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Meridian Hiking Club
February 2015
www.meridian.org.za
th
Contributions by the 25 to Sam sgg1@mweb.co.za. Events subject to change - see website/contact co-ordinator.
Feel free to forward this to anyone you think would be interested! 
The Meridian AGM:
Coming to you in early March
(See the calendar for details)
Happy Valentine’s Day to you all
Renewals
It is that time of year again! 2015 membership renewals are due by the end of February 2015. The cost
is R144 for the year.
Please could you send proof of payment to Marilyn on Marilyn@jacksoncape.co.za. You will then be
emailed you 2015 membership card. Please also send your ID number as we will be putting this on the
new cards and renewals.
Cape Getaway Show: 13 - 15 March 2015
MERIDIAN has a stand at this prestigious event – the premier outdoor show in the Western Cape, taking
place at Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West. Volunteers who offer to man (or woman?) the stand
for a couple of hours get free entrance to the event.
Contact Sam on sgg1@mweb.co.za or 082 498 0361 or Jenni on trails@meridian.org.za for further info.
Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events
1
Thank you Meridian Hiking Club
Home of Hope
The Meridian Hiking Club
On behalf of children at Home of Hope we would like to sincerely thank you for your donation of the
Christmas gifts. We are truly appreciative of the kindness and generosity you show us. Home of Hope
would not be in existence if it were not for the support of people like you and for that we remain
indebted with gratitude.
We thank you for partnering with us, for helping us make a lasting positive difference in the lives of
children that have been abused, abandoned and neglected and those who suffer from Foetal Alcohol
Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and HIV.
It is our belief that if children live with security they learn to have faith. If children live with approval they
learn to have confidence and to like themselves. If children live with acceptance and friendship they
learn to find love in the world. At Home of Hope we are constantly trying to create and reinforce this
positive environment so that our children can learn these invaluable lessons and experience the love
they so desperately deserve.
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your love with our children.
Yours sincerely
Genevieve Brook
Fundraising and Events Co-ordinator
Home of Hope
021 556 3573
Info@homeofhope.co.za
www.homeofhope.co.za
Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events
2
Booking of hikes
Some members have complained recently that they are not able to join hikes as they are fully booked.
Unfortunately, the numbers of people have to be limited on some hikes, owing to the nature of the hike,
e.g. lots of scrambling which takes substantially longer with more than 12 people. Larger groups can also
be a problem if the pace and the experience level of hikers varies, leading to stretched out groups
virtually impossible for lone leaders to manage properly. Also the risks of serious accidents is higher in
big groups (rock falls, little space on small exposed ledges, people have to wait in queues before
pitches, etc.). Limited parking is also an issue on some hikes, especially when it is necessary to shuffle
cars.
Given the demand for certain hikes, it appears we need more hike leaders! There is a demand for
beginner hikes, for moderate hikes and for advanced and difficult hikes. However, there are very few
hike leaders offering advanced and difficult hikes. We also have very few hike leaders who offer new or
previously little known hikes.
So, if you’re finding yourself frustrated by full hikes, please consider putting what you want on the
calendar and leading it for your club.
Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events
3
Trail Run Spain
I was in contact with you last year in connection with
hiking holidays in Andalucia, Spain. I have now joined
forces with TrailRunSpain (www.trailrunspain.com) who
have many years’ experience in running and walking in
Spain and together we are putting some great walks. Any
walkers who run as well and may be interested in some of
the runs are welcome. I have helped out on some of
these and they are great fun and a real challenge for the
runners.
Take a look at my website http://toniwillis.wix.com/spanishharlem as it is also updated from time to time with different trails
available and photo's so you can get an idea of the area.
Regards
Toni W illis
Vapur Anti-bottle now in SA
The Anti-bottle is the most portable water bottle on the planet by being
incredibly light, flexible, foldable, freezable, attachable and BPA free!
We have had great initial feedback from hikers due to the light weight,
flexibility and attachable features. We even have world renowned
explorers such as Eric Larsen who depend of the Vapur Anti-bottle to
keep them hydrated no matter the terrain.
