COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2017

Transcription

1 PENINSULA RAMBLERS P O Box 793 Rondebosch Standard Bank Rondebosch glendadoller@gmail.com Account: Web: Branch: Hiking and Social Programme: July 2017 October 2017 COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2017 Chairman: Ian Pearce or or hounddog10g@gmail.com Treasurer: Antonio Serafin or antoniomserafin@gmail.com Secretary: Cornel Schutte or Cornel.s@iafrica.com Glenda Doller or or glendadoller@gmail.com Ewen Smith ewensmith@afrihost.co.za Kylie De Jager or kyliedejager@gmail.com Urs Huber or uhhuber@gmail.com Membership enquiries: Glenda Doller ( ) or Cornel Schutte ( ) Visitors: Visitors are welcome on any hike, subject to fitness, and should telephone the leader prior to a hike to check. A donation of R20 per outing is requested. If you wish to join the Club, please speak to the leader or any member of the Committee on a hike. Application forms are available on our website, or from the Club Secretary. Essential gear: Sturdy boots, filled water bottle, a whistle, warm clothing, raingear, personal medical kit and refreshments. It is useful to carry an empty plastic bag in your rucksack to collect any unsightly litter. Children: Children aged 10 years and over are welcome on half-day hikes as long as they are accompanied by an adult who takes responsibility for them. Please check with the leader. Children aged 12 and over may also participate in day hikes. Again, please check with the leader. Dogs: Unfortunately dogs are only allowed on special doggy walks, which feature on the programme from time to time. Indemnity: All persons taking part in Club activities do so at their own risk and are required to adhere to the Rules of the Club. You must complete the full hike you may not break away once the hike has begun. Transport costs: When sharing a car on more distant outings, transport costs should be shared. Please discuss this with the driver to arrive at a suitable amount. Recce fees: On country meets a charge of R20 per person may be requested by the leader to help cover recce fees. Keep these numbers handy: SAPS Emergency Number: Table Mountain National Park Safety: CT Emergency Services: Mountain Rescue (WSAR): Cell phone rescue (free): 112 or 911 NB: If you wish to join any of the hikes, please contact the leader at least 1 hour before the start of the hike. If the leader does not receive the minimum number of participants (four), the hike may be cancelled. Page 1

2 Social Events Friday, 21 July Soup Evening at 7 pm at Renata's house, no 1 Sunnybrae Road, Rondebosch. This is always a superb evening with wonderful soups. If you haven't been there before now is the time to attend. The soups and bread are sponsored by the club. Please RSVP to Ian for catering purposes. Ian Pearce or Various social events will be advertised adhoc via Facebook and . Please watch out for these on the electronic media mentioned above. Page 2

3 Hikes 1 Jul - Saturday #01 Jonkershoek Two Waterfalls Meet: 10:00 AM at entrance to the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve in Stellenbosch (Wild card or R40 entry fee) Hike details: We will walk from the gate to avoid shuttling cars.. First tea stop will be at the 1st waterfall. Our main stop will be at the base of the 2nd waterfall. It is a beautiful walk with amazing vegetation (and hopefully plenty of water). This hike will be at an easy pace with minimal climbing - one last minor climb to the 2nd waterfall. Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 5-6 Hours Distance: km Hike Leader: Janet Pittman janetpittman961@gmail.com 2 Jul - Sunday #02 Afternoon tea at Berties Meet: 1:00 PM at Waterfall Parking gate 2 at Silvermine Hike details: A leisurely hifke up to Berties Balcony where we can relax with afternoon tea before returning to the car park. This will be a hike for beginners who may want to try something different Bring your flask of tea/ coffee etc to sustain you along the way Difficulty: Easy Duration: 2-3 Hours Distance: Less than 5 km Hike Leader: Ewen Smith Jul - Saturday #03 Cecilia buttress Meet: 9:00 AM at Cecilia Parking area Hike details: We will wind our way up to the contour path, do a steep climb and walk across the front of the mountain to Nursery or Skeleton (group decision) and then make our way down Pace will depend on people and fitness but want a slower pace to enjoy the birds and flowers. Bring lunch/mid morning snacks. Should be finished betwenn 2/3pm Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 5-6 Hours Distance: 5-10 km Scrambling over rocks: Yes Exposure to heights: No Doggie Walk: No Hike Leader: Vanessa Muhl leave message during the day or evenings Jul - Sunday #04 Elsies Peak Front Meet: 10:30 AM at Parking area opposite Zip Print, 2nd Ave, Fish Hoek. Hike details: A route around the front face of Elsies Peak (weather permitting and if group includes confident pathfinders and scramblers). A little mild scrambling and exposure. The alternative is the circular route to the peak for lunch. Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 3-4 Hours Distance: Less than 5 km Scrambling over rocks: Yes Exposure to heights: Yes Doggie Walk: No Hike Leader: Elizabeth Robinson or liz@robinson.wcape.school.za Page 3

