SATURDAY, 29 JANUARY: Take part in the Birdlife Port Natal co-ordinated waterbird count (CWAC) which starts at 8am. Meet at Umgeni Bird Park. The Spring low tide is at 10.45am. This will be followed by lunch at noon at Bayhead before the Bayhead count. Call Lesley Frescura on 083-231-3408.
WEDNESDAY, 1 FEBRUARY: Card players are sought to join a happy, relaxed group of bridge players at St Mary’s Church hall in Warner Beach on Wednesdays from 8.15am to noon. Coaching offered if needed at no cost. Interested people to call Maureen on 082-436-9281 or 031-903-4182.
SATURDAY, 4 FEBRUARY: Free diabetes testing offered by the Lions Club of Kingsburgh resumes after the December and January break. These testing sessions take place on the first Saturday of every month at Pick ’n Pay Arbour Crossing from 10am until noon.
For more information, call Sandy on 082-466-6480.
SUNDAY, 5 FEBRUARY: Mountain Backpackers Club 14km day hike in the Midlands at Fort Nottingham. This hard climb from the village to the Fort at the top of the valley comes with excellent views from the top. Take your own water for the whole trip. Cost is R20 per person. Last booking is 1 February. For more information, email dave@bergfree.co.za
SATURDAY, 11 FEBRUARY: Mountain Backpackers Club takes on the 13km African fish eagle trail. Be on the look-out for 30 things for the club’s 30th anniversary year on this hike. There is lots of birdlife on this walk through the Beachwood mangroves and along the north bank of the Umgeni River. Meet at Green Hub Durban at 8am to leave at 8.15am. Rain stops play. Take cash for tea at Springfield SPCA halfway. For more information, call Heidi Cox on 082-706-4283 or email heidi.dinan@gmail.com
SATURDAY, 18 FEBRUARY: Mountain Backpackers Club hikes at Kloof Gorge. Depart from 7.30am at Ezemvelo car park, Kloof Falls Road. The route will be decided on the day according to weather conditions, hikers’ experience, the number of hikers and the like. The event will be cancelled if it rains. Take snacks and water. For more information, call John on 082-659-5111 by the Friday prior to the hike.
SUNDAY, 12 MARCH: Mountain Backpackers Club 15km day hike at Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve, Howick area. This hike offers great views and plenty of game and bird watching. Cost R30 per person. Last booking 8 March. Call Keith Ashton on 033-239-5023 or email keimarg@iuncapped.co.za
FRIDAY, 26 MARCH to SUNDAY, 28 MARCH: Mountain Backpackers Club enjoys guided day hikes at Mhlopeni Nature Reserve near Greytown. At this SA natural heritage site in the Muden area, the weather may hit 0 degrees at this time of year, so wrap up warm. Self-catering camp costs R150 per person and own tent costs R80 per person. There is accommodation available, and remember that it can be chilly overnight. Guided hikes on Saturday and Sunday will take in the beautiful bushveld, game and prolific birdlife. Pre-booking and payment is essential. Email joy@mhlopeni.co.za for details. For more information call, Heidi Cox on 082-706-4283 or email heidi.dinan@gmail.com
