Picasa Web Albums - Sandy Macdonald

Lion's Head (Twirly Whirly route) 8 February 2012

Meridian hike. Leader Maré Ascott. Ascent of Lion's Head via Twirly Whirly route. At summit for sunset and full moon rise. Descent via normal route.

Feb 8, 2012

Photos: 54

Witte River (downstream) 5 February 2012

Meridian hike. Leader Sam Greyvenstein. Starting and finishing at Bain's Kloof Pass. The Witte River is the main river flowing through Bain's Kloof. This is an enjoyable out-and-back hike on a hot day (first going downstream, then returning upstream), as there is lots of swimming in - and even some jumping into - the many clear pools.

Feb 5, 2012

Photos: 39

Devil's Peak (Mowbray Ridge & Minor Peak) 29 January 2012

Private hike. Ascent of Mowbray Ridge (on Devil's Peak), over Minor Peak, back along highest contour path, and down Mowbray Ridge.

Jan 29, 2012

Photos: 28

Beaumont Open Day 28 January 2012

Meridian day trip. Coordinator Karen Watkins. Morning hike above Bot River on the Houw Hoek Mountains. Picnic lunch and wine tasting at Beaumont Wines Open Day.

Jan 28, 2012

Photos: 35

Table Mountain sunset 11 January 2012

Private hike. Up Cableway, followed by hike to Blinkwater Peak and back. Sunset supper on top, then down Cableway.

Jan 11, 2012

Photos: 68

Hex Traverse 27 December 2011 - 1 January 2012

Private trip. Tuesday - ascent from Fairy Glen (Worcester) to Thomas Hut (overnight spot). Wednesday - optional extra summitting of Brandwag Peak (1811 m) and Chavonnesberg (1798 m), overnight again at Thomas Hut. Thursday - traverse to Perry Refuge (overnight spot), including summitting of Fonteintjiesberg (1989 m), Horseshoe Peak (1881 m) (optional extra), and Mount Brodie (1851 m). Friday - traverse to Milner Vlakte (overnight spot), including summitting of Buffelshoek Peak (2059 m) and 1st Shale Peak (1952 m). Saturday - overnight again at Milner Vlakte, and optional extra summitting of 2nd Milner Ridge Peak (1887 m). Sunday - descent to Eselfontein (Ceres Valley).

Jan 2, 2012

Photos: 206

Fynbos Trail 16 - 18 December 2011

Private trip. Coordinator Karen Watkins. Three day trail near Gansbaai, starting at "Growing the Future" college, with first night at Fynbos Retreat. Second day summits Grootberg, with second night at Bodhi Khaya Retreat. Third day finishes at Grootbos Garden Lodge.

Dec 18, 2011

Photos: 84

Agtertafelberg and Winterberg 9 - 11 December 2011

Private trip.Based at Agtertafelberg Hut (MCSA Cape Town Section). Winterberg (1635 m) summitted on Saturday.

Dec 11, 2011

Photos: 42

Smitswinkel Camp 2 - 4 December 2011

Meridian weekend. Coordinator Karen Watkins. Based at Smitswinkel Camp (Hoerikwaggo Trail). Did traverse from Scarborough to Kommetjie on Saturday. Visited Bonteberg, Die Mond, Olifantsbos and Sirkelsvlei on Sunday.

Dec 4, 2011

Photos: 110

Fairfield Mountain Cottages 18 - 20 November 2011

Meridian weekend. Coordinator Bev Lothian. Based at Fairfield Mountain Cottages, Ceres. Group did Ceres Zip Slide on Saturday morning - except for me, the "official photographer"! Short hike to Fairfield Dam on Saturday afternoon. Early departure on Sunday morning, due to rain.

Nov 21, 2011

Photos: 53

Bain's Kloof 4 - 6 November 2011

Meridian weekend. Coordinator Jackie Borel-Saladin. Based at Stonemansion Cottage, Bain's Kloof. Happy Valley Trail on Saturday. Ascent of Limietkop (1152 m) on Sunday.

Nov 6, 2011

Photos: 43

Eastern Hex River Mountains 8 - 9 October 2011

Private trip. Access via Matroosberg Nature Reserve. Summitting of Sonklip Peak (2105 m) on Saturday. Overnight campsite at 1930 m. Summitting of Conical Peak (2045 m) and Roodeberg (2209 m) on Sunday.