Please see the following links for more info:
http://vapur.us/
https://vimeo.com/48021017
https://vimeo.com/73243877
Jono Malan
JCM Brands (Pty)Ltd
+27 83 943 5633
http://jcm-brands.myshopify.com/
Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events
4
Belated Happy Birthday for January
Name
Day
Michelle Africa
1
Gary Anstey
1
Gerhard Engelbrecht
4
Geraldine Hattingh
4
Yolande Deacon
4
Isabel Mueller
9
Franziska Ruetschi
10
Richard Walton
11
Robin Mc Bride
11
Sanet Stevens
13
Kathryn Lowndes
14
Mecheal Wickham
14
Roslin Liemens
14
Chris Geerlings
18
John James
18
Chris Geerlings
18
Ann Price
19
Kerith Gibbs
19
Paul Stevens
19
Susan Smit
19
Melodie Hertslet
20
Douglas James
21
Francis Clerke
25
Michael Louw
25
Ivy Hartman
26
Derek Foster
27
Jill Sloan
29
Meike Voigt
31
Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events
5
Happy Birthday for February
Name
Day
Morgan McKenzie
Sandy Doyle
Vincent Coetzee
Andy Dunlop
Carmen Clegg
Heather Glass
Neil Levy
Barry Yon
Warren Kane
Ebrahim Domingo
Wendy Ann Melwich
Steven Solsky
8
8
8
9
12
14
14
18
22
26
28
29
Calendar
Date
Coordinator
Event Description
Event Details
Larry Jenkins
Sat
7 Feb
021 712 7759
3 Peaks in Silvermine South
08:30 at Silvermine south
parking lot (non-paying side).
End ± 13:00.
Contact leader by phone or
email: aljie@cybersmart.co.za
2Bb
Dave Macé
Sun
8 Feb
Ash Valley Ridge Adventure
Tour
8am at Constantia Nek main
car park.
Contact leader by phone or
email to
dreymacede@telkomsa.net
3Cd
Permit hike, limited to 12
people. Definite bookings
only!
Email to book:
Karen.watkins@inl.co.za
2Bb
082 569 1111
Karen Watkins
Sun
8 Feb
Email please
A roundabout route in
Silvermine, including St. James
Peak, Muizenberg Peak, and
Steenberg Peak, followed by a
quick descent to the parking lot.
A wonderful off track circuit.
Strenuous with some easy
scrambling. 5-6 hours.
Orange Kloof - Woodhead
Tunnel
Afternoon hike along the ring
road and then up to Woodhead
tunnel on the Hoerikwaggo Trail
and return the same way.
Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events
Grade
6
Louis van Dyk
Sun
8 Feb 082 510 3060
Sat
14
Feb
Simone Anthes
Sat
14
Feb
John James
Sun
15
Feb
Victoria Wilson
Sun
15
Feb
Dave Macé
Email please
021 782 2379
Email please
082 569 1111
Aqueduct via Nursery
Buttress
From Cecilia Forest parking to
contour path. Traverse to
Nursery Buttress and ascend to
top (strenuous). Hike via Smuts
Track to aqueduct to view disas.
Return via dams, the Nursery
and Cecilia Buttress. Steep
ascend up Nursery Buttress with
lots of B-grade scrambles, some
very exposed. Approx 6 hours.
Rain cancels, in case of low
cloud will ascend via Skeleton
Gorge. Take at least 2l of water.
Brisk pace.
8:00 at Cecilia Forest parking.
Limited to 12 people. Need to
be very fit.
Book with leader via e-mail
only at mwlny@mweb.co.za
3Dd
Lion's Head Southeast Arête
16:45 @ Lion’s Head parking
(wooden kiosk). Numbers
A challenging direct route up the limited! Email to book:
southeastern ridge of Lion’s
simoneanthes@iafrica.com
Head past Wally's Cave. B+
graded exposed rock
scrambling. ±3 hours. Rain
cancels.
1Dc
Silvermine Circuit (new route) 15:00 at parking area just
inside pay gate (Silvermine
Easy pace, finish at 18:00.
north).
Drinks afterwards.
2Cc
Valentine's Contour Path Hike 8:30 at Newland Forest main
entrance (helicopter pad). We
A slight variation on the usual
will move at a moderate pace,
Newlands Forest to Rhodes
rather than a sluggish
Memorial hike. We'll commence beginner's or super-speedy
from Newlands Forest along a
one! Any sign of rain cancels.
lesser-known path up to the
Well behaved dogs welcome,
contour path, to have tea at the strictly on a leash at the start.
picnic spot halfway to Rhodes
Kids also allowed. The guest
Mem. We will then retrace our
fee of R20 applies for ALL
steps to Newlands Forest.
non-members. No need to
Hikers who wear something red book. Contact
will receive a heart biscuit (for
victoria@voicetrainer.co.za
fun)!
about hike only. Get directions
from Google or map.
2Ba
Klein-Tuinkop Adventure
Traverse and Buttress
3Cd
8am at Sunbird Centre in
Silvermine Valley (extreme
south).
Strenuous with B grade
At Noordhoek 4way
scrambling and some exposure. intersection turn towards the
Bring a torch as we will be
golf course, drive as far as the
exploring an optional cave. 6
boom and turn left.
hrs.
