MIDLANDS HIKING CLUB FIXTURE LIST:   SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER 2011 
         
DATE TYPE GRADE APPROX. DIST. DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES LEADER & CONTACT DETAILS APPROX. COST
Tues CLUB NIGHT     NAMAQUALAND FLOWERS - A presentation by Kevin and Gail Knox-Davies on their recent visit to Namaqualand. Photos of upcoming hikes will also be shown by the leaders. Church of the Ascension hall, Brindy Road, Hilton at 7:30pm.    
20-Sep
Sat-Sun CAMPING 2 13Km NHLOVINI MOUNTAIN (2026m) in the Cobham Nature Reserve – A hike to the top of the mountain reveals stunning views in all directions. Return via Pinnacle Rock or shorter route. John Fourie – 082 555-7448 R60 pppn for camping or
24-25 Sep or 074 370-8189 R25 pp for day visitors
Sun   DAY HIKE 2+ 15Km KARKLOOF - Day hike through Everdon Estates led by the man who knows the area better than anybody - previously this hike has proved to be very popular & has some of the most spectacular views in the area. Cecil will lead the hike but please contact Dave  - don't miss this one. Cecil Hackney but contact No Charge
2-Oct Dave Sclanders 082 443-4287
Sat NIGHT WALK     TREASURE BEACH at the Bluff – Do a harbour cruise in the afternoon, then have a braai (byo) in the early evening, followed by a 2 hour night walk along the beach. Remember to bring your torch. Bushy Kirby – 083 757-2660 bushchip@mweb.co.za Night walk R20 pp
8-Oct Harbour cruise R50 pp
Sun   DAY HIKE 2 12Km CUMBERLAND - Easy day walk to the Krans. View antelope and giraffe. A 20 Minute drive from PMB. John Fourie – 082 555-7448  
16-Oct or 074 370-8189  
Sat DAY HIKE 2 12Km CHASE VALLEY - Meet at Cascades Shopping Centre. Hike up through the Chase Valley plantations along farm roads to the top of Chase Valley Heights and admire good views of the city and the fancy houses below. All invited to braai at the Leader's house afterwards. Bring meat and drinks only. Can buy at Checkers or Woolworths after the hike. Brian Henwood – 082 655-6359 brian@hn.co.za Nil
22-Oct
 
Sat-Sun CAVE 3 12Km BUSHMAN'S NEK - Backpacking to & overnight in Sherry Cave (New) - The hike is a similar route to Whyte's Cave but we will do variations & also visit Bushmen's paintings.  As access to the cave is along a ledge & there is a drop of many metres in front of the cave it is not suitable for children. Sleeping space is also limited.  "Combined weekend with Mountain Backpackers Club". Keith Ashton – 033 239-5023 R45 pp
22-23 Oct  each day keimarg@iuncapped.co.za incl. entry & levies
       
Sun   DAY HIKE 2 16Km PLEASANT PLACES at Lidgetton - A hike to Swissland Cheese in the heartland of the Midlands Meander across picturesque farmlands, and visiting other popular venues. Good quality B&B accommodation also available. Christie Exall – 083 233-1998  
30-Oct    
Sat-Sun CAVE 3 24Km MONKS COWL - Backpacking hike leaving from Calfargie and overnighting in Stable Cave via Jacobs Ladder. Teresa Whitfield – 082 374-1793 tkc@hiltoncollege.com R45 pp
5-6 Nov incl. entry & levies
Sun   DAY HIKE 2   DRUMMOND – Max’s hike from his farm in the Peacevale area, through to Monteseel and Inchanga, is a lovely hike with wonderful views of the Valley of 1000 Hills. It is always extremely popular as Max is an excellent leader. There will be a braai afterwards, so byo. Max Ramseier – 031 783-4173 carrots veggie greens fruits 
13-Nov Cell 083 968-4434 (no citrus) for donkeys
Sat-Sun CAMPING / CHALETS     HIGHMOOR AREA - "Mountain Shadows" (near Glen Garry) - Cottages / Cabins / Caravans & Camping - excellent facilities -  central indoor/outdoor boma  with braais + DSTV - day hikes from base - Lovely spot - just relax & chill out if you wish. Visit Aasvoel Krans cave.
John Fourie – 082 555-7448  
12-13 Nov or 074 370-8189
Tues CLUB NIGHT     UPCOMING ACTIVITIES – Leaders will present photo show and answer questions for the upcoming hikes in the next quarter. Meet at Church of the Ascension Hall, Brindy Road, Hilton at 7:30. Refreshments will be served from 7:00.    
15-Nov
Fri-Sun WEEKEND HIKE 4 20Km THABANA NTLENYANA in Lesotho - The highest mountain in Southern Africa (3482m). Drive up Sani Pass on Friday afternoon and stay overnight at Sani Top backpackers lodge. Drive to the wool shed, hike 10 km, pitch tents and stay overnight at the mountain. Return on Sunday. Something a bit more challenging so good winter gear is essential. Passports required.  Anyone with a 4x4 could help with transport up the pass. Teresa Whitfield – 082 374-1793 tkc@hiltoncollege.com R175 for backpackers and R150 for shuttle service up the pass - transport costs to Underberg to be shared.
18-20 Nov
 
