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Mountain Club South Africa
Hottentots Holland Section
PO Box
1100
Somerset West 7129
Explore - Discover - Connect – Protect
NEWSLETTER
February to April
2011
Chairman: Ulli
Deutschländer 021 808 3609 (w) or 0723423615 ugkd@sun.ac.za
Secretary: Nina
Nezura 021 841 8119 (w) or: 073
1463845 NinaN@appletiser.net
Find more about the Mountain Club on the
website http://hot.mcsa.org.za
or
http://mcsa.org.za and in the website
of the UIAA: www.uiaa.ch
● NATIONAL MEET (Mini Camp) in the
MALUTI / DRAKENSBERG, 10 to 16 April
The FREE STATE Section invites members
of all sections to join them for the 2011 National Meet in the
Maluti/Drakensberg area of QwaQwa in the Eastern Free State.
This area, where the Maluti Mountain range meets the high Drakensberg, is characterized by deep valleys and gorges,
prominent basalt cliffs and peaks, beautiful sandstone formations, waterfalls,
crystal clear streams and very few inhabitants deep in the mountains. It has a
Drakensberg-like character and the altitude varies between 1800 m and 3200 m.
The area is lesser-known to backpackers, but boasts impressive geographical
features like the Kgotswane Gorge, Namahadi Valley and also the spectacular
Sentinel/Amphitheatre area.
On offer will be day walks from base
camp through the valleys and gorges and to the Amphitheatre, and overnight
hikes, from 2 to 5 days in duration, through the valleys and gorges and to the
top of the escarpment (longer hikes). There are rock climbing possibilities on
unclimbed faces, should leaders be available. There will be a welcoming
function and dinner at the Basotho Cultural Village and a self-catering braai
at the end of the camp.
CLOSING DATE: 4 March 2011 COST
PER PERSON: R270.00
INFORMATION SHEET AND APPLICATION
FORMS: See the MCSA web site next week, contact your section of the
Mountain Club or contact Derek Odendaal (dodendaal@mweb.co.za). Detailed
information on the camp, directions, etc. will be sent out to all entrants in
mid-March, after the closing date.
● The Hottentots Holland MCSA Mailing List:
Please could you all join this mailing list at:
http://groups.google.co.za/group/mcsa-hottentots-holland
The Newsletter, reminders of hikes and other notifications will be sent via
this list.
New Membership fees for 2011
Single R195 Couple R235
Single
over 60 R175 Couple over 60
R210
Junior
R140 News letter only, by post R35
Please
send a Cheque to MCSA, HH Section, PO Box 1100, SSW 7129
We
will then send you the 2011 sticker for your membership card and the 2009
journal.
Members who receive their journal through other sections should
subtract R65.
Payment can also be send electronically to: MCSA HH Section, Standard
Bank,
Branch 03 30 12 (00), Current Acct No: 07231 0111 Reference:
(your) Name / subs2011
Please email the bank transfer statements to the secretary. See
also the attached subs form!!!
Nina Nezura NinaN@appletiser.net or fax
them to her at 0866 382 620
50th
Anniversary of the Hottentots Holland Section Ulli D , 4
& 5 December
All together 18 members visited the Johnson
hut over that weekend to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of our
section within the MCSA. Two founder members made the evening a special one:
Mike Loos read from old journals and told us about the famous characters,
daring climbers and enthusiastic mountaineers of that era in the early 60th.
Keith Gottschalk, whose father also was a founder member, had to get stones
from the pool as a young “pikkie” to deepen the pool and to use them for
building of the foundation of the hut. Dudley Rowswell sent us a letter from
his father Joe, now in Port Alfred and a message from the president of MCSA was
read. As the evening got cold we listened to more stories from the few “oldies”
at the fireside in the hut. What may have gone through their heads sleeping
once again in the hut? The next morning Mike pointed out where they traversed
the rock faces above the hut so many years ago. A group of us enjoyed then for
the first time the lovely hike up the reopened river trail with its little
waterfalls, many pools and strong indigenous trees, which had survived many
veld fires and storms.
