Eastern Province Section MCSA, P O Box 5578, Walmer, 6065. Email: info@epmcsa.org.za Web: www.epmcsa.org.za

MOUNTAIN CLUB

Newcomers and friends are welcome. To all interested in the outdoors the Club offers:

o A friendly and entertaining Social every Thursday Evening at 19:30 at the Clubhouse, EPVCC, Conyngham Road, Port Elizabeth. Always interesting guest speakers. view on Google Maps

o Adventure mountaineering and hiking – see overleaf for details of these meets which happen every weekend and vary from easy walks to real adventures. If you are interested you must contact the meet leader either at the Thursday evening social or by phone.

o Rock Climbing – a very active group of rock climbers organize meets almost every weekend. This is co-ordinated by e-mail. Some of their meets are in this meet sheet. Contact Alana Changfoot 083 500 0439.

o Search and Rescue – the Club has an active Search and Rescue unit as a service to the community with regular training and practises. If you are interested contact Shelley Puffet on 083 630 3903 or Jason Schoeman on 061 171 7200 or email on sar@epmcsa.org.za .

Check our website for details – www.epmcsa.org.za Visit us on Facebook at Mountain Club of South Africa – Eastern Province Section. If you need more information about the EP Section – please contact Club Secretary Viera Wagener on

0828687820 or email on info@epmcsa.org.za . The meeting place for starting all meets is in the parking area in front of the Westway Centre at the corner of

Cape Road and 6th Avenue Newton Park and the time is 08:00 unless otherwise stated.

Mountain Club of South Africa – Eastern Province Section MEET SHEET

SUMMER 2017/2018

https://www.google.co.za/maps/place/Mountain+Club+of+South+Africa/@-33.9524027,25.5906449,16z/data=%214m6%211m3%213m2%211s0x1e7ad3ca7f63d2c5:0x1ba6e725accb870a%212sMyPE%213m1%211s0x0:0x8e8f0c70fc7b4c0emailto:sar@epmcsa.org.zahttp://www.epmcsa.org.za/mailto:info@epmcsa.org.za

Eastern Province Section MCSA, P O Box 5578, Walmer, 6065. Email: info@epmcsa.org.za Web: www.epmcsa.org.za

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING GENERAL & REPEATING MEET ANNOUNCEMENTS:

DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED AD HOC MEETS Members of the Club who want to organise a special meet of their own and who want to invite the members to join them are welcome to do so through the Club’s regular channels of communication and to have this counted as an official meet. To do this the name of the leader and a description of your meet should be emailed not later than the Thursday before the event to Club Secretary Viera Wagener ( info@epmcsa.org.za ) and to Meets Convenor Gavin McLachlan (gavinmcl@gmail.com ). Once Viera and Gavin are happy with the notice of a meet it will be sent out to all members and put on the web site.

DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

SEARCH AND RESCUE PRACTISE Leaders: SHELLY PUFFET 083 630 3903 & JASON SCHOEMAN 061 171 7200 Details of any practise will be announced nearer the time. This may be in the form of a full S&R practise possibly involving other emergency services as well. These are major exercises and we encourage all to participate.

EVERY WEEKEND ROCK CLIMBING Co-ordinator: ALANA CHANGFOOT 083 500 0439 There are rock climbing meets virtually every weekend. These vary from beginners rock meets to challenging rock climbing and may include bouldering. The nature of these meets is that they often get arranged at short notice. The co-ordinator is Alana, if you are interested in joining them you must contact Alana and find out what is going on.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

LADY’S SLIPPER Leaders: TERTIUS COETZEE 082 927 0440 & GAVIN McLACHLAN 083 272 6300 Every Wednesday afternoon a group meet at 4:15pm at the Lady’s Slipper property (phone the leaders if you are unsure of the meeting place) and climb our own Lady’s Slipper. The actual climb uses the existing footpath and usually starts at 4:20pm and is over by 6:15pm. The group often follow the climb with an inexpensive meal at a country restaurant.

