Whats On? A job opportunity and some awesome hikes around the Western Cape

Opportunity to work on Gough Island - Urgent: last boat leaves on 23 Nov

"One of the 2 field assistants who went down to Gough Island in September has to return to Cape Town for medical reasons. We have a very small window to recruit a potential replacement - last ship to the island sails on 23 November (2 weeks!)

If any of you know someone who might be keen at very short notice to drop everything and go to Gough until October 2011, please send Richard (richard_cuthbert@yahoo.co.uk) and me (pryan31@gmail.com) their details. Ideally we need someone with basic rope access skills, as part of the job entails ongoing control of Sagina on the cliffs adjacent to the base.

The balance of the work includes seabird monitoring and some research as well as work with the land birds (checking them in captivity in the lead up to a potential mouse eradication attempt). There is another field worker on the island who will be able to lead the team.
Please send this on to anyone who might be interested.

Many thanks
Peter Ryan
Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology
University of Cape Town


Friday, November 19
Don Jepson will show Trail hiking in the Swiss Alps combined with early winter snow - September 2010 (Hosted by Gill Gimberg)

Weekend, November 20 & 21
The HIGHLANDS TRAIL is a two-day circular route (37km) in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. The walk starts in the forests between Grabouw and Kleinmond. The first day descends to Botriviervlei and then continues along the beach to Kleinmond. We'll overnight at a hut in Kleinmond and return the next day via Perdeberg Peak. Maximum group size of 10. Convenor Bruce Spottiswoode 084 548 8220. Book from 8 November. Co-convenor Christina Jongens 072 241 8530.

Saturday, November 20
(Conservation)
Meet at the top of Price Drive, Constantia at 2pm. Jos de Gendt 021 712 7506

Weekend, November 20 & 21
SCORPION AND TARANTULA PEAKS, WAAIHOEK MOUNTAINS. Leave early Saturday morning for 2 long days of big walking over rough mountain terrain, so a high level of fitness required. Full overnight gear required. Convenor Chris Goodwin 083 310 1747 before 8pm. Book from 8 November. Co-convenor Mark Middleton 082 924 5605.

Sunday, November 21
RIGHT FACE / ARROW FACE. Table Mountain classic with some B grade scrambling and moderate exposure. Suitable for the not so fit as the pace will be “unhurried”. (Dave’s not so good with uphill any more!) . Convenor Dave Wolfaardt David@WeDrive.co.za anytime, or call 082 378 5072 from 15 November between 6-8pm. Co-convenor, Jenni Fitzell.

Thursday, November 25
(Classic rock) MUIZENBERG RECESS (E grade). A most attractive Muizenberg trad rock climb with a delightful traverse and face climb on the first pitch. Numbers limited. Convenor Eric Harley 021 712 3642. Book from 22 November. Co-convenor Jose Heitor 082 460 9858.

Thursday, November 25
OPPELSKOP RIDGE - DEVILS PEAK ‘B’ scrambling. Meet at Tafelberg road parking under the bluegums below the Saddle zig-zag path at 07h30. NO NEED TO BOOK BUT don’t be late else you will miss us because we will leave promptly. Bring clothing for all kinds of weather (ie for hot and cold), and enough food and drinks for morning tea and lunch. We hope to be back at the cars by mid afternoon so don’t come if you have to be home before that. We will do something no matter what the weather, but may amend the route depending on conditions. Convenors Mike & Doreen Scott.

Friday, November 26
Bushveld Khaki Fever by Jane Goodfellow
Gill Gimberg will introduce Jane Goodfellow, who will give a slide presentation and tell us how her mid-life crisis led to her spending 6 months in the bushveld and two months in Namibia amongst wild animals, and will explain the dangers of khaki fever!

Saturday, November 27
TOUR OF TABLE MOUNTAIN! Start at Constantia Nek, follow the contour path to the base of Platteklip Gorge, with a detour via Newlands Ravine. Ascend Table Mountain via Platteklip (or Left Face B, weather permitting) and then make our way to the TM hut where we spend the night. The next day we either return straight to the Nek (easy option) or go down via Llandudno Ravine, and then follow the trail that takes us towards Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine, but we drop down to Farrier’s Way at that point and hike back up to the Nek via the pipe track on the other side of Constantia main road. Reasonably fast pace, with grade of B+ if we take Left Face B. Party limited to 12. Convenor Guy Meredith 084 615 4370 or email guy.meredith@amberjack.co.za. Book from 22 November. Co-convenor Jonathan Mylrea.