Sat-Sun CAVE 3 12Km 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 weekend with Mountain Backpackers Club". Keith Ashton – 033 239-5023 R50 pp
19-20 Nov each day keimarg@iuncapped.co.za incl. entry & levies
Sat-Sun CAMPING 3 15Km MONK'S COWL CAMPSITE near Champagne Castle Hotel -  Popular KZN Wildlife campsite with hot showers. Hike to Drak Sun and zip line via Mary's Cottage or to Blindmans Corner via the Sphinx and down Keartland Pass. Brian Henwood – 082 655-6359 brian@hn.co.za R60 pppn
26-27 Nov
Sun   DAY HIKE 3 8Km NHLAZANE MOUNTAIN near Everglades Hotel, Dargle - A popular hike up to the beacon with splendid views of the Midlands and Berg, then down along a different route.  Meet at Mount Park Guest Farm. Camping sites and self-catering cottages available. Phone 033 234 4601/4277 for accommodation bookings. Brian Henwood – 082 655-6359 brian@hn.co.za R30 pp
4-Dec
Sat-Sun CAMPING 2 8- 10Km DLANGALE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - 25Km from Richmond towards Ixopo. Niice campsite with five star ablutions. Walk through the reserve on Saturday and view the wildlife. On Sunday do a short walk in the reserve followed by a visit to a local Monastery that includes a mill, waterwheel and a restaurant for lunch. Bushy Kirby – 083 757-2660 bushchip@mweb.co.za R60 pppn
3-4 Dec  on Sat
Fri XMAS PARTY 2 10Km CHRISTMAS PARTY - Hilton College Nature Reserve – Meet Teresa Whitfield at the Lapa at 8:30 for a hike to Gwen Falls, returning 11:30. Otherwise join the party whenever you can. Beautiful shady lawns with good facilities. Father, and his fairy Mary Christmas, have availed themselves to join us after the braai. Bring along fold up chairs, braai meat and salads, and a gift with a value of less than R30. RSVP:  Carolee Thompson R10 entry and < R30 small gift for exchange
16-Dec 033 330-6187
       comehiking@gmail.com
             
             
ADVANCE NOTICE
28-Mar TRAIL 3 54Km WHALE TRAIL - This awesome hike through the De Hoop Nature Reserve near Cape Agulhas over 5 days takes you over the Potberg Mountain with its colourful fynbos onto coastal cliffs and a 28 km hike along the pristine coastline = spectacular scenery. The environment is of special ecological interest and an exceptional hiking experience with clean and comfortable accommodation. Option of not carrying a backpack. Max 12 persons. Must book now – payment secures your spot on the list. Teresa Whitfield – 082 374-1793 tkc@hiltoncollege.com R1050 pp
 GRADINGS OF HIKES  SOME IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT HIKING  CLUB NIGHTS
 Grade 1 Very easy - so minimal fitness required   1. Hikes are graded so that members can select the activity best suited to their own level of fitness and do not cause unreasonable delay to fellow hikers.   Our Club nights are held on the third Tuesday of every second month in the Church of the Ascension Hall starting at 19:30. Tea & coffee served from 19:00. Come along early and meet your fellow members. Plenty of parking next to the hall, accessed from Brindy Road, Hilton. A R5 tip for the car guard would be very much appreciated. 
 Grade 2 Not too strenuous; moderate fitness desirable   2. Contact the leader of a day hike at least 3 days in advance of your intention to participate.
 Grade 3 Moderate - Regular exercise advisable   3. Contact the leader of a camping weekend at least one week in advance of your intention to participate.  
 Grade 4 Strenuous - Physical fitness essential    4. If accommodation bookings are required please contact the leader at your earliest convenience to secure yourself a booking.
 Grade 5 Very strenuous - A high level of physical fitness is essential  5. Leaders have the prerogative to exclude a member if they doubt their health condition, physical fitness or suitability of their hiking gear for a particular activity.  
   6. Advise the leader of any medical condition prior to any hike & carry the necessary medication - The leader will not administer First Aid. 
     7. Carry your medical aid, doctor and close family friend contact details in your backpack at all times.