Oct 9, 2011

Photos: 94

Sentinel B route 1 October 2011

Meridian hike. Leader Karen Watkins. Ascent of the Sentinel via the B scramble route, and descent via the path.

Oct 1, 2011

Photos: 65

Groen (Witzenberg) 24 - 25 September 2011

Cape Union Mart Hiking Club weekend. Leader Torben Wiborg. Start at Groot Winterhoek Reserve car park on Saturday morning. Hike to Groot Kliphuis campsite (overnight accommodation). Ascent of Groen (1668 m) - peak in Witzenberg range - on Saturday afternoon. Hike back to car park on Sunday morning.

Sep 25, 2011

Photos: 58

Turret Peak 10 - 11 September 2011

Private trip. Ascent of Turret Peak (1736 m) from Wydekloof Farm on Saturday. Camping just below the summit on Saturday night. Descent on Sunday. Located in the Kouebokkeveld, approximately halfway between Ceres and Citrusdal.

Sep 11, 2011

Photos: 46

Ascension Traverse 28 August 2011

Meridian hike. Leader (in absentia) Karen Watkins. Ascent of Hiddingh Ravine, followed by Traverse to Knife Edge via the top of Els Buttress, thereafter descending Newlands Ravine.

Aug 28, 2011

Photos: 29

De Uijlenes 5 - 7 August 2011

Meridian trip. Coordinator Bev Lothian. Weekend, based at De Uijlenes, Gansbaai area. Dyer Peak hike on Saturday morning. Tractor ride to, and pub-crawl in, Baardskeerdersbos, on Saturday afternoon. Sunday morning hike circuit in Flower Valley.

Aug 7, 2011

Photos: 83

Skoorsteenkop 30 July 2011

Meridian hike. Leader Karen Watkins. Nearly a circuit on Skoorsteenkop. Optional extra scramble up and down a chimney.

Jul 30, 2011

Photos: 25

Noon Gun 23 July 2011

Meridian hike. Leader Maré Ascott. Circuit around Signal Hill and the lower slopes of Lion's Head, starting and finishing at Kloof Nek. Lunch at Noon Gun, just before the firing.

Jul 23, 2011

Photos: 48

Table Mountain (clockwise circuit) 10 July 2011

Private hike. Clockwise circuit on Table Mountain, summiting Blinkwater Peak, Silverstream Peak, Fernwood Peak, and Junction Peak.

Jul 10, 2011

Photos: 21

Namibia (Swakopmund to Noordoewer) 29 June - 2 July 2011

Private safari. Road and 4x4 trip through Namibia. Third leg from Swakopmund to Noordoewer.

Jul 6, 2011

Photos: 181

Namibia (Epupa to Swakopmund) 21 - 28 June 2011

Private safari. Road and 4x4 trip through Namibia. Second leg from Epupa to Swakopmund.

Jul 5, 2011

Photos: 186

Namibia (Noordoewer to Epupa) 16 - 20 June 2011

Private safari. Road and 4x4 trip through Namibia. First leg from Noordoewer to Epupa.

Jul 4, 2011

Photos: 122

Donkey Trail 29 April - 2 May 2011

Meridian trip. Leader Karen Watkins. Two-day trail, starting from Living Waters (near Calitzdorp), and finishing at Gamkaskloof (Die Hel). Three nights' accommodation - at Living Waters, Wyenek Camp (on the Swartberg summit ridge at 1400 m), and at Die Hel. Scenic drive via Elandspad Pass and Swartberg Pass back to Living Waters on the following morning.

May 5, 2011

Photos: 191

Prince Albert to Calitzdorp 25 - 29 April 2011

Meridian trip. Coordinator Karen Watkins. Arrived in Prince Albert on 25 April, and stayed at Bushman Valley for two nights. Visited Swartberg Pass on 27 April for the first snowfall of 2011. Thereafter to Klaarstroom, and through Meiringspoort to De Rust (overnight 27 April). Then via Oudtshoorn to Calitzdorp (overnight 28 April). Finished with a circuit via Vanwyksdorp and Ladismith back to Calitzdorp on 29 April.