Weekend, November 27 & 28
ARRANGIESKOP 2-day trail overlooking Robertson. This includes a tough ascent rewarded by the king of hiking lodges at the day’s end. Nervous Sunday slope shuffles in the morning are followed by easy country downhills. Convenor Dave Wolfaardt David@WeDrive.co.za anytime, or call 082 378 5072 from 1 November between 6-8pm. First six paid up applicants only (price TBC). Co-convenor Jenni Fitzell.

Saturday, November 27
(Outreach) END OF YEAR OUTING: NEWLANDS FOREST (early due to school holidays). Please volunteer to help with the day's activities, hikes and preparing the food. Convenor: Urs Huber (H) 021 559 7947 or 084 713 5545.

Source: Mountain Club South Africa (Explore - Discover - Protect - Connect) 

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Full Moon Hiking at Dirtopia

Looking good. I have always wanted to go on this hike, but never get to it.  Its a windless day, so it should be a good hike tonight.  Note to self: no drinking when hiking in the dark. Remember to take Petzl and coffee flask, warm gear (beani and dress in layers)!

Will try to document it for the blog too.  Ed.

PS: Happy booking your U2 Tickets in the mean time :)

________________________________________________________________________

Our next Hi-Tec Full Moon Hike will be on the 23^rd of October (details attached and below) with panoramic views from Klapmutskop, it promises to be a night to remember….

If you would like to making a booking please send us a mail!

See you there!

Warm regards,

Nicolene van der Merwe

-discover the soul of mountain biking- " uh, and hiking!, Ed. :) "

Tel:     021 884 4752

Fax:    086 614 2808

Web:  www.dirtopia.co.za

Hiking Trails in the Cederberg

This hike comes highly recommended if you wish to take the family on an outing into the Cederberg this winter. Make sure you book accommodation in advance - as the long weekend falling over the 9th of August (in South Africa) will become booked out in no time.

Sevilla Rock Art Hiking Trail

Other hikes to consider is also the 'Wolfberg Cracks' and 'Die Tronk to Die Hel'

For flowers (end July - Sept), your best option will be Postberg in the West Coast Nature Reserve near Langebaan.

Enjoy!

I get to meet Zakumi, our famous FIFA 2010 mascot

Zakumi is a leopard, a common animal found in South Africa, with green hair wearing a shirt saying South Africa 2010.

Zakumi's green and gold colors represents South African national sports' teams colors. He is the South African mascot for the FIFA 2010 coming up in June and July this year.

His name comes from "ZA", the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code for South Africa, and "kumi", a word that means "ten" in various African languages.

Keep your eyes out for Zakumi when you come to hike in our mountains when you visit our beautiful country :)

Climb the Himalayas all expenses paid

Climb the Himalayas with Mike Horn’s Pangaea environmental expedition – apply right away!

Anyone between 15 and 20 years old can apply to join Mike Horn’s Pangaea environmental expedition, a round-the-world adventure that will be exploring the Himalayas in May 2010. There are no costs attached – all you need is a passion for saving the planet. The emphasis is on showing youths the beauty of the Earth, so that they grow up to be its custodians.

From the applications, about 20 youngsters from around the world will be selected to attend a training camp in Switzerland. From those, about eight will be chosen to join the Himalaya climb. All expenses are covered and there is no cost to participants for either the training camp in Switzerland or the Himalaya climb.

The Pangaea expedition is a four-year, seven-continent journey. Those who join the expedition, called Young Explorers, join in different places to Explore, Learn and Act. So far groups have visited Antarctica, New Zealand and Borneo.

Applications close soon! (The application deadline has been extended to after Christmas and is not 20th Dec as stated on the website.) For more info visit www.mikehorn.com or click here to complete an application form, or email Adelle Horler direct.