4 15 Jul - Saturday #05 Alphen to Rhodes with a twist Meet: 1:00 PM at Alphen Green Belt Hike details: Alphen to Rhodes Avenue, then through the cork forest to Cecilia forest and back through the Klassenbosch green belt. Fitness moderate and 3 hours. Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 3-4 Hours Distance: 5-10 km Hike Leader: Rosemary Davis Jul - Sunday #06 Chapman's Peak Meet: 9:00 AM at the East Fort parking area Hout Bay Hike details: Some minor rock scrambling and some bundu bashing and on path Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 4-5 Hours Distance: Less than 5 km Scrambling over rocks: Yes Exposure to heights: No Doggie Walk: No Hike Leader: Urs Huber uhhuber@gmail.com 22 Jul - Saturday #07 Mountain, Sea and Forest Meet: 9:00 AM at Kloof Nek parking lot Hike details: Mountain, Sea and Forest. Meet at 9.00 at Kloof Nek parking. We will follow the contour path with super views and make our way to down to the Camps Bay Beach and then up through the Glen to our cars. Variety is the spice of life. Should take us 4-5 hours with uphill at the end so bring a snack for energy. moderate hike. Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 4-5 Hours Distance: km Hike Leader: Glenda Doller or July - Sunday #08 Hout Bay - Karbonkelberg - Suther Peak Meet: 9:00 AM at Sandy Bay parking lot at the end of Eustegia Way, Hout Bay Hike details: A short, but challenging hike from the parking lot straight up the Karbonkelberg to Suther Peak. Some difficult scrambling with exposure is required to enjoy the magnificent views of the Peninsula and an opportunity to explore the area. Difficulty: Strenuous Duration: 5-6 Hours Distance: 5-10 km Scrambling over rocks: Yes Exposure to heights: Yes Doggie Walk: No Hike Leader: Cornel Schutte cornel.s@iafrica.com 29 July - Saturday #09 Klein Plaasie Dam Meet: 1:00 PM at Pine Haven Houses Hike details: Meet at hrs in parking area at end of tarred road which leads of the main Redhill road at Pine Haven houses.we will meander through the area exploring paths around the dam while enjoying the scenic views up and down the peninsula. Difficulty: Easy Duration: 2-3 Hours Distance: Less than 5 km Hike Leader: Ewen Smith Page 4

5 30 July - Sunday #10 Platteklip Gorge Meet: 9:00 AM At start of Platteklip Gorge on Tafelberg Road Hike details: Hike up Platteklip Gorge. Go on to the restaurant for refreshments. Then back to Platteklip. If time permits descend via the zig-zag to Tafelberg Road and back to the cars. Difficulty: Strenuous Duration: 5-6 Hours Distance: 5-10 km Hike Leader: Ian Pearce or Aug - Saturday #11 Lakeside Needles Scramble Meet: 10:00 AM Near park behind Lakeside Fire Station. To reach turn off Main Rd. at Approach Rd. Then at the park turn right on, left on Niblick and left on Spoon St. which is a quiet cul de sac on mountain side of park. N.B. do not park in turning area. Hike details: Go up path to Boyes Drive and up stone steps to quarry. The go off path and do some lovely scrambling among rock pinnacles The hike may include the Ape's head Formation. Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 2-3 Hours Distance: Less than 5 km Scrambling over rocks: Yes Exposure to heights: Yes Doggie Walk: Yes Hike Leader: Margaret Spicer margaret.spicer789@gmail.com 6 Aug - Sunday #12 Silvermine Panorama Route Meet: 9:30 AM at Silvermine dam parking (pay at gate) Hike details: Meet at dam parking area and walk towards look out point at top of Blackburn Ravine. Follow the Panorama Trail to Noordhoek Peak and return via the path above the dam. Exposure and scrambling are minimal. Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 4-5 Hours Distance: 5-10 km Scrambling over rocks: Yes Exposure to heights: Yes Doggie Walk: No Hike Leader: Elizabeth Robinson or liz@robinson.wcape.school.za 12 Aug - Saturday #13 Vlakkenberg from Price drive Meet: 9:00 AM at 2nd Parking on Price Drive Hike details: We will ascend through the Silverleaf forest and then up Vlakkenberg. We will ramble on top of the peak and descend the same way. Moderate hike with the hill at the beginning of the adventure. 3-4 hours Might be some scrambling and bit of exposure but nothing drastic. Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 3-4 Hours Distance: 5-10 km Scrambling over rocks: Yes Exposure to heights: Yes Doggie Walk: No Hike Leader: Glenda Doller or Aug - Sunday #14 Contour Path Hike Meet: 9:00 AM at End of Tafelberg Road area Hike details: From Constantia Nek to end of Tafelberg road. We have to shuttle cars Difficulty: Strenuous Duration: 6 Hours + (Whole Day) Distance: 5-10 km Scrambling over rocks: Yes Exposure to heights: No Doggie Walk: No Hike Leader: Urs Huber uhhuber@gmail.com Page 5