May 4, 2011

Photos: 106

Rooiheuwel Holiday Farm 21 - 25 April 2011

Meridian trip. Coordinator Sam Greyvenstein. Long weekend, based at Boplaas on Rooiheuwel Holiday Farm, Beaufort West area. Tafelkop Trail (13 km circuit, highest point 1456 m) on Friday. Aar Trail (9 km circuit) on Saturday. Bulhoek Trail (6 km circuit) on Sunday.

May 3, 2011

Photos: 163

Table Mountain Overnight 15 - 17 April 2011

Meridian weekend. Coordinator Karen Watkins. Hiked up to Wynberg Overseer's Cottage on Friday evening. Did Hole-in-the-Wall circuit on Saturday morning, and Klaassen's Multiple Surprise circuit on Saturday afternoon. Descended via Cecilia Forest on Sunday morning.

Apr 17, 2011

Photos: 111

Oudebos Trail 3 April 2011

Cumhike hike. Leader Graham Bellairs. Out-and-back up and down the Oudebos Trail in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve.

Apr 3, 2011

Photos: 41

Ladismith 18 - 21 March 2011

Meridian trip. Coordinator Maré Ascott. Long weekend, based at Springvale, Ladismith area. Stanley's Light Trail (13 km circuit, highest point 1500 m) on Saturday. Die Eike Trail (10 km circuit) on Sunday morning, and drive through Seweweekspoort to Gamkapoort Dam on Sunday afternoon. Springvale Trail (3 km circuit) on Monday morning.

Mar 22, 2011

Photos: 109

Table Mountain (Cairn Ravine & Kloof Corner) 13 March 2011

Private hike. Up Cairn Ravine, then traversing across to, and descending, Kloof Corner - bypassing the chains!

Mar 14, 2011

Photos: 27

Vogelgat & Fernkloof 26 - 27 February 2011

Private trip. River and pool route in Vogelgat private nature reserve on Saturday. Circuit in Fernkloof municipal nature reserve on Sunday (up to Galpin Hut, across to Voelklip Ridge, and back via Mossel River Dam).

Feb 28, 2011

Photos: 52

Bontebok National Park 11 - 13 February 2011

Private trip. Friday evening to Sunday morning at Bontebok National Park, near Swellendam, Western Cape. Accommodation either in chalets or camping. Three short hiking trails, and swimming in the Breede River.

Feb 13, 2011

Photos: 36

Sea Point Promenade 2 February 2011

Meridian evening hike. Leader Sam Greyvenstein. From Sea Point to Mouille Point and back, along the Promenade.

Feb 3, 2011

Photos: 30

Table Mountain (Ledges & Silverstream) 16 January 2011

Meridian hike. Leader Karen Watkins. Start and end at Tafelberg Road. Up to the Saddle, then ascent of Ledges - apart from the tricky top pitch! Thereafter traverse across to, and then descent of, Silverstream Ravine.

Jan 16, 2011

Photos: 55

Table Mountain (Wynberg Caves) 8 January 2011

Meridian hike. Leader Victor Barnard. Ascent via Cecilia Ridge. Then past De Villiers Dam to Wynberg Caves (lunch, followed by some exploring). Thereafter a visit to Camel Rock, followed by descent from Bridle Path.

Jan 9, 2011

Photos: 72

Cederberg North 30 December 2010 - 2 January 2011

Private trip. Starting and finishing at Heuningvlei. Hiked to first campsite at Boontjieskloof on the first morning, and summited Skerpioensberg (1626 m) on the first afternoon. Summited Crevasse Peak (1631 m) on the second day. Relocated campsite to Groot Koupoort on the third morning, and summited Koupoort Peak (1667 m) on the third day. Hiked back to Heuningvlei on the fourth morning.

Jan 4, 2011

Photos: 68

Wemmershoek Mountains 26 - 28 December 2010

Private trip. Starting and finishing at the MCSA Du Toit's Kloof Hut car park. Hiked up to campsite above the MCSA Agtertafelberg Hut on the first day. Summitted Wemmershoek Peak (1788 m) and Olifantshoek Peak (1750 m) on the second day, via a circuit from and back to the campsite. Hiked back to car park on the third morning.

Dec 28, 2010

Photos: 54

Milner Peak 17 - 19 December 2010

Private trip. First morning - hiked from Eselfontein Farm in the Ceres area, up to campsite on Milner Vlakte (5 km, 4 hours), no path but over fairly easy terrain. Lovely camping area with shelter from rocks, and pools nearby. Ascended Second Milner Ridge Peak (1887 m) on the first afternoon, and then Milner Needle (1995 m) and Milner Peak (1995 m) on the second day, and also expored the summit plateau. Then back at the camp for supper. Easy third morning descent to Eselfontein, getting back to the cars around 12h00.