Many thanks,
Adelle Horler

A note from Adelle: My email is there as an alternative if anyone wants to apply and can’t find what they need. I was part of the expedition crew aboard Pangaea in Borneo, and part of my job as expedition journalist is to spread the environmental message and get more young people involved. I can vouch 100% for the expedition, Mike Horn and his sponsors (the main ones of which are Mercedes-Benz, Gerberit and Panerai). The expedition has been underway for a little more than a year; its patrons are Prince Albert of Monaco and Gaynor Rupert, wife of Johann Rupert.



Source: Mountain Club of South Africa - Cape Town
97 Hatfield Street, Cape Town 8001

Things to do - Saturday 24 October 2009

Support 350.org's International Day of Climate Action on Saturday the 24th of October, along with WWF and hundreds of other partner organisations around the world as you

Vote for Earth!

Show your vote on www.wwf.org.za and help create a global mandate for a fair and effective climate deal in December in Copenhagen.

What is 350 all about?
350 is the number that scientists have indicated is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide—measured in "Parts Per Million" in our atmosphere. 350 PPM—it's the number humanity needs to get back to as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change.
Source: Love Our Environment


Hike up Table Mountain this Saturday!...

TABLE MOUNTAIN HUMAN "350" (08h00-13h00)
Join a hike up Table Mountain via Platteklip gorge. We will be forming a human 350 on the table top which will be filmed from a helicopter to send out a powerful message to the world. We are meeting at 08h00 at the Lower Cable Station, Table Mountain Road. Wear Red, Orange or Yellow to symbolise global warming.


Take your ice blocks to Muizenberg this Saturday!...

MUIZENBERG MELTING "350" (09h00-16h00)
Join us on Muizenberg beach and gather around the number 350, set up in giant ice blocks. Use blastic lined cardboard boxes and 5L ice cream tubs to make ice blocks. Bring your ice blocks, be part of the photo, or take your own pictures from the beach or up on Boyes Drive.


March with your own banners down the street in Stellenbosch this Saturday!...

STELLENBOSCH "350" march (13h00-16h00)
Join us for a 30min march through Stellenbosch, starting on campus and passing through the historical centre. We will meet in the car park outside the General Administration Building B of Stellenbosch University on Victoria street and leave at 13h00 sharp! Draw 350 on your face or t-shirt and come with home-made 350 flags or banners. At the end of the march, we will gather on the grass in the shape of a big 350 for a final picture.

For more information on these and other actions happening in your area, visit www.350.org or contact 350.org Africa Liaison, Samantha Bailey on samantha@350.org


(Click on image for larger version)

Quantum Adventure Rumbles & Trail Runs

Hi all,

please see dates below of the next Quantum Adventure 'Rumbles'... And a trail run. We did the first of these rumbles this past weekend and it was great fun.

FIND YOUR RACING PARTNERS NOW and diarize!
(Mountain Biking & Trail Running all in one)

Date: 4 October 2009
Event Title: SPUR HI-TEC ADVENTURE RUMBLE
Region/Venue: TBC, Western Cape
Type of sport: Adventure Sprint Race
Format: Long course: 20 km MTB, 6 km trail running/natural obstacles/kloofing etc
Short Course: 10 km MTB, 3 km trail running/natural obstacles/kloofing etc
Categories: Open Male, Open Female, Mixed Pairs, Family, Junior

Date: 1 November 2009
Event Title: SPUR HI-TEC ADVENTURE RUMBLE
Region/Venue: TBC, Western Cape
Type of sport: Adventure Sprint Race
Format: Long course: 20 km MTB, 6 km trail running/natural obstacles/kloofing etc
Short Course: 10 km MTB, 3 km trail running/natural obstacles/kloofing etc
Categories: Open Male, Open Female, Mixed Pairs, Family, Junior


Date: 29 November 2009
Event Title: Spur HI-TEC Jolly Jester Adventure Rumble
Region/Venue: Grabouw, Western Cape
Type of sport: Sprint Adventure Race
Format: Long course: 16 ­ 20 km MTB, 4 -6 km trail running/natural obstacles/kloofing etc
Short Course: 8 ­ 10 km MTB, 2 -3 km trail running/natural obstacles/kloofing etc
Categories: Open Male, Open Female, Mixed Pairs, Family, School/Junior
Additional Info: The wackiest, fancy dress race of the year, prizes to best dressed teams

Date: 12 December 2009
Event Title: First Ascent Trail Run
Region/Venue: Cape Peninsula ­ Southern Right Hotel, Western Cape
Type of sport: Trail Run
Format: Long Route: 12 - 15km
Short Route: 6 - 7km
Categories: Male, Female, Junior

Theresa Styles
email Theresa for more booking information.

