In search of Calitzdorp’s Golden Arches. To sum up this excursion in a single sentence would be – Blood was shed, but at last count all limbs remained generally present and intact! By the time, the complete pack of 11 players had assembled on a side track, off a side road along the R62 the [...]
An unexpected message sent to me one day led to a most enjoyable trip to the hills, with fellow club members Kobus, Teretha, Clifton, Annalet, Charles, Corlius, Bruce, Gillian, Greg, Cheryl and Sandy. Katot Meyer is a legend in the 4X4 and conservation communities (see, for example, https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-10-06-meet-river-guardian-who-protects-plettenberg-bays-catchment-areas/). Having heard of the MCSA and its [...]
It was about 2 years ago that Johan van Vuuren and I summited Formosa Peak. We then started talking about this peak. And then it happened… Before we embarked on this journey, we were a group of 7 but lost 2 due to flu and a fracture. The weather similarly had it’s knife in for [...]
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, [...]
I have never read The Chronicles of Narnia by Roald Dahl, mainly because by the time he published it, I was way past fairy stories. Our kids were able to read it for themselves, so I missed out there too. As far as I can gather, Narnia is accessed through a wardrobe and features a [...]
A (Mad?) Hatters last minute summer hiking party to the Groot-Winterhoek Nature Reserve Disclaimer: the story recorded hereunder could be loosely based on real events but could also be fictional. Any resemblance to persons or events could be entirely coincidental and the author cannot be held responsible for the reader’s presumptions. It’s oft been said [...]
Boosmansbos wilderness area is well known for its flora and hiking and is only 3 hours from Sedgefield. I did this trail a few months earlier this year in the rain and decided at short notice to put it on for another go. We filled the 11 spots quickly. Ed and Mimi Shuttleworth, Lauren [...]
A large contingent of South Cape members and guests assembled during the Friday afternoon and installed themselves in various corners of the Kromrivier property. The majority occupied the campsite, but some others opted for a chalet and others for the permanent tents. We expected a team of 19 but one couple had car issues on [...]
Exploring the Koue-Bokkeveld The Koue-Bokkeveld is the name for a mountain range that should be familiar to those who journey to the Cederberg. Always there but slightly beyond reach! Eight South Cape members assembled at the mountain’s base last Tuesday afternoon as it was time to make our acquaintance with this ranges star attraction – [...]
The Groot-Winterhoek wilderness area, to the north of Tulbach, is well-known among serious hikers, while the large pool at “The Hell” is an iconic destination. But it took me many years to eventually get to this area and enjoy the delights of this special wilderness. At least three previous efforts to visit the area did [...]