December 2013
Free / Gratis
Volume 2, Issue 12
Out & About is one year old! T
he first issue of this free outdoor newspaper appeared in December 2012 and since then 108 0000 copies of this monthly outdoor newspaper have been distributed in the Lydenburg, Dullstroom, and Burgersfort areas as a supplementary insert in the Highlands Panorama but also on its own at different outlets in Ohrigstad, Sabie, Hazyview and Nelspruit. Positive feedback from readers and advertisers has resulted in the success of this little outdoor newspaper. Out & About is also available now on the Highlands Panorama website for those readers that prefer the electronic media. This year was indeed a difficult one for most businesses. Because of the struggling economy and the weak performance of the rand one hears all the more of businesses going under. One must always bear in mind that God is in control and that when things are at their darkest God will provide a way out. In God we trust! Tom Middleton
02
Outdoor News
December 2013
EDITORIAL Editor and publisher Tom Middleton ranger@lantic.net Tel. 082 808 3272 Fax 086 550 1515 DESIGN Anandi Boshoff ADVERTISING Tom Middleton Anandi Boshoff (use above contact details) MARKETING Tom Middleton DISTRIBUTION Highlands Panorama Tom Middleton CONTRIBUTORS Craig Marshall Trent Sinclair PRINTERS Paarl Coldset Pty Ltd 83 Heidelberg Rd, City Deep Production Park, City Deep
2013 In Reflection B
eing an outdoors person and not someone that has had much to do with the media in the past, it was quite a challenge for me to go into the newspaper business albeit it being a very small one at that! This notion was born when I met an American hunter that owned a Outdoors Newspaper in Texas, called "The Lone Star Outdoor News" - I realised then that there was place for something similar in South Africa and in particular in our area! An idea was born and in December 2012 the first issue rolled off the press at Paarl Coldset in Johannesburg in conjunction with the already popular Highlands Panorama community newspaper. This was the start of quite a hectic journey for me as I had to convince businesses to advertise with me while they were already supporting the local community newspapers! At first I could almost hear them say, why should I waste my money advertising with you if you are not going to be around in a couple of months time - this
was indeed a challenge and without Gods favour, support from Andre Coetzee (Highlands Panorama) and his staff, the support of the local businesses and the readers, this little outdoors newspaper would have died a sudden death! Now after a year I can truly say that businesses are supporting me with more confidence and loyalty and the readers have been amazing in their support for Out & About! Wherever I go people want to know when the next issue is going to appear. South Africans like many other nationalities are very fond of the great outdoors and are quick to embrace new initiatives that involve news regarding outdoor activities. I totally disagree with the prophets of doom that say the future lies solely in electronic social media! There will always be folk that will settle down at home, in a cafe or restaurant with a steaming mug of coffee taking time out reading their favourite hard copy newspaper! As far as 2014 is concerned only time will tell but if I have my way I would like to
see this newspaper evolve to 12 pages and include articles with more beef to them and exciting stories that folk can relate too with more local flavour. I would also like to see more product evaluation and activities that are locally based. To all our readers and advertisers a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Tom Middleton
Letters Policy: OUT & ABOUT Outdoor News welcomes letters from our readers. Remember letters must be short and to the point, not more than 150 words. Details must include writers name, postal address, telephone or mobile number and must be signed even if it is placed anonymously. The editor reserves the right at all times to edit or shorten letters, to only publish letters when space is available, or to use his discretion in placing letters at all. Remember that views expressed by our contributors and readers is not necessary that of OUT & ABOUT Outdoor News. We are not reponsible for the content of letters published. Postal address: OUT & ABOUT Outdoor News, P.O.Box 876, Lydenburg 1120.