T . 021 462 1466 . F . 021 462 1469 . C . 083 271 2563
Avalon Three, 123 Hope Street, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
PO Box 6716 . Roggebaai 8012 . South Africa

Love Our Environment

"Only when the last tree has died and
The last river been poisoned and
The last fish been caught,
Will we realise that
We cannot eat money"

~ 19th Century Cree Proverb


Wishing my friend Iva all the best with her new blog!

Love Our Environment

Orienteering in Tokai Forrest

For those who wish to practice their map reading and compass skills, in a team - get your walking boots on and join the PenOC Team this weekend in Tokai forest for some fun.

Event: MTN Science Week Orienteering
Date:	01 Aug 2009	Planner:	Bernelle Verster
Venue:	Tokai East	Controller:	Jeremy Main

Novelty Event	Prize-giving 12.30
Registration:	8.30am
Starts:	09:00 – 11:00am
Courses Close:	12.00
Courses:	Score Event 25 points, 1 hour.
Cost:	Teams of maximum 5, at least one adult per team, R20
Directions:	Parking and registration will be at the allocated parking at Chrysalis Academy. From Blue Route, head W on Tokai Road, straight on at roundabout, straight on at fork, pass picnic area and ticket office on right. Over speed bump and bridge, turn right at the T-junction at the Tokai Manor House. Continue on straight, following the signs. Parking and registration as indicated.

Source: Peninsula Orienteering Club

Security on the Mountain

Mountain Club South Africa - Cape Town:

Please also note that this Friday 17th, in addition to the film, there will be a talk by Kelee Arrowsmith on Advanced Conflict Training which teaches people how to develop a safety plan for themselves and their families. There will also be a demonstration of pepper sprays and an opportunity to purchase.

Cyclist robbed at knife point near Rhodes Memorial

A cyclist riding on the mountain this morning (sat 11 July) - making his way up Plum Pudding Hill from the Cape Town side - was accosted by 2 black men with knives. They wanted his cellphone and money - weren't interested in the bike. They only took his phone and in parting slashed the back tyre of his bike.

Their MO was that the one came up out of the bushes and sat on a rock next to the path. As he approached the guy stood up and showed his knife. Rider stopped and got off bike telling him he could take it. Then became aware that there was another guy behind him also with knife.

They asked for his cellphone and the guy behind opened up the riders back shirt pocket to remove the phone. They also asked for money but he didn't have any on him.

Rondebosch police are looking for two knife-weilding suspects who are very mobile in the Rhodes Mem/ Town area. They are apparently "working" this area up and down mountain.

Please caution walkers and riders - they are not a pleasant pair to encounter.

Source: Mountain Club South Africa

Its wise to never walk alone: (10 Hiking Commandments - that will save your life)
The Walking Buddy group is up and running, so do join if you want to walk with an informal group, or are willing to take people with you. See the article on this for more information.

Peninsula Orienteering Club Event

This is a very exciting form of hiking that I have come across recently.

It seems to be a fairly new way of hiking - well to me it is - and Im super keen to give it a go. If any of you wish to join me, then please let me know - it should be great fun.

This is how it works:

1. You get given a map of an area (distance varying between 3 - 7km's depending on which route you / your family / your team choose to follow).
2. Departure from the starting point takes place in intervals (so that everyone is not on top of each other)
3. You (or your team) carry an emit card to track your ETA of each location on the map.
4. The aim is to get this route covered in as fast as possible time - with only points on the map as a form of guidance.

