MIDLANDS HIKING CLUB FIXTURE LIST:   OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2012
DATE TYPE GRADE APPROX. DIST. DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES LEADER & CONTACT DETAILS APPROX. COST
Sun HIKE 1 8 - 10 km DARGLE/MPENDLE – Satori Guest Farm, about 30 km from Piggly Wiggly, overlooks the spectacular lower Drakensberg; ideal for hiking and birdwatching in the indigenous forest.. Morning hike followed by a light wholesome lunch served in a comfortable thatch and straw bale guesthouse.   Christie Exall R50 per person including hike and light lunch
30 Sept   074 386 4017
Sun               DAY HIKE 2+ 15 km 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 Hackney will lead the hike but please contact Keith  - don't miss this one Keith Ashton Tel 033 2395023 keimarg@iuncapped.co.za             082 846 6179  R10 pp donation
07-Oct
Sat-Sun CAVE 3 26 KAMBERG - SINCLAIRS CAVE - fairly easy hike , only take 8 hikers in the cave , late bookers may have to bring tents as the cave can get wet in  rainy conditions. Book by e mail only -  bergfree@absamail .co.z.  Last bookings 08 october Dave Sclanders  082 443 4287   bergfree@absamail.co.za R45 EKZN Wildlife
13/14 Oct    
Sat-Sun TRAIL HUTS 2+ 12 and 8 km BLINKWATER TRAILS – on the Greytown road from Pmb. Land of indigenous forests, upland grasslands, vleis, streams and commercial plantations – home to the endangered Oribi and rare Blue Swallow. Island Dam is the breeding ground for the rare and endangered Wattled Crane. Max 12 people, so book early. John Fourie – 072 871-1252 R65 pppn
20-21 Oct john4ie@gmail.com
Fri-Sun COTTAGE WEEKEND 1   MAKHULUMANE COTTAGE - a fully equipped private cottage nestling under the slopes of Cathkin Peak, over-looking Monks Cowl Camp. Various short to medium distance walks from the cottage interspersed with Bridge for Beginners for those interested Mary Clover 083 700 6199   mnellist@telkomsa.net R 80 pppn
19-21 Oct  
Sat                  27 Oct MOONLIGHT WALK 1 2 km TREASURE BEACH at the Bluff – Do a harbour cruise in the afternoon, then have a braai (byo) in the early evening at the Information Centre; followed by a 2 hour guided night walk along the beach at full moon and spring low tide. Remember to bring your torch. Please contact Bushy by 12 October so that we can secure the booking. Bushy Kirby   083 757 2660     bushchip@ mweb.co.za R50 for harbour cruise, and         R 25 for the guide.
Sat          EDUCATIONAL     AFRICAN BIRDS OF PREY, Ashburton area - Visit to this interesting sanctuary with 36 enclosures - No planned hiking, simply an educational outing. Meet at 10:00. Demonstration starts at 10:30. Vulture feeding at midday. Turn off the N3 at Exit 65 Lion Park interchange, then 4 km towards Lion Park.  Mark 082 826 2526    mnellist@telkomsa.net R 35 pp
03-Nov  
3/4 Nov CAVE 3,5 30 BUSHMAN'S NEK Lammergeyer Cave -  Flowers should be out - great flowers in this area. Fitness required . Combined hike MHC & MBP. L   last booking 22 October . book via E mail only - bergfree@absamail.co.za Dave Sclanders 082 443 4287  bergfree@absamail.co.za R45 EKZN Wildlife
Sun    HIKE 3 8 km 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. John Fourie  072 871 1252    john4ie@gmail.com R30 pp
11-Nov
Sun HIKE & BRAAI 2   HILTON COLLEGE NATURE RESERVE – Meet Peter Rippon at the main gate of the school at 9:00. Settle the family down on the shady lawns at the picnic site on the banks of the uMgeni River and then join the hike to Gwen Falls. Good braai and toilet facilities available. Bring along fold up chairs, braai meat and salads. Peter Rippon  072 277 5013    psrippon@gmail.com  
17-Nov
Sat-Sun          CAVE 3 12 - 15 km                     each day BUSHMAN'S NEK - Backpacking to and overnight in Bushman's Cave - Beautiful hike alongside Bushman's River & via Slab Cave - lovely waterfalls & pools en-route. Options to explore further from cave. Keith Ashton – 033 239-5023 keimarg@iuncapped.co.za                 082 846 6179  R45 pp  (KZN Wildlife may increase slightly from 1 Nov)
17/18 Nov
Tues CLUB NIGHT     UPCOMING ACTIVITIES – Our speaker is Penny Rees who will share with us her experiences of walking the length of the uMngeni River over 28 days. Leaders will also present and answer questions for their upcoming hikes. Meet at Church of the Ascension Hall, Brindy Road, Hilton at 7:30. Refreshments will be served from 7:00.    