SCHEDULED MEETS: 4 – 5 NOVEMBER KAREEDOUWBERG Leader: GAVIN MCLACHLAN 083 272 6300 On Sunday morning we drive to Kareedouw and park above the town. This is the Eastern most main peak in the coastal fold mountains with fine views from the top.

12 NOVEMBER BUSH PIG TRAIL Leader: TREFOR LLOYD 083 966 0636 Trefor has been steadily working on re-opening this delightful trail which runs along the southern slopes of the Zunga valley up to and beyond the dam wall. Come along and bring some secateurs and Groendal fees.

18 NOVEMBER LADY’S SLIPPER PATH REPAIR Leader: WERNER ILLENBERGER 083 626 1917 Meet at the Slipper parking at 09:00. Bring spades, forks etc and spend the day helping to repair the path which is showing signs of wear. Afterwards a beer at Falcon Rock.

19 NOVEMBER LADY’S SLIPPER STEEP GROUND PRACTICE Leader: JASON SCHOEMAN 061 171 7200 Jason will be running a steep ground practice at the Lady’s Slipper for all who are interested. Come along and improve your steep ground skills, something that is important for mountaineers.

mailto:info@epmcsa.org.zamailto:gavinmcl@gmail.com

Eastern Province Section MCSA, P O Box 5578, Walmer, 6065. Email: info@epmcsa.org.za Web: www.epmcsa.org.za

26 NOVEMBER WATERFALL CAVE Leader: GAVIN MCLACHLAN 083 272 6300 This is waterfall cave in upper Blindekloof. We hike up onto the plateaux and eventually drop into upper Blinde at the pool and cave. If there is enough water we will be able to swim. Groendal fees will be required..

3 DECEMBER CAPE ST FRANCIS Leader: CHRIS JONES 082 559 4356 Come along and spend the day exploring the Sand River area at Cape St Francis and this fascinating coastline.

10 DECEMBER VYGEBOOMKLOOF/FERNKLOOF Leader: JEFF FERREIRA 083 780 6162 We will hike up the jeep track and drop into Vygeboomkloof. Eventually we climb over into upper Fernkloof and then descend Frenkloof and back to the cars. Groendal fees will be required.

16 – 17 DECEMBER PRE-CHRISTMAS PARTY AT THE FORMOSA HUT Leaders: WERNER ILLENBERGER & TREFOR LLOYD Come along and be reconciled to the mountains at the hut. Saturday night we will braai and party. There is plenty of room in the hut and space outside for tents. All welcome.

7 JANUARY LADY’S SLIPPER CIRCUIT Leader: TERTIUS COETZEE 082 927 0440 An interesting walk up the Slipper in the early morning, around to the back ridge, through the valley, over the peak and back to the vehicles shortly after lunch. Water, sun tan lotion, something to eat and a hat are the essentials for the day. Bring along a pair of overtrousers to protect your legs in case a bit of the path on the top is scratchy.

13 JANUARY LADY’S SLIPPER PATH REPAIR Leader: WERNER ILLENBERGER 083 626 1917 Meet at the Slipper parking at 09:00. Bring spades, forks etc and spend the day helping to repair the path which is showing signs of wear. Afterwards a beer at Falcon Rock.

14 JANUARY CAPE RECIFE CIRCUIT Leader: GAVIN McLACHLAN 083 272 6300 Meet in the parking area of the Pine Lodge resort. The hike takes us onto the beach and then across the peninsula via the WWII observation post ruins to the Wild Side and then back around past the lighthouse to Pine Lodge. Those who want to will stay for a beer and a bite.

21 JANUARY ISLAND FOREST RESERVE Leader: STEPHEN & MARIANA LEAR 072 253 6028 The day will be spent hiking the trails in the reserve and doing some birding, afterwards those who want to can stay and braai in the picnic area. The reserve is run by EC Nature Conservation so there is an entry fee. Bring binoculars.

28 JANUARY FERNKLOOF FAMILY OUTING Leader: FRANCOIS SEARLE 082 904 3086 A easy day going from the picnic area at Rooikrantz up to the pool in Fernkloof where we can swim and then returning to the cars. Youngsters welcome. Groendal fees required.

