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August 1999 Meet Reports
February 14th-18th CIC Hut, Ben Nevis (The Last One) Sean Kelly
Members present: Al Metelko, Sean Kelly.
Guest: Elaine Beaulieu.
Our arrival over the weekend promised well, especially with lots of the white stuff in evidence. The skiing on Aonach Mor prooved a magnetic draw for many on Andrew’s meet. It was possible to ski from summit to the Gondola station, and the return on the chair afforded exceptional views across to the Ben resplendent in full winter plumage. The strengthening wind later in the day scoured the piste of powder causing those with poor technique or blunt edges to seek refuge in the Gondola café. Al joined me for a free lift down after having run up some ice smears on Aonach Mor’s north face. Sunday afternoon however witnessed a dramatic change, high pressure rapidly giving way to a depressing low, which caused clouds to envelop the north face of the Ben. The new track from Torlundy followed part of the old railway line before rejoining the path up from the golf club. I had arrived at the CIC to be warmly greeted by the SMC who informed me that two of their members had just ascended Point 5, and both of them granddads at that!
 Al and Elaine arrived sometime after dark, looking suitably knackered. The hut was quite full by now, with Oxford MC and another independent group. Just as well there were no more KMC. A plan on the wall, revealed details of a further proposed extension to the hut to include a toilet. Until then however, its grab your trowel and find a suitable dump. Try to avoid the call of nature around nine in the morning as the area around the hut sees more traffic than the M1.
An American in the hut had access to the weather forecast via his mobile, which proved very helpful especially as we despondently noted that a major thaw was in progress. Overcome by boredom and the urge to do something Al and Elaine trudged off in the direction of Carn Dearg Buttress. I grabbed a camera but the cloud had already enveloped them in its damp shroud. A couple of hours later, they emerged from the mists, looking as if they had fallen into the Allt a’Mhuilinn. But closer interrogation disclosed that an ascent of the Curtain was successful. Elaine climbed the route in her ski boots (kindly carried up the hill by Al), that seemed to work OK.
The forecast for the following day was even worse (mobile in use again) which decided Al and Elaine to immediately retreat back to Manchester. Tuesday duly arrived along with promised weather, a dramatic fall in temperature, heavy snow, and 100-mph winds on the summit plateau. Whatever thoughts I harboured were now abandoned and a similar retreat to Fort William. The drive over Rannoch Moor was memorable, with heavy falling snow, French hitchhiker (no English), two cars off the road in front of me, and just making it before the police closed the road. If only we had been up here the week previously, but I’ve heard that one before.
April 11th Annual Fell Race, Glossop Kevin Anderson
True to recent form the dawning of a perfect running day saw the majority of KMC members rifling through the old draw of tried and tested excuses that could masquerade as a reason for avoiding any form of outdoor activity more strenuous than belaying through the sun-roof of their four wheel drive. Not to be too unfair though, a dozen old stalwarts did manage to drag their weary carcasses from their pits and pass the first test of the day - navigating their way to The Wheatsheaf Pub nestled in the cosy heart of Old Glossop. Of course it may be that the poor turn out was not due to apathy, but rather to an absence of navigational skill in this preliminary heat of the day’s events – hard to imagine in a mountaineering club - but more of that later!!
The course this year had an unusual twist – it didn’t start from the start! Instead, after the ‘weigh in’, all competitors were transported to the Snake Inn. From here the course saw the runners meandering pleasantly along Fairbrook before breaking right to gently ascend to Ashops Edge, it was then a short hop and a skip along the edge and down to Millhill. The course then kicked right (unless you were Scottish and regularly climbed with a member of the BMC technical committee) for a lazy jog along the Pennine Way, over the Snake and on a bit further before choosing from a selection of alternative ambles down to Yellow Slacks, from there the runners could change into neutral and coast down hill back to Old Glossop and the enthusiastic crowds of doting fans eagerly awaiting their arrival. Marshals were sprinkled around the route, landing at the Eastern end of Ashops, the Millhill turn, and the top of Yellow Slacks crag (or there abouts). All competitors were issued with an OS map with the route and position of the Marshals clearly highlighted with fluorescent marker pen.
Prior to the race all competitors were given a thorough medical, not only to guarantee their fitness for the run, but also to collect data to be inputted into the KMC handicap computer (this data is contained in the final table of results and includes some fascinating insights into the competitors’ physical attributes normally hidden beneath layers of high-tech mountaineering fibre – please note this information is not suitable for children below the age of 18 or those KMC members with a sensitive disposition!!).