From the Scriptures Proverbs 1:7 7. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge Proverbs 3:5,6,9,10 5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. 9. Honour the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10. So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
8 Julie 2010 / 8 July 2010
WHILE stalking, Cleve caught a glimpse of two kudu bulls walking along a drainage line about a half a kilometer away heading towards the edge of the scrub. He studied the terrain and mentally worked out an approach route that would put him in position for a final stalk. He would have to hurry as the bulls appeared to be walking off at a rather brisk pace. The slight breeze was taken into account to make sure the bulls wouldn't catch his scent. He would have to move as silently as possible a difficult undertaking at that time of year when the dry grass and leaves crackled and crunched underfoot with every step he took. Cleve tried to stick to walking on patches of bare earth as he inched forward. The hunt was on for real now and the adrenalin that was released into his bloodstream was heading for the target organs where it would exert the effect he needed to prepare him for the encounter. He was aware of an increase in his heart and respiratory rate, a combined result of the exertion and the extra adrenaline made him even more aware of his surroundings and the stalk. It took him nearly half an hour to get where he thought the kudu would be and by then the sun had broken through and burned away the mist that was lying in the lowlands. Under the layers of clothing Cleve felt uncomfortably hot and his clothes were damp with sweat. He had to be careful now, because the kudu were close by‌.Then the brief flash of a spiral horn caught his attention and he “frozeâ€? immediately. The bulls were standing quite close together with their heads up in the browse line searching for fresh leaves to eat. His adrenalin really started pumping then and he had trouble breathing quietly. A pulse throbbed in his throat as he inserted an arrow into the nocking loop and he could see his hands shaking. The final stalk to within range was painfully slow. Frequently he had to stand dead still for a minute or two as the grey ghosts lifted their heads to check out their surroundings while his muscles burned with the effort. Finally he stalked to within bow range of one of the bulls that was standing on the opposite side of a drainage line. The dead ground between him and the quarry made range estimation rather tricky but he dared not reach for his rangefinder as this movement was sure to catch the animals attention and the opportunity for a shot would be over. There was some brush obscuring the kudu but a small opening over the vital areas of the animal presented itself if he crouched a bit. Bending in a rather awkward position he placed the pin over the area where he estimated the vitals to be. It was still not quite right as he shifted his right foot to get a
better sight picture and almost stood on a natal francolin that had camouflaged itself in the grass. This was too close for the birds comfort and it flew away in a flurry of feathers with a raucous alarm call. The kudu got the message that all was not well and with a deep, guttural bark both set off with long bounds into the distance. The last he could see of them was their grey rumps and white uplifted tails disappearing off in the bush.
FISHING NEWS H
ey Boet, no Trout here! These words still bring a snigger and smile every time I dust off my 8/9 wt fly rod on the shores of Kwena Dam.
Here's my tip to those breaking the tradition. Choose a warm December, January day. Head to the smooth leeward side of the dam. In stealth mode you find the flooded grass beds and try get the sun to the side or in front of With a bit of humor left in us today, you. No more than 40-50cm of water picture this scene! you will find schools of carp. Around Years ago I arrived to a clichéd setting 11am-3pm carp often are feeding, on the exotic shores of 'Lake Kwena” tailing or cruising these warm waters. near Lydenburg. Six rods placed perfectly “waterpas” on stands Armed with: Polaroid glasses, 8/9 wt spaced with military precision in front fly rod with 7 kg tippet, a well tied, of gazebos leaning more than the weighted, Zulu-woolly bugger fly tower of Pizza! As always, a one man (black body, red marabou tail) on a green canoe is ready to row out the size 10 hook, you should be set for lines 300m offshore. success. Carp are shy, but take a fly well if While launching my small bass boat, careful presented. On a short cast, the “camp commandant” comes place the fly 1 m in front of the fish if strolling over. On seeing my fly- cruising or in clear water. A gently fishing rod he laughs. Boet, no trout strip, stop technique will bring it in. here, he calmly explains! No, oom, I Wait for the “calamari” lips to open am here to catch carp! and set the hook. If fish are feeding in This was too much for him. A rather the mud, look for the mud cloud large “Oom” marches me over to a direction or tail of the fish then place wooden drawer system on a stand the fly with a slight plop. More than next to his long carp rods. As he often the carp will snatch it up opens the first drawer of 10, I immediately. I even wade through experience a combination of aromas these areas and have great success! that could be used as a “weapon of Sight casting at carp is rewarding and mass destruction”. Boet, he says, this exhilarating and beats waiting for is the bait you use for carp! hours for a bite, according to my opinion! Politely I show huge interest. As one c o u l d i m a g i n e , t h i s s m a l l Back to our “Oom”. Of course I had to “Engelsman” needs to accept that this fill my “live-well” with fish I caught, is the traditional method. After all, this and yes, I casually released them is how millions of carp are caught right where I launched! Politely and each season, by top athletes in peak respectfully telling the “Oom” I condition, around the country. brought them over so they could also get some flavored pap? Well off I headed to the lee-ward side Yes you are right, I left in a hurry! of the dam in pursuit of the elusive carp that seems to be 300m deep, Trent Sinclair only eating pap, boillies and plenty of flavorants!