Dec 19, 2010

Photos: 66

Klein Tafelberg 19 - 21 November 2010

Private trip. Friday and Saturday night at Klein Tafelberg rest camp. Climbed the peak on Saturday. Visited Redelinghuys later on Saturday afternoon, with supper at Elandsbaai. Sunday morning visit to Lambert's Bay and Bird Island, with lunch at Lambert's Bay.

Nov 21, 2010

Photos: 92

Greyton 6 - 7 November 2010

Private trip. Saturday - circuit from Greyton to Genadendal and back. Sunday - out-and-back route up and down Uitkykkop (1466 m), the highest peak above Greyton.

Nov 7, 2010

Photos: 84

Olive Glen Mountain Farm 8 - 10 October 2010

Private trip. Weekend spent at Olive Glen Mountain Farm, in the Paarl area. Saturday hike to Ben Stewart (1265 m), one of the peaks in the area.

Oct 10, 2010

Photos: 67

Black Hill circuit 3 October 2010

Meridian hike. Leader Stuart Dumville. A circuit of approximately 10 km, starting and finishing at Da Gama Park just west of Glencairn. Located in the Table Mountain National Park. Lunch at Kleinplaas Dam near Red Hill above Simonstown.

Oct 3, 2010

Photos: 32

Milner Peak 24 - 26 September 2010

Private trip. Hiked from Eselfontein Farm in the Ceres area, up to campsite on Milner Vlakte (5 km, 4 hours), no path but over fairly easy terrain. Lovely camping area with shelter from rocks, and pools nearby. Ascended Milner Peak (1995 m) on the second day, and also expored the summit plateau, as well as visiting the spectacular Milner Needle. Then back at the camp for supper. Easy third morning descent to Eselfontein, getting back to the cars around 13h00.

Sep 26, 2010

Photos: 66

Silvermine circuit 18 September 2010

Meridian hike. Leader Karen Watkins. Circuit from the East Gate, past pond and waterfall, down to Sunbird Centre, and back up the "Ou Wapad".

Sep 19, 2010

Photos: 27

Liesbeek River Trail 18 September 2010

Meridian hike. Leader Victoria Wilson. From Rosebank, to Kirstenbosch, and back. Total distance 14 km. Most of the trail is along a path next to the Liesbeek River, but there are a few short sections where one has to walk on roads.

Sep 18, 2010

Photos: 38

Coming back from Klipspringer Trail 9 August 2010

Meridian trip. Leader Frank Dwyer. Those of us in Frank's car returned to Cape Town, via Pofadder (yes, it does exist!), Springbok, and the N7.

Aug 17, 2010

Photos: 18

Riemvasmaak area 8 August 2010

Meridian trip. Leader Frank Dwyer, After finishing the Klipspinrger Trail, some of us took a 4x4 trip in Sam's taxi, across the Orange River to Riemvasmaak - a remote, rugged and sparsely inhabited area. We also visited the hot springs in the Molopo River Canyon.

Aug 16, 2010

Photos: 41

Klipspringer Trail 6 - 8 August 2010

Meridian trip. Leader Frank Dwyer. The two-and-a-half day Klipspringer Trail is located in the Augrabies Falls National Park. It has quite varied scenery for this hot, dry area - the first day begins at the rest camp, crosses the plateau, and then skirts the rim of the Orange River Gorge, giving some spectacular views. On the second day, the route descends into the gorge, and runs next to the Orange River for a couple of hours until about lunchtime. It then climbs back up to the plateau. The third day is a fairly short, flat walk back to the rest camp. Overnight accommodation is in two rustic little huts. One word of warning - beware of the gnats ("miggies")!

Aug 15, 2010

Photos: 92

Augrabies Falls National Park 5 & 8 August 2010

Meridian trip. Leader Frank Dwyer. We camped at the Augrabies Falls National Park before and after doing the Klipspringer Trail. The main feature was of course the Augrabies Falls, even though August is not the most spectacular time of year to see them!

