Trekking South America!

Spend a morning cycling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

The day will start early and we will meet in the village of Scarborough at 8am for a coffee and briefing, then depending on weather conditions and the level of fitness of the group we will decide on a suitable route.

We know some stunning routes along this stretch of coast as well as in the nature reserve where you can see many different kinds of antelopes, ostriches and baboons.

You will also cycle along beautiful, quiet roads with amazing views across both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.  We will return to Scarborough by 1pm and you will be treated to a fabulous lunch on the spectacular lawns of Zensa Lodge.

for more info go to our trip page !

Petzl e+LITE

The bugger is tiny, super lightweight and has features that make it stand above all the usual suspects of the headlamp world.

But unfortunately , defective manufacture/design  left me many time piss off with this trekking gear :

-Although the light performed well a big problem in sandy areas , was that due to the design of the toggle switch, grains of sand would get trapped behind the switch making it impossible to move it back or forth.

-The plastic ball design supporting the headlamp eventually worn off ( few hour of use ) , leaving you with a light beam shining your belly opposite the trekking trail.

Images by trekSA

Solo trekking around Eilat’s Mountains.

The hike was about 5 hours long and included a peak of a small mountain with great views over the city,  Red sea, and Aqaba—the Jordanian city next to Eilat – Israel.

Most of the trail was through extremely barren desert–there was not a tree or even a bush in sight most of the time. There were a couple of birds but no other signs of life. I think of hiking as primarily exercise but being in the wilderness can bring a deep relaxation that doesn’t seem to be available in Eilat. The aesthetic appeal of the route is a bonus. I saw into Jordan and may have seen into Saudi Arabia and were a few kilometers from Egypt.

Image by trekSA

Introducing the Table Mountain National Park my Green card.

There is some great news for the residents of the Cape Point peninsula from the Table Mountain National Parks, with the introduction of a new residents card- called My Green Card , this is essentially a Wild Card with a limited number of entries per year and is solely for the benefit of Cape Town residents.

Enjoy the beauty of Cape Point Peninsula for less !

In order to get the card you need :

Proof of residence , ID , 2 ID photos and R80

Enjoy the beauty of the Cape Point Peninsula !

When you consider what the entry to some of the parks in the area can end up costing you this card represents great value and I heartily recommend you go and get one as soon as possible- before SANParks change their minds.

Hello all Scarborough neighbours!

An enormous thank you to all who have supported the Keepers security initiative. Due to the generous donations we’ve received so far, we have managed to purchase the equipment necessary for patrols to begin. We’re thrilled to announce that Keepers is NOW officially up and running as of this week!

Purchase equipment :

• 10 Zartek Rechargeble Spot torch
• 10 Zartek high power 2 way radios , plus one donated by Rob of Envirotech (for Scarborough security.)
• 1 pepper ball gun ( safety ! )

For those who don’t know, Keepers is a new initiative that aims to enhance security in Scarborough by doing active patrols in full co-operation with SAPS and SSS. Keepers is a wonderful team of motivated people – we’d like to thank each and every one of them. They include patrollers, radiomen/women, administrators, all those who have offered their time in various capacities, those who have allowed us to use their venues for meetings, and lastly those who have contributed financially – none of this would be possible without absolutely all of you!

Should you be keen to join our mountain patrols (once a month) or assist as a radioman/woman, please get in touch with Elena on caprichokids@gmail.com or myself on india@jupitermoon.co.za

In the meantime, please continue to be vigilant and use Cape Cell Alert when necessary. If you receive CCA messages remember to go and investigate. Switch on your lights, shine your flashlights onto the streets and make your presence felt. We’d like all suspicious characters to realise that we’re networked and proactive! Should you see or hear anything on the mountains, don’t assume it’s Keepers (who will try to operate in stealth mode). Please report all suspicious activity.

All financial contributions are still very welcome. We will purchase further equipment as we establish our exact needs for the environment we are operating in. Bank details:

SCARBOROUGH MISTY CLIFFS FIRE UNIT

ABSA ACCOUNT NUMBER 4076593855

CLAREMONT BRANCH 632005

REFERENCE: YOUR NAME and write “KEEPERS” so Sue O’Brien will know it is for us !!

Thanks very much indeed for all the support!

Cheers,

India (together with and on behalf of Elena and the Keepers team).

Keepers eyes and ears of Scarborough Community

Keepers run by volunteers and it is NO profit initiative.

Keepers has an action plan which has been given a big thumbs up by SAPS and SSS