6 19 Aug - Saturday #15 Pecks Valley Meet: 9:00 AM at Shopright parking before Muizenberg Police station Hike details: Strenuous as it is steep. Meet at 9am at the Shopright parking on the left hand side of the main road if facing Simonstown. The path up Peck s Valley is on Boyes Drive directly up from the Muizenberg Police Station and starts through a little stone gateway. Stone steps lead up the valley with phenomenal views of False Bay to keep you motivated. Once you reach the plateau you can choose to have a break before descending or continue on the path up to Higher Steenberg Peak before circling back. It ll take you about five hours if you choose to summit the peak once you reach the plateau. Difficulty: Strenuous Duration: 4-5 Hours Distance: 5-10 km Hike Leader: Glenda Doller or Aug - Sunday #16 Tygerberg Nature Reserve Meet: 9:00 AM at Welgemoed entrance to the Tygerberg Reserve. Access via Exit 20 from N1 (Jip de Jager Dr) Hike details: With trails covering well over 10km of this reserve and with its 360 degree view of the City, we will mix and match to the groups needs to have a moderate hike that all can enjoy hopefully with some game viewing opportunities. Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 4-5 Hours Distance: 5-10 km Hike Leader: Cornel Schutte cornel.s@iafrica.com 26 Aug - Saturday #17 Koeberg Nature Reserve Meet: 9:30 AM at Outside the Koeberg Entrance gate off the R27 Hike details: A level walk on established trails, some soft sand. Flowers should be out! The plan is to have lunch on the beach. Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 4-5 Hours Distance: km Hike Leader: Marco Bauer marco@brwm.co.za 27 Aug - Sunday #18 Woody Ravine/Kasteelspoort Meet: 9:00 AM at Theresa Avenue Hike details: From Theresa Avenue we hike along the Pipe Track To Woody Ravine. Up Woody to the top. After lunch we descend by way of Kasteelspoort. Great views of the Atlantic coast line. Difficulty: Strenuous Duration: 5-6 Hours Distance: 5-10 km Hike Leader: Ian Pearce or Page 6

7 2 Sep - Saturday #19 Newlands forest Meet: 9:30 AM at Helipad off M3 Hike details: Meet at the parking area near the heli pad (Wilderness Search & Rescue). Join Janet Pittman for a meander in the Newlands forest for 3-4 hours. A magical forest on our doorsteps. Easy but uphill so be warned. Difficulty: Easy Duration: 3-4 Hours Distance: Less than 5 km Hike Leader: Janet Pittman janetpittman961@gmail.com 3 Sep - Sunday #20 Cecilia Ridge Meet: 9:00 AM at Cecelia parking Lot Hike details: We will ascend to the contour path and traverse part of Cecilia Ridge to reach the path leading to the top of the Ridge taking us to the concrete road. The descent will be decided on the day. Difficulty: Strenuous Duration: 4-5 Hours Distance: 5-10 km Scrambling over rocks: Yes Exposure to heights: Yes Doggie Walk: No Hike Leader: Ewen Smith Sep - Saturday #21 Constantia Nek to Skeleton Gorge Waterfall above Kirstenbosch Meet: 9:30 AM at Meet in the parking lot opposite the new Paranga/ Harbour House Restaurant at Constantia Nek. Hike details: We will follow the contour path to Skeleton Gorge waterfall and break for brunch at the waterfall. We behaved pups with TMNP permits and poop bags welcome. Difficulty: Easy Duration: 3-4 Hours Distance: 5-10 km Scrambling over rocks: No Exposure to heights: No Doggie Walk: Yes Hike Leader: Marco Bauer marco@brwm.co.za 10 Sep - Sunday #22 Silvermine West Circuit Meet: 8:30 AM at Parking area just inside the ticket office Hike details: Hiking up the river to the dam, left to the look-out, up to Noordhoek Peak, down on the northern side, back to the cars (some limited scrambling and exposure). Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 5-6 Hours Distance: km Scrambling over rocks: Yes Exposure to heights: Yes Doggie Walk: No Hike Leader: Max Brock maxbrock@rondebosch.com 16 Sep - Saturday #23 Block House to Devils Peak Meet: 8:00 AM at Rhodes Memorial Parking lot Hike details: Parking at Rhodes Mem, going up past the Block House to Devil s Peak via the Knife Edge and then down to Tafelberg road and back along the contour path/jeep track via Woodstock Cave. The hike will be lead by a guest leader, Jeremy George. Difficulty: Strenuous Duration: 6 Hours + (Whole Day) Distance: km Scrambling over rocks: Yes Exposure to heights: Yes Doggie Walk: No Hike Leader: Jeremy George jeremygeorge@outlook.com Page 7

