Cape Province Mountain Club

by Brian Georgeson in December 2011 - Community Caring

Inaugural Heritage Day Hiking Challenge - An overview.

As part of the club’s 80th birthday anniversary celebration and having an active outreach programme and as part of SEEP (The Schools Environmental Education Programme), in partnership with Nature Conservation Corp. (NCC), 38 fully sponsored students from various schools were hosted on a one day hiking challenge on Table Mountain.

In the early pre-dawn those concerned started gathering at Kloof Nek and finally after a year in planning the teams; fit, correctly equipped and fully briefed started the journey. Equipment included essential clothing for all weather eventualities, a first aid kit, survival rations, water and a map. The decided route took teams through Table Mountain National Park up to Kloof Corner lookout, along the contour path to Platteklip and Echo Valley to the CPMC Hut where lunch was served and equipment and tasks checked. And finally down to Kasteelpoort and Pipe Track, to return to, and finish at Kloof Nek.

A presentation and refreshments back at Kloof Nek rounded it all off, the winning teams receiving certificates and prizes – and the girls outshone the boys!

The challenge differed from other events in that it was not a race but a test of skills (in fact running wasn’t permitted). Promotion of safe hiking was one of the aims. Participants followed rules, carried out tasks requiring self discipline and scored or lost points when they for example littered.

The route was monitored throughout by marshalls from various clubs and independents at some 30 points, distinctive in yellow bibs and red caps. For me this was an event of significance. I did most of my early rock climbing with the CPMC notably with Charlie Hankey and Sydney Alexander during the 1960s and 70s. The club being a non-racial organisation since its inception.

All permits were approved and medical and disaster management deployed. On the day of the event the weather however proved fine and only minor injuries required attention. Sanparks, WSAR and even the Cableway Company all played an integral part in the success of the day.

It is planned to make this challenge a sustainable annual event as part of the club’s heritage. Possibly a second category may be introduced and the event held over two days. Judging by the success of this well run initial event and the enthusiasm shown by competitors in particular, we will surely see this come to pass and the long term aims will be realised. May it be so!

For more information contact Oswald Haupt on 072 603 2156 or email alphavp@vodamail.co.za.