Aug 14, 2010

Photos: 21

Going to Klipspringer Trail 3 - 5 August 2010

Meridian trip. Leader Frank Dwyer. Some of us travelled a bit earlier with Frank, overnighting at Nieuwoudtville and Kenhardt, and took our time getting to the Augrabies Falls National Park. We stopped and looked at various points of interest along the way.

Aug 13, 2010

Photos: 71

Limietberg Trail 27 June 2010

Cumhike hike. Leader Graham Bellairs. From Bain's Kloof to Tweede Tol. Lunch on Pic Blanc (1049 m).

Jun 28, 2010

Photos: 58

Silwerfontein Guest Farm 18 - 20 June 2010

Meridian trip. Coordinator Bev Lothian. Weekend spent at Silwerfontein Guest Farm, next to Voelvlei Dam. Saturday included a circuit on Ontongskop (828 m), which can also be done as a two-day hike.

Jun 21, 2010

Photos: 72

Perdekop 16 June 2010

Private trip. The heaviest Western Cape snowfall of 2010! Day hike up and down Perdekop (1575 m) in the municipal Mont Rochelle Reserve above Franschhoek Pass.

Jun 17, 2010

Photos: 26

Table Mountain Overnight 28 - 30 May 2010

Private trip. Overnighting at the Table Mountain Hut, which belongs to the Cape Town Section of the MCSA. Day hike on Saturday to Cleft Peak and Reserve Peak. On Sunday, I returned via Maclear's Beacon and Platteklip Gorge.

May 31, 2010

Photos: 80

Retreat Guest Farm 7 - 9 May 2010

Meridian trip. Leader Sam Greyvenstein. Weekend spent at Retreat Guest Farm on the Piket-bo-Berg plateau. Saturday included a hike to the summit of Zebraskop (1470 m), the highest peak in the Piketberg area.

May 9, 2010

Photos: 66

Klein Drakensteinkop 25 April 2010

Cumhike hike. Leader Sandy Moss. Klein Drakensteinkop (1047 m), done as an out-and-back route, provides good views over Paarl and its surroundings.

Apr 26, 2010

Photos: 38

Kat-se-Pad Circuit 18 April 2010

Peninsula Ramblers hike. Leader Peter Phillips. Kat-se-Pad is a route that runs alongside Franschhoek Pass, and represents the original route taken over these mountains. It can be done as part of a circuit, starting and finishing at the top of the pass.

Apr 19, 2010

Photos: 35

Steenbras Traverse 5 April 2010

Meridian hike. Leader Karen Watkins. Traverse from the top of Sir Lowry's Pass to Steenbras River Mouth.

Apr 15, 2010

Photos: 37

Giant's Cup Trail 29 March - 3 April 2010

Meridian trip. Leader Stuart Dumville. The five-and-bit-day Giant's Cup Trail starts at Sani Pass and finishes at Bushman's Nek in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg. The trail alternates between valleys and the top of the Little Berg, and although the route is never that close to the Main Berg, it affords many great views of the escarpment. The trail is named after the Giant's Cup, formed by the two Hodgson's Peaks to the west. There are quite a few places to swim along the way, and shops near the huts on the first and fourth nights.

Apr 8, 2010

Photos: 177

Sani Pass area 25 - 28 March 2010

Meridian trip. Organiser (Phyllis) Rose. Some of us in the Giant's Cup group went up a bit earlier, and spent some time at Sani Pass before the trail. This included a 4x4 ride and guided tour up the pass, into Lesotho and back down on the first day, a guided hike to bushman paintings and other local features of interest on the second day, and another walk by ourselves on the third day.

Apr 6, 2010

Photos: 100

Nautilus Trail 20 - 22 March 2010

Meridian trip. Leader Maré Ascott. The two-day Nautilus Trail runs along the coast between Struisbaai and Arniston, Western Cape. Overnight accommodation is in chalets on Vogelgezang Farm, at the halfway mark near De Mond Nature Reserve. The trail can be walked either way (south-west or north-east), depending on the wind direction.

Mar 23, 2010

Photos: 80

Lion's Head (lower route) 17 March 2010

Meridian evening hike. This lower route around Lion's Head was actually done by a few of us, on our way to sundowners and supper at La Med, Camps Bay (organised by Jackie Borel-Saladin).

