentle reminder
in order to assist our hiking club leaders, please adhere to the following
procedure when intending to join hikes.
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RATINGS
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3
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Moderate – physical fitness
advisable
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Day
Hikes –
Please try to inform the relevant leader a week, or at least a few days before the hike of
your intention to participate. Weekend
Camping/hiking or over-nighting in Caves – Please try to inform the relevant
leader 2 to 3 weeks before departure date of your intention to participation. |
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4
5 |
Moderate to severe –
physical
fitness necessary
Severe – physical fitness essential |
Long
Week-end Trips & Longer Trails – Please contact the relevant leader
as soon as possible after publication of the hike in the Newsletter
Hiking Calendar. The above is to
assist the leaders in making or confirming the necessary arrangements, some
of which have to be made and paid for by the Club a long time in
advance. The leaders have to put a
lot of effort into hiking arrangements.
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