8 17 Sep - Sunday #24 Coastal Meet: 9:00 AM at Parking area at Kom Hike details: Meet in Kommetjie at in parking area by the Kom from where we will ascend to the old radar station overlooking the village. After a quick break to take in the view we will continue towards Redhill to pick up the Soetwater road. Following a stretch of tarred road we will enter the Soetwater recreational area to proceed along by the sea back to the village. Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 4-5 Hours Distance: 5-10 km Hike Leader: Ewen Smith Sep - Saturday #25 Clovelly-Kalk Bay Circuit Meet: 9:00 AM at Turn off Main Road towards Clovelly at traffic lights (Clovelly Road) and meet in large sandy parking area on the left Hike details: We will walk through the wetlands and then up through Clovelly to ascend the trappies. We head up to a rock arch (quite steep with minor scrambling) from which we can see the Old Mule Path leading to Muizenberg. We will descend via Weary Willy s to Boyes Drive, then climb up the trappies ( a second ascent) to get back to Clovelly. Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 3-4 Hours Distance: 5-10 km Scrambling over rocks: Yes Exposure to heights: No Doggie Walk: No Hike Leader: Elizabeth Robinson or liz@robinson.wcape.school.za 24 Sep - Sunday #26 Paarl Rocks Meet: 7:00 AM at Plattekloof Centre cnr. Olienhout (take exit 18 off N1) for car-pooling (park in front of Spar & restaurants) Hike details: Start with a steep climb (some chains) up one of the pearls of Paarl to enjoy 360 views which include Table Mountain some 60km to the west and the magnificent Du Toitskloof mountain range to the east. Hike through the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve past dams and fynbos, finishing up with a braai at the picnic site and a walk around the indigenous gardens. Difficulty: Strenuous Duration: 6 Hours + (Whole Day) Distance: km Scrambling over rocks: Yes Exposure to heights: Yes Doggie Walk: No Hike Leader: Cornel Schutte cornel.s@iafrica.com 30 Sep - Saturday #27 Circiumnavigation of Lion's Head Meet: 12:00 PM at Kloof Nek parking area Hike details: From Kloof nek along the contour to Signal Hill and then back via the contour on the other side of the hill Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 4-5 Hours Distance: 5-10 km Hike Leader: Urs Huber uhhuber@gmail.com It feels good to be lost in the right direction Page 8

