Hi All
LAST WEEKEND
Well this past weekend was a bit of a let down
:( Saturday morning it was raining, so I cancelled the Climbing, then
towards lunch time it cleared up nicely and would have been a good day to
climb. Well you win some you lose some.
THIS WEEKEND
This weekend there is climbing and an easy
mountain bike ride. On Saturday the 3rd of March we
will be going to Rumdoodle, which is a climbing area in Kloof Gorge.
There is a nice selection of easy routes to do and some pretty difficult
routes as well. If you come you will have to abseil into the climbing
area. Don't worry there is a walk/climb out, but it is not nice to go
down. I will also start to teach people how to belay a climber on top
rope. If you are feeling brave you may also try some lead climbing.
If you do not understand the terms I have just use don't worry I will
explain them before you try it :). All the climbs are in a
big crack so the location is pretty interesting even if you are not
climbing. One benefit of this is that for most the day it is shady
with direct sunlight for only about a hour. Sometimes if there is a
bit of wind it can get chilly in the crack so bring a light jacket or
jersey. NOTE: I will meet people at the university Main Gate
at 8h00, and leave at 8h30. Please
try phone or email me if you are coming and need a lift as I have a an
Old Beetle which fills up fast with gear and people. What you need to
bring: Yourself, something to eat and drink, possibly a light jacket,
some walking shoes (it is about 2km? to the climbing area from the cars),
and cloths suitable to climb in. Remember that you will be abseiling
into the area so put everything in some sort of bag.
On Sunday there is Mountain
biking at Steinbank Nature reserve. If you do not know where it
is Errol will meet you at the university Main Gate at 8h00 and leave at
8h20, for the reserve. There is a R5 entrance fee to pay at the gate.
Steinbank is really close to Durban, it is in Yellowwood Park, and is quite
nice if you want to get into nature for a while. There are plenty
animals around, and most are used to people so you can get quite close.
The ride will be a really easy one and we will be going slowly. The
cycle trail is not technical and is about 5.4km in length. Depending
on how hot and tired we are, we can always do a number of laps.
Walkers and animals always have right of way.
If you are willing to wait until early evening
we could also try the hiking trail once all the day walkers have left.
This is much more technical but great fun, and it is highly recommended
that you wear a helmet for any cycling.
NEWS
SASSU(South African Students
Sports Union) : The tentative dates for the South African
Inter Varsity Climbing Competition will be on the 6-8 July. Start
training now, as not many people can climb through the exams in June.
It will also be a good time to talk and mingle with climbers from all over
South Africa.
SOCIAL EVENT. There
will be a Wall Social Evening on the 1st of March, that is this Thursday.
Bring a friend or anyone that wants to hang out or try climbing.
Drinks will be on sale.
T- Shirts
The Club has T-Shirts out now. They are to quote Paul "REALLY
KEWL", and they are dirt cheap at R30 each. we have various
sizes, but do not have unlimited stock so buy soon :).
Up Coming Events
There will be a Club Climbing/Camping trip in the April Vac, from the 9th
to the 15th. Those are not definite dates, but I would like to
book the varsity vehicles soon. The trip will be to Waterval Boven
which is about 700 Km inland, about 90 km south of Nelspruit. There
is climbs for all types and enough of them so you will have to come back
on the next trip and carry on. If you like climbing this is a must.
The cost will be about R300-400 depending on what food you buy. The
club has tents and cooking stuff. This is one of the best climbing
locations in SA, and I have been back many many times in the past few
years.
Email me if you are interested so I can get an idea of the numbers.
Our website:
Allan
Pietersen (Chairperson UNDMC)
