MIDLANDS HIKING CLUB - FIXTURE LIST - 20 SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER 2009 - JKA       
## Chance to practice & train for backpacking & trails etc at this venue ## - New or inexperienced members should train before attempting trails or harder cave outings etc.
DATE HIKE / AREA APPROX. GRADE LEADER & CONTACT APPROX.
    DISTANCE   DETAILS COST
Sun 20 Sep 09 Durban beach area - Beach walk - check with Brian for further details 8km  1 - 2 Brian Henwood - 033 347 1126 No Charge
Thurs - Mon Drakensberg Mini-Traverse - 4-nights / 5-days - Sentinel to Mnweni area & return - for serious backpackers carrying tents & camping each night.  60km  3 - 4 Keith Ashton - Tel 033 2395023 R80 pp
24 - 28 Sep 09 Two nights will be spent near "Madonna & her worshippers" in order to explore this area in detail. Good tents & gear essential + physical fitness     Book your place early  
Sat 3 Oct 09 ##Karkloof - Another chance to do this lovely local hike to Mare's Tail Falls & Mount Gilboa - as usual bring day-pack with lunch & drinks & hiking gear 10km 2+ Allison Gunning - Tel 033 347 1364 Please note Sat - contact Allison for details
Sun 11 Oct 09 ##Kamberg - Day hike - Hike to Roman Baths (lovely swimming spot) & also view seldom seen Bushman paintings - very scenic area 10 km 2 Dave Sclanders - Tel 033 2395013 R25 Day entry fee
Fri - Sun ## Drakensberg Gardens -Stay in Swiman Hut or camp in lovely site & enjoy an exploration weekend with the Ashtons -Hut has electricity & hot water 10-15km  2 - 3 Keith Ashton - Tel 033 2395023 Swiman Hut - R60 pppn - can park next to hut
16-18 Oct 09  + fireplace & wood + outside braai -  The Ashtons will be there all week (12-18 Oct) so please contact Keith if you wish to stay longer & really explore. each day   Please book & pay Keith asap  Camping R46 pppn
Tue 20 Oct 09 Social Evening - CANCELLED     CANCELLED  
Sun 25 Oct 09 ##Howick - Day hike - Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve - Lovely area with good views & plenty of game & bird life - several alternative trails 10-12km 2 Keith Ashton - Tel 033 2395023 R15 per person
Sun 1 Nov 09 ##Upper Dargle -Day hike - Nhlosane "North Ridge" Meet at Everglades Hotel upper Dargle at 08h30 where refreshments/drinks may be enjoyed after 12km 3 Philip Grant - Tel 033 997 1817 R15 pp donation
  the hike. Excellent views, no path, rugged terrain, brisk pace - Fitness essential - please phone Philip by Fri 30 Oct 09 latest if you wish to join hike.     Cell 082 417 9163  
Sat - Sun ##Highmoor - Camping weekend at this lovely small & secluded camping spot - Dave is planning longish day hikes from campsite, possibly including 12-15km  2 - 3 Dave Sclanders - Tel 033 2395013 R50 pp
7-8 Nov 09 Mount Erskine & Fulton's Rock (magnificent Bushman's paintings). each day   Cell : 082 443 4287  
Sun 15 Nov 09 ##PMB - Cumberland Nature reserve - Day hike through this lovely local reserve & possibility of seeing game. 10km 2 Allison Gunning - Tel 033 347 1364 R5 entry - put in honesty box
Tue 17 Nov 09 Social Evening - Slide presentation by Sufhie Mahadave on expedition to Everest Base Camp - fantastic scenery     Dave Sclanders - Tel 033 2395013 No Charge
Sat - Sun Injasuti - Backpacking hike to & overnight in Wonder Valley Cave - good venue for less experienced backpackers - 10-12km 3 Keith Ashton - Tel 033 2395023 R40 pp
21-22 Nov 09 lovely pool for swimming & stream for water close by. each day      
Sun 29 Nov 09 ##Mkhomazi - Day hike to Cyprus Cave - easy hike to cave in this lovely less visited reserve - bring swimming gear to swim in lovely pools next to cave  8 - 10km 2 Allison Gunning - Tel 033 347 1364 R 25
Sun 6 Dec 09 CHRISTMAS PARTY - PLEASE DIARISE & DO YOUR BEST TO ATTEND - Venue - St Mathew's Church Hall, 115 Hesketh Drive - PMB See more details in the September newsletter.  
SOCIALS VENUE : As usual all socials are held in the Church of the Ascension Hall starting at 7-30pm with tea / coffee available from 7-00pm & time to socialise - plenty of room for parking next to the hall, accessed from Brindy Road, Hilton.
Grading of hikes etc
1. Very easy trip - please inform the leader to confirm your participation by the Wednesday prior to the hike.
2. Easy trip - please inform the leader to confirm your participation by the Wednesday prior to the hike.
3. Moderate trip - Physical fitness advisable - If an overnight trip, camping or in a cave etc please inform the leader of your participation at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance as bookings have to be made. 
4. Strenuous trip - Physical fitness essential - If an overnight trip, camping or in a cave etc please inform the leader of your participation at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance as bookings have to be made.
5. Very strenuous trip - A high degree of physical fitness essential - Normally an overnight trip so please inform the leader of your participation at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance as bookings have to be made.
Multi-day trails - Please inform the leader of your participation as soon as possible after posting in the fixture lists as bookings have to be made well in advance.
Please note that the leaders have the prerogative to make a decision not to include a member/s if they have doubts about their physical fitness or do not have adequate gear etc for a particular hike.  
Please advise the leader of any medical condition prior to any hike & carry the necessary medication - Due to recent legislation all hikers to carry their own medical kit.