9 1 Oct - Sunday #28 Bokop scramble Meet: 9:00 AM at Dam parking at Silvermine Hike details: Meet at the dam parking area in Silvermine, you will need Green or Wild card or pay R50 at the entrance. The hike will take us along a path descending towards the seldom visited Bokop overlooking Ou Kaapseweg. A moderate but enjoyable scramble will allow us to attain the summit from where a more gentle descent will bring us to the River Walk which we then have to complete to conclude the hike back at the car park. Mild Exposure on the scramble. Difficulty: Strenuous Duration: 4-5 Hours Distance: 5-10 km Scrambling over rocks: Yes Exposure to heights: Yes Doggie Walk: No Hike Leader: Ewen Smith Oct - Saturday #29 Kommetjie Radar Station Meet: 1:00 PM at St Norberts church Rubbi Road Hike details: Meet at hrs in parking area opposite St Norbet s church at top of Rubbi Road Kommetjie for a climb up to the old Radar Station to admire the fine coastal views. The hike will then descend back to the village via the Slangkop lighthouse and board walk. Relax while rehydrating and enjoy live music at the local establishment. Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 2-3 Hours Distance: Less than 5 km Hike Leader: Ewen Smith Oct - Sunday #30 Ramble in Silvermine Meet: 9:00 AM at waterfall side parking area Hike details: Some rock scramble and some bundu bashing and parts of it on path. A real nice little adventure Difficulty: Strenuous Duration: 5-6 Hours Distance: km Scrambling over rocks: Yes Exposure to heights: No Doggie Walk: No Hike Leader: Urs Huber uhhuber@gmail.com 14 Oct - Saturday #31 St James Peak Meet: 9:00 AM at Silvermine waterfall side Hike details: Hike will take us over the mountain range to approach the peak from the Muizenberg side, great coastal views to be savoured along the way. Return will be by a different route back to the car park Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 4-5 Hours Distance: 5-10 km Hike Leader: Ewen Smith Oct - Sunday #32 Fernkloof Hermanus Ramble Meet: 9:00 AM at Fernkloof entrance Hike details: We will hike in this beautiful area exploring spots that we Capetonians seldom visit. Refreshments in the town. Phone hike leader beforehand to arrange lifts. Difficulty: Strenuous Duration: 6 Hours + (Whole Day) Distance: km Hike Leader: Ian Pearce or Page 9

10 21 Oct - Saturday #33 Zeekoevlei bird walk Meet: 9:00 AM at the entrance to Zeekoevlei (cnr. Flowerpecker and Butcherbird Roads) Hike details: Leisurely walk around the vlei (approx 6km) with bird sightings. Bring binoculars and snacks. Should see flowers as well. Easy fun day. Difficulty: Easy Duration: 2-3 Hours Distance: 5 10 km Hike Leader: Colleen Saunders colleen@warehouse.org.za 22 Oct - Sunday #34 Happy Valley Bainskloof Meet: 6:30 AM at Plattekloof Centre cnr. Olienhout (take exit 18 off N1) for car-pooling (park in front of Spar & restaurants) Hike details: A recce hike on a 9km in/out trail which is part of the Limietberg Nature Reserve. It is described as suitable for less experienced hikers and the trail features a number of rock pools where swimming is possible. Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 6 Hours + (Whole Day) Distance: 5-10 km Scrambling over rocks: Yes Exposure to heights: No Doggie Walk: No Hike Leader: Cornel Schutte cornel.s@iafrica.com 28 Oct - Saturday #35 Silvermine Hidden Treasures Meet: 8:00 AM at Silvermine Gate 2 (waterfall side) Hike details: A lily pond, a waterfall and a cave. Dogs welcome (if you have a TMNP activity card). Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 3-4 Hours Distance: 5-10 km Scrambling over rocks: No Exposure to heights: No Doggie Walk: Yes Hike Leader: Elizabeth Robinson or liz@robinson.wcape.school.za 29 Oct - Sunday #36 Devon Valley Stellenbosch Hike Meet: 8:00 AM at Spar Centre Plattekloof Road Welgemoed Hike details: We meet at Spar to share transport to Devon Valley Hotel. The hike starts and ends there. Beautiful vineyards and mountains. We get maps at hotel and choose our routes. Wine tasting at the end of the hike. Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 6 Hours + (Whole Day) Distance: km Hike Leader: Ian Pearce or Let's wander where the WI-FI is weak. Page 10

11 Above: Signal Hill hike, Below fun at Skeleton Gorge. Page 11

12 Below, 70 th Anniversary hike at Bertie's Balcony Below, the view from inside Elephant's eye over the Peninsula Page 12

