MIDLANDS HIKING CLUB - FIXTURE LIST - FROM JANUARY TO MARCH 2011
## 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
Sat 8 Jan CEDARA & HILTON DAY HIKE OR CYCLE -12km hike or 30km mountain bike ride through Cedara and Mondi plantations in Hilton.  Meet at Rotunda.  12km hike/30km Cycle 2 Mark 082 826 2526 or Mary no charge  
Sat to Sun     15-16 Jan INJASUTI - Backpacking hike to & overnight in Wonder Valley Cave - good venue for less experienced backpackers - lovely pool for swimming & stream for water close by. (Combined hike with Mountain Backpackers). 10-12km each day 3 Keith Ashton - Tel 033 239 5023 Cave R45 pp
Tues 18 Jan SOCIAL EVENING : Slide show of upcoming events and talk on specialist hiking and sports wear.     No need to book R5 for Car Guard
Fri to Sun       21 to 23 Jan WAGENDRIFT DAM, ESTCOURT - Camp for 1 or 2 nights at the water's edge or stay in the KZN Wildlife cottage. Enjoy a walk through the Nature Reserve and a boat ride across the dam.   1 Brian Henwood 033 347 1126 or 082 655 6359 ±R140 for a site
Sun 30 Jan AMBER VALLEY COMPLEX DAY HIKE - Hike around complex and view beautiful gardens with Libby   2 Libby Deysel 073 232 1990 no charge
4-6 Feb LAKE LYNDHURST - Weekend at Mark's beautiful, well equipped cottage at Lake Lyndhurst.  Walking, fishing, swimming or relaxing in beautiful surroundings.  Vehicles with high clearance needed but lifts may be arranged.      Mark 082 826 2526 or Mary  Cottage R70 pppn
Fri to Sun      11-13 Feb DRAKENSBERG GARDENS - Cottage weekend - Fully equipped & very comfortable - Beautiful Area in the heart of the mountains - Max 10 members. Day hikes from cottage or simply unwind on the property (10 acres). - Please book early to secure your place 10-15km  2 - 3 Keith Ashton - Tel 033 239 5023 R150 total per person (R75 pppn)
Sun 20 Feb INHLOSANE - Popular slow day hike from Mount Park, next to Everglades Hotel in Dargle, up the longer route to the top of Inhlosane mountain. Spectacular views.   3-3+ John Fourie - Tel 033 234 4661/0825557448  
Sat to Sun     26-27 Feb KAMBERG - Cave Hike to Sinclairs Cave, new circular walk - return via Gladstone Nose and Stillerus area.  Climb 500m - easy hike for first time cave experience.  Very easy hike to cars on Sunday 25km 3 Dave Sclanders 082 443 4287 or email bergfree@absamail.co.za Cave R45 pp
Sun 6 Mar OTTOS BLUFF DAY HIKE - Hike from Ferncliffe Nature Reserve to Otto's Bluff.  Spectacular views of the city & Albert Falls Dam.  Meet at the reserve at the top of Town Bush Road in Pietermaritzburg.   ±17km 3 Brian Henwood 033 347 1126 or 082 655 6359 no charge
Sat - Sun         12-13 Mar  BUSHMAN'S NEK - Backpacking to & overnighting in Whytes Cave (very comfortable cave - pool very close) - visit Painters Cave & White Horse Cave en-route. (Combined hike with Mountain Backpackers). 12 km each day 3 Keith Ashton - Tel 033 2395023 Cave R45 pp
Tues 15 Mar SOCIAL EVENING : Slide show of Otter Trail and Whale Trail     No need to book R5 for Car Guard
Sat 19 Mar MOUNT GILBOA DAY HIKE  - Another chance to do this lovely local hike to Mare's Tail Falls and Mount Gilboa - as usual bring day-pack with lunch
±12km 3 Kevin Knox-Davies 033 239 5262 or 084 510 5702  
Sat-Mon          19 to 21 Mar PORT EDWARD - T O STRAND CAMPSITE - Long weekend camping and hiking at beautiful area close to beach - contact Bushy for details     Bushy Kirby 083 757 2660   
Sat-Sun         26-27 Mar HIGHMOOR - Tenting at campsite - 2 day hikes from the camp Sat & Sun.  Hike and explore new areas of Highmoor.  Relatively flat and easy walking.  Ideal for first time campers, or hikers who can come for either day if not wanting to stay overnight. 25km 2 Dave Sclanders 082 443 4287 or email bergfree@absamail.co.za Camping R55pppn
           
           
           
     
     
     
     
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.