Contact leader by phone or
email to
dreymacede@telkomsa.net
Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events
7
Sat
21
Feb
Mecheal Wickham
082 640 1268
Blouberg Beach Walk
Meet in the car park below Blue
Peter for an hour's beach walk
there and an hour back.
Children and dogs (on leash &
with poop bag) welcome.
Optional: bring money for drinks
at Blue Peter after. 2.5 hours.
Sat
21
Feb
Louis van Dyk
Lakeside Buttress
Sat
21
Feb
Sun
22
Feb
3pm at the car park below
Blue Peter Hotel in
Bloubergstrand.
Contact Mecheal on 082 640
1268 or mecheal@isg.org.za
1Aa
8:30 at Parking for Steenberg
Plateau on Boyes Drive.
From parking hike along Boyes Book with leader via e-mail
Drive to start of ascend. Ascend only at mwlny@mweb.co.za
Lower Steenberg via the
buttress (also called Steenberg
Buttress). Some B-grade
scrambles with exposure. Hike
to Splitkop, and from there to
Muizenberg Peak, before
returning to cars. 3 – 4 hours.
Low cloud, strong wind or rain
cancels.
2Cc
Mario Anthes
Franschhoek to Jonkershoek
via Assegaaiboschkloof
5Cd
Email please
Following the Berg River above
the dam, up
Assegaaiboschkloof to
Bergriviersnek (1100m). Then
down the Contour Path above
Jonkershoek Valley to the gate
of the nature reserve (± 22 km).
Most of the route on walking
pathes, but some of them are
rarely used and could be
overgrown or eroded.
± 8-9 hrs. You need to be fit.
Excessive heat, rain or low
cloud cover cancels (hike will be
postponed to the following day
or weekend).
Dave Macé
Steenberg Buttress
Adventure Circuit
082 510 3060
082 569 1111
Hike is already fully booked.
7:15 at Jonkershoek Nature
Reserve gate. Permit fee
(R40) at gate, or Wild Card (+
ID).
Car shuffling to the start in the
Berg River Dam area of
Franschhoek.
Limited to 20 people.
Enquiries: anthes@iafrica.com
8am at Silvermine South car
park to shuttle cars.
Contact leader by phone or
Strenuous with B grade
email to
scrambling and some exposure. dreymacede@telkomsa.net
5-6 hrs.
Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events
3Cd
8
Wed
25
Feb
Mecheal Wickham
082 640 1268
Table Mountain top sunset
meander
Catch the cable car up & down
for the last week of the summer
sunset specials. Meet at the
upper cableway exit and have a
walk around the top, weather
dependent, towards McClear's
Beacon. 5.5km return for sunset
on the top at 19:28. Bring warm
clothes, wind breaker,
comfortable shoes, drinks &
snacks. Duration of walk will be
dependant on the weather on
top and if the cable car is
operating. 2.5 hours.
Thu
26
Feb
Rodney Manicom
Pub Night: 'Pastis Constantia' From 18:00 onwards at Pastis,
Shop 12, High Constantia
Join Rodney for a pub evening
Center, off Main Road,
at the popular Pastis (in
Constantia.
Constantia). Live music on
No need to book. Once there,
Thursdays. Enjoy a drink or find you may get a table if you'd
a corner and enjoy something
like to eat; all drinks ordered
off the well priced menu.
are to be paid for immediately.
Kindly use these contact
No tabs in the club's or
numbers and links for any
leaders' names.
further directions or information:
021 794 8334
orhttp://pastisbrasserie.co.za
Sun
1 Mar
Dave Macé
Suther and Karbonkelberg
Peak Traverses
082 569 1111
An adventurous tour of some
very interesting places.
Strenuous with a little B grade
scrambling and exposure.
Jenni Fitzell
22 Waterfalls, Porterville: 6 - 8 R250 per person for the
March 2015
weekend.
Book asap to secure your
Get away from the Argus cycle
place.
madness to this stunning
Contact Jenni Fitzell on 083
holiday farm in Porterville.
324 8866 sms or email
Beautiful surroundings and well jenni.fitzell@gmail.com
maintained hiking trail. Stay in
chalets - each sleeping 5 - and
hike, swim, chill. Bring: bedding,
towel, food, braai-grid, hiking
shoes. Sneak preview
at:www.22waterfalls.com
Fri
6 Mar
083 324 8866
18:15 on top at the upper
cableway exit.
Return tickets: R112.50 for
adults, R55 for children after
6pm from lower cableway
station. Free for Cable Card
holders.
