Page 1

{go hiking} MIDLANDS

HIKING CLUB

NEWS

Majestic Mont Blanc

CONTENTS

MAJESTIC MONT BLANC; CHAIRMAN’S CHIRP; WE HIKED ...FROM GENEVA TO

DUBROVNIK AND MORE; WE HIKED TO ...WONDER VALLEY CAVE … POPLAR

GROVE … COBHAM; YOUR OUTDOOR CARTOONS, MAGAZINES, LIBRARY &

MOVIES.

MIDLANDS HIKING CLUB COMMITTEE

Chairman: Neville Lee (neville.lee@)clariant.com) Vice- Chairman: Carolee Thompson

(caroleejoy@gmail.com) Treasurer: Sven Jager (svendebs@sai.co.za) Secretary: Annie Waterhouse (annie.

waterhouse@gmail.com) Activities Organiser: Mary Clover (mnellist@telkomsa.net) Webmaster: Rod

Hart (rodhart@psyc.co.za) Membership Officer: Peter Rippon (psrippon@gmail.com) Newsletter Editor:

Brigitta Simpson (brigittasimpson@gmail.com) Member: Charles Guiot (c_guiot@vodamail.co.za)

Volume 3 Number 5 17 November 2014

www.gohiking.co.za

GO TO: www.gohiking.co.za

*Mont Blanc mean “White Mountain”.

The mountain is also called The White Lady” (French) and

“The White One” (Italian)..

*It rises 4,810 m (15,781 ft) above sea level and is ranked 11th

in the world in topographic prominence.

*The mountain lies in a range called the Graian Alps,

Photograph: Chris Dobson

MONT BLANC is the monarch of mountains:

They crowned him long ago

On a throne of rocks, in a robe of clouds,

With a diadem of snow.

Lord Byron

Page 2

WELCOME TO OUR NEW

MEMBERS

Sabine Marschall Heather & Angus Anderson

Editor’s LetterEditor’s LetterEditor’s LetterEditor’s Letter A scoop is a scoop. A scoop is a scoop. A scoop is a scoop. A scoop is a scoop.

You will read Chris DoYou will read Chris DoYou will read Chris DoYou will read Chris Dob-b-b-b-

son’s story son’s story son’s story son’s story “““““From Geneva “From Geneva “From Geneva “From Geneva

to Dubrovnik and more” for to Dubrovnik and more” for to Dubrovnik and more” for to Dubrovnik and more” for

the first time in this newthe first time in this newthe first time in this newthe first time in this news-s-s-s-

letter (and not on the weletter (and not on the weletter (and not on the weletter (and not on the web-b-b-b-

site). In January he will site). In January he will site). In January he will site). In January he will

be talking about the amabe talking about the amabe talking about the amabe talking about the amaz-z-z-z-

ing journey at our social.ing journey at our social.ing journey at our social.ing journey at our social.

As I said, a scoop is a As I said, a scoop is a As I said, a scoop is a As I said, a scoop is a

scoop.scoop.scoop.scoop.

Enjoy this issueEnjoy this issueEnjoy this issueEnjoy this issue

BrigittaBrigittaBrigittaBrigitta

GO TO: www.gohiking.co.za

The rains started a bit later

than expected this year and Q4

has seen a few of our hikes af-

fected by wet weather. Nobody is

complaining though, we are al-

ways grateful for life-supporting

rain whenever it comes.

Our club seems to have

experienced a fresh injection of

energy recently and there is a

strong likelihood that a wave of

new hike leaders will soon come

to the fore. This breath of fresh

air is being blown along by the

enthusiasm of people such as

Mary Clover, Dave Sclanders,

Charles Guiot, Katy Hart, Dave

Coward, and Peter Rippon, and is

also supported by existing hike

hike leaders such as Keith and

Margaret Ashton, and others. I

apologise if I have inadvertently

omitted any names, it is uninten-

tional.

I hope that more and more

of our members will join this ex-

citing project soon.

Let’s give them all our full

support over the few remaining

weeks of this year and then even

more support throughout 2015.

