MOUNTAIN - Cape Province Mountain Club

■ 27-28th March
Work Meet
We arrived at the hut on the Friday of the 27th in
deteriorating weather conditions which I thought
might impact on our schedule for the week-end.
Fortunately, the weather held and we were
able to complete a few of the tasks of which the
refurbishing of the fireplace was paramount.
Verbal apologies were passed on by members of
those who could not make it. Three vehicles were
used over the week end to transport cement, sand,
fire bricks and tools including the generator and
angle grinder for the proposed work tasks.
The Friday evening saw us conduct a “bosberaad”
which was ably facilitated by Larry
Witkowsky so that we could plot a way forward
in terms of what tasks were considered priority.
Those present took a decision to re-evaluate the
entire structure and its surrounds so that we
could compile a draft proposal which we as the
Hut Committee would in due course submit at the
next general meeting for approval (in principle).
Larry, rebuilding the braai.
The refurbishing of the fire went ahead with
Larry Witkowsky laying the “fire bricks” in and
around the fire place along with metal rods placed
strategically in the fireplace for pots, kettles and
or braai grids. The area around the fire-place
was reinforced with cement and secured, along
with the floor area around the fire-place. Angle
iron was fitted around the brick work to ensure
that the structure was absolutely stable. I think
the fire place does enjoy “pride of place” currently
in the hut. The extractor was secured as best
possible but the club will have to invest in a new
one in the near future. The club needs to make
a decision in this regard as there seems to be so
many priorities to attend to at this stage. In my
opinion the extractor was secured and could hold
out for a few more months. The ladies contributed
in terms of the layout of the area for cupboards
and work tops which made a lot of sense within
the overall plan. I have no doubt that this could
be done with minimum cost as we go along.
Darrel Abrahams
APRiL 2009
■ 4th April
Grootkop
The hike started at 07h45 at the track leading up
the slope off Theresa Drive in upper Camps Bay.
The moderate climb up the track from Theresa
Drive to the Pipe Track was sufficient to get a
few of the attendees to break into a mild sweat.
From there it was a nice level walk along the Pipe
Track to the start of Corridor Ravine.
“Grootkoppe”.
From the top of Corridor ravine the group
walked at a steady pace to Grootkop which we then
ascended. At the top of Grootkop the group took
in the amazing views and all were in agreement
that we had not allowed sufficient time to sit on
top of this absolutely stunning view point. We
enjoyed a light snacked and then retraced our
way back to our vehicles and did not go down
Kasteel Poort as planned due time constraints.
All in all it was one of the better walks on our
programme. The deciding criteria were the views
of the peninsula.
Ronald Holmes
■ 18th April
UtC-outreach
On April 18th I joined 8 students from Masiyile
Secondary School on a hike up the Constantia
route of Table Mountain. Ron and Sharon lead
us up the mountain and safely to the hut. We
hiked half of the time as the sun was setting and
half of our time in the dark. The students eyes lit
up when the saw the lights of Cape Town from
such a distance. The hike was a bit of a struggle
for some, especially for those that hiked in
sandals, but all pushed through. In the evening
the students settled in to the cabin, played card
games, and told stories. They also performed
some traditional songs and dances for us. The
next morning we were set to hike back down the
mountain but it was raining. I had brought some
black garbage bags just in case it rained, and we
november 2009 / newsletter of cape province mountain club