During the first week of October the Paarl/Wellington Section held the national Minicamp at the Hawequas Scouts Adventure Center.
As I think back on this exciting week filled with mountains, exploring and connection, I am filled with gratitude again for the amazing places we get to visit and the people I have met through the Mountain Club.
Some quick stats: 16 hike leaders, 21 day visitors, 53 campers and 3 Hut stay overs. We did 29 hikes (of which 3 were overnights), a tasting tour at Upland Organic Estate, and 5 camp fire evenings.
At the Annual Dinner on Saterday, which hosted 70 people, our new President, Paul Carstensen, gave a very appropriate and inspirational opening address. Dr Rik de Decker was a most entertaining guest speaker causing most of us to reflect on the risks involved in extreme sports. During the evening the UIAA awarded Greg Mosely for exceptional work and service to the UIAA.
During the week we asked Minicampers to enter their photos in our MiniCamp Photo Competition. And the winners are:
First place winner: Wim MorrisFor capturing the context of mountaineering, the greatness of the environment and the vulnerability of man with an element of spirituality given by the beams of light reaching toward the mountain.
Prize – 3 nights for 3 people at Kromrivier Hut
Second place winner: David Newton
For a stunning simple macro of the diversity within our floral kingdom.
Prize – 2 nights for 2 people at Kromrivier Hut
Third place winner: Paul Carstensen
For capturing a beautiful panoramic with iconic Cape Floral Kingdom proteas in the foreground.
Prize – 1 night for 2 people at Kromrivier Hut
Thanks to Cleeve Robertson for judging!
More competition photos at https://photos.app.goo.gl/ifvttB2nedQ4Yd9e7
Thank you to all who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this week possible, especially
- Gaye Hosking (Minicamp Convenor),
- Brenda Liebenberg (Annual Dinner Convenor),
- Nardus Cronje (Meets Convenor) and
- Kuba Miszewski (Camp Convenor).
