The Hikers Network would like to wish the Western Province Mountain Club (WPMC) well on their 50th anniversary of existence.

They have always been a club that is open to all, despite the harsh system of apartheid that has plagued our country in so many ways.

They have a hut on Table Mountain which is situated in Ash Valley above Kirstenbosch.

The official name of their hut is the Domminisie Hut, and this name in itself has it’s own history.

In the past, this used to be the Scout Hut, that was before they relocated to another hut on the Back Table.

Well done on this achievement of yours WPMC, and we trust that your club will be around for many more years to come.

From the Hikers Network, it’ members and affiliates.

On Saturday the 29th of April 2017 the Hikers Network Hiking Club embarked on a walk to view the five reservoirs of Table Mountain.

The group of 73 was led by Johan Stapelberg, and Anwaaz Bent shared his knowledge about the history of the Table Mountain waterworks along the way as well. The route led from Constantia Nek via the Bridle Path to the Back Table (the white route). The hike returned via the same way.

After an hour’s trek, they crossed the Spilhaus Bridge above Cecilia Forest,

before making a sharp left hand turn at a bend called “Skielike Dood”. Here in the past, many a horse drawn cart unfortunately left the road on this blind bend, as they tried to negotiate it on their way down the mountain.

From there they walked to a spot opposite the de Villiers reservoir, where they enjoyed a well deserved water break.

Once the group was recharged and all accounted for, they proceeded to the museum at the Back Table, passing the Alexandra and Victoria reservoirs.

Inside the museum, which sits between the Hely Hutchinson and the Woodhead reservoirs,  are many interesting tools and implements from the time of the construction of these dams. The old steam engine is housed inside as well.

Woodhead reservoir

Unfortunately for the group, the building was closed, however, they get to peep through the windows and see the displays outside too.

From here Johan led them to the summit of the Kasteelspoort Gorge route, where the ruins of the old cableway are still to be found.

Group photo with ‘diving board’ in the background.
A section of the ruins can be seen, bottom right.

Anwaaz spoke about the many caves in the area, and about the old railway track as well.

The return leg back to the start was easier going, and the group was very chirpy as they spoke about the views, the history that was learnt, and the experience in general.

Thank you to the organizers, the leaders, and to the Medic Adiel who attended to a minor ankle injury experienced by one of the Junior Club members. Thank you to Ubuntu Hiking Club for joining the walk, and especially to the volunteers of SafetyMountain Tracking as well.

Until the next excursion.

Gamida Soeker

Care And Support (CAS)

The

is a volunteer service provider for the Western Cape Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) unit.

When our volunteer rescuers respond to people who are in need of medical and or rescue assistance, they often are out battling the elements for extended periods of time, while going into potentially life threatening situations, in order to bring patients to safety.

They will often return suffering from some of the following:-

• exhaustion
• hunger
• thirst
• cold
• wet
• heat
• dehydration
• hypothermia
• fatigue
• injury
• mental and or physical trauma

and so on, . . .  as a direct result of the mission. Then they still have to repack and take stock of the equipment used, have a debrief re the rescue, while often having to fend off the press and onlookers, . . . before they can make their way back home to their loved ones.

Please click here >       Sponsor flyer       < for more information.

These CAS packs, including the dedicated packaging, costs about  R200,00 to make up. They do provide some sustenance and comfort to the volunteers.

This is what it contains:-

Should you, any business or charity be in a position to sponsor the making up of these CAS packs, please use the contact details on the flyer, or click here for >     donor support information      < to assist.

Thank you

2016 we say goodbye to you, a fantastic year for our organisation! We are blessed to have made many partnerships, friendships and grown from experiences. We are also blessed to have had a safe year out on our various outdoor projects in the mountains.

We grew as a family in all the various divisions; Safety, People and Conservation, Youth Development, Responding to those needing Rescue, Training, and just enjoying the Outdoors. 2016 was a stepping stone and we intend to do even more and grow in 2017 with the same love and team work.

Our core function is community; the environment, mountain safety and prevention of mountain incidents via our program. Our programs are all driven in this direction and I am proud of this vision and it becoming a reality. It’s a Vision that cannot be realized without our Volunteers; their passion and commitment towards Mountain Rescue, Tracking and leading Hikes. We Thank You.

To all those that assisted in achieving our goals, you are our valuable Volunteers. Our Partners, we say thank you for the relationship and ability to work together towards our goal. We acknowledge the families of our Volunteers that also have to sacrifice and we say Thank You!

To all those that have joined and come along on hikes and events and supported as members of Hikers Network: we say thank you and as we grow, I am sure there will be lots more in 2017!

Nothing is without its challenges and we say thank you for the perseverance of our leadership especially our core executive management paving the way for our for our Volunteers, their inclusion, needs and safety.

The expansion program into the Winelands and Southern Cape has also happened, extending what we are currently doing in the Metropole.

The Youth remains high on our priority list and this will be further expanded in 2017. Youth and Family are the Buzz words for us. Rescue of our youth that find themselves with little alternatives, particularly in the ganglands of the townships. The Enviro Hiking Clubs and Coordinators will continue to work on our new Junior Hiking Club.

The Enviro Hiking groups are active in Mitchells Plain, Bontehuewel, Strandfontein, Nantes/Athlone, Nurses who Care and soon Delft.
We also had a fantastic year end function and rounded the year off with a presentation to those that have made it all possible. Our organisation is unique in its function within the Mountain Community and this requires a very special team.

Wishing you all a prosperous and safe New Year!

Anwaaz Bent

President / The Hikers Network

08/06/2016

On June 8th, The Hikers Network Rescue unit guided delegates from the ISBNPA2016 Conference, on a hike up Lion’s Head.

Cape Town is hosting the 15th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity.

After a safety briefing by HNR rescue member and leader Anwaaz Bent, 22 delegates started the hike. Clint September and Garnet Christians, both leaders of Ubuntu Hiking and HNR members, were on hand to assist in sweeping and oversight of the group. The group was also logged into The Hikers Network Tracking System for added safety.

At re-group points, the visitors were given brief summaries about the natural history of Table Mountain and its unique World Heritage status. Along the way, we overheard the visiting hikers engage in topical discussions and it was clear to us they were in awe of our City and Table Mountain.

The excitement was audible as we summited Lion’s Head. Who can blame them, 360° views, with Table Mountain taking centre stage. We are so proud and appreciative to be living in Cape Town and being able to share its splendour with the delegates. After a good break and taking in the views, we headed down again.

We would like to thank the conference organisers for entrusting their delegates to Hikers Network Rescue. A big thank you to team members Clint September and Garnet Christians of Ubuntu Hiking Club for assisting HNR.

The Hikers Network stays committed to mountain safety, development and education, while being ambassadors of the Cape Community.

Anwaaz Bent / Operations Hikers Network