The runners left in two groups – the old and infirm setting an initial blistering pace with sticks and zimmers flayling in their wake. These were shortly followed by those competitors who had exhibited a youthful exuberance at the weigh in – this list included a couple of English fell running champions (or something very close to that) – not that such competition perturbed seasoned old goats like Mapleson and Metelko – they’d seen it all before – remember Mark Williams??
After seeing the runners (and I use that word loosely) off, I retired to the Wheatsheaf Pub for a pint of Guinness and to wait expectantly amongst the thronging hoards of spectators. Unfortunately, my rest and relaxation were shattered all too soon. After just 110 minutes the crowds became uneasy as rumours ran rife that a runner had been spotted on the final stage of the Doctors Gate track. Suddenly the unease broke into a roar as Anthony, a mere slip of a lad - more whippet than human, rounded the final corner, Union Jacks waved frantically, helicopters dropped ticker tape, and air was full of cheers, clapping, Jamaican drums and the of popping of champagne corks. Just 1 hour and 49 minutes after leaving the Snake Inn young Antony had crossed the finish line. However, as Anthony is not a KMC member, his sterling performance was only of academic interest – the real race was unfolding with mysterious twists and turns behind him. Though not quite in the same league, I soon spotted the Mapleson nose, followed a yard or two later by the head and body – another sterling performance by a man who looked as if he was making a last desperate bid for freedom!!! No sooner had Roger been revived by St John’s Ambulance, caged and escorted back to a bulging Brigette, than I heard the familiar wheeze of Metelko’s old lungs – forgoing all but the last vestiges of life Metelko had almost pipped the Mapleson.
So far things were looking good, - though Anthony had pointed towards one glitch. Apparently Mat (non-KMC) had been in front of him just before the final check point – but where was he now?? Fortunately he did eventually turn up, having fallen victim to the ‘Williams syndrome’ (as in Mark), he’d missed the check point, going on to traverse the Longandale valley before returning to Old Glossop with an additional 6 miles under his belt – only to be disqualified.
Thirty minutes later the glasses on the table began to shake, cracks propagated across the ground, dogs began barking and children screaming. Such a severe earth tremor could only have one of two causes, either an unexpected shift in tectonic plates or an early sign that Dave Wylie was approaching fast. Behind him the banks of Fairbrook had collapsed, Ashops edge reduced to a boulder field and the paved section of the Pennine way crushed into shingle. Floundering in the Wylie wake of devastation was Craig Marsden. Both gladiators raced up the final hill with barely a quark separating them, on the line however Wylie managed to sneak a one second advantage to come in fourth with Craig taking a very creditable fifth.
Unfortunately, from here on in things started to go awry. The Scottish contingent, embodied in Sheena Hendrie, appeared not only to suffer high-altitude myopia when missing the large flags-stones of the Pennine Way, but also to struggle with basic navigation despite having a map, compass, GPS unit, paid guides and a path of crumbs to follow. Consequently Sheena arrived at the finish having run directly down into Glossop. Not to be out done by the Sassanachs, Sheena chose to run out along Doctors gate and up Yellow Slacks to be registered by the final marshal, she then had to turn round and run back down again – a fine example to us all of gritting the teeth when the going gets tough – or on the other hand of ‘looking before you leap’ or ‘less haste more speed’!
The remaining competitors, though reaching Glossop at various times during the following week, were all disqualified for not having registered with each of the three marshals. Of particular interest were the events that accompanied Margaret Baldock and Sue Brooke. It would appear that Margaret had also fallen foul of that much feared mountaineer’s disease cartologous dyslexious (possibly caught from KMC’s own climbing aces Mary and Chris who, despite having undergone an intensive treatment programme, were, at the time of the fell race, lost on some Jordanian multi-pitch route with nothing but a map of Snowdonia and the Stanage guide to help them). It would appear that Margaret became totally disoriented, so much so that she staggered past Glossop completely unaware of all the houses, the infamous chimney, and the swathes of tarmac. On she went drifting in and out of consciousness before a good Samaritan, noting that Hadfield town centre was not the place for a swaggering wild-eyed mud covered woman, turned Margaret round, pointing her in the direction of Old Glossop.
Meanwhile, back on the fells Sue had aggravated an old ankle injury (or at least that was the excuse she was sticking to) and had been forced to crawl, in true Joe Simpson style, across many miles of crevasse-riven peat bog before dragging herself onto the Snake Pass to risk life and limb hitching back to Glossop.
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It was with some relief that 17 days after pulling the starter pistol’s trigger, I could utter Brian Hanrahan’s famous Falkland’s phrase, "I counted them out and I counted them back." It had been a hard fought race full of trials and tribulations, but ultimately all competitors came up smelling of roses when compared to those limp loafs languishing in their own lethargy who did not support this important annual KMC ritual – Shame! Shame! Shame! Shame! Shame! Shame! Shame! Shame! Shame!