Helderberg West Peak
Nina Nezura, 7 November
Our group met as
usual at the entrance of the Nature Reserve. It was nice to see familiar faces
and meet a few new ones. We decided to tackle the mountain from the left hand
side and started our brisk approach. Just before the green route three members parted
with the group to have an easier workout. And the rest bravely proceeded with
the ascent. We reached the peak around midday. The beautiful 360º view was
waiting for us to “wow”. After having a rest and lunch we took the path down
into the reserve via Porcupine Buttress and Disa Gorge.
MCSA Rock Climbing meet Hellfire
Jeanne Gouws, 21 November
It was with great anticipation that I joined
five friends, two of which were also HH club members, at the base of the
climbing at the Hellfire crag in Du Toitskloof. The awe-inspiring red stained
sandstone rock invited us all in for a lovely day of both sport and trad
climbing... after a bit of a rest from the steep hike in. As the name suggests,
Hellfire can get rather hot during summer and even at the end of spring as was
the case for this meet. We climbed until we all felt like a ‘verlepte’ flower
and then headed down to the Molenaars River which had been beckoning, at least
some of us, down for a swim... the first river swim of the season! Yet again,
another fun, adventure filled day outdoors, with the promise of many such days
to come.
Diagonal Route, Table Mountain
Ulli Deutschlander, 12 December
The Diagonal route is
a lovely route up Table Mountain, meandering above Rontree with great views of
the Atlantic and the sheer rock faces of the “12 Apostels”. There is always the
surprise of different flowers at different altitudes. A little bit of
scrambling lets the unfit huff and puff, and the leader encourages or tries to
ignore those, who asks the typical” how far still” questions. At the end
everyone enjoyed having made it to the top with the view down to the palm lined
azure blue beach of Camps bay. I love the lush vegetation in Echo valley, with
frogs quacking in streamlets and birds busy finding nectar. After a visit to
the Mountain club hut and a view over the reservoir we made our way along the
old railway tracks and through the open ended cave at Kasteelspoort. Luckily
the strong wind didn’t blew off the leader after the usual photo stunts on the
famous flat rock outcrop and so he could bring everyone safely down to the
sweltering heat of Bakoven.
Cederberg Meet David
Wright, 16to 19 December
What an amazing place! I am pleased to
report that the Cederberg has lost none of its natural charm. Hikes, climbs,
swims, camping and cracking were enjoyed at the Maltese Cross, Wolfberg Arch
and Cracks, Truitjies Kraal, Kromriver, Stadsaal Cave, and Maalgat
respectively. Our annual pilgrimage has left us longing to return…
Lower Krommrivier Ulli
D. 16 January
Some 20 hikers of
many nations were tempted to flee the heat of the towns and were rewarded with
a lovely hike along the Krommrivier, with enough time to splash and cool down
in the clear waters of the many pools. At the magic “hanging gardens” the first
red gladiolas were visible high up in the spray of dancing water droplets. With
some encouragement everyone made it up the chains at the rock section to arrive
at the fantastic big pool, where we swam super cooled in the dark water. Wojtek
was immediately checking out the underwater world with his diving goggles. One
could gaze at the high moss lined waterfall and listen to its relaxing sound.
As promised many bright red Disas flowered in the mist of the falls. It was
much too early when we left this place of heavenly nature to return to
highways, towns and laptops.