Herewith the invite to their event taking place this coming Sunday:

The PENINSULA ORIENTEERING CLUB
presents the fourth
COLOUR CODED EVENT
of 2009 which will take place at
Geelbeksvlei, Highlands

DATE:
Sunday, 19 July 2009

VENUE:
Take the N2 over Sir Lowry’s Pass and continue on till Peregrine Farm Stall opposite the second Grabouw turn off. Turn right onto the Viljoenshoop road and continue for 5km. Turn left onto the Highlands road (which eventually becomes an untarred road) and continue for 12km up onto the mountain plateau to the start just before the small wooden church and the start of the farm land. The route will be marked with the Orienteering direction boards from the Viljoenshoop turn off.

TIMES:
Registration 10:30
Start times 10:45 – 12:30
Courses close 14:30

COURSES:
Orange: approx. 3 km, physically and technically easy, pin punching
Red: approx. 5 km, runners’ course, technically easy, pin punching
Light Green: approx. 3,6 km, technically/physically moderate, EMIT
Green: approx. 4.2 km, technically more difficult, EMIT punching
Blue: approx. 7km, technically and physically difficult, EMIT punching

MAP:
Multi-colour, scale 1:10 000. Pre-marked.

COST:
MEMBERS (NON-MEMBERS)
Individual: R40 (R60)
Juniors <21 y R20 (R30)
Group R50 (R70)
Extra map R10
Emit Hire R10 for those not owning card
EMIT card purchase - R300 per card

INQUIRIES:
The Peninsula Orienterings Club
info@penoc.org.za,
Alvin Ward 083 703 2284 (See Alvin's blog post here)
Roland Croxford 083 703 3442

PLANNING and CONTROLLING:
Alvin Ward and Roland Croxford

YOUNG ORIENTEERS CHALLENGE:
This is a YOC event, so young orienteers are particularly invited to come along and collect a stamp towards a certificate and a badge. :)

Newcomers welcome!!

GENERAL
1. No dogs allowed (MTO regulations)
2. Please park off the road as much as possible.


Sounds like a ton of fun to me! Hope to see you there :)
Juanita

Table Mountain is on a winning streak

JULY 1, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN FOR TABLE MOUNTAIN

See my post on how to vote the easy way

We have 6 Days to go!

You have six days left to cast your vote for Table Mountain in the New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign. Currently sitting at number 7 in its category, the majestic icon needs your votes to boost its position before Tuesday July 7, when voting closes.

We are at number 7 - pls vote!

Table Mountain soared to number five, but now sits at number seven in the New 7 Wonders of Nature global rankings, rocketing 22 places from its previous position of 29 three weeks ago. It is now officially ahead of legendary mountains such as Mount Everest, K2 Mountain and Mount Kilimanjaro but is behind other popular sites including Mount Olympus in Greece and Vesuvius Volcano in Italy.

Doing it like a Celebrity

Well-loved and respected South African celebs and sports stars have shown their support for the cause. The Archbishop Desmond Tutu, comedian Marc Lottering, radio DJ Natalie Becker and the Proteas cricketers have all cast their vote for Table Mountain.

To qualify for the next round, Table Mountain needs to be ranked in the top 11 of its category - mountains and volcanoes - which has 36 fellow nominees. Table Mountain is currently ranked seventh out of 37. Other categories include seascapes, lakes, islands, ice formations, waterfalls and forests.

The New7Wonders Foundation in Zurich, Switzerland announced in January 2009 that Table Mountain was one of 261 magnificent natural sites from 222 countries to have made it through to the second round in this global race to name the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The New 7 Wonders of Nature will be determined by votes from the public.

The public can vote online at www.votefortablemountain.com or by

calling 0041 77 312 4041 and selecting

Table Mountain’s 3-digit code

which is 332.

Calls to the New 7 Wonders

Swiss mobile voting number

will cost R3.29 a minute

in peak times (7am – 7pm) and R2.92 a minute off-peak (7pm – 7am).

Voting to select the top 77 sites (11 per category) runs until July 7 this year. Thereafter a panel of experts will select the 21 finalists (3 per category) - these will be announced on July 21 when the third and final phase of voting will begin. The official New 7 Wonders of Nature will be revealed in 2011.

