Quathlamba
“A
mass of spears. Named thus by the Zulu warriors before the white man came.
Today called the Drakensberg, mountains of the Dragon, a name given by the
Voortrekkers. Evocative names, both equally applicable to South Africa’s
mightiest mountain range with its spear-like peaks – reminiscent of the
saw-toothed spine of a gigantic dragon.”
Panorama April 1966This blog is all about the Drakensberg Mountains and its Wilderness area, South Africa. I have lost my heart and soul to this area and every single time I hike these mountains, I stand in awe all over again at this magnificent beauty.
"How often in the course of our travels through Kwazulu-Natal do we stop and gaze at the beauty of a distant range of mountains? The Drakensberg stands as a monument to one of the greatest cataclysms the Earth has experienced. As you approach the mountains, you realize why early Zulus called it "Quathlamba", meaning “Barrier of Up-pointed Spears". A cradle of rivers. Listen to the streams as they gurgle from their cradles and you will hear the story of the mountains. You will hear fascinating tales if only you listen! Lie next to a stream and listen to the song of the mountains. The smiling faces of the flowers, dancing in the wind. Venture into the remote valleys or stand on a peak at sunrise or sunset, after snow has fallen, and you will hear a song that you will never forget - the Song of the High Mountain". (DA Dodds)
Hiking adventures, hiking gear reviews, day walks, accommodation, books, articles and photos, all related to these magnificent mountains will feature here.
Should you want to accompany me on a hike or need some information or advice, please make contact with me. I hope you enjoy the articles.
Please visit the archive for some more interesting stories, photos and reviews.
Available in the Archive
(Do read it!)
1) Injasuthi to Lotheni
- Epic 6 Day Hike
2) Review: Hi-Tec
Altitude Pro RGS Hiking Boots
3) Drakensberg
Wilderness Hiking - 14 Day Hiking trip - Lotheni Reserve (Part 3)
4) Lotheni - 14 Day Hiking
Trip (Part 2)
5) Lotheni - 14 Day
Hiking Trip (Part 3)
6) The Bushmen of the
Drakensberg
7) Thunderstorms in the
Drakensberg Mountains
8) Before setting out on a hike………..
9) Cathkin Peak – Drakensberg
10) Why backpack and
multi-day hiking
11) Safety in the
Drakensberg
12) In the Shadow of
Cathedral Peak
13) Injasuthi – ‘well
fed dog’
14) Lotheni Reserve
15) Garmin eTrex 10
& 20 Specs and Review
Photos please make contact with the author, Willem Pelser.
GARMIN
eTrex®
10 & 20
Review
eTrex® 10
ETrex® 10 Features:
The
eTrex 10 retains the core functionality, rugged construction, affordability and
long battery life that made eTrex the most dependable GPS device available. We
improved the user interface and added a worldwide base map, paperless
geocaching and added support for spine mounting accessories. You’ll recognize
the name, you’ll recognize the quality but the eTrex 10 is an entirely new
device.
See
the Way
The
eTrex 10 has an enhanced 2.2” (5.6 cm) monochrome display that is easy to read
in any lighting situation. It is easy-to-use interface means you’ll spend more
time enjoying the outdoors and less time searching for information. Both
durable and waterproof, eTrex 10 features the legendary toughness that’s built
to withstand the elements – be it dust, dirt, humidity or water, none of which
are a match for this legendary navigator.
FIND
FUN
eTrex
10 features paperless geocaching by supporting GPX files for downloading
geocaches and details straight to your unit. Visit OpenCaching (www.opencaching.com) to
start your geocaching adventure. By going paperless, you're not only helping
the environment but also making your geocaching more fun. The eTrex 10 stores
and displays all the information you need, including location, terrain,
difficulty, hints and descriptions, which means no more manually entering
coordinates and paper print outs. Simply upload the geocache to your unit and
start hunting for caches.
KEEP
YOUR FIX
With
its high-sensitivity, GLONASS-enabled GPS receiver and Hotfix satellite
prediction, eTrex 10 locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains
its GPS location even in heavy cover. The advantage is clear — whether you’re
in deep woods or just near tall buildings and trees, you can count on eTrex 10
to help you find your way when you need it the most.