It will be great to see our

Club continuing to grow from

strength to strength and a strong

core of regular hike leaders will

always be vital.

It is my intention to com-

pile feedback on the progress of

this initiative at some point in

2015, possibly at the AGM, if not

before.

Meantime ………….

see you at the Christmas Party !!

Neville

Chairman’s Chirp by Neville Lee

`xÜÜç V{Ü|áàÅtá

2014 Christmas Party 7 December 2014 @ Eagle Ridge

Hike to Beacon Hill @ 10am OR arrive later

Braai & Share

salads/desserts BYO

Bring mystery gift of R50

Dress-up Be who/what you

would like to be

for Christmas.

Prize:

best dress-up.

RSVP: Carolee (caroleejoy@gmail.com)

Peter Wedge, Margret Kirsten, and I departed from King Shaka, via Dubai to Geneva, Switzerland.

There we met up with two more “eebygums” Keith and Margaret Ashton. A quick chat and we arranged the

transfer by ‘ChamExpress’ into France and a rainy Chamonix Mont Blanc, who dropped us off at our

overnight hotel Les Lanchers, just outside the town. The supper was excellent, the rooms comfortable and

we reorganized our packs for a three day trip, leaving excess luggage in the baggage locker, a substantial

breakfast, and we departed on the lower ‘Petit Grand Balcony’ on a glorious sunny day.

Our forest walk, close to the L’Arve River took us through Le Lavancher, and then on to Argenti・re

where we crossed over the valley to higher ground on Montagne de P・cleret to appreciate what we were in

for the following day – the views were spectacular. Then on to Le Tours, close to the Swiss border, with its

glacier exposed just above us, and down to our overnight at Gite Le Moulin in Montroc for liquid

replenishment, supper, dormitory bed, and breakfast.

Next day was a picture postcard all day, along The Grand Balcony, looking across the valley towards

Mont Blanc. We climbed along steep paths, ladders, above the tree line to overnight at Chalet du Lac Blanc-

2400m. It was very busy, people everywhere - suddenly released after a very wet summer. Most departed in

the slowly darkening evening, not to witness a spectacular sunset. Our cabin was supplied with shoehorn –

no backpacks – two double bunks and one single, within a minute space, but very comfortable. Again the

usual refreshments, multinational company, supper and breakfast, and prepare for tomorrow.

We were blessed with clear skies again to continue at altitude to La Fl・g・re, then down to the Chalet

la Floria bedecked with plants and shrubs of all colours – beautiful. Then, it was back to Les Lanchers.

Next day we found that the horizontal cableway between France and Italy had closed two days

previous for maintenance, nevertheless we still experienced the cable car up to Aiguille de Midi 3842m, the

views compliment the engineering excellence. We descended to collect our luggage and then a coach

through Tunnel du Mont Blanc, on to Courmeyeur in Italy. Margret and I then sourced the same Venezia

Pension B&B where we stayed six years previously. This time we filled up with magnificent Pizzas washed

down with more familiar stuff.

We had repacked, and departed by municipal bus up the Val Ferret towards Refuge Elena, but time

permitted us to walk up to Grand Col Ferret on the Swiss border 2600m. A large comfortable dormitory,

with evening meal and breakfast.

Then we walked on to the luxurious Refuge Bonatti, same room as previous, with seven single beds

in a row, with views across the valley towards Mont Blanc. A great stay, similar routine, and departed Fat

and Happy, below freezing, towards our last Refuge Bertone.

We detoured from the new TMB(Mont Blanc Circuit) back into the mountains, as my map showed the old

TMB – it was worth it, and arrived after a long day, at Bertone. The Endurance Race ‘Tor de Geants’ was

into its last of six days and the place was busy, with accusations flying of who snored last night. Someone

doesn’t have earplugs !! I slept well, and awoke to another perfect morning.

We descended about a kilometer back to Courmayeur, and had a restful remaining day, and watched

the stragglers complete the race before cutoff – 150 hours – 330km and 24,000m total.

We had booked our onward journey on arrival Courmeyeur, and caught an early coach down to Aosta, then

train through Milan to Mestre just outside Venice. Again we sourced our Hotel Cortina B&B, close to the

station.