Volstruisskloof Viljoen
Thom; 23 Januarie
Ons was ses manne wat
mekaar 5h00 die oggend gekry het, om die lang dag te begin. Die staproete begin
by Leintjiesdorp, langs Boschendal. Dan stap mens in Duiwelskloof in, en begin
te klim, en sowat 4 ure later was ons bo. Die lang abseil toue is swaar in die
sakke. Dan begin die pret! Ons begin afsak in Volstruiskloof in, en doer onder
sien mens die helshoogte pas. Daar is sowat 15 abseils, in die kloof, waarvan
vyf tussen 50 en 60 m lank is. Die ander is korter. Ons het die harnasse
aangetrek, en probeer onthou hoe om goeie knope in die toue te maak. Die eerste
50 m eindig in n
poel, maar gelukkig was dit‘n warm dag in die boland.
Die roete is sowat
10 jaar gelede deur Teuns Kok van Stellenbosch Bergklub geopen. Hy het met tyd
al die abseilpunte baie veilig gemaak, deur vlekvrye staal kettings om bome te
sit, asook 4 plekke waar hy boute in die rots geboor het. Die tweede en derde
lang abseils is reg na mekaar, so jy begin abseil op n krans van 120 m. Dan is
daar weer n paar kortes, en laatmiddag was dit toe tyd vir die yskas. Eers
abseil jy 50 m af tot in n groot poel water, in n nou kloof. Voel amper soos n
grot, donker, koud. Daar moet almal wag, op n lysie, met jou voete in die
water. Want jy het dieselfde twee lang toue nodig vir die volgende 50 m. Uit
die poel uit, af teen die waterval, met bome en n diep poel water aan die
onderkant.
Die laaste paar
abseils, en uitstap vat nog n hele tydjie, en ons kom 20h30 eers weer by die
motors aan. Nou verstaan ons hoekom Stellenbosch klub gewoonlik die roete oor
1.5 dae doen!
Bettys
Bay Beach Walk
Richard Loos , 30 January
Twenty five of us left Jocks Bay at
9.00 after shifting cars to the end of the hike at the sand dunes. The
day turned out to be ideal for hiking with the expected South-Easter not
materializing and with plenty of cloud cover. We were able to take our
time and enjoy the abundant birdlife as well as finding Oyster Catcher nests on
the shoreline. After a lengthy mid-morning break, we by-passed the
penguin colony and rejoined the shore which at that point was rough going until
we reached the long curving sandy beach at the western end of Betty's
Bay. A halt was called and a voluntary swimming party assembled.
The water was not particularly inviting or safe for
swimming but some folk did get wet. We moved on where the bulk of the
party rebelled and did not follow the leader over an interesting dune
route. In spite of this misdemeanor, we all arrived safely back at
the cars and I hope that our many visitors enjoyed their day out with the HH
Section
SEARCH
AND RESCUE:
Recently we
had 2 callouts for “stranded” persons on the Helderberg, which were brought
down safely.
Four persons, which could not find the
proper exit from the Suicide Kloof were located in hypothermic state by the SR
team around midnight on a steep slope high above the river and comforted with
food, clothing and sleeping bags to get them through the cold and wet night,
before they were lifted out by helicopter early in the morning.
Another callout came for an accident
at Steenbraas river, ending with a helicopter lift-out.
The team trains every second Wednesday
and every second month with other rescue teams. Currently the team consist of 15
full members and 6 probationary members.
Anybody who is interested in joining the team or to make donations is
encouraged to contact the convener Neal de Kock 072 9046150 or email him at neadek@bridgehouse.org.za
Follow the teams activities on Face book
under "Hottentots Holland Search & Rescue"
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=25010917371&ref=mf
In case of
a mountain accident phone Metro: 021 937
0300 or 10177
ROCKCLIMBING:
JOHNSON HUT:
Mike o Keeffe is now the hut convenor. He can be contacted at 021 8512300 or 072 6010826 for hut bookings, which must be done at least 3 working days in
advance.
Collect the hut key, at: 13 Le Havre Street, off Irene Avenue.
● New Rules for Access to
Johnson Hut at Vergelegen Farm:
- We are no more allowed to leave cars at the
security gate or manager’s offices, but
we can leave cars either at the Silt Trap (snake pit) or at the quarry
(600m further).