Authorised Dealer
Gift Vouchers Available from Gani’s Fly Fishing Combo’s: R299, R399 and R499 (Fly Rod, Reel & Fly Line)
DIRECTIONS : Gani’s Angling World is situated in the town of Witbank. From Pretoria take the Swartbos Road offramp. Turn right into Swartbos Road. Keep left on Swartbos Road which runs into Watermeyer Street. Turn right into Stevenson Street and follow it until you get to a four way stop. On your way to the four way stop youwill see Pick ‘n Pay on your left hand side. Turn left at the stop, into Opperman Street, and look out for the Gani’s Angling World on your left hand side. Gani’s is situated behind the Pick ‘n Pay shopping centre.
Physical Address : Ismail Gani Centre • 4842 Opperman Str Witbank Tel : (013) 692 7199 or (013) 692 7390 Fax : (013) 692 6810 or (013 692 6293 Husain : 082 823 6046 E-mail : ganisangling@gmail.com
Outdoor News
May 2013
05
C
onsider the following facts about the Yamaha Super Tenere when you think of purchasing a big dualsport bike, you might want to change your mind about some of the other favourites out there. The following information was taken from Dualsport Africa website: Seat Height and Comfort: With Adjustable 845-870 mm - that's even lower than the XT660Z Tenere allowing for a much wider range of riders Yamaha hit the nail on the head with this important feature. It keeps the centre of gravity lower as well. The broad seat is superbly comfortable and has a stippled texture for bum grip so you don't slide around. Wind Protection: The standard wind shield is more than adequate due to the fact that it can be adjusted to two positions and the added low seat position. Higher screens are available if you are an exceptionally tall rider. Fuel Economy: Depending on the mode you're riding in, Sport Mode or Touring Mode - your economy will range between 18km and 21km per liter. If you prefer to ride with traction control in OFF Mode and D-Mode set to Sport - then in loose conditions with the rear wheel spinning you can expect as low as 16km per liter. The top left reading on the dashboard will indicate litres per hundred kilometers Off Road Handling: Here is a bold statement - "The XT1200Z Super Tenere has off road handling that is without a doubt, ahead of any of its competition - 800cc, 990cc and 1200cc alike - The Super Tenere wins hands down." Changing the combinations of D-Mode in T-Touring and S-Sport mode and the TCS mode between Mode 1, Mode 2 and OFF Mode gives the rider the choice of just how much power, how much wheel spin and how much fun you want to have. Throw in fully adjustable rebound and damping front and rear suspension - and you got an unbeatable Dualsport motorcycle for experts and beginners! It feels very much like its younger sister the XT660Z Tenere - agile, light, incredible suspension and very confidence inspiring. On Road Handling: The ability to vary the Fuel Mapping with YCC-TYamaha Chip-Controlled Throttle system - allows for smooth gutsy sport handling and instant response acceleration - like you would expect from a Sport bike. The low centre of gravity permits riders to throw the bike around as if on a race track. With the standard fitted dualsport tyres you can expect super smooth handling well in excess of 200km/hour. The max speed attained by me personally was 219km/hour on a flat tar road. Bike Weight - can you feel its weight ? (261kg wet) At no stage during the nearly 700 km trip did I feel the bike was anything heavier than 180 kg. As previously mentioned, it feels very much like a XT660Z in the dirt, obviously with more grunt. On tar the Super Tenere feels like a big sport bike, but not a heavy one that's for sure. The side mounted radiator is equally balanced out with the bike battery and electronics on the oposite side.You can put the bike down on its side and easily pick it up on your own.. Traction Control: Gone are the days of having to switch off the traction control and ABS systems when you hit the dirt are officially over. The XT1200Z Super Tenere has one of the most advanced technology available on a commercial Dualsport motorcycle today. The True Test: Imagine freshly wet hard packed clay roads - as slippery as it gets. We passed a water truck along the way, wetting the forest roads needless to say I have never ridden in such slippery conditions. The traction control has two settings - Default Mode 1 (Most traction) Mode 2 (Moderate traction but a little bit of wheel spin) and OFF Mode. With the Traction Control set on Default Mode 1 (Most Traction) it was nearly impossible to get the rear wheel to spin even in the wet clay. The acceleration is smooth and there is no engine