MIDLANDS HIKING CLUB - PROV. FIXTURE LIST - 19 MARCH TO 30 JUNE 2010  
## Chance to practice & train for backpacking & trails etc at this venue ## - New or inexperienced members should train before attempting trails or harder cave outings etc.
DATE HIKE / AREA APPROX. GRADE LEADER & CONTACT APPROX.
    DIST   DETAILS COST
Fri-Mon DRAKENSBERG - GIANT'S CUP TRAIL - Last 4 days of the trail from Cobham to Bushman's Nek - As Monday is a Public Holiday you only need to 12km 3 John Fourie - Tel 033 234 4661 R70pppn
19-22 Mar take one day off work to complete this magnificent trail - sleep in Mzimkhulwana, Winterhoek, & Swiman Huts - bunk beds & mattresses + water  each day   Cell - 082 555 7448 Total R210 for 3 nights + transport
  ##Drummond area/Monteseel - New day hike - From Max's home, first along old railway line, then through mostly indigenous bush & then through     Max Ramseier R5 pp towards local guide
Sun 28 Mar  Inchanga settlement before climbing up to the rocks at Monteseel for lunch, then down to Inchanga station to meet steam train (can buy local snacks) - 14 km 2+ Tel 031 783 4173 Bring lunch & water + snacks
  return via Monteseel to Max's home. - Directions > From PMB / Howick area - South down N3 & take off-ramp 43 (Hammersdale/Peacevale)     Cell 083 968 4434 Note :- This is a combined hike 
  then turn left - after 200 metres go right (M59E) & follow on to T-Junction - Turn left at sign marked  "DRUMMOND" (Thousand Hills Drive), after       with Durban Ramblers
  passing S-Bend look out for tall Bluegumm Trees and turn left into Nyala Drive.  After 200m turn left again.  Drive up the hill (becomes tar road) to        & Mountain Backpackers 
  the last farm on the right with sign "LUWADA FARMS Lot 181".        
Fri, Sat, Sun Highmoor - Camping for 2 nights - Day hikes to Kamberg and Giants.  More details from Dave Sclanders.     Dave Sclanders Camping 
2-4 Apr     2-3 Tel 033 239 5013 R50 pppn
Sat-Sun Overnight hike to Sinclair Shelter - meet leader at Kamberg.  Hike starts at 08h00.  Return via rockfall Cave and Rock Art sites.     David Tighe  
10-11 Apr       076 028 0708 or 031464 9033  
Sun 11 Apr Hilton ramble arount the Hilton College Estate with magnificent views of the Umgeni Valley and down to Gwen Falls.  This is a lovely hike through the well maintained conservancy area of the school.  Meet at 8.30am at the parking area of the pavilion at main cricket field.     Colin Turner 031 708 3517  
           
Fri to Sun Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort (Monk's Cowl Area) - Camping Weekend - Day hikes from campsite - Well equipped campsites with  8-12km   Keith Ashton Camping R90 pppn
16-18 Apr  electric points - good ablutions with hot showers etc - magnificent views of Champagne Castle, Cathkin Peak & Sterkhorn etc - swimming pools,  each day 2-3 Tel 033 2395023 Pensioner disc (over 60) 50% = 
  children's slides, swings & adventure playground at the resort as well as a bar & restaurant - unlimited beautiful hikes from this base or just chill-out     Contact Keith asap to book ħR45pppn. Chalets etc also avail.