Contact Mecheal on 082 640
1268 or mecheal@isg.org.za
8am at top sand dune parking
area above Sandy Bay in
Eustgia Way, Hout bay side.
Access from Helgada road
and 4 way robot.
Contact leader by phone or
email to
dreymacede@telkomsa.net
Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events
1Ab
3Cd
Weeken
d
9
Sat
7 Mar
Victoria Wilson
Email please
Elsie's Peak
It has been a while. Let's do this
quick but steep-ish workout up,
then across; to view the beauty
of Fish Hoek Bay. Bring hats,
sun block, at least two litres
water, optional costume for
swim afterwards. Pace: Brisker
side of moderate, but no speed
freaks.
8:30 sharp at the public
parking next to NG Kerk on
Kommetjie Rd; just down from
the Fish Hoek Main Rd traffic
circle, to your left (if facing
Kommetjie). End approx
10:30.
Email:
victoria@voicetrainer.co.za
(no need to book; inquiries
about hike only; use google
maps for further directions).
2Ab
18:15 at the slipway to the
beach, Woodbridge Island.
Contact Mecheal on 082 640
1268 or mecheal@isg.org.za
1Aa
Contact Sam on
sgg1@mweb.co.za or Jenni
on trails@meridian.org.za for
further info.
Event
Cape Argus Cycle Tour
Sun
8 Mar
Wed
11
Mar
Mecheal Wickham
Milnerton Beach Walk
082 640 1268
Walk along the beach towards
Blouberg and back. Bring
money for drinks/dinner at
Seaside Café. Dogs on leads &
with poop bags welcome. The
tide will be high so the sea may
be high up the beach in parts.
Bring a warm jacket in case of
wind. 1 to 2 hours weather
dependent.
Fri
13
Mar
Sam Greyvenstein / Jenni
Fitzell
Cape Getaway Show: 13 - 15
March 2015
082 498 0361
MERIDIAN has a stand at this
prestigious event – the premier
outdoor show in the Western
Cape, taking place at
Lourensford Wine Estate,
Somerset West. Volunteers who
offer to man (or woman?) the
stand for a couple of hours get
free entrance to the event.
Sat
14
Mar
Mario Anthes
Jonkershoek Cathedral & 3rd
Ridge Peak (Recce hike)
Email please
A very challenging route with a
fair amount of rock scrambling
and some exposure up the
Cathedral (1525m) and 3rd
Ridge Peak (1515m) of
Jonkershoek. Ascent via Slab
Route, descent along the ridge
to Bergriviernek and back down
to Witbrug.
Very fit and experienced hikers
only, please! Rain, low cloud
cover and strong wind cancels
(hike will be postponed to the
following day or weekend).
Hike is already fully booked.
07:15 at Jonkershoek Nature
Reserve gate. Permit fee
(R40) at gate, or Wild Card (+
ID).
This is a full day hike (± 10.5
hrs, 17 km) with an elevation
gain and loss of ~1500m.
Limited to 16 people.
Enquiries: anthes@iafrica.com
Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events
4De
10
Fri
27
Mar
Hiking Weekend at Good
Hope Farm, Robertson: 27 29 March 2015
Meridian hiking leaders will be
leading a number of different
level hikes on Saturday for all
guests. Levels of difficulty will
range from easy to strenuous,
so there will be something for
everyone!
Saturday afternoon, Wandsbeck
Wyne will be hosting a wine
tasting. Snacks will also be
served.
10% discount on all
accommodation. For more
Weeken
information about Good Hope
d
Farm and their
accommodations, events and
promotions visit their
website www.goodhopefarm.c
o.za
R600.00 per person for the
weekend. 12 places only.
Weeken
To arrive after 14h00 on
d
Friday. Transport to be
arranged between those going
closer to the time.
To book email to
rodneymanicom@gmail.com
Fri
24
Apr
Rodney Manicom
Gifberg Weekend: 24 - 27
April 2015
Email please
Enjoy the last of the summer
season in this beautiful part of
the country north of the
Cederberg. Day walks in the
area or just stay and chill on the
farm. Accommodation in 2
cottages on Gifberg Holiday
Farm. Bedding & towels
provided. See website for
further
details:www.gifberg.co.za
Fri
14
Aug
Rodney Manicom
Oystercatcher Trail - Mossel
Bay: 14 - 18 August 2015
Thu
31
Dec
Volunteer
Email please
R6100.00 per person all
inclusive (based on 5 people)
To arrive on Friday afternoon.
Hike from Cape St Blaize to the Transport to be arranged
mouth of the Gouritz River. Fully between those going closer to
catered, guided and portered
the time.
trail. Hike past cliff tops and sea To book email to
front caves to sandy shores
rodneymanicom@gmail.com
while whale watching on this
unspoilt stretch of coastline.