We caught a local bus across the causeway into Venice, and we did our own thing, arranging to meet

early evening. Margret and I caught a waterbus down to San Marco Square, which was swamped with

tourists, similar to a day on the Ganges. Fortunately, we were approached by an agent with a free trip across

to a Glass Factory on Murano Island, plus high speed water taxi. It wasn’t a scam, and we had a great day,

and a free trip back on local waterbus to San Marco Square. We then walked the streets, bridges, alleys, and

more bridges back to our meeting point – what a fascinating place.

We then caught a train to Trieste, and the two of us departed to source accommodation at ‘Information’.

The very comfortable B&B was again close to our departure by coach to Rijeka, Croatia, in the morning.

We caught the vernicular tram overlooking Trieste, and then a pleasant walk along the jetties – with another

balmy evening.

An early start took us through Slovenia to Rijeka, and after changing coaches a 40 minute trip to

arrive in Crekvenica early afternoon. The owners were waiting with two vehicles to transport us up to their

‘Villa Vesna’ overlooking the town, with magnificent views towards the Island of Krk. We had six days of

Page 3

We hiked ...

GO TO: www.gohiking.co.za

by Chris Dobson

YÜÉÅ ZxÇxät àÉ WâuÜÉäÇ|~ tÇw `ÉÜxYÜÉÅ ZxÇxät àÉ WâuÜÉäÇ|~ tÇw `ÉÜxYÜÉÅ ZxÇxät àÉ WâuÜÉäÇ|~ tÇw `ÉÜxYÜÉÅ ZxÇxät àÉ WâuÜÉäÇ|~ tÇw `ÉÜx

Page 4

We hiked to ...

GO TO: www.gohiking.co.za

luxury, walking to the ruins of a medieval castle, rocky beaches, swimming in a lake called Adriatic Sea,

and sea cruise to Krk Island. After an amazing storm lasting nearly all night, we decided to rescheduled our

trip, and take an organized tour to The Plitviĉe Lakes, towards Zagreb. It’s a World Heritage Site with 16

lakes, falling down multiple cascades, the beauty is beyond words. The tour guide knew her stuff, and also

pointed out the upsets resulting from the breakup of Yugoslavia.

Our next leg was a coach down to Split, following the rugged, but fascinating coastline, looking

across to numerous islands, or down onto coves, small marinas, jetties, and fish farms. We had left Peter in

Crekvenica with his family.

Our arrival in Split again we found apartments adjacent to the Old City, within a few minutes walk

from the bus, rail and ferry terminals. The seafront is a hub of activity, plus huge cruise ships, and

‘Jadrolinea’ ferries or all sizes. We filled our boots with the sights and sounds, both old and new.

After a brief stay, we continued by coach to Dubrovnik, partly on the inland highway, surrounded by

impressive karst(Limestone) mountains, and isolated villages, then descended to the coast. The main bus

terminal is also adjacent to where the cruise ships berth. Thanks to an elderly woman, brandishing a board

with “ apartments to rent”, we caught a municipal bus to the Old City, followed her over the drawbridge,

passed the Cathedral to two delightful apartments, with the walls of the citadel 10 meters from our front

door. We walked the walls – nearly 2km. the following morning, and spent two days taking in many other

places of interest.

As we had rescheduled our trip in Crekvenica, we had three extra days, and had decided to stay on

the Island of Korĉula.

Our coach trip retraced partly back to Split, then branched off down narrow and very windy roads to

the coast, on to a peninsular to the village of Oribiĉ. We alighted and the car ferry berthed shortly

afterwards. The ferry trip took us over to the island, with coach, and a short trip into Korĉula Old City,

where we spied Paulina with her board ‘Waterfront Apartments.” It was bordering on paradise with a deck

overlooking a small inlet, with a variety of small boats moored. A few steps down onto a jetty into crystal

clear water. After exploring, the Old City, the following day, we decided to hire bikes, and cycled along the

coast, again with a variety of boats both moored and moving along the channel between the island and

mainland. Figs, grapes and olives were in abundance, plus a swim from a SAND beach. Unfortunately, we

had to move on, and caught the 06.00 ‘Jadrolinea’ catamaran through the islands and berthed in Split only

3 hours later.