Sun 25 Apr Dargle Area - Day hike up Nhlosane mountain from Mount Park Guest Farm/campsite (next to Everglades Hotel).  Meet Leader, Selvyn, at Mount Park at 8.30am.  Entrance R15 per person.  Safe Parking at Mount Park campsite.  8km 2 Contact Selvyn on 033 330 4842 R 15
           
Sat-Sun ##Park Rynie - Rocky Bay Caravan Park - Camp sites right on the coast - day hike to Pennington Tea Garden or Scottburgh  8-10km 2 Brian Henwood - 082 655 6359 R 97 pppn 
1-2 May  just chill-out & relax - swim in the pool or in the sea - explore the rock pools - have a social braai or indulge with a restaurant meal. each day      
Sun 2 May Francois Marais, Chairman of Pmb Ramblers is guest hike leader for hike in Lower Umpushini Valley of the Ashburton area.  Lovely scenery and may see game.  Secure parking at Keith and Catherine Brown's place and drinks afterwards at their bar.  Meet at the Ashburton off ramp above the N3 highway at 8.30am.     Contact Jenny who is co-ordinating the hike on 084 952 0622  
Sun 9 May Day hike from Minerva Heights Farmhouse, Byrne area.  Route combines grasslands, plantation and indigenous forest.  Meet at Byrne Chuirch adjacent to Oaks Hotel at 08h00.  Donation R10pp.     Contact David Tighe 076 028 0708 or 031 464 9033 R 10
Sat- Sun           15-16 May The Spinney - Very comfortable, well appointed self catering cottages in the Inzinga Valley with swimming in mountain streams, walks in the beautiful Mkomazi Wilderness area.  Saturday 20km moderate hike to MacKenzies Cave.  Sunday 8km hike to Cyprus Cave.  Numbers limited.     2-3 Contact Mary Clover: Email Mary on mnellist@telkomsa.net or sms ONLY on 0837006199 Approx R100pppn but please check with Mary
Tues 18 May SOCIAL EVENING: Speaker will be Leon Heyes, Leon is a distinguished local amateur photographer who is an active member of and contributor to the Pietermaritzburg Camera Club. Leon will show a selection of his photos and give tips for capturing that stunning photo out of ordinary subject matter.
An opportunity for hikers to get enthusiastic about submitting their pics to our website!
       R5 for Car Guard
Sun 23 May  Durban Beachfront - Meet at 8:00 in Sun Coast Casino car park. Walk via Moses Mabhida Stadium to uShaka Marine World and return.   8km  1 - 2 Brian Henwood - 082 655 6359 No Charge
Sun 30 May Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve - Full day hike with Selvyn.  Meet at Umgeni Valley reception at 8.30am.  Entrance fee ħR15.   15km 2 Contact Selvyn on 033 330 4842 ħR15
Sat - Sun Cobham - Backpacking to & overnight in Gxalingenwa Cave - This is a beautiful hike & will mostly be a circular route via part of the Giant's Cup Trail, 12-14 km  3 Keith Ashton R40 pp
5 - 6 Jun visiting Ngenwa Pool, Pinnacle Rock & Emerald Stream. each day   Tel 033 2395023  
Sun 13 Jun ##Howick - Day hike - Amber Valley Circuit - Lovely walk around the perimeter of this new & ever developing complex - plenty of game & birdlife - Bring 8-10 km 2 Margaret Ashton No Charge
  Lunch & drinks - (this hike has proved to be very popular) - tea & coffee etc will be provided after the walk at Margaret & Keith's place.     Tel 033 2395023  
Fri-Sun ## Drakensberg Gardens - Cottage weekend - Fully equipped & very comfortable - Beautiful Area in the heart of the mountains - Max 10 members 10-15km  2 - 3 Keith Ashton - Tel 033 2395023 R140 total per person (R70 pppn)
25 - 27 Jun 10 Day hikes from cottage or simply unwind on the property (10 acres). Please book asap with Keith to secure your place each day     for Fri & Sat nights for members
ADV. NOTICE:  Fish River Canyon - 3 places available from 23 June to 26 June  Cost of hike R100 - organise own transport.  For more details contact Allison on 033 347 1364
SOCIALS VENUE : As usual all socials are held in the Church of the Ascension Hall starting at 7-30pm with tea / coffee available from 7-00pm & time to socialise - plenty of room for parking next to the hall, accessed from
Brindy Road, Hilton.
PLEASE READ THE NOTES BELOW:- (these appear on all fixture lists & should be noted by all members)
Grading of hikes etc
1. Very easy trip - please inform the leader to confirm your participation by the Wednesday prior to the hike.
2. Easy trip - please inform the leader to confirm your participation by the Wednesday prior to the hike.
3. Moderate trip - Physical fitness advisable - If an overnight trip, camping or in a cave etc please inform the leader of your participation at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance as bookings have to be made. 
4. Strenuous trip - Physical fitness essential - If an overnight trip, camping or in a cave etc please inform the leader of your participation at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance as bookings have to be made.
5. Very strenuous trip - A high degree of physical fitness essential - Normally an overnight trip so please inform the leader of your participation at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance as bookings have to be made.
Multi-day trails - Please inform the leader of your participation as soon as possible after posting in the fixture lists as bookings have to be made well in advance.
Please note that the leaders have the prerogative to make a decision not to include a member/s if they have doubts about their physical fitness or do not have adequate gear etc for a particular hike.  
Please advise the leader of any medical condition prior to any hike & carry the necessary medication - Due to recent legislation all hikers to carry their own medical kit.