Contact the Cableway on 021 424 0015 for information.

ENDS

ISSUED BY SPLASH PR & MEDIA CONSULTANTS
ON BEHALF OF TABLE MOUNTAIN AERIAL CABLEWAY

FOR FURTHER INFO EMMA McADAM

021 790 9911 or 082 567 1400 emma@splashpr.co.za

FOR COMMENT COLLETTE VAN ASWEGEN

MARKETING MANAGER

021 424 0015 OR 082 334 5120 collette@tablemountain.net

Walking Buddy Cape Town

Hi everyone,

Ive recently been added to this group called Walking Buddy Cape Town - by Tony Heher of the Mountain Club of South Africa. I think its a great concept.

• If you belong to this group, you are able to send out an email to the group to notify them of your walks that you are going on and you can invite the members of the group along.

• You are also at the same time notified of any other hikes that members of the group may be going on, should you wish to join them.

Click here to subscribe to the Walking Buddy Cape Town group.

The request will need to be authorised by Tony and his team, to avoid anonymous readers and spammers.

Here is the group's description:

Looking for someone to share a walk with? WalkingBuddyCT provides you with an opportunity to link up with other walkers. Why not join in even if you are not looking for a buddy? You may be able to help out someone else who is.

Mountain Club of South Africa: Activities for the Week

Tuesday, June 2

Muizenberg Peak Circuit , Silvermine. Up by Farmer Pecks valley, return via Junction & Nellies Pool’s, St James Peak, Mimetes Valley & Baileys Kloof. Convenor Tim Hodson 021 788 1462 thodson@iafrica.com from 25 May. Co-convenor Tunney Kirk 021 685 3903.

Next 1st Tues: Mark Seuring and Andreas Kiefer in Kyrgyzstan, JHB climbers Mark Seuring and Andreas Kiefer went to Kyrgyzstan late last year on a mission to do a first ascent of a peak in the Llailak Gorge of the Pamir Alai Range. They opened a ‘semi’-new route on Petrogradetz. 23 pitches at Grade 20 A1, 5163m. Both Mark and Andreas are highly experienced in rock and alpine conditions. This was a truly awesome achievement for them. They will be presenting their slideshow (+ video) of their epic trip. MCSA Club hous 8pm.

Thursday, June 4

Apostles Traverse Via Boskloof (B grade): Not your usual Apostles traverse! Along the Pipe Track past Corridor and Oudekraal, continuing all the way round the base of Grootkop. An amazing long traverse ending in Boskloof Ravine, with an interesting “B” exit on a thin ledge. A few old mossy cairns, but no path (apart from a maze of tahr tracks), so an old route that has not been done for a long time. Return via Suikerbossie. Convenor: Tony Heher 021 794 5730 or tony.heher@gmail.com (email booking preferred). Co convenor: Martyn Trainor (021 786 2605).

Flagstaff Hill, Simon’s Town: From Seaforth Sound to the summit of Swartkop (678m) along a 500m+ ridge overlooking False Bay (spectacular views!) and a steep descent to Smitswinkel Bay. Cars at both ends. Convenor: Denis le Jeune (082 822 8227 – preferably by SMS) from 2 June (please note booking date). Co convenor: Ivor Jardine (021 689 9031)

Source: Mountain Club of South Africa - Cape Town

Charity Hike: Kalk Bay

Thu 23 Apr 2009

Hiking Trail: Fish 'n Chips for Charity

Join Maré & Karen for a short walk and then for Fish and Chips at Kalkies (best fish and chips you'll ever have) in Kalk Bay. Cost: R50 per person. Profits will go to an orphanage (more details on request). You may bring your own wine and salad. Beer or cold drinks available to buy at restaurant. There will also be lucky draws. Closing date for bookings 20/04/2009 and money must be paid by 21/04/2009. Tickets can be collected at start or end of hike.

Book at mareascott@gmail.com and payment and other details will be send to you.

Start time of hike 17h30, dinner from 19h00.

Hope you can make it.

Regards

Maré (0834455728) & Karen (0765437266)

Hike leaders