13 PENINSULA RAMBLINGS A message from our Chair man Dear Fellow Hikers, 2017 our 70th anniversary year is now half over and I for one have enjoyed all the special activities in the period January to June. Looking back here's what's happened. The bubbly and orange juice hike to Bertie's Balcony was outstanding, with over 40 hikers participating! In April we had an away weekend at 22 Waterfalls near Porterville. What a super hike up the river. The celebratory hike on May 27 was well attended and enjoyed by all.we followed the same route as our founder Lloyd Hart and his group on Sunday May with one notable omission; they added Woodstock Cave in. OK. We'll do that next time. Afternoon tea at Renata's was also a real treat, especially since we had quite a few members of 20 or 30 years standing. Colin Attwell and Mel Hertslet have resigned from the club and we would like to say a big thank you to both for their hard work as committee members and also hike leaders. We wish them well. Another committee member, Kylie de Jager is leaving us to go and work in the UK. Thank you too Kylie, and good luck. We will miss you. The new program promises some hikes not done for some time, like Devon Valley and Hermanus, plus some new and some old a lot closer to home. A big thank you to all the hike leaders who have given of their time and talents. And a special thank you to the new hike leaders who have put their hands up. We welcome you with open arms. Without you we do not have a hiking club. So step up folks. Your club needs YOU to lead. Winter is with us again and whilst we are all grateful for the rain, please be careful when hiking over wet rocks. Especially nasty are wet boardwalks. Ask Ewen Smith! And stay safe on the trails people by staying together. Happy hiking. Ian Pearce or or hounddog10g@gmail.com An d i n t o t h e f o r e s t I g o t o l o s e m y m i n d a n d f i n d m y s o u l. Page 13

14 A very warm welcome to our new Members Janet Blank Jacqi Dudley Glenn & Kisandra Laingno Hanlie Mouton Peter Philips Daphne Renton John Turner Keith & Kay Warne May you have a wonderful time with us A wonderful recipe for a really cold winter's day Chilli soup 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 pound lean ground beef 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilli 1/2 sweet red bell pepper, sliced 4 tablespoons flour 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes 2 1/2 cups beef broth 1 to 2 cups cooked or canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley salt and pepper cornbread or crusty bread In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and ground beef and cook, stirring for about 5 minutes until beef is browned. 1. Add garlic, bell pepper, chopped green chilli pepper, and flour and then stir to blend. 2. Cook, stirring for 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil. Stir in beans and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. 3. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve with cornbread or crusty French or Italian bread. Page 14

15 Hike Reports & News Membership Fees Once off registration is R30. Single membership is R80 per year. Family membership is R110 per year. The membership renewals are due by end of March each year. Banking details Standard Bank Rondebosch Branch: Account: A big thank you to all our hike leaders for their generous offerings and a special welcome to our new hike leaders: Vanessa Muhl Janet Pittman Colleen Saunders Marco Bauer Max Brock Peter Philips It s also great to see Rosemary Davis back on the program and our grateful appreciation to Jeremy George, who kindly assisted with a hike on the last program and has again agreed to be a guest leader. Please give them your support; their hikes will offer new experiences which we will no doubt enjoy and benefit from. Page 15

16 PENINSULA RAMBLERS Its three score years and ten gone past since Ramblers was created In Table Mountain's shadow where Cape Town is located Some enthusiasts got together and that then was the start The acknowledged founder of the club a man named Lloyd Hart The Club it had to have a name with a badge which could be worn They named the Club Peninsula and so Ramblers was born The Club badge a Peninsula Map - portrays the Fairest Cape The name Peninsula Ramblers it outlines the frame and shape The Peninsula is the stomping ground where the Club is spoilt for choice The Ramblers they will tell you this with one united voice You'll find Ramblers on the mountain, out there, somewhere every week From as far afield as Cape Point Light to the top of Devil's Peak A program it is published for each planned four months of hiking The Committee always try to please each and every member's liking The hikes they get described therein for route and destination Start time and fitness level and hours of hike duration Without the willing leaders the hikes would not take place It needs someone, who will show the way and regulate the pace They will ensure that all sign on, in the form of declaration Advise all where the route will go and collect visitor's donation The hikes they suit all fitness grades being varied and diverse From low level beach and green belt walks to a high contour traverse There is access to the mountain chain by Ravine and Gorge and Kloof If you want to climb the Peaks and Kops on the Peninsula roof At hikes, high, in the Peninsula no matter where you choose You can expect to be impressed with stunning mountain views Or look up once the hike is done at this panoramic scene And then your thinking, golly gosh, is that really where we've been Sometimes, for a change of scene the hikes are far away Maybe out to Jonkers Hoek- or- Hangklip, across False Bay Perhaps in the Boland mountains to explore less travelled routes You'll enjoy the feel of a conquered peak below your hiking boots Its important to remember mountains should respected And one should try and be prepared for what is not expected You must pack some nice warm clothing and at least a shower proof jacket Also water and a bite to eat if you are going to hack it Page 16