We had reserved our previous accommodation, dropped our luggage, and had another day walking

and sightseeing around Split, and braced ourselves for a long coach trip the following day to Rijeka, and

across to the Istria Peninsular, and the town of Poreĉ, arriving at 20.00.

We found two apartments in the Old City, and made use of the restaurant next door. We looked, shopped,

and the following day a boat cruise to Rovinj, and Vrsa was the cherry on top, plus sampling the local

grappa called Rakje.

Our trip was coming to an end, and so we found a coach that returned to Mestre, Venice – 3hrs, then

caught our flight at Marco Polo Airport, back to SA via Dubai.

The trip was amazing, considering that we had pre-booked only a two places beforehand, and the

continuity with both transport and accommodation, made for a very busy, but satisfying trip in a very scenic

part of the world.

We hiked to ...

FOR ALL YOUR IT FOR ALL YOUR IT FOR ALL YOUR IT FOR ALL YOUR IT RRRREEEEQUUIREMENTS QUUIREMENTS QUUIREMENTS QUUIREMENTS

SUPPLY* UPGRADE *ADVICE *SUPPORT

Work undertaken on premises when possible

Contact Peter Hood 0836703996

complus@telkomsa.net

Wonder Valley Cave

Injisuthi

uKhahlamba Drakensberg

Northern Drakensberg

8 - 9 November 2014

by

Dave Sclanders

Photographs: Dave Sclanders

The weather forecast showed

a grim wet weekend for berg hikers,

with temperatures dropping very low

on Saturday evening. The perennial

question then arises, do I want to hike

in miserable weather, or do I stay

home? The next question is what to

pack as warm clothes are needed to

change into on arriving at the cave.

After walking in wet conditions all

morning, extra clothes means extra

weight and I was not feeling that

strong.

Well our strong, happy group

of 8, met at a wet and misty Injisuthi

camp at 08h00 on Saturday morning,

and without much ado were soon

hiking off through a very misty camp-

site on our way to Wonder Valley

Cave. The cave is not that far away,

but between the valley and the hill top

is the daunting, steep, rocky, wet,

winding path up the Van Heyningen’s

Pass. The way up is through a cleft in

the Sandstone wall of the cliffs

through a beautiful patch of natural

berg forest vegetation. It really is a

special place to pass through. Also, it

was your last chance to fill up with

water from the crystal stream that

runs down the valley, once on top,

there is no water for the remainder of

the day.

After a short rest at the top,

we decided to push on to the cave.

The weather had cleared a bit, but we

were still expecting rain to catch us

while we were walking. As we

climbed higher, the weather cleared

and coming down the path towards us

was another party that had spent Fri-

day evening in the cave. As they say,

the world is a small place. Their

leader recognized our leader’s York-

shire accent and pinned it down to the

village of Preston where they both

hailed from. Quite remarkable.

To read more and see

fabulous photographs,

go to

www.gohiking.co.za

Could that be Rudolf with a shiny nose ?

GO TO: www.gohiking.co.za Page 5

then progressed upwards through

an indigenous forest along a well

marked path. We passed a wonder-

ful waterfall and then up and then

up a thirty foot ladder. The path

followed this contour for another

kilometre, eventually dropping

back down to the Mooi River.

There were lots and lots of

snake lilies and other wild flowers

along this route. When we got out

of the forest our leader had an un-

expected citing of a black backed

jackal that was as surprised to see

him as he was, turned tail and dis-

appeared. The benefits of being a

leader!!

Another wobbly swing

bridge to conquer and two and half

kiolmetres back to the finish. The

weather turned again with overcast

skies and thunder in the distance.

We then scurried back along the

meandering Mooi, crossing two

more suspension bridges and going

through the grove of poplar tress

after which the farm is aptly

named.