- People are not allowed to sit at the back of an open bakkie, except
they are sitting on
benches and use seat belts. Driver and co-driver must also wear
seatbelts!
- The drivers of the cars entering the farm must all fill in the
logbook at the security gate!
- The Hut Fees for
sleepover
are R10 per member, R20 per non-member and R5/child u.18
- Please: all have to sign the visitors book in the hut !
- Will
those using the hut do their best to pay the
fees to the Hut convener or secretary!
- Please do not use open flames (candles, cookers,
smoking etc.) in the loft!
- Close the door and shutters thoroughly after
your visit, combating theft and turn off the
water supply with the valve hidden under stones to the right of the water
outlet.
- The fire access road
to the hut should only be used by foot!
! We don’t want 4x4’s parking directly
at the hut!
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● A Very Warm Welcome To The New Members: Richard
Mattheyse, Angela Paynter (transfer from CT section) John Crumley ( transfer
from KZN section), George and Melanie Horn with children Elizabeth, Thomas and
Katherine;
also to the
prospective members: Lindy Frey, Annemarie Smith, Ronel du Toit, Gavin Lay
MEETS
LIST February to May 2011
Grading: 1. Easy stroll
A. No exposure to heights
2. Moderate B.
Mild exposure to heights
3. Strenuous exercise C.
Moderate exposure to heights
4. Only for the very fit D.
Very exposed to heights
Wolwekloof, Franschhoek 2B Sunday
6 February
Hike up a river bed and swim under disas & a
waterfall. Ulli Deutschlander
0723423615
Wessels Gat 2B Sunday
13 February
Short kloofing trip in the Grabouw area. Costume + sun
cream! Wulf Eilers 0829406478
Koel Bay Gorge 3B Sunday
20 February
Scramble up through trees and explore this magnificent
gorge. David Wright 0823279721
Annual Memorial on Table Mountain 2B Sunday
27 February
Ascent Skeleton gorge & admire Disas on route to
Maclears Beacon, were at 12h30 a short .
Service is held, honoring MCSA members which died last year.
Mike o Keeffe 0218512300
Rock Meet 3D Sunday
6 March
Climbing at a local crag, location still to be
decided. Jeanne Gouws 0839687405
Koffiekloof, above Johnson hut 2B Sunday
13 March
Walk and clear the path of this old favorite route.
Mike o’Keeffe 0218512300, 0741063603
TM Lower Buttress 3D
Sunday 20 March
Trad climbing, plus top ropes for the less
experienced. Jeremy Woodward 071151 4839
Breekkrantz Property, southern Cederberg 2-3B
long weekend 19 to 21 March
We will need mountaineers with high clearance cars to access
the MCSA Property. We will camp
there and discover the wild area with its interesting rock
features and many peaks to climb.
Cecile Thom 0214614409, 0823461670
Helderberg Basin Traverse 3B Weekend
26/ 27 March
Hike from the Nature reserve to the Johnson hut, sleepover
under stars at Diepgat. Great views over the Basin. Be prepared for all sorts
of weather! Viljoen Thom 0826550775
Lions Head 2B / 3D
Sunday 3 April
Hike or Trad climb to the summit of this
popular peak. Johan
Papendorf 0827721716
Work Meet 2A Sunday
10 April
Many hands needed to maintain OUR little hut.
Mike o’Keeffe 8512300, 0741063603
Swartbos Kloof 2B
Sunday 17 April
Part of the Panorama route; this is a Jonkershoek
classic. Bani vd Merwe 0824600702
Easter Weekend Still looking for leaders
with ideas, to come forward!
Grootvadersbosch ( about 22 km NW of Heidelberg) 2B
29 April to 2 May
Camp at the forest station and enjoy day walks or a 2
day hike. Check:www.capenature.co.za
Early booking essential; preferable end of February
or asap. Ron Du Toit 0218523867
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