Monday 12 February 2024

Sekororo 21 to 24 March 2024

We are planning another trip to Sekororo, an amazing kloof close to Burgersfort, Limpopo.

Although we are not aware of any significant caves in this dolomite-rich area and none were found on our previous visit, we are hopeful to make a new discovery after a local showed us footage of a cave that they found. The local will take us to the cave/s that they know of on one of the days. While we are there, we might as well do an incredible kloof a few times on the other days!

The Sekororo campsite is situated next to an amazing waterfall and pool which is the last leg of the kloof and the river flowing past the camp is clean and safe to drink. Apart from water, there is nothing else in terms of facilities. You have to take your own food, sleeping stuff, caving and kloofing gear etc. There is no reception at camp but a scramble out of the kloof to higher ground puts you back in contact if you need to make a call.

If you are interested, please join the Sekororo 2024 Whatsapp group on the SEC Community.

Please be aware that space is limited and the trip might already be full.

Regards,

Dirk.

Tuesday 9 January 2024

Ou-kleintjie Caving Trip 14 January 2024

Good day everyone. For the January caving trip this upcoming Sunday the 14th we will be doing Oukleintjie, were we will be introducing the first annual SEC treasure hunt!
Thanks to AJ for sponsoring the prize (a GoPro), which he hid in the Cave so well that he doesn't even know where it is. Second prize is the torch that Dylan dropped on my face (condition unknown... buried under rocks, the torch not Dylan. Although his fate is also unknown).

The cave is somewhat visitor friendly- involves crawling, a ladder and bouldering. Meeting time and place will be at Oaktree garage at 09:00 on 14th January. Visitor fees are R100 per person.
Please PM me if interested in joining, there are limited spaces.
Regards Edmund.
(Note: I've been advised by my lawyer to say that the treasure hunt prize is purely satirical and that the GoPro belongs to AJ, we still have to find it though)

Tuesday 31 October 2023

Spain Rescue Conference June 2024

 

 Hello everyone,

SEC has been invited to attend the International Cave Rescue Conference 2024. This event will be held in Cantabria, Spain from the 5th to 9th of June 2024.

The cost of the conference is 80 Euros per person (which incudes basic accommodation, food and conference fees). SEC will be paying this cost for any member who would like to attend the conference.

Of course, the biggest expense is getting to Spain and back home... We can fund a portion of these costs for active members. How much we will fund will depend on how active you have been over the previous 12 months, but we cannot fund all of these costs.

The conference itself looks very interesting and allows for visits to world famous archaeological sites as well as some beautiful and deep caves. See PDF below.

Details on the conference
ICRC-2024_1_st_circular

Steven

Wolkberg Caving Trip 11 - 12 November 2023

 As announced at the AGM, Thilo Muller and Gerrie are organising a trip to Wolkberg area for the weekend of 11 and 12 November
Optional extra is caving on Friday the 10th as well. This will be open for reasonably active members and visitors in other words, we needed to see your face at least somewhere during the last 12 months, including the AGM

Gerrie

Saturday 30 September 2023

SEC AGM 2023

The SEC AGM 2023 will be held on Saturday the 14 October at the quarry

Agenda
09:00+  SRT training
12:00   Braai
15:00  AGM

What to bring:

The quarry is a barren wasteland, devoid of all shade and comforts. SEC will be pitching up some tents for relief and happiness. If you would like to bring a gazebo to supplement the fun, please do so. In addition, it is advisable to bring a hat and sunscreen lotion. It is also recommended to bring camping chairs along.

For the braai please bring meat, drinks, plates and utensils. SEC will provide some side salads and 3 rolls. Please note the club braai tongs have been seemingly missing since the late 90's, should you desire a more evenly cooked meat, do bring some along.

For the SRT training, normal equipment as per usual. Club equipment is available.

Posts with details have been sent out on the SEC groups.

Kind regards,
James






Thursday 3 August 2023

Hidden Cave 13 Aug

The next club trip will be on the 13th of August at Hidden Cave which is just north of Carletonville. The trip is open to visitors, although preference will be given to members depending on how many people are interested. We will probably split up into two or more groups based on numbers, interest and ability. There are also a few other caves and sinkholes to visit in the area if the cave gets too crowded!

Hidden Cave is not too difficult and no ropework is required, although there are a few small sections and climbs to navigate including a rope ladder. A small entrance in a shallow sinkhole leads to a large cone-shaped collapse. The Waikiki Dancer formations in the bottom chamber are unique to South Africa and definitely worth seeing, while Termite City and the Squeezeball section are also interesting areas to visit.

The cost to visitors is R100 and free to members. We will meet across the road from Red Cap Ranch at 9:00 and drive to the cave from there where we will park in the veld next to the entrance.

The meet leader is Dirk van Rooyen.

Wednesday 31 May 2023

Boons Trip 10 & 11 June

 Hi all. Please keep 10 & 11 June free. Still in the planning.  We are doing one of my favorite caves. Boons. .. meeting at the Spar in magalliesburg at  11am. Drive out to the cave. Set up camp.. cave from 4pm to ..... sleep over...camping facilities are minimalist. ( RUSTIC).. there is a flushing toilet, A boma or you can sleep in a freezing cold cave entrance...
Cave rescue practice on the Sunday am. This cave is WAY underrated, from the dance hall to serious squeezes. Some amazing formations, to serious climbs. Lots to explore. A chance to get to know your fellow cavers around the fire. .... numbers are limited.... please book your spot via email @ sharronre@mweb.co.za. More details to follow. As this is used as a commercial cave, there is a cost for camping, but it won't break the bank.

Update:

**Boons trip** there is still camping space available. The farmer has wavered the camping cost. So cost will just be the visitor fee of R100 for non members...extra bonus you get 2 days caving for the price of one...you will just need to learn how to carry a stretcher through the cave 😀. I know emails are a tad old fashioned... but then so am I 🤣... it's just easier to fool the boss into thinking I'm working if I use emails rather than spending the day checking my phone.... Thanks. Sharronre@mweb.co.za