MEETS PROGRAMME: May to August 2008

P.O Box 594, Sedgefield, 6573
e-mail: daveandfay@gmail.com

Note: Distances given are approximate for a return journey from Sedgefield

Joint meet with the E.P. Section.
Exploration and alien eradication weekend in the Upper Supree River, western Kouga mountains.
Bring shelter and waders (Rocky sandals or similar).
For more information, contact Dave Jones , the South Cape Section sub-leader.

Meet up at the Sandvlakte Shop on the westerns Baviaans Main Road leading to Willowmore at noon on Monday 6. 

Following the combined meet with the E.P. Section in the Western Baviaanskloof ( 1 - 4 May) Dave plans to travel east down the full length of the Baviaanskloof, camping and doing some hiking. For many years he and Fay lived in Port Elizabeth and should still be able to find some interesting caves, paths and even peaks.

What we do will depends on the size/strength of the party. Kayaking on the Kouga Dam is even possible and some cycling.

Dave will need to know who is interested not later than 30 April because of permits.

   
Meet at Wolwe Crag gate at 08:00.
Final details available from Rob.

Meet Engen Garage Sedgefield 09:00. Knysna Station at 09:30. 

The Formosa Hut in the Lottering Forest is actually closer to the South Cape than it is to Port Elizabeth. It is a charming hut set in forest and with a lovely swimming hole: May should still be warm enough. Accessible by ordinary car, but a bakkie is better, the hut is a short walk from the parking area.

It is fairly roomy (sleeps 12) but overflow can be accommodated by members pitching their hiking tents. It has a lovely indoor fireplace if the weather is bad and a really nice, big outside fireplace for braaing.

Suitable even for young children: there are easy walks and some nice moderate peaks to tackle.

  
Meet at Bosun's Pub & Grill parking lot (first left off George Rex Drive, Knysna) at 09:00. 

From here we travel to Pezula Estate. The Sparrebosch trail starts from the eastern edge of the estate and leads to the Fishermans walk over a fynbos ridge and down to a secluded beach, bring swimming costumes and lunch.

The Woodcutters track and Forest loop complete the circuit. Total distance about 5 km.

Meet at Wolwe Crag gate at 08:00.
Final details available from Rob.

Depart Engen Garage Sedgefield 09:00. George Library 09:30. 

While the rest of South Africa can get excited about soccer, the S. Cape will start its planning for the 2010 National Camp in a more organised manner than Bafana-Bafana seem to manage. It is hoped as many potential leaders as possible will join Dave in this planning weekend, checking suitable camp sites and access roads. Also meeting Friendly Farmers.

We shall camp where convenient on Saturday night so a braai is possible. There will be opportunities for some hiking and exploring. Projected dates for the 2010 Camp are the long weekend (we hope) at the end of September and the following week - from 24th Sep to 1 Oct - if this matches school holidays. Spring is the best time for our mountains. 

Meet at the Engen Garage in Sedgefield (Scarab market) at 08:00.
Those who know the starting point, meet at the Wilderness National Park offices on the north-eastern shore of Rondevlei at 08:30.
This circular walk covers about 8.5 km of various dune fynbos types and scrub forest along the fossil dunes between Rondevlei and the Wolve River. Bring binoculars to view the abundant bird life in the wetlands along the banks of the Wolwe River. A hat is essential. Bring some liquid refreshment and lunch for a picnic along the way.

Meet at Barrington Handelaar (on right hand side, ~ 100m south of the 7-Passes Road and Barrington Road T-junction) at 08:00 for 08:30. This circular walk will cover 18 km in the Karatara River catchment and goes through plantation and indigenous forest. For the brave, there is a swim hole on the Plaat River, a tributary of the Karatara River.

Details to be announced.

No organised outing

Meet at the Saasveld (Nelson Mandela Metropole) gates at 08:00.
Walk up the forestry jeep track to the Tierkop hut and then along a good path through some unique fynbos to the lower slopes of Kransberg. The final ascent of the peak is from the western base of Kransberg. Wear longs - thick scrub on the peak. Expect to return to vehicles by about 17h00. Distance 19 km. 

A combined meet with the E.P. Section who will leave P.E. on Saturday morning to overnight at the Formosa Hut , arriving lunch time and with an evening braai fire. (S. Cape members may opt to join up at the hut - remember your hut fees.) 
Departure from the Formosa Hut will be 08:00 on Sunday. S. Cape members may go straight to the entry gate via Plett to meet up with the main party - but please let the leader know who and how many to expect. An entry fee is required at the gate as this area is a nature reserve.
The walk will take us across the Tombola, tide permitting, and around the peninsula close to sea level most of the way. At this time of the year Southern Right Whales visit our coastline and can often be seen from various vantage points. Weather conditions can vary from perfect to stormy and participants should be equipped accordingly. Carry water and lunch for the day. We should be back at the vehicles by mid-afternoon. We may retreat to a suitable watering hole at Lookout or nearby for a cooldrink and a toasted sandwich before commencing out journey home.

Meet at Witfontein Forestry Station at 07:15.
Start at 07:30 and follow the standard route. There is a well maintained path and the hike is not difficult but long (Cradock, 18km return and Cradock & George Peaks 20 km return) and can take around 9 to 10 hours. Sunrise is 06:50 and sunset 18:10 on the day.
Good boots and all-weather gear essential as snow and high wind is possible. There is water available on the route.

NOTES:
1. Compiled by Fred van Berkel, MCSA South Cape Section Meet Convenor. Queries can be addressed to him on fn.vanberkel@gmail.com

2. It is essential that the Meet Leader be contacted in good time by all those wishing to attend a meet. Unless otherwise indicated in the meet description, not later than the Thursday evening prior to an outing.

3. Guests are welcome on all meets, either as a guest of the Meet Leader or else introduced by another member who will be attending.

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Last Updated: 2008/07/22