DON'T MISS TONIGHT'S SNAKEBITE WORKSHOP |
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Join us for this informational talk with Johan Marais from the African Snakebite Institute on snakes and snakebites in South Africa. We will be at the Clubhouse (11 Oorbietjie Rd, Robin Hills, Randburg, 2194) on Wednesday 10 April at 7 pm. Arrive early, from 6:30 pm, to enjoy drinks from the cash bar and trade stories about close-encounters with our scaly cold-blooded Mountain friends!
Cashbar will be available. RSVP by joining the whatsapp group below.
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Johan Marais is one of Africa’s leading herpetologist with over 40 years’ experience and author of several books on reptiles. The African Snakebite Institute provides a variety of snake awareness, first aid for snakebite and venomous snake handling courses that are accredited by the International Society of Zoological Sciences (ISZS), Field Guides of Southern Africa (FGASA) endorsed and registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). He is also the snake expert for Tygerberg Poison Centre and the Red Cross poison centre, as well as advisor to various hospitals and clinics throughout Africa. |
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VERREAUX EAGLE SEASON CLOSURES |
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This is a reminder (and not an April fools!) that the closure of certain crags happens seasonally when the Eagles breed – 1 April to 1 September. The list of affected crags is in the previous post. We share our cliffs with these birds and need to give them their space. So far, it seems like the Bronkies pair will be successful, they have been busy for a month already! Lets hold thumbs tightly, it has been 4 years since a successful juvenile took flight from this Crag. The Chosspile nest is most likely a non-happener. The Eagle experts will be able to confirm by the end of May that no activity is happening, and if we can open the LoR Crag to climbing. Both of these "sport" nests are monitored with working cameras... for now. I do hope the cold does not affect them like last year. Click on the link below to view the images of the nests. |
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Contact Tam Scheidegger if you have any queries or information you would like to share about the eagles. |
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WITS BOULDER LEAGUE THIS MONTH |
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The Wits University Mountain Club (WUMC) is once again hosting their annual Wits Boulder League competition this year, hosted in the Multipurpose Sports Hall at Wits. The competition will consist of a total of 4 rounds, broken up across 4 weeks. Round 1 will be held on 9 and 11 April. Round 2 will be held on 16 and 18 April. Round 3 will be held on 23 and 26 April. The Final Round will be held on 30 April and 2 May. The competition will consist of 2 age groups, with the junior category consisting of ages 14-17, and the open category consisting of ages 17 and over. Both the open and youth categories will be further split into female and male climbing. Enter for only R70! For more information, please contact WUMC by clicking the buttons below: |
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DIARISE THESE UPCOMING MEETS! |
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Our last tidbits of admin and member updates! |
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UIAA UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS |
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NOTES FROM MCSA: Limited financial support from the MCSA CENTENARY JOURNAL YOUTH FUND can be applied for. This Fund was set up specifically to assist MCSA youth members who are in good standing, and have been members for 2 years, to attend UIAA Youth Events. We can assist with booking of airline tickets and obtaining Letters of Invitation in support of the required visas. MCSA youth members have attended in the past (their reports can be found in MCSA Journals), in particular the Events organised by the Toulouse branch of the national French federation, FFCAM. Time is of the essence – for visas, and particularly to get airline flights at best prices. |
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The annual UIAA Youth Climbing Camp in Ariège, French Alps will take place from 6-11 July. The camp is organised by the Toulouse branch of the national French federation, FFCAM. The main goal of this Youth Climbing Camp is to practice numerous forms of climbing, from one-pitch cliffs to long multi-pitch routes, on different types of rock, granite, or limestone. A climbing certificate (skills for indoor climbing indoor, one pitch, multi-pitch) is be provided to climbers who meet the required course standards. It will be also possible to go canyoning and caving/speleology while some instructor training may be possible, depending on level and experience. The camp is open to young climbers from 16 to 25 years old. Participants should lead climb at a minimum of 5b (French grade). The organisers will accept a maximum of three participants per national federation. Participants under 18-year-old must be accompanied by an adult climber/coach, who will be responsible for them during the camp. N.B.: YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM SHOULD BE SENT TO secretary@mcsa.org.za AND HAS TO BE SIGNED BY MCSA PRESIDENT. |
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Mountaineering Ireland's Summer Alpine Meet from 14-21 July. After its last hugely popular and successful meet in Soelden in Austria, the 2024 Mountaineering Ireland ‘Summer Alpine Meet’ is returning to the versatile and all-encompassing area of Ailefroide in the Dauphine Alps, France. Nestled at the foot of the Mont Pelvoux (3946 m) this beautiful, small, and rather quiet village is in the 2nd largest French mountaineering area after Chamonix. The Dauphine Alps (meaning Dolphin) is one of France’s foremost areas for all mountain activities with three of France’s highest mountains outside of the Mont Blanc massif and many other fabulous peaks and glaciers. With spectacular, high walking passes, more than 100 peaks over 3,000m and steep rock walls, it is hardly surprising that walkers and mountaineers have been attracted to this region for more than a century. Activities offered: alpinism, rock climbing, via ferrata, walking. 10% discount if booked before 2 May. Prices vary from €400 to €900, depending on programme choice. |
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A UIAA youth camp will be held in Chamonix, France from 8-18 September. The event is organised by the Romanian Alpine Club. The main purpose of the camp is to acquire basic techniques in various terrains: rock (classic and traditional), glacier trekking, mixed terrain, crevasse rescue. Location: To be determined (TBD), Chamonix area (for instance UCPA Chamonix) Staff: Cosmin Andron UIAGM Guide, Cristina Pogacean UIAGM Guide Participants: Young people aged 18-30. Maximum 8 spots, of which 2 are reserved for CAR (Romanian Alpine Club). Requirements: Participants must be familiar with basic knots, anchors, movement with crampons and ice axe. Insurance: Participants must provide proof of valid insurance for accidents, rescue, travel, and third-party liability. Insurance will be checked upon arrival. Entry Documents: Participants are solely responsible for the validity of entry documents into France. Price: €600/participant, an advance payment of €200 will be transferred via bank transfer to confirm registration. The price does not include accommodation, meals, and transportation. Deadline for registrations: 15 April Meeting point: TBD Level: Beginners Max number of participants: 8 |
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TOGETHER, WE CAN STRENGTHEN OUR CLUB'S FUTURE |
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Every donation to the club, big or small, makes a difference. Your support in this crucial time will help us pay off our debts promptly and maintain a strong financial foundation. You can donate by transferring money via EFT with your annual membership fees, or you can donate through our web portal. Please consider a recurring payment, which will make a big difference over time. |
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It is not what the club can do for you, it is what YOU can do for the club. |
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Explore. Discover. Connect. Protect. |
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