Considering the average age of Mountain Club members, it is not a big deal when someone turns 70. Many will say: “been there, still going strong”. But 70 is sort of a dividing line between middle age and old age, with physical capabilities becoming somewhat “unbalanced” at times. Crossing this line can be uncertain, worrying, philosophical or inspiring.
When a “bergbok” like me, who used to chew rough mountain slopes for breakfast, faces this number, you need to reflect, and celebrate. On the one hand, I am so thankful that I can still chew half a mountain before lunch, and on the other hand, realise that I might not have many years to still do it.
I wanted to turn 70 in a very special place. Obviously in the mountains, and with many of my hiking friends being there. I considered quite a few favorite locations: the Drakensberg (too far away), Towerkop (too challenging for the older folks), somewhere in the Langeberg (but where?). The Baviaanskloof was a good option: Not too far, stunning kloofs, and camping facilities for the social part of it.
More than 20 MCSA people enlisted for the meet, with 18 turning up eventually. Most of my favorite hiking companions of the last 15 years were there, which made the meet very special.
The attendees were my wife Jacomi, Dave and Fay Jones, Greg and Cheryl Devine, Danie Steyl, Werner Frei, Yvonne van der Berg, Mari Swart, Saartjie and Albert vd Merwe, Karin van Niekerk, Roland Magg, Kenneth Willemse, Sorita Matthysen, Jeremy and Alex Lister-James.
Roland Magg, a past President of the MCSA, who now lives in Germany, was visiting SA for some time.
Unfortunately, Hugh Sussens, who also turned 70 recently and would have been part of the celebration, is currently recovering from a serious injury, making it impossible to hike, or drive long distances.
We camped at the Bo-Kloof camping terrain for three nights, close to some of the most stunning slot canyons in the upper Baviaanskloof. On the Sunday, we explored Groot-Karoo kloof, which was unknown to all of us. Some way up this kloof, we encountered a rock barrier. Fortunately, Danie had a piece of rope, and we could all go further. It was quite a nice kloof, with an interesting variety of features. Getting back to our cars, the temperature was 38, making the rest of the afternoon rather uncomfortable.
On the Monday, we went into Spitskloof, one of my favorite slot canyons. We enjoyed it thoroughly, although there was no water in the kloof (the Baviaans currently has a serious drought). The afternoon offered the same temp as the previous day! That evening, the eve of my birthday, we had a nice braai (with some light rain). I reflected on my life by playing the John Denver song Poems, Prayers and Promises for the group, wiping away a few tears, realizing how blessed I am. I then treated them to some Shanky’s Whip dark Irish liqueur (you should try it…). I even had a Shanky’s Whip serving assistant (see the umbrella photo below).
Tuesday morning we went into Waterkloof, right there at Bo-Kloof. This is quite a short slot canyon, but stunning. It has amazing trees and two narrow passages. This is where I wanted to be on my 70th birthday.
Thanks to everyone who joined in on this meet, making it a very special occasion!
Meet Leader ~ Derek Odendaal