spluttering. It feels like the clutch is slipping as the bike accelerates smoothly forward. With the Traction Control set on Mode 2 (Moderate Traction) the back end was a little loose, but the bike behaved incredibly well on the slippery surface and always still accelerated with very slight wiggling. With the Traction Control switched to Off mode - the bike began to behave like its other 1200cc and 990cc competitors would on an ice rink - almost putting me down in the mud. There is no doubt some riders will prefer to ride with the bike in OFF MODE all the time - allowing for drifting and wheel spinning - but if you need to get the bike under control in adverse conditions, or you are a novice Dualsport Rider - the technology won't let you down - or put you down. Craig Marshall, Dualsport Africa
2013 Yamaha Super Tenere 36 Waterfall Avenue Riverside Industrial Nelspruit Tel: (013) 752 2023 /752 3283 Fax: 086 212 7288 nelspruitatv@telkomsa.net
www.nelspruitatv.com
MPUMALANGA province offers its visitors everything from sedate ballooning and hiking, to daredevil slalom canoeing, zip-lining, white water rafting, bungee jumping, and war games (paint ball). But, most importantly, Mpumalanga isn't a tourist trap. Its adventure sports are not artificial attractions designed to suck foreign currency out of visitors. Everything from mountain biking to paragliding is designed primarily for South Africans, which means that you get the 'real deal' -- genuine adrenaline at decent prices. Mpumalanga's dramatic escarpment and 700m cliffs on the Blyde River Canyon provide the best hang
gliding and paragliding sites in South Africa, with unparalleled winter flying conditions. The province's strong thermals and high cloud-base have repeatedly secured Mpumalanga the national paragliding championships, while some neighbouring provinces such as Gauteng regularly stage their provincial championships in paragliding mecca's such as Barberton and Ngodwana. The province is also a haven for hand gliders, micro lights, parachutists, and small aircraft enthusiasts, while the world's top hot air balloonists have made the safari capital Hazyview, home. The province's forestry town, Sabie, is regarded as southern Africa's mountain biking nirvana with trials that offer both competitive and casual mountain bikers a wide range of expertly guided or well marked self-guided mountain bike trails. The local biking association also hosts the South African National Mountain Biking Championships every September, as well as a string of other 'friendly' events that lead up to the gruelling 10-hour day / night 'Noon-to-Noon' championships. The nearby Sabie River gives adventurers a more laid-back rafting experience, with regular breaks for 'bum sliding' down shallow waterfalls, and swims in the river's many pools. Travellers in search of a 'bushveld' raft safari should head for the province's largest river, the Oliphant's River, or 'river of Elephants', where they will find a combination of excellent t
game viewing and exhilarating white water rafting along Mpumalanga's largest rapids. Rafting is best during the wet season, between late November and mid April. Anyone looking for a novel way to explore the region's pristine ravine forests and hidden waterfalls should go 'cannoning'. Small groups are guided down any of the hundreds of streams feeding rivers such as the Sabie, Blyde, Crocodile and Oliphant's for a combination of abseiling, canoeing and swimming. Explorers usually abseil their way into wild secluded valleys, and then work their way downstream by leaping from rock to rock, sliding down mini rapids on their backsides, and at times leaping from waterfalls into clear pools, before swimming to beached canoes or kayaks for the final leg home. Exhausting but exhilarating! Siyabona Africa
The most remote and out of the way Wilderness Trail's Camp is situated between Punda Maria camp and Pafuri with the spectacular Lanner and Levhuvhu gorges along the Levhuvhu River a big attraction. The camp is hidden in a secluded spot on the Madzaringwe River with towering cliffs of the Soutpansberg Mountains in the background. Punda Maria Rest Camp is the departure point for this trail and is only 540km or a 5 hour drive from Johannesburg. The area is one of the best in the country for bird watching and various localised species such as Verreauxs' eagle, Pel's fishing owl, grey-headed parrot, mottled spinetail and a lot more can be seen. The spine tails roost inside a giant baobab tree in the trails camp and can be watched at leisure. If you are trying to add new birds to your bird list, Nyalaland is a good place to be.
