Meridian Information

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How to book on a Trail / Weekend Away

No advance bookings. Phone the hike leader at the opening date & time given in the calendar (not before).
Members get preference, visitors names will be placed on the waiting list. If the trail is not filled visitors will be used off the waiting list.
If you cannot book then, ask a friend to book for you.
Give the Trail Leader all your contact details.
The Trail Leader has right of Refusal.
A member may book for one other person (including a non-member, though preference is given to members).
No cheques, only EFT or direct deposits.
Please deposit your Trail fee directly in the 'Meridian Hiking Club' Account, Nedbank, Claremont Branch; Branch Code: 104609; CURRENT A/C No.1046348396. Advise Beverley at bevlothian@meridian.org.za with your deposit details. Include your name and the Trail name for identification.
You will need to make your own Travel arrangements.
If payment is not received within 14 days, your name will be moved to the waiting list.
Cancellations: No refunds can be made.
In the event of you needing to cancel it is your responsibility to find a replacement.
The Trail leader will have a waiting list, the names on the waiting list will be given to you, with contact details. The Trail Leader will assist as far as possible to help you find a replacement.
You must contact the people on the waiting list first.
If a replacement cannot be found from the list you are entitled to go elsewhere, but the replacement must be accepted by the Trail leader.
Financial arrangements will be between yourselves i.e. refunding of the Trail fee.
If a replacement cannot be found you will forfeit the fee.

Notes

Risk: Members and guests participate in club activities at their own risk. Listen to the hike leader's instructions.
Children & dogs: Please call the leader to find out if she/he is happy to take children (with parent) on a hike, or if dogs are welcome.
Opinions: Members' opinions etc. are not necessarily those of the club.

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Choose and book your hike:

New hikers, always contact the hike leader/co-ordinator before joining any advertised hike – check the calendar entry for the best time to call (please also note - no call-me-backs or sms’s). This is also important for anyone who is unsure of the required fitness level or experience, or to check that the hike has not been cancelled (especially if you are not on e-mail).
Take note of our grading system and choose your route according to your ability and fitness. Start with flatter, undulating routes and gradually work your way up to the steeper ones. Bear in mind - gym and general walking fitness does not always prepare one for walking up steep inclines, the pace of a group is by necessity set by its slowest member and someone will be forced to turn back with you, should you not manage.
If not made clear in the calendar, call the hike leader to find out whether s/he is happy to have children along on a hike. Note: A designated legal guardian must accompany and sign the indemnity form on behalf of hikers up to the age of 18.
If not made clear in the calendar, call the hike leader to find out whether s/he is happy to have dogs along on a hike. Note: A Wild Card with id is required to walk dogs anywhere within the Table Mountain National Park and only in areas where they are permitted – this is enforced by National Parks staff and not by the hiking club.

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The following items are essential for day hikes:

Hiking boots/shoes and hiking socks (good sole support for longer routes).
Comfortable day pack
Sun block (apply before you start and re-apply during the day)
Wide-brimmed hat (with fastening chord, for the wind)
Warm clothing, suitable rain jacket/wind breaker (the temperature often drops unexpectedly on the mountain, even on the hottest day)
Layers of clothing, gloves and beanie (in winter)
At least 2 to 3 litres of water (depending on distance and weather)*
Food and snacks - consider distance/time and allow extra for emergencies.
Cell phone - fully charged, on silent, with ICE numbers (see Emergencies, below)
Personal medication and relevant medical information.
Personal first-aid kit (if you’re prone to cramping, speak to your pharmacist about suitable emergency medication)
Emergency space blanket.
Small, reliable (preferably head) torch, with extra batteries.
Whistle (from a toy or sports shop)
Copy of driver’s license or ID.
Plastic packet for used tissues and other litter.
Meridian membership card or R15 in change for your guest fee.
Wild card with id or entry fee, if applicable.

*The most common problem experienced is that of hikers running out of water and suffering sudden dehydration symptoms or cramping (also caused by insufficient water intake during the days prior to a hot day on the mountain).

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Optional extras:

A set of walking poles. Used properly, they (a) go a long way towards avoiding knee problems (made worse by excessive strain on the knees and tendons during the ascent, which causes tenderness during the descent), (b) spread the load and workout between the upper and lower body and (c) minimise erosion-causing impact when descending a loose path.
A hands-free water system such as a Camelbak or Platypus bladder.
Money for drinks/meal afterwards.

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Hiking safety and etiquette:

Never go ahead of the hike leader or split off from the main party without prior consultation – this puts strain on the leader and other members of the party.
While on the move, always keep in contact with those behind and in front of you and try not to let too big a gap develop.
Electronic tones and cell phone conversations are intrusive in a mountain setting. Switch your phone to silent (and vibrate, and put it in a shirt or trouser pocket - if you have to be contactable). If you have to take or make a call, do so privately and quietly.
Tread lightly and in a controlled manner so as not to damage paths. Should you accidentally dislodge a rock or large stone, the internationally-recognised call to warn other hikers is a loud ‘below!’.
Never take short cuts – they cause erosion and encourage other hikers to use them, too.
Move away from watercourses when nature calls so as to not pollute streams. First tell a fellow hiker, so that they know to expect your return to the party. Solid matter must be properly buried and paper must be taken off the mountain (pack a small plastic bag for the purpose).
Do not litter (not even fruit peels - they are unsightly to other hikers and encourage further littering) and remove litter that you may come across, if possible.
Never pick any flowers or greenery.

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Emergencies:

Emergencies used to consist of either being lost/trapped in bad weather, or injury. Nowadays, we also hear of the occasional mugging. It should only be necessary to call for help in case of a major injury or other serious event. Hike leaders always carry the relevant emergency numbers. However, all hikers are responsible for their own safety.
Program these numbers into your cell phone (for ease of finding, list emergency numbers at the top in your contacts, preceded by ‘AA’):

021 937 0300

A whistle is easier to use than to rely on your voice, when in distress. The International Mountain Distress Signal is six equally-spaced blasts (or torch flashes, etc) in rapid succession, interspersed with a one-minute pause, and repeated. The reply thereto is three signals and both are repeated until the casualty is located.
Pepper spray can buy valuable time for potential mugging victims. However, it is essential to use the single-stream (not the fog) variety (e.g. Liquid Bullet) and carry it in your hand when in risky areas.
Don’t carry your driver’s license, credit cards and other valuables with you – a laminated copy of your driver’s license/id will suffice for id purposes.
The safest place for your id, keys, cellphone, etc is on your person – in a shirt or trouser pocket.
Carry only your car key/remote on your person and not the entire bunch.

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