Mar 18, 2010

Photos: 19

Witte River (upstream) 14 March 2010

Meridian hike. Leader Sam Greyvenstein. Starting and finishing at Bain's Kloof Pass. The Witte River is the main river flowing through Bain's Kloof. This is an enjoyable out-and-back hike on a hot day (first going upstream, then returning downstream), as there is lots of swimming in - and even some jumping into - the many clear pools.

Mar 14, 2010

Photos: 32

Cederberg (Kromrivier) 12 - 14 February 2010

Private trip. Kromrivier is a guest farrm in the southern Cederberg, where one can either camp or stay in chalets. Day hikes can be done to Disa Pool, Stadsaal, or the Maltese Cross.

Feb 15, 2010

Photos: 22

Christie Prins Trail (lower loop) 12 February 2010

Private trip. The Christie Prins Trail is actually a couple of short circuits, on a farm adjacent to the Gydo Pass, north of Ceres, Western Cape.

Feb 14, 2010

Photos: 13

Salmonsdam 30 - 31 January 2010

Meridian trip. Coordinator Glynis Jennings. The Salmonsdam Nature Reserve is located some 20 km east of Stanford, Western Cape. There are a couple of trails that can be done, with the optional extra of bagging Akkedisberg, the highest peak in the area.

Jan 31, 2010

Photos: 34

Bobbejaanskloof 24 January 2010

Meridian hike. Leader Torben Wiborg. Starting and finishing at Bain's Kloof Pass. The Bobbejaans River is a tributary of the Witte River (the main river flowing through Bain's Kloof). It is an enjoyable out-and-back hike on a hot day, as there is lots of swimming in the clear pools.

Jan 24, 2010

Photos: 30

Table Mountain (Saddle) 13 January 2010

Cape Walkers Against Gravity evening hike. From Tafelberg Road, up to the Saddle between Table Mountain and Devil's Peak, and down again.

Jan 14, 2010

Photos: 11

Moreton Island (Australia) 31 December 2009

Private trip. The Moreton Island National Park is located some 40 km north-east offshore from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It is known for its beach and sand dune scenery. The main resort, Tangalooma, can be reached by ferry from Brisbane, either for one-day tours such as that I went on, or for multi-day stays on the island.

Jan 12, 2010

Photos: 33

Fraser Island (Australia) 30 December 2009

Private trip. The Fraser Island National Park is located some 300 km north of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It is the largest sand island on Earth, and is known for its beach and lake scenery. Of particular interest are the freshwater lakes, perched well above sea level in the interior of the island. The island can be toured by car or bus, such as the one-day tour that I went on.

Jan 11, 2010

Photos: 41

Gold Coast (Australia) 29 December 2009

Private trip. The Gold Coast (known for its busy seaside resorts) is located some 100 km south-east of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The Springbrook National Park is located in the mountains to the west, and is known for its waterfalls and forest scenery, including a short hike. These areas can be toured by car or bus, such as the one-day tour that I went on.

Jan 10, 2010

Photos: 24

Lamington National Park (Australia) 28 December 2009

Private trip. The Lamington National Park is located some 100 km south of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It is known for its mountain and forest scenery, including a tree-top walk. The park can be toured by car or bus, such as the one-day tour that I went on.

Jan 9, 2010

Photos: 26

Klondyke Cherry Farm 4 - 6 December 2009

Meridian trip. Coordinator Margaret Jones. Klondyke is a cherry farm and resort situated at a height of 1200 m, above Ceres, Western Cape, and is well known for its winter snowfalls. However, Klondyke is also a pleasant place to visit in summer, as the altitude moderates the heat. On the Saturday, a few us did a hike to the nearby Langfontein Farm, and on Sunday, two of us went up Anyskop (1860 m), a peak overlooking the Ceres Valley.

Dec 7, 2009

Photos: 64

Agtertafelberg MCSA Work Meet 28 - 29 November 2009

MCSA workmeet. Convenor Tony Heher. The MCSA is reliant on its members to offer their services to assist with maintenance of their properties. I have attended a number of workmeets at Agtertafelberg, and have been mainly responsible for clearing the property of alien vegetation. Ongoing work also needs to be done on the hut, regarding upkeep of the roof, walls, windows, flooring, water supply and ablution facilities.