17 Mountain weather can get stormy in its many moods and guises Conditions they can change so quick to ambush and surprise us Should you get caught in a down pour with rain that is torrential You'll be glad, that you had in your pack what Ramblers class essential And also one should be aware of the state of the terrain It sometimes makes for heavy going and puts you under strain The fynbos it can catch and snag, the bushes cut and slash With outings known to result in a blood streaked Bundu Bash This does not faze the Ramblers though, neither terrain nor weather They just enjoy the great outdoors - while sharing it together So if life sometimes gets you down and you feel low and depressed Just take a hike with Ramblers and get yourself de-stressed And at the end of every hike when you go out with this club You enjoy good fellowship, and a drink, at a convenient pub The merits of the hike just done will cheerfully be debated Such a pleasant way to end the day as your being rehydrated The camaraderie in the club is founded on the basis Of a common love of mountains and wild and lonely places Days, with friends out on the mountain are such a real pleasure Leaving you with many memories which you will always treasure By Ewen Smith One of our oldest members, Joe Smith with his family Page 17

18 When hiking with ramblers one meets so many interesting and memorable characters. One who always springs to mind is the late Mary Warner who was a very keen hiker and always a pleasure to walk with. There was one occasion when the hike was to ascend Table Mountain via Cups and Saucers a route involving a fairly exposed scramble. When we met at Rondtree Estate a visitor said to me Surely that old lady is not coming with to be informed Well she better as she is the leader today. There was another time in the Cedarberg on a climb to the top of Cedarberg Tafelberg where on the way up the party spent the night in Spout Cave. It was not all that comfortable being cold with blustery wind which resulted in everyone getting snuggled down in their sleeping bags around about half past seven. Mary told us the next morning that she woke up thinking, that was a good night s sleep only to realize to her horror that it was now just half past ten. After that she reckoned she never slept a wink but she still made it to the top of Tafelberg the next day. Then there was John Paul Christof a very senior French diplomat who loved to hike with the club. Despite his status in life he was a very friendly down to earth man. He invited some of the Ramblers to Bastille Day an official French function at the Cape Sun where the hikers who attended rubbed shoulders with Politicians, Ambassadors, Business Leaders and Senior Military Personnel etc. While unfortunately not able to attend that did go to a farewell party for ramblers at his official residence which was most enjoyable. In the company of Roger Johnson we encountered the Ramblers on a number of occasions when hiking and I actually did a guest lead once to Kleinplassie dam. This was in the days when there was trees on the north shore of the dam and an abundance of birdlife around which now sadly has all changed. The predators now are the human vultures which are sometimes reported there, wish they could become an extinct species. My joining Ramblers was for me a memorable event which took place one Sunday morning at the Mountain Club hut on Table Mountain where a Champagne Breakfast was held, not because I was joining, but I think to celebrate the club being 50. Doug Metcalf was chairman at the time and presented us new members with our badges. Unfortunately cannot remember who the other new members were. Four of us hiked up Skeleton Gorge on the Saturday and slept over in the hut. Steve Penso his wife Val, Diana Hugo and myself. Diana used to be the lady who wrote up and edited the club journal. After eating that evening we watched the Sun set from top of Postern Buttress this was great as we then did not have to slog down the mountain but had a gentle stroll back to the hut. The next morning some arrived having climbed up KP while Ralph Raad and some others came by baaki transporting all the goodies for the breakfast. I m sure someone will remember that morning and fill in the gaps. Of course the stories of our good friend Roger Johnson are legendary and would in themselves fill a book. We first met many years ago when camping with our families at Algeria in the Cedarberg. A couple of Navy guys who were also camping there organised an impromptu hike up to the Middleberg hut one morning so joined in although at that time did not really know anyone. When we reached the objective everyone got out the usual sort of hiking fare for a snack all except Roger. He spread out a table cloth on which he put his cucumber sandwiches like a garden party at Buckingham Palace. For years afterwards my Navy acquaintance used to ask Do you still see that guy with the cucumber sandwiches?. Was happy to report that indeed I did although it was some years following the Cedarberg meeting before hiked with Roger again The many hikes and copious amount of beers enjoyed with Roger over the years are indeed too numerous to mention and it is extremely sad to see him in the place he is in today suffering from dementia. The last outing with Roger carrying a rucksack was to the, can you believe it, Johnson hut Page 18