20-Nov
Sun             DAY HIKE 2 12 km DARGLE CONSERVANCY - Day hike through indigenous forest on private land - climbing to above forest for magnificent views of surrounding areas - prolific bird life. Note this is a longer hike that normally done in this area. We will be guided by owner Barend who is very knowledgeable about the local plants, trees, birds & animals - stunning location & not to be missed  Keith Ashton – 033 239-5023 keimarg@iuncapped.co.za             082 846 6179  R15 pp Donation to conservancy 
25-Nov  
Sat-Sun CAVE FOR BEGINNERS 2-3 8 km CYPRUS CAVE – Hike from Mkhomazi KZN Wildlife office in the Nottingham Road district and stay overnight in the cave. Only a 4 km walk to the cave – ideal for first time backpackers. We will assist beginners with advice on packing for the weekend and can lend camping equipment. John Fourie  072 871 1252    john4ie@gmail.com R45 pp
24/25 Nov  
Sat-Sun          CAMPING 3 16 km COBHAM NATURE RESERVE. A rustic but popular KZN Wildlife camp site just 10km from Himeville in the southern Drakensberg. Numerous options for hikes from the campsite but proposing a climb to a vantage point overlooking the Sani Pass Hotel. Lovely pools for swimming. Make this a golden oldies weekend. Bushy Kirby   083 757 2660     bushchip@ mweb.co.za Camping R 65 pppn
1/2 Dec
Sun MORNING 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
09-Dec
Sun PARTY     CHRISTMAS PARTY - Hilton College Nature Reserve – Meet Teresa Whitfield at the Lapa at 8:30 for a hike to Gwen Falls, returning 12:00. Otherwise join the party wearing a Christmas decoration. Beautiful shady lawns with good facilities. Father Christmas and his fairy Merry will be joining us. They never miss an opportunity to distribute gifts. Bring along folding chairs and braai meat. Also a salad or dessert tart for the 'bring and share' table. RSVP:  Carolee Thompson Wrapped gift valued at less than R 30
  033 330-6187
16-Dec      comehiking@gmail.com
ADVANCE NOTICES
1-3 Mar '13 COTTAGE WEEKEND 1 2 x 6 km NTSEKENI NATURE RESERVE - On a high plateau between Creighton and Franklin, this reserve is a place of wafting grassland and prolific flowers, inviting relaxed hiking, mountainbiking and birdwatching. Ntsekeni Lodge has four comfortable chalets fully serviced and a large well-equipped central dining area with self-catering facilities. A cheaper option are the squaredavels and chalets for groups of up to 20.  Climb Ntsikeni Peak or take an easy stroll around the vlei. Bushy Kirby         083 757 2660   bushchip@mweb.co.za R 250 pppn for Ntsikeni Lodge, or R 165 pppn for the other self-catering option. 
11 - 25 July '13 TRAIL 4   MONT BLANC - Allison Gunning is planning a most interesting hike around this well-known landmark. If interested please contact Alison for more details. Allison Gunning  082 655 6359             
August / September 2013 TRAIL 2 54km with slackpacking option   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 along the pristine coastline with spectacular scenery. The environment is of special ecological interest and an exceptional hiking experience with clean and comfortable accommodation. Commit now so that we can secure the booking in the peak whale-watching season. Brian Henwood      082 655 6359           or brian@hn.co.za R1150 pp plus airfare and car hire, or whatever 
 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.