GO
GLOBAL
The
new eTrex series is the first-ever consumer-grade receivers that can track both
GPS and GLONASS satellites simultaneously. GLONASS is a system developed by the
Russian Federation that will be fully operational in 2012. When using GLONASS
satellites, the time it takes for the receiver to “lock on” to a position is
approximately 20 percent faster than using GPS and when using both GPS and
GLONASS, the receiver has the ability to lock on to 24 more satellites than
using GPS alone.
ETREX
10 FEATURES:
Paperless Geocaching
Spend
more time in the field and less time fumbling with paper! The eTrex stores
and displays key information, including location, terrain, difficulty, hints
and descriptions, which means no more manually entering coordinates and paper
print outs. Simply upload the geocaching GPX file to your unit and start hunting for caches.
|
Track More Satellites
Find
your way with the first consumer-grade GPS receiver that tracks both GPS and
Russian Federation GLONASS satellites simultaneously. When using them
together, the receiver has the ability to lock onto 24 more satellites than
using GPS alone, ensuring you can “lock on” to a position more quickly.
|
New Layout
Skip
the confusion about how to find things. The new eTrex is easier to use with a
more intuitive navigation screens.
|
Pick Your Profile
Customize
eTrex for every occasion. Profiles allow eTrex to quickly switch into
different configurations that you create, so when you’re done geocaching and
you need to drive home, your eTrex won’t miss a beat.
|
More Dashboards in More
Places
Bring
more functionality into frequently used applications with personalized
dashboards. Avoid switching between applications and display more information
by customizing your dashboards with an altimeter, compass, configurable data
fields and more.
|
Advanced Tracking
Whether following a saved route or planning a new one, eTrex has the tracking
features you need. Users can see high and low elevation points or store
way-points along a track (start, finish and high/low altitude) to estimate
time and distance between points.
|
What's
in the Box:
·
- eTrex 10
- USB cable
- Manual
- USB cable
- Manual
|
Accessories
for the eTrex® 10 & 20
|
|
|
A/C
charger with international adapters
|
Part
No: 010-10723-00
|
|
Auto
Navigation Kit
(incl.
auto mount & cigarette lighter adapter)
|
Part
No: 010-10851-10
|
|
Vehicle
Power Cable
|
Part
No: 010-10851-11
|
|
Swivel
Belt Clip
|
Part
No: 010-11022-10
|
|
Bike
mount
|
Part
No: 010-11023-00
|
|
Marine/Cart
Mount
|
Part
No: 010-11031-00
|
|
Automotive
friction kit
|
Part
No: 010-11602-00
|
|
eTrex
carry case
|
Part
No: 010-11734-00
|
|
Weight
|
141.7000
|
|
Color
|
STD
|
|
Size
|
STD
|
|
Style
|
109869
|
|
Brands
|
Garmin
|
|
Best
use
|
Hiking,
Geocaching
|
|
Gender
|
Unisex
|
|
Dimensions
|
5.4 x
10.3 x 3.3 cm
|
|
Screen
size
|
3.6 cm
x 4.3 cm
|
|
Display
resolution
|
128 x
160 pixels
|
|
Display
type
|
Transflective;
monochrome
|
|
Basemap
|
Yes
|
|
Waterproof
|
Yes
|
|
Waterproof
rating (IPX)
|
IPX 7
|
|
Number
of way-points
|
1000
|
|
Number
of routes
|
50
Track log: 10 000 points; 100 saved tracks
|
|
Geocaching-friendly
|
Yes
|
eTrex® 20
eTrex® 20 Features:
The eTrex 20 takes one of the most popular
and reliable GPS handhelds and makes it better. Redesigned ergonomics, an
easier-to-use interface, paperless geocaching and expanded mapping capabilities
add up to serious improvements for an already legendary GPS handheld. eTrex 20
is versatile, tough and it’s built to handle whatever Mother Nature can dish
out.