3 – 4 FEBRUARY SEDGFIELD Leader: TIM JONES 082 781 1770 The plan is to base ourselves in Sedgfield and explore the coastline and lagoon. This is a family weekend and children are welcome.

Eastern Province Section MCSA, P O Box 5578, Walmer, 6065. Email: info@epmcsa.org.za Web: www.epmcsa.org.za

10 – 11 FEBRUARY BLINDEKLOOF SWIM Leader: BERT OLIVIER 084 340 9935 This day involves climbing up the jeep track onto the plateau and then dropping via staircase ridge into Blindekloof. On the way down Blinde we swim a number of pools. Waterproof your kit, bring sun block and Groendal fees.

17 – 18 FEBRUARY ROBBERG AND THE FORMOSA HUT Leader: TREFOR LLOYD 083 966 0636 We aim to spend Saturday night at the hut and to do the spectacular Robberg circuit on Sunday. We might do some hut maintenance on Saturday.

24 – 25 FEBRUARY WITTERIVIER Leader: LARS STRYDOM 076 205 2560 Lars plans to camp in the Witte kloof and explore as far upstream as he can.

4 MARCH WATERS MEET Leader: GAVIN McLACHLAN 083 272 6300 Leave PE early and meet in Bathurst for breakfast after which we will go to the reserve and complete a circuit which takes in the high points and the dam on the upper Kowie. EC Nature Conservation entry fee required.

11 MARCH VAALVLEI INSPECTION Leader TERTIUS COETZEE 082 927 0440 A lovely leg stretch in Groendal taking you through Valley thicket and fynbos on paths, over a peak and along a jeeptrack to check up on the water level and vegetation at Vaalvlei. Bring lunch, water for the day and all weather gear. Groendal fees will be required.

17 – 18 MARCH BUSHMANS CANOE Leader: HELENE GABRIEL 079 695 6164 Get your canoe out for a weekend with Helene doing the canoe trail on the Bushmans River. Saturday night will be spent in the trail hut 18km up river. There are trail fees.

25 MARCH KIM CADLE FALLS Leader: JEFF FERREIRA 083 780 6162 A delightful day hike up to these falls. We should be able to swim in the pool as well. Water and food for the day as well as sun block and a hat needed. Groendal fees apply.

30 MARCH – 2 APRIL STRYDOMSBERG VIA GALLERY Leader: HELENE GABRIEL 079 695 6164 Helene aims to spend a few days in the Groendal wilderness with one or two nights in Gallery Cave and summiting Strydomsberg. The party will also explore upper Chases and visit other caves with rock paintings.

30 MARCH – 2 APRIL BOESMANSKLOOF Leaders: BERT OLIVIER & MARIANA VAN ROOYEN 072 386 4292 Boesmanskloof is a trail in the mountains near Greyton in the Western Cape, there are also other climbs in the area. Details to follow nearer the time.

7 APRIL LADY’S SLIPPER PATH REPAIR Leader: WERNER ILLENBERGER 083 626 1917 Meet at the Slipper parking at 09:00 each morning. Bring spades, forks etc and spend the day helping to repair the path which is showing signs of wear. Afterwards a beer at Falcon Rock.

Eastern Province Section MCSA, P O Box 5578, Walmer, 6065. Email: info@epmcsa.org.za Web: www.epmcsa.org.za

8 APRIL LADY’S SLIPPER/ VAN STADENS GORGE Leader: TOM PROUDLOCK 072 707 2516 We will park at the Slipper and hike up and over and into the valley and hills beyond eventually dropping into the van Stadens Gorge for lunch. Then back to the cars.

14 – 15 APRIL OCEAN VIEW Leader: DOT HALL 072 947 9753 A weekend with a scenic dune hike on the spectacular Alexandria coast. Details from Dot nearer the time.

21 – 22 APRIL KLEINRIVIER TWO GORGES TRAIL Leader: ZETA MICHAU 082 822 7521 The intention is to book the Two Gorges Trail for the weekend including overnighting in the high stone cottage. Room in the cottage is limited and there are costs involved, so you must let Zeta know in advance if you are coming along.

