Cape Hike

Complete Photographic Field Guide: Birds of Southern Africa

David — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:58:25 +0000

I decided I should upgrade from my very old Newman's Birds of Southern Africa., and purchased a copy of the Complete Photographic Field Guide: Birds of Southern Africa. [...]

SANParks 2012 winter offer: 20% off Cape National Parks

David — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:00:12 +0000

The five Cape Region national parks – Agulhas, Bontebok, Table Mountain, Tankwa Karoo and West Coast – are ideal if you want to get closer to nature without being too far from the Mother City. During May, June and July the parks are offering a 20% discount on accommodation and camping (terms and conditions apply). [...]

Mugging at Sandy Bay

David — Wed, 16 May 2012 07:00:28 +0000

I have not reported on crime on the mountain for some time. There have been a number of incidents this year. Please note that Noordhoek Beach and the Sandy Bay area are hot-spots, and should simply be avoided. [...]

Steeples Crag

David — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:33:56 +0000

Steeples Crag is on the banks of the Kingna River that runs through Cogman's Kloof, Montagu. The crag gets full sun from early morning, and is best avoided in the heat of the day as there is no shade. My favorite route on this crag is Gospel Express, a 5 star route graded at 17. [...]

My FiveFingers Spyridon LS minimalist experience

David — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:31 +0000

I am a big fan of the idea of minimalist running. Yes: I read “Born to Run”. I have been wearing a pair of New Balance Minimus MT00's for about 5 months as casual shoes, so my body has had some time to adapt to a more minimal shoe. More recently, I won a pair of Vibram FiveFingers’ latest trail model, the Spyridon, at Stanley’s Mountain Run 2012. I am no tree-hugging earth-child, and I have a pair of Merrell boots which will attest to the fact that when the going gets tough, I get tough back. However, there is something hugely satisfying in the feeling you get padding around in a pair of FiveFingers. It feels like you are holding the earth, not stomping all over it. I guess this is what primates must feel like when they scamper around in nature, and maybe I am connecting to that at a deep genetic level. [...]

Opinel No.09 Knife

David — Sun, 13 May 2012 19:46:58 +0000

Opinel knives sport razor-sharp carbon steel blades and wooden handles with classic locking mechanisms. Their main appeal is possibly the simplistic beauty of their design The locking mechanism locks the blade open or closed as required. Perfect for hiking, camping and picnicking. [...]

VWS Trail Challenge 2012

David — Sun, 13 May 2012 17:12:42 +0000

The annual Volunteer Wildfire Services Trail Challenge will be held on Sunday, 27 May 2012, offering a 10km and 25km options.

Set in Table Mountain National Parks and established in 2005, the VWS Trail Challenge is back again this year to test the mettle of avid trail runners (and walkers). Boasting scenic views, [...]

Driehoek to Crystal Pools and Sneeukop

David — Sun, 13 May 2012 16:48:13 +0000

This two-day hike in the Central Cederberg took us from Driehoek Farm to our over-night spot at Crystal Pools, and then back via Sneeukop. It was an amazing experience during which we crossed paths with only one other group of people. Highlights of hike are most certainly the pools at Crystal Pools, and the Cedar trees. [...]

Nursery Buttress

David — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:48:27 +0000

I have been wanting to sneak up Nursery Buttress for ages — it just looks like a lot of fun! So I shouldn't have been surprised when it turned out into quite a little adventure... [...]

Passes & Poorts

David — Sun, 13 May 2012 08:39:19 +0000

Passes & Poorts: Getaway's top 30 scenic mountain routes in the Western Cape is a practical guide as well as a beautiful coffee table book. As promised, this book delivers descriptions and photos galore of 30 of the most scenic passes in the Western Cape. [...]