19 organized by Urs. We were able to take the cars to within a Kilometre or so from the hut so my dear wife Isabel was able to join us. By this time Roger was not really very fit so I forged on ahead dumped my pack and then went back to assist them. I was welcomed at the Hut by Iris Van Wyke who had not joined Urs and the others on a climb. That evening with everyone present we enjoyed a braai and some wine in a glorious mountain retreat. For me it was very sad at last end of year braai what with Isabel gone and to see both Roger and Iris the way they are now. Happier memories with Isabel present include visits to Rob and Gill at Black Eagle Gorge and various other Ramblers socials and functions. All the above stories about hiking and our club were submitted by Ewen Smith. Alphen Trail to Eagles Nest ( The Rock not the wine farm as so many would have liked) Saturday 13th May. 10 Ramblers and friends did this hike on a day the Gods deemed to be perfect for hikers, Balmy with no wind and great blue skies. I know we need rain but this was just superb. The hike actually turned out to be 12 km long which surprised us all as we, in typical Ramblers style chatted and enjoyed each others company along the route. The vista from the top of Eagles nest is a delight and such a fun little rocky out crop to climb. As we had a Ramblers tea as next on the agenda we did not dally afterwards for drinks. Thanks everyone for a wonderful day and next time I want to include Klaasenbosch on the route. Sunday hike in Orangekloof 14 May by Ian Pearce. This hike proved to be an extremely popular one as I had a waiting -for-cancellations list all of two weeks. The 12 finalists set out from Constantia Nek car park in perfect weather conditions up the jeep track into this beautiful pristine piece of Paradise. Well it was easy going up the road and then we headed into the bush next to the river, crossing it. The next hour was tough. We were struggling through dense, bush, trees, thorny thickets, et al, eventually reaching the jeep track.a tea break was called at this point as everyone was in need of a rest. It was a long but fairly easy trek to the entrance of the Woodhead tunnel and the spectacular 'Big Hole' next to it, which I always thought was Hell's Gate but is not. HG is a little way up the river. It was a splendid place for a well-earned lunch break. After eats we took the well-defined jeep track back to the car park. No more bundu-bashing this day! Rehydration at La Parada was most welcome. All in all a great hike. Thanks to Ewen for his help and also Henrietta for her advice and young energy! Tea at Renata with new and older Ramblers. Renata's wonderful home was the venue for a superb tea and social get together. It was so nice seeing old friends that are no longer able to hike with us but remain in our hearts. Pictures will be published of the splendid afternoon. As usual Renata pulled out all the stops making her home so inviting and a enjoyable tea was had by all that attended. We cannot thank you enough for being so generous with your home. Wonderful pictures were taken for the calendar. Contour Path above Camps Bay. 9 non wussys turned up and what a wonderful hike. We forget how blessed we are living where we do. No rain could kill that spirit only enhance it. We were sitting in the car, misted up ready to play 0's and X's on the windscreen but even with rain pelting us everyone was determined to walk. A quick "rain rain go away" dance from me brought an abrupt end to the rain and off we set. The newly washed contour path was just magical and to hear the sound of water running was a balm to the soul and I really battled to stop myself lying in the water. The rain held off the whole way. We got to Slangolie and had a nice stop where we found that a group of runners were going to descend on us. More optimistic souls enjoying the outdoors. Half way home we met Urs leading friends on the same path and happy banter ensued. We lost one of our party to Urs as she wanted to redo the whole experience! You Wussy missed out. A very happy bunch of Ramblers ended up at Baccini where hot chocolate and coffee was gratefully consumed. See you on the mountains Above stories submitted by Glenda Doller. Page 19

20 1. If you're on a hike and find a fork in the road, what do you do? Stop for lunch. 2. How do you start a fire using two pieces of wood? Make sure one is a matchstick. 3. The guitar of the noisy teenager at the next campsite makes excellent kindling. 4. In an emergency, a drawstring from a parka hood can be used to strangle a snoring tent mate. 5. Did you hear the one about the geologist? He took his wife for granite so she left him! 6. How did the geology student drown? His grades were below C-level 7. What is the difference between a geologist and a chemist? A chemist will drink anything that is distilled. 8. Watson: Holmes! What kind of rock is this! Holmes: Sedimentary, my dear Watson. 9. What do you do with a dead geologists? Barium 10. Why shouldn t you let a geologist drive your car? Because they get hammered and stoned. 11. Where do geologists like to relax? In a rocking chair. 12. Why are geologists good at stand up comedy? They know really dirty jokes. 13. Did you know that geologists are athletic? Yeah, I read it in Quartz illustrated. Page 20

21 Nature at it's best Page 21