Nov 29, 2009

Photos: 36

Agtertafelberg and Du Toit's Peak 20 - 22 November 2009

Private trip. Agtertafelberg Hut belongs to the Cape Town Section of the MCSA, and is located in the Du Toit's Kloof Mountains between the N1 and Franschhoek. The hut is a very convenient base for tacking a number of surrounding peaks. On the Saturday of this weekend, we bagged Du Toit's Peak - at 1995 m, it is the highest point between the Breede River and the sea.

Nov 23, 2009

Photos: 50

Drakenstein Hospice Walk 31 October 2009

Meridian event. Coordinator Sandy Moss. The walk is an annual fund-raising event held at the end of October, and organised by the Drakenstein Hospice in Paarl. Meridian decided to enter teams for the 2009 walk, which involved a brisk 22 km hike through Paarl, up onto the mountain, around it, and back down.

Oct 31, 2009

Photos: 48

Simonskloof 23 - 25 October 2009

Meridian trip. Leader Peter Phillips. Simonskloof is a guest farm, more or less in the middle of a triangle formed by Hex River Pass, Worcester and Robertson (Western Cape). One can either camp, stay in chalets or in the main farmhouse. The farm is totally non-reliant on Eskom for its power! We did a traverse to Langdam Farm on the Saturday - including summiting Naudesberg (1644 m). On Sunday we did an out-and-back hike to Keerom Dam.

Oct 25, 2009

Photos: 63

Vogelgat 10 - 11 October 2009

Private trip. Vogelgat is a private nature reserve just east of Hermanus, Western Cape. Entry is only possible as a member, or as the guest of a member. There are a number of small huts where one can overnight - we stayed at Sip Hut, and did a circuit incorporating Mount Lob and Leopard Camp.

Oct 11, 2009

Photos: 37

Elsie's Peak 3 October 2009

Meridian hike. Leader Karen Watkins. A circuit up and down Elsie's Peak, above Fish Hoek.

Oct 3, 2009

Photos: 63

Whale Trail 21 - 26 September 2009

Meridian trip. Coordinator Bev Lothian. The five-day Whale Trail in located in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, Western Cape. First two days are on the mountains (Potberg and Hamerkop). Days three, four and five are then along the coast - varied scenery, including cliffs, beaches, dunes and river mouths. September is the best time to do this trail, both for whale-spotting and also for the flowers.

Sep 29, 2009

Photos: 231

Krom River Hut 19 - 20 September 2009

Private trip. Based in the Krom River Hut, belonging to the Paarl-Wellington Section of the MCSA. Ascended New Year Peak (1327 m) on Saturday afternoon, and did a circuit including Krom River Dome (1384 m) on Sunday morning.

Sep 28, 2009

Photos: 49

Breede Escape 11 - 13 September 2009

Meridian event. Coordinator Lois Wagner. Based at Breede Escape resort. Outings included Saturday brunch in Swellendam, afternoon river cruise, and hike on Sunday morning along a bit of the western part of the Swellendam Trail.

Sep 13, 2009

Photos: 64

Keeromsberg and Ben Heatlie 22 - 23 August 2009

MCSA trip. Leader Roger Diamond. Ascended from Naudesig Farm, to campsite at 1800 m on Saturday. On Sunday, bagged Ben Heatlie (1974 m) and Keeromsberg (2072 m - highest peak in the Worcester area) on Sunday, before descending back to cars.

Aug 24, 2009

Photos: 83

Krom River Hut 1 - 2 August 2009

Private trip. Based in the Krom River Hut, belonging to the Paarl-Wellington Section of the MCSA. Ascended the highest of the Seven Sisters (1388 m) on Saturday afternoon, and then did a circuit bagging Krom River Peak (1452 m), Witteberg (1736 m) and Krom River Dome (1384 m), on Sunday.

Aug 3, 2009

Photos: 50

Paarl Mountain 26 July 2009

Private hike in the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, up two of the three Rocks.

Jul 26, 2009

Photos: 35

Heuningvlei 10 - 12 July 2009

Meridian trip. Leader Sam Greyvenstein. Based at Heuningvlei in the northern Cederberg, with accommodation in chalet. A number of short day hikes in the area - note the typical Cederberg rock formations.

Jul 12, 2009

Photos: 77

Babylonstoring 27 June 2009

Meridian hike. Leader Peter Phillips. Babylonstoring (1167 m) is the highest peak in the Hermanus area. Done as a day hike, starting and finishing at Cordale Farm, with the lower parts being mostly along jeep track, and the higher sections being off-path.