FIND FUN
The eTrex 20
features paperless geocaching by supporting GPX files for downloading geocaches
and details straight to your unit. Visit OpenCaching (www.opencaching.com) to start your
geocaching adventure. By going paperless, you're not only helping the
environment but also make your geocaching much more fun. eTrex 20 stores and
displays all the information you need including location, terrain, difficulty,
hints and descriptions, which means no more manually entering coordinates and
paper print outs. Simply upload the geocache to your unit and start hunting for
caches.
SEE THE WAY
The eTrex 20 has an
enhanced 2.2 (5.6 cm) 65K color, brilliant, sunlight-readable display. Durable
and waterproof, eTrex 20 is built to withstand the elements. It has an upgraded
interface yet retains its legendary toughness to withstand the elements – be it dust, dirt, humidity or
water, none of which are a match for this navigator.
ADD MAPS
With its micro SD
card slot and 1.7 GB of internal memory, eTrex 30 lets you load our range of
Ordnance Survey maps such as Garmin BlueChart g2 data cards for a great day on
the water or City Navigator NT map data for turn-by-turn routing on roads.
eTrex 20 also supports Birds-Eye Select map download service, which lets you
download premium raster maps to your device and integrate them with your
existing maps. Garmap Africa Series Street maps, Topo & Rec and Waterways
are also compatible with the eTrex 30.
KEEP YOUR FIX
With its
high-sensitivity, GLONASS-enabled GPS receiver and Hotfix satellite prediction,
eTrex 20 locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS
location even in heavy cover. The advantage is clear — whether you’re in deep woods or
just near tall buildings and trees, you can count on eTrex 20 to help you find
your way when you need it the most.
GO ANYWHERE
With an array of
compatible mounts, eTrex 20 can be used on your bicycle, boat, in your car or
motorbike and off-road vehicle. You even get turn-by-turn directions with the
auto mount and either City Navigator NT maps or Garmap Sub-Saharan Street maps.
Wherever you think you might take eTrex, it has the mapping and mounts to get
you there.
GO GLOBAL
The new eTrex series
is the first-ever consumer-grade receivers that can track both GPS and GLONASS
satellites simultaneously. GLONASS is a system developed by the Russian
Federation that will be fully operational in 2012. When using GLONASS
satellites, the time it takes for the receiver to “lock on” to a position is
approximately 20 percent faster than using GPS and when using both GPS and
GLONASS, the receiver has the ability to lock on to 24 more satellites than
using GPS alone.
ETREX 20 FEATURES
Track More
Satellites
Find your way with
the first consumer-grade GPS receiver that tracks both GPS and Russian
Federation GLONASS satellites simultaneously. When using them together, the
receiver has the ability to lock onto 24 more satellites than using GPS
alone, ensuring you can “lock on” to a position more quickly.
|
Pick Your Profile
Customize eTrex
for every occasion. Profiles allow eTrex to quickly switch into different
configurations that you create, so when you’re done geocaching and you need
to drive home, your eTrex won’t miss a beat.
|
More Dashboards in
More Places
Bring more
functionality into frequently used applications with personalized dashboards.
Avoid switching between applications and display more information by
customizing your dashboards with an altimeter, compass, configurable data
fields and more.
|
Advanced Tracking
Whether following
a saved route or planning a new one, eTrex has the tracking features you
need. Users can see high and low elevation points or store way-points along a
track (start, finish and high/low altitude) to estimate time and distance
between points.
|
Extensive Map
Support
With its micro SD
card slot and large internal memory (1,7 GB), eTrex lets you load a variety
of maps, including Garmin BlueChart g2,City Navigator NT, Birds-Eye Satellite
Imagery (subscription required) as well as Garmap Africa Series Street maps,
Topo & Rec and Waterways.
|
What's in the Box:
·
- eTrex 20
- USB cable
- Manual
- USB cable
- Manual
Overview
The Garmin eTrex 10 & 20 is one of the best value GPS available
anywhere. It locates your position with efficiency and accuracy and helps to
get you back on route or navigate in low visibility conditions. This is my
favorite GPS for hiking and backpacking because it is easy to use, very light,
reliable and rugged with a brilliant battery life; up to 3 days with heavy use
and constant marking of way-points.
The eTrex 20 is the best value of the models in the eTrex series. The
eTrex 10 loses the colored display and doesn’t support maps or aerial imagery.