Results
Competitors Race Credentials
(this information is protected under the Data Protection Act
and must not be copied without attaining prior permission from the author).
|
Name |
Sex |
Age |
Weight
(Kg) |
Body Fat
(mm) |
Attire |
Experience |
|
Margaret Baldock |
Female |
23 |
14st12oz |
23 |
Durable |
Files Confidential !!! |
|
Alois Metelko |
Rather Climb |
51 |
6st2oz |
3 |
White hat
Holed Ron Hills |
Dubious European origin.
Lifelong friend of Fidel Castro (Fido to his mates) |
|
Roger Mapelson |
Due
Oct.
|
39 |
8st4oz (body)
3st 2oz(nose) |
74
26 |
Ball & Chain |
Concorde prototype.
One time Motorcyclist now swapped for family estate! |
|
Dave Wylie |
Bed not reinforced |
51 |
0.43tonne |
62 |
Astronaut Suit |
Three years as a Muon (207x mass of electron)at the CERN accelerator |
|
Anthony ? |
Still
Illegal |
20 |
0.0039 oz |
no body |
G string
(fleece lined) |
15 years as precocious school boy |
|
Matt ? |
Poor
Navigation |
23 |
0.0042 oz |
-13.7 |
Thong
(leather)
|
Mark Thatcher’s map reader |
|
Sheena Hendrie |
Scot |
43 |
74 haggis |
3 fried mars bars |
Kilt, Caber and Scabbard |
5 years at HM’s pleasure.
4 seasons as Charles’ gillie at Balmoral. |
|
Sue Brooke |
Ankle ache |
42 |
10st 9oz |
47 |
Luminescent Green body paint |
Bit part in Bond movie – colour blind |
|
Peter Walker |
Say again |
84 |
11st12oz |
1¾" |
Arran Jumper
Cords
Brogues
Stout stick |
Darwin’s Steward on the Beagle.
4 years as Smithy in Boer war.
Wilfred Owen’s taylor. |
|
Neil
Perry |
? |
21 |
12st2oz |
46 |
Camouflage |
Eaton Boys School
Oxford University
Longsight Tech |
|
Lester Payne |
Humbug |
57 |
14st10oz |
71 |
Orange oilskin with matching sox |
16 years as chief couturier for Channel.
|
|
Craig Marsden |
Twice |
39 |
11st12oz |
57 |
Laura Ashely Blouse, Gingham skirt
Sensible shoes. |
Completed the first 100m of several mountain marathons.
Medical guinea pig for promising cramp cures. |
Final positions and times.
|
Name |
Time |
Position |
Handicap |
|
Anthony |
1hr49’30" |
1st (non KMC) |
|
|
Roger Mapelson |
2hr10’28" |
|
3rd |
|
Alois Metelko |
2hr12’15" |
2nd |
2nd |
|
Dave Wylie |
2hr50’24" |
3rd |
|
|
Craig Marsden |
2hr50’26" |
4th |
4th |
|
Sheena Hendrie |
3hr28’47" |
5th |
5th |
|
Matt |
n.a |
Disqualified |
Disqualified |
|
Margaret Baldock |
n.a |
Disqualified |
Disqualified |
|
Sue Brooke |
n.a |
Disqualified |
Disqualified |
|
Peter Walker |
n.a |
Disqualified |
Disqualified |
|
Neil Perry |
n.a |
Disqualified |
Disqualified |
|
Lester Payne |
n.a |
Disqualified |
Disqualified |
An additional award, in three categories, goes to:
|
Sheena Hendry |
Fastest Woman |
Slowest Woman |
Only Woman |
Finally I would like to extend my thanks to all those who entered this grueling event, Martin Greenwood for transporting a packed car of runners from Glossop to the Snake Inn, the hoards of enthusiastic spectators and autograph hunters, and last, but not least, the wonderful Marshals, without whose support and guidance half the runners would have been disqualified!!
Marshals:
Check Point 1. Ken Glen-Livet Beetham
Check Point 2. Frank & Margaret Williams
Check Point 3. Andy Croughton & Heather Brooke (not that many runners
found them!!!!)
May 9th Froggatt Susan Brooke
Present
Members: Tony Gask, John Dobson, Andy Croughton, Virginia Castick, Linda Crossley, Jeremy Engineer, Chris Williamson, Lester Payne, Duncan Lee, Sabina Cosulich, Dave Dillon, Christine Beeston, Pete Leeson, Al Metelko, Dave Bone, Neil Perry, Alan Liverpool Jones, Rick Kruze, Ruth Ashton, Peter Walker, Kevin Anderson, Roger Dyke, Dave Wylie, Richard Bloxham, Roger and Bridget Mapleson, Tony Major, Dave Whittingham, Craig Marsden, Dave Shotton, Rick Davies and Roy Lee.
