Six friends, all ex Springs Boys’ High School pupils, have four more peaks to climb to complete their goal of climbing nine peaks in nine provinces.
Their most recent endeavour was Murch Point in the Northern Cape, which only four of them were able to summit on Saturday at 2.30pm.
Burns Maclear (67) and his friends Koos Bouwer (65), Trevor Long (72), Dave Inggs (65) and Rob Beardsley (66) made their fifth attempt by leaving early on Saturday.
They had to walk 32km from the farmhouse in New Bethesda to the 2 156m peak ahead.
Burns feels it was one of the toughest challenges.
“The 32km to the peak was a a challenge on its own, and the temperature added to the difficult yet wonderful climb,” he says.
Burns says unfortunately Fred Ashton (72) couldn’t walk with them due to a medical problem.
The eager climbers claim coming down is always the most difficult part of the adventure as sore legs and muscles take their toll.
All of them were impressed with the spectacular scenery and the wildlife.
The experience on the farm in Schanskraal was also something they will not forget.
“We used candles and a donkey to get warm water, but enjoyed the view of the stars at night,” says Burns.
They all agree the summit of this peak can be compared to their Kilimanjaro climb.
The purpose of the challenge is to raise money for the Northfield Methodist Church, Airfield, Benoni.
Their next peak will be the 2 325m Seweweekspoort in the Western Cape between February 19 and 23.