is also part of the itinerary, which is a place that looks like God had enough time to make it. Wilderness trails start on either a Wednesday afternoon to a Saturday morning or a Sunday afternoon to a Wednesday morning. It is a three-night trail with the two days in between spent walking. Trailists arrive and book in at the reception of the rest camp from where the trail departs. The trail ranger meets the group at 15h30 in a designated parking area in the respective rest camp. At this point trailists must be ready and equipped as well as all last minute shopping done before the trail departs which only comes back after the three nights in the wilderness camp. Sanparks
Nyalaland trail is set in an area which is botanically very rich with scarce sandveld and dry land vegetation communities. The real draw card to this spectacular wilderness area is the large concentration of giant baobabs. This is one of the most spectacular trails within the KNP. There is a large concentration of big animals such as elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino which can be seen mostly in wet seasons. As well as these large animals, you may also come across unique species such as nyala, Sharps grysbok, eland, roan antelope, yellow spotted rock hyrax, elephant shrews and red rock rabbits. The name Nyalaland was given to the trail and camp as there are many nyala antelope and nyala trees in the area. Important cultural sites in the Kruger National Park occur only on the Nyalaland trail, representing Zimbabwe stone culture and San rock art. One of these sites is situated on a hill, high above the Levhuvhu River, seven kilometres from the camp. This is easily accessible and worth the walk to see the spectacular view of the Levhuvhu gorge. Fossilized remains of two types of dinosaur can be seen, making this area unique. Only guests who visit the Nyalaland trail will have the privilege of seeing these fossils. The Levhuvhu River, one of the big rivers in the Kruger National Park, is used to cool our guests down when it is hot. There is a beautiful walk to the baobab forests, hyena caves where you eat your breakfast on top of the rocks, surrounded by the baobabs and overlooking Lanner gorge. A walk to Lanner and Levhuvhu gorges
Year End Function BOOK NOW! Magda 082 564 0541 info@gearon.co.za Gearon at Hannah Game Lodge R555 Old Burgersfort Road Ohrigstad
T
he main difference between off road and on road is in where the vehicle can take you. Off road trailers are built tough to withstand the roughest terrain the country has to offer, whereas conventional caravans and camper trailers are often restricted to tar, gravel roads and caravan parks. If you plan on getting off the beaten track, and want the freedom to go where you want, you may need to consider the benefits of choosing an off road rig. The features you will find typical to off road caravans and camper trailers are: a better built stronger chassis usually constructed out of hot dipped galvanized steel, some of which are built to specifications that conform to norms and standards. Look for manufacturers that offer a lifetime warranty with a strong framework using quality materials such as thick aluminium or treated flexible timber longer drawbar for more stable towing and easier manoeuvring over difficult terrain. Also greater departure angle at rear to prevent bottoming out when travelling over river banks and deep ruts and heavy duty suspension and quality off road wheels and tyres preferably to match the size and stud pattern of the tow vehicle allowing tyres to be interchanged and provides equal ground clearance making for safer and easier towing. Use quality electric braking system especially designed for off road work and a quality coupling with a broader articulation angle to increased protection including front end stone guard, under body stone protection, chequer plate brush panelling, heavy duty front and rear bumper bars, side protection brush bars, protector shades for front and rear windows and dust and water seals to protect the van's interior In addition to these features, off road caravans in particular include independent equipment for extended stays away from the usual amenities on offer at caravan parks. Some of these include larger water tanks, solar panels, larger batteries and gas cylinders. Off road trailers incorporate additional storage particularly externally. The longer draw bar enables additional fuel or water to be carried as well as things like a boat motor, bikes, etc. Internally, off road caravans look similar to on road caravans. However, off road doors, cupboards and drawers are constructed out of quality timber and are usually fitted by gluing and screwing compartments into place. The unfortunate disadvantage of off road caravans, is that with all of these fantastic features comes a lot of extra weight. If you choose to go for the off road option you may need to upgrade your tow vehicle. At the end of the day, the major consideration is the price tag. Off road caravans and camper trailers are much more expensive than on-road caravans and trailers. However, off road rigs do hold their value much better than on road's. You may have to let your wallet decide this one. CaravanCamping