Guests: Richard Coulton, Jim Proctor, Peter King, Daniel Thomas-Whittington, Heather Brooke, Mike Howlett, Dave Garland, Clare Burn, Vicky Booth, Sue, Thomas and Phoebe Marsden, Ivy Lee and John Warburton.
18 Members of the Ex Nottingham University Explorers Club as guests of Pete Leeson and Dave Shotton including Lucy Griffiths, Steve Bowden, Shaun? Alys Mendes and Lee Latham. Sorry guys, I didn't manage to get all the names.
Apologies to anyone I have missed off the list and a big thank you to everyone that turned up for making the meet a wonderful social event. I am sure that everyone else that turned up on Froggatt that date were impressed (pissed off) by the numbers attending a local club meet.
The queues on routes did not deter the KMC mass attendance from climbing and there were ascents of plenty of classic climbs including Heather Wall, Terrace Crack, Silver Crack, Green Gut and Tody's Wall, which as usual provided plenty of amusement for spectators. There were a lot of people, including myself, willing to offer advice on how to make the foot round your ear move, from memories of years ago, who would not have attempted to repeat it themselves.
Talking about unusual moves, Kevin please explain how you regained balance on what looked like a minute foothold after lying nearly horizontal across a blank wall. Avalanche (E2) provided a wonderful close up view, for the not so brave, of Duncan pulling on a runner whilst leading and the above antics by Kevin whilst seconding. I am pleased to say that Sabina, who went up next on the rope, climbed the route in style.
Other routes climbed were Synopsis, Diamond Crack, Alan slab, Sunset Slab and Crack, Turret Crack, Diamond Crack, Chequers Crack and Buttress, Big Crack and Three Pebble Slab. It was particularly special for me to see three generations of my family Roy, Duncan and Heather climbing together on Sunset Crack. Is this the start of a big come back to climbing by Roy or will he next be sighted at the KMC Garden Party?
Finally I have been told by Andy that I have to announce that he did his first ever lead on North Climb (HVD) a route which apparently bites back (ask Andy and Heather about the matching war wounds). As Andy had bought a shiny new rope for the occasion, this is hopefully the first of many leads!
May 15th-16th Working Party Meet Dave Wylie (Hut Manager)
The Team: Iain McCallum, Jim Gregson, Sandy Gregson, Steve Taylor, Emma Richards(G), Alan Wylie, Lester Payne, Dave Wylie.
The Work:
All the "technical" stuff in the Ladies Washroom was completed. Steve and Dave pulled down the old ceiling and put up a new one. Dave sorted out the lighting (the cubicles now each have their own light), and moved the emergency light to be above the new doorway. All that needs doing now is re-decorating: so, ladies, if you would like to get together and choose a colour scheme, we'll tell you where the paint brushes are.
Jim and Lester panelled the far end wall of the gent's washroom, which finally finishes off the work in there. Another job ticked off the "long term" list.
While putting up the last bit of the new ceiling in the hall (deferred from the last working party because an emergency light was in the way) we found evidence of woodworm. The problem seemed to be limited to a couple of piece of old untreated wood that had been nailed in place above the ceiling for walking on. These were removed and burned, then all the surrounding woodwork was soaked with woodworm fluid to ensure that the problem doesn't spread. We'd better keep an eye on this, though hopefully the rest of the timbers used to construct the ceiling would have been suitably treated before they were put up.
Sandy did a huge amount of cleaning: windows (inside and out), cobweb removal, kitchen fans (these seem to need doing every working meet!), etc., etc., as well as clearing up after the major projects had been completed.
Emma's main job was bracken control - trampling down the new growth in the field and around the hut, hopefully reducing the quantity of unpleasant spores that blow round the area later in the year.
Alan ("assisted" by Emma) filled in pot-holes in the track, another job that always needs attention.
Alan also cleared out several loads of crud from the drainage channels behind the hut. Hopefully this will reduce the amount of damp under the building. We had a look under the dormitory floors to survey for putting in some insulation, and there's a lot of very soggy rubbish down there.
Also at the back of the hut, the lead flashing below the rear dormitory windows was coming loose, so this has now been secured and trimmed to a better fit.
Iain provided the essential tea breaks and lunches, in between providing the vital extra pair of hands for many of the other jobs.
Thanks are due to all who came along to help, so be nice to them and they might come back and do some more work next time.
June 6th Millstone Mark Garrod
Members attending: Christine