Jun 28, 2009

Photos: 33

Vaalkop 20 June 2009

Meridian hike. Leader Sandy Moss. Vaalkop (888 m) is one of the smaller peaks in the Klein Drakenstein Mountains, but still provides good views over Paarl and its surroundings.

Jun 21, 2009

Photos: 40

Swellendam Trail 13 - 16 June 2009

Private trip. Four-day circuit variation on the Swellendam Trail, starting and finishing at Sitruspoort Farm. Overnighted at Nooitgedacht and Proteavallei Huts.

Jun 17, 2009

Photos: 109

Tsitsikamma Trail 10 - 15 May 2009

Meridian trip. Leader Peter Phillips. Five-and-a-bit days, starting from Nature's Valley and finishing at Storms River. Five nights' accommodation in huts on the trail. Quite a number of places to swim along the way.

May 17, 2009

Photos: 140

Gifberg 9 - 13 April 2009

Meridian trip. Coordinator Denise Young. Easter Weekend at Gifberg, a guest farm in the Vanrhynsdorp area. Four nights' accommodation in chalets. A number of day hikes of varying length, the longest being a 20 km circuit to the Doring River and back.

Apr 14, 2009

Photos: 102

Cederberg Sneeukop 4 - 5 April 2009

Cumhike trip. Leader Torben Wiborg. Two-day circuit starting and finishing at Welbedacht. First day up past Welbedacht Cave, and along jeep track on shale band. Afternoon ascent of Cederberg Sneeukop (1932 m), the third highest peak in the range. Campsite at 1500 m, just below Sneeukop. Second day - descent via Engelsmanskloof, and past Crystal Pool and Uilsgat.

Apr 6, 2009

Photos: 77

Boesmanskloof Trail 28 - 29 March 2009

Meridian trip. Leader Sue Woodman. Two-day mostly out-and-back trail in the Riviersonderend Mountains, between Greyton and Die Galg above McGregor. Overnight accommodation at Die Galg.

Mar 31, 2009

Photos: 62

Copenhagen 12 - 13 March 2009

Some photos taken from my hotel, and during a visit to the city centre before heading to the airport.

Mar 16, 2009

Photos: 22

Climate Change Congress 10 - 12 March 2009

Business trip - I attended this conference in Copenhagen as a representative of the Department of Environmental Affairs. Full title: The International Scientific Congress on Climate Change: Global Risks, Challenges & Decisions, It was attended by more than 2,500 delegates from nearly 80 countries, and was a forerunner to the UN Climate Change Conference which was held in Copenhagen in December 2009.

Mar 15, 2009

Photos: 13

Pilaarkop 7 - 8 February 2009

Cumhike trip. Leader Lionel Whatley. Pilaarkop (1654 m) is the highest peak in the Riviersonderend Mountains. Ascent and descent via the same route. Campsite at around 1000 m, just below the peak.

Feb 9, 2009

Photos: 50

Haelhoek Sneeukop 1 February 2009

Private trip. Haelhoek Sneeukop (1532 m) is just south of the N1, and overlooks the western part of Du Toit's Kloof. Ascent via Donkerkloof, and scramble route up the western face, Descent via the usual route, including Hugenootkop (1318 m), and down Miaspoort.

Feb 2, 2009

Photos: 52

Jan du Toit's Kloof 16 - 18 January 2009

Private trip. Jan du Toit's Kloof is located in the western part of the Hex River Mountains. Most usually done as a two-or three-day up-and-down hike, as the exit from the top of the kloof involves serious rock-climbing. It includes lots of boulder-hopping, and also some rough path walking. Numerous optional swims, with campsites being at Overhang Camp, or on the river banks.

Jan 18, 2009

Photos: 30

Bloubergstrand 10 January 2009

Meridian event. Coordinator Sam Greyvenstein. A celebration of the 21st anniversary of the Club's founding. It included a hike along the beach at Bloubergstrand.

Jan 10, 2009

Photos: 20

Wilderness, Noetzie & Knysna 2 - 4 January 2009

Private trip. Overnighted at the Wilderness, on the way back to Cape Town from the Alexandria Trail. Also visited Noetzie and Knysna.

Jan 8, 2009

Photos: 30

Sandy Macdonald
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