Accommodation in 4 star
lodges. See website for further
details: www.oystercatchertrail.c
o.za
Yes you can do it!
Just became a member? Jump
in and lead something for us.
Why wait for someone to ask?
Name the route, the meeting
place and if you are going for
drinks after the hike. You
choose the date, the start/end
time, and it can be easy to
difficult, just tell us what you
like. Email Sam all the details of
your hike you want to lead:
calendar@meridian.org.za
If you have any queries on a
specific hike on this calendar,
please contact the hike
leader. All other queries must
be addressed to the
committee member handling
the portfolio (see our Contacts
page on the website) or to:
meridian@meridian.org.za
Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events
Trail
You
decide
11
Meridian Notes
Call METRO rescue at 021 937 0300 if you need medical assistance on the mountain.
For other emergencies: call 086 110 6417.
New Hikers
(& members)
The
Please contact the co-ordinator before joining any advertised hike and also have a look at our
grading system and "what to take on a day hike" notes below.
Best time to call : 18h00-21h00 (or as specified on calendar entry)
Please remember that our committee members and hike co-ordinators do these duties on a
voluntary basis. If you are unable to get hold of them via the telephone - please do not expect
them to phone you back - please leave a message with your comment, or phone back later if
you are requiring an answer. Also no SMSes or Call me backs. They are not refunded for
phone calls. Your assistance and understanding is greatly appreciated. Happy hiking.
-slip soles
following items
are
recommended
d kit
on
day hikes:
Read Essential Info for Hikers
Meridian Grading System
Length: (per day)
1 – short – up to 6 km
2 – short to med – 6-10 km
3 – medium – 10 to 14 km
4 – long – 14 to 18 km
5 – very long – over 18 km
Gradient:
A – flat/undulating – beach/contour.
B – medium – Lion’s Head.
C – steep – Skeleton Gorge – Hiking Boots & water essential.
D – steep with scrambling – Devil’s Peak via Knife Edge - Boots & water.
E – more difficult scrambling–Kloof Corner – Boots & water essential.
Effort:
a – easy
b – mod easy
c – mod fit
d – fit
e – very fit
Please Read the Following Carefully:
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Risk: Members and guests participate in club activities at their own risk. Listen to the hike leader’s instructions.
Children & dogs: Please call the leader to find out if s/he is happy to take children on a hike, or if dogs are welcome.
Opinions: Members’ and hike coordinators’ opinions etc. are not necessarily those of the Club.
Cell phones: Please remember to put your cell phone on “silent” for the duration of the hike.
The following items are recommended on day hikes: Hat, sun block, 2 litres water, lunch, warm clothing, space
blanket, money, personal first aid kit, rain gear, torch, whistle, cell phone (on “silent” during the hike).
Visitors: R20 for all Meridian events on the calendar. (R20 per day on longer trails / weekend away).
Cancellations: Please phone the leader/co-ordinator to check that the hike is on, especially if you are not on e-mail.
Cancellations do happen and you may be disappointed.
How to book on a Trail/Weekend Away
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No advance bookings. Phone the hike leader at the opening date & time given in the calendar (not before).
Members get preference. Visitors’ names will be placed on the waiting list and if the trail is not filled, visitors will be
included from waiting list.
If you cannot book at the time bookings open, you may ask a friend to book for you.
Give the Trail Leader all your contact details
The Trail Leader has right of refusal.
A member may book for one other person (including a non-member, though preference is given to members).
You may also deposit your Trail fee directly in the 'Meridian Hiking Club' Account, Nedbank, Claremont Branch;
Branch Code: 104609; CURRENT A/C No.1046348396. Please include your NAME and the name of the TRAIL in
the payment reference, e.g. Joe Blogs/Otter. Email proof of payment to: treasurer@meridian.org.za as well as
trails@meridian.org.za
You will need to make your own Travel arrangements.
If payment not received by you within 14 days, your name will be moved to the waiting list.
Cancellations: No refunds can be made.
In the event of you needing to cancel it is your responsibility to find a replacement
The Trail leader will have a waiting list, the names on the waiting list will be given to you, with contact details, and the
Trail Leader will assist as far as possible to help you find a replacement. * You must contact the people on the
waiting list first.
If a replacement cannot be found from the list you are entitled to go elsewhere, but the replacement must be
accepted by the Trail leader. * Financial arrangements will be between yourselves i.e. refunding of the Trail fee.
If a replacement cannot be found you will forfeit the fee.
Remember to bring your membership card on all hikes and events
12