27 APRIL – 1 MAY BAVIAANSKLOOF – UITSPAN Leader: PAUL MARTIN 073 252 4111 A long weekend in the western Baviaanskloof with a base camp at the camping grounds at Uitspan, with the possibility of peak bagging and kloofing or just enjoying the kloof.

Eastern Province Section MCSA, P O Box 5578, Walmer, 6065. Email: info@epmcsa.org.za Web: www.epmcsa.org.za

MOUNTAIN CLUB OF SOUTH AFRICA EASTERN PROVINCE SECTION

P.O. Box 5578, Walmer, 6065 e-mail: info@epmcsa.org.za

www.epmcsa.org.za

Position Name Contact Number

Port Elizabeth President Tertius Coetzee 082 927 0440

Chairman Francois Searle 082 904 3086

Vice-Chairman Tim Jones 082 781 1770

info@epmcsa.org.za Hon. Secretary Viera Wagener 082 868 7820

Hon. Treasurer Chris Jones 082 559 4356

Entertainment

Hut Warden Werner Illenberger 083 626 1917

Conservation Paul Martin 073 252 4111

Meets Convenor Gavin McLachlan 083 272 6300

Rock Climbing Alana Changfoot 083 500 0439

Search & Rescue Shelley Puffet 083 630 3903

Search & Rescue Jason Schoeman 061 171 7200

Grahamstown Mountaineering co-ordinator Richard Grant 083 237 8752

East London Rock Climbing co-ordinator Garvin Jacobs 083 961 0044

GENERAL INFORMATION

Visitors and prospective members are welcome to attend Club meetings on Thursday evenings (see our entertainment programme). 19:00 for 19:30 at the Veteran Car Clubhouse in Conyngham Road, Port Elizabeth. Entrance is at the junction of Conyngham and Ascot Road.

A sign-up list for outings is put out at meetings and leaders provide briefings as to requirements and what can be expected. One may also contact leaders prior to Thursday evenings. Briefings on each weekend’s meets are held on Thursday evenings at the Club. Completion of a sign up list may be required (it is not always put out or completed any more). Participation on any meet is subject to the discretion of the leader and to any other limitations restricting attendance.

It is up to participants to gauge their own abilities and fitness levels. It is best to start off on easy outings and to progress from there. It will also give you the opportunity to find out what equipment and clothing is needed.

Inform the leader of any medical condition that should be known, prior to the meet taking place.

Mountaineering has many unknowns and dangers. If getting lost, suffering vertigo and battling inclement weather and scratchy vegetation are your scene in your pursuit of great adventure, you are at the right place. However please note that the Mountain Club cannot be held responsible for any misfortune or accident that may befall you.

Leader’s decisions are final and are to be respected at all times.

Leaders must acquaint themselves with the Club’s guidelines for leaders. All members of a party must complete the meet register and indemnity form before all meets.

The meet register and indemnity form can be downloaded from http://epmcsa.org.za/hiking/resources/

All Mountain Club and Nature Conservation rules and regulations are to be strictly obeyed. Membership cards to be carried on meets at all times.

MCSA Properties: Visits to all EP Section properties except Slipper must include an MCSA Member.

Cockscomb, Witte River, Lady’s Slipper, Formosa Hut, Hoeree servitude: speak to Hut warden about current regulations.

Hut permits are now issued electronically. Applicants must apply a minimum of 3 days before going to the hut in order to allow time for the Hut Warden to inform the foresters.

Groendal Wilderness Area: 041 9919912

Kouga-Baviaans Area - Komdomo office: 042 2830227

Accommodation bookings: Kondomo, Doodsklip, Rooihoek, Bergplaas, Geelhoutbos and Doornkraal – phone Zukie (043 7424450) or e-mail (reservations2@ecparksboard.co.za). Hiking permits are also available from this number.

Before crossing privately owned land ensure that you have permission to do so.

mailto:info@epmcsa.org.zahttp://www.epmcsa.org.za/mailto:info@epmcsa.org.zahttp://epmcsa.org.za/hiking/resources/