The eTrex 30 adds features found on more powerful units: a barometric
altimeter, wireless data sharing, and a 3-axis electronic compass. However, if
you're going to pay more for other features, it is worth stepping up several
levels to the likes of Garmin
Oregon 600.
Ease of Use
The eTrex 20 operates with six buttons. A multi-directional toggle lies
on the top face, zoom and menu buttons are on the left side, and the power
button (also the back light) and back button are on the right side. This
configuration is easy to operate with your right hand. I would choose the eTrex
for winter mountaineering because its push buttons are more reliable in cold
weather than touch screens.
The eTrex’s main menu is very similar to the ones found on the company’s
Dakota 20 and Oregon 550 units – the difference being you navigate to and
select pages with the toggle, not your finger. Main menu items can be arranged
by pressing the menu button. The eTrex’s zoom buttons will skip a page in the
main menu and will move between keypads when entering text. Pressing the power
button once will display the battery meter. The eTrex 20 offers a more
expedient workflow than most of the touchscreen devices.
The eTrex 20 is compatible with Garmin’s topo maps and Birdseye
satellite imagery. You can also save money and transfer free maps and custom
maps. The eTrex comes with the same
navigation features as its more expensive siblings and can display the distance
to the next way-point as well as the distance to the final destination.
The eTrex series comes with six profiles that allow you to customize the
display for various activities. For example, you can have four data fields for
biking and two for hiking. You could track up (map orients in the direction the
GPS is pointed or traveling) for hiking and north up (north is at the top) for
kayaking. Or you could have a specific profile that displays certain maps or
custom maps, such as Yosemite National Park trails on top of aerial imagery.
The eTrex has a plastic rail mount that allows you to attach an
excellent carabineer clip, bike mount, or other optional accessories to the
device.
Weight
It is important to note that the eTrex is one of the best lightweight
GPS around. The weight saving is fantastic because you never want to carry a
GPS on multi-day hike where weight matters, and use it for only a very small
percentage of the total trip duration. (Although, I leave it permanently turned
on to confirm my position or to navigate in bad weather.) The eTrex is also
among the most compact GPS units which is another advantage for many
applications.
Related to weight, Garmin measures the device's battery life at 25
hours, which is considerably better than most other units tested, although in
my experience the batteries will last up to 3 days with reasonably heavy use,
which is fantastic. The eTrex 20 was much more efficient than touchscreen units
and those that had electronic compasses. I ALWAYS CARRY EXTRA BATTERIES.
Satellite Reception
The eTrex’s small size does not impact its reception and accuracy. The
device is not slow to pinpoint your location in dense clouds and heavy canopy
cover. Unless you're doing a lot of navigation in whiteout conditions or are
marking the locations of important small objects, such as buried treasure, the
eTrex works great.
Display Quality
The small screen leaves little space for data fields in the map view. The
screen is easier to see than many plastic touchscreen units (such as the Garmin
Oregon 550, Dakota 20, and Magellan 710) but not as good as the newer Garmin
Oregon 600.
Conclusion
Whether you're looking for a GPS for backpacking, mountaineering, or
paddling I highly recommend the eTrex 20. It gets the job done well and cost
less than top-tier models. I feel that coughing up the extra cash for a more
powerful unit is only worth it if you do a lot of navigation in foul weather or
are mountaineering, where a better screen and more powerful navigation features
could help you to avoid crevasses and cliffs in whiteout conditions. I never
hike without the eTrex 20 because it is simple, lightweight, and has good
battery life. After the hike all the data can be downloaded onto PC ( use
GARMIN Basecamp software) and overlaid on a map of your choice which will give
you an exact picture of your hike. If you like doing exploration hiking, this
is a brilliant feature and it also allows you the opportunity of building up
your own hiking maps.
Other Versions
I believe the eTrex 20 is one of the best value models in the eTrex
line. The Garmin
eTrex 10 loses the colored display and doesn’t
support maps or aerial imagery, although it is just as brilliant a device to
use for hiking. The Garmin
eTrex 30 adds features found on more powerful
units: a barometric altimeter, wireless data sharing, and a 3-axis electronic
compass.
The End.
Acknowledgement
Garmin Specification Data
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