Four hours of beautiful hik-

ing through a selection of terrains

and four seasons thrown into a

morning! Only a few drops of rain

on the final stretch. Enjoyed by all

( Mary Clover, Penny Purchase,

Annie Waterhouse, Dave Coward,

Stephanie Buntting, Thandiwe

Nkambule and, Heather Anderson,

and Debbie Jager cum sweeper).

Requests for a weekend outing to

the very comfortable farmhouse

which accommodates 16 and can

be hired. There is also a longer ten

and a shorter 5 kilometre hike as

alternatives to the 6.5 kilometre

one we did.

Well done to all

those that came, crossed

the bridges, climbed the

ladder and identified the

flowers.

We returned at

lunchtime, just before

the bad weather came

in, tired but satisfied

after a leisurely, enjoy-

able outing in a beauti-

ful part of KZN.

Page 6

We hiked to ...

GO TO: www.gohiking.co.za

Poplar Grove

Saturday

11 October 2014 by Sven Jager

Ten Midlands hikers met at

Piggly Wiggly, bright and early

with sunshine and blue skies. We

welcomed new member Thandiwe

Nkambule on her first hike.

We drove up the R103 to

Nottingham Road and then took

the Loteni road to the Kamberg.

Twenty seven kilometers later we

turned into Poplar Grove farm.

The weather had now turned in

the hour’s drive with overcast

skies and a very strong berg wind

blowing.

Our leader, Sven Jager

gave us a brief overview of the

route and what we could expect

on the hike. Everyone had put on

their wind/water proof jackets and

he headed off a farm road through

newly ploughed fields, up a slight

hill and over the first of a number

of styles that mark out the Yster-

vark trail. We hiked across the

side of a hill along a well marked

single track with the strong berg

wind slowing our progress and

everyone with their hoods on for

protection. Back down to the farm

road, then back over another style,

through a pasture and then down

to the Mooi River. The weather

then changed for the better and

the wind died and the sun shone

brightly, yay! We then followed

the Mooi River along the southern

bank for approximately three kil-

metres with beautiful quiet run-

ning waters and tree cover. We

then climbed up out of the river

valley to a high point on the

southern side of the Mooi. From

here we could see the top of the

Fort Nottingham Mountain to the

south west and the top of the

Kamberg to the North East and

clear skies all around. Over an-

other style and then a drop down

to our turning point as we crossed

the first long well constructed sus-

pension bridge. There was a large

flat rock mid way across the river,

which we used as a resting/picnic

stop for a quick snack. We

Cobham Weekend Camp

27-28 September

Leader Brian Henwood

Report and photos

by Alistair Nixon

Cobham camping weekend had

been well advertised and the 21 mem-

bers on the Saturday walk bore testi-

mony to this. Some early arrivals came

on the Wednesday, a public holiday,

others on Friday and the final batch

who made an early dash from Maritz-

burg and Howick on Saturday morning.

Give your self 2 hours from Howick to

get there.

The drive through Boston, Bul-

wer and Underberg is exhilarating with

beautiful views across KZN. Under-

berg is an excellent stop to stock up on

forgotten or last minute purchases. I

recommend the Spar.

Just before Himeville is the

turnoff to Cobham, a dirt road, but not

too challenging. Cobham offers either

camping or communal cottage facilities

(Pholela Hut). The fee difference is

minimal (camping R45, hut R80). The

cottage comprises 4 rooms sleeping

approximately 10 in each in bunk for-

mation with mattresses. The cottage is

currently undergoing renovation which

limited the total ablution facilities to

one toilet and two showers. There is

also a kitchen.

Saturday’s walk

(approximately 15km) began punctu-

ally at 8.30am with an introduction of

all the hikers. As many of us know

remembering names can be quite chal-

lenging but one of the most commonly

asked questions on any walk is “Sorry,

what is your name again?” It seems to

break the ice.

The walk follows the path of

the second day of the Giants Cup trail.

Far in the distance is the main southern

Drakensberg escarpment with the Gi-

ant’s Cup making its own statement.

The bridge over the river is also being

reconstructed. The path up to the first

break of the morning is a gentle climb

through vast open fields of winter-dry

grass. Despite the harshness of the en-

vironment wild flowers such as ever-

lastings and watsonias had sensed

spring was around the corner and were

adding their dash of colour to the walk.

There is also the curiosity of the “Rock

Garden” so regular in its arrangement

that it looks almost landscaped. A

small herd of Eland appeared in the

distance. It was remarked by a fellow

walker that not long ago the herds

were as large as 300 in some cases.

It was forecast that we were

due to have rain. To be precise at

11am. It arrived 10 minutes early

much to the amusement of every-

body. We accumulatively counted

about 100 drops before the sun

shone again giving us a very pleas-

ant window of sunshine to our lunch

spot the iNgenwa pools on the

Gxalingenwa river. The descent is

challenging but carefully negotiated

is rewarded with a crystal clear, very

cold pool ideal to splash your toes.

A few souls braved the water and

swam. The writer declined a swim

as someone had to be on lifeguard

duty!

From the higher vantage

points one looks down onto Sani

Pass Hotel and the road leading up

to the pass.

Unfortunately, as the weath-

erman had predicted the cold front

was arriving. Although the mist was

becoming thicker we were able to

take an alternative return route via

the Troutbeck valley. Even with the

views being obscured the mist cre-

ated its own beauty and atmosphere.

The mist certainly certainly empha-

sized what hikers have to be pre-

pared for fast changing weather and

temperature in the Berg. Both Brian

and Dave have considerable experi-

ence in these situations so we were

all able to relax and enjoy the new

landscape.

we could see Cobham in the valley

below and the prospect of a warm

shower.

By the time we had arrived

the mist had turned to a gentle drizzle.

Fortunately Pholela hut has a small

covered structure where we were able

to have an evening braai. It was chal-

lenging as it was very cold (probably

1 or 20c) and the wind and rain made

it even more difficult to find a shel-

tered spot

Sunday was unfortunately

cold and wet and it was decided to

abandon any thought of a walk up the

other valleys and so the weekend

came to an end.

With a few hours to spare we

decided to go via Himeville and were

rewarded with an informative visit to

the local museum. It is an award win-

ning museum which gives an excel-

lent background to the early days of

the area. It was originally a fort, con-

verted into a prison and into today’s

museum. Why was Hodgson Peak so

named? They have the answer.

The oak trees that line the

road between Himeville and Under-

berg have their own history. They

were planted by a number of con-

tributors as a reconciliatory gesture

between the two villages who histori-

cally did not always see “eye to eye”.

There is still much more to

explore in Cobham and I for one cer-

tainly will be going back.

We hiked to ...

GO TO: www.gohiking.co.za

Page 7

.

Survival School: How To

Eat Your Hiking Partner

Would you resort to cannibalism if your life depended on it? A shocking number

of our readers said "yes." Our expert shows you how to do the unthinkable. - See

more at: http://www.backpacker.com/view/videos/survival-videos/survival-

school-how-to-eat-your-hiking-partner/#sthash.KZiQyQW8.dpuf

http://www.backpacker.com/

Fully-updated third edition of this trek-

king guide, by alpine expert Kev Rey-

nolds, to the classic Tour of Mont Blanc or

TMB (170km, 105 miles) in 11 days. The

route takes the walker into France, Switzerland and Italy and

is described in both anti-clockwise and clockwise directions,

with variants and information about facilities en route.

Ha Ha Ha Ha HAHAHAHA ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha HA HA HA HA hAhAhAhA ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha HA HA HA HA hA hA hA hA ha ha HA ha ha ha HA ha ha ha HA ha ha ha HA ha hahahaha hahahaha hahahaha YOUR OUTDOOR CARTOONS

YOUR OUTDOOR LIBRARY

YOUR OUTDOOR MOVIES

Page 8

YOUR OUTDOOR MAGAZINE

GO TO: www.gohiking.co.za

MONT BLANC FILMS MONT BLANC FILMS

The Tour du Mont Blanc—TMB—Online Guide http://www.walkingthetmb.com/

Imagine walking through three countries,

staying in refuges, experiencing alpine

climbs, sun, rain, fog and snow! A 105

mile wilderness hike set to make the heart

soar and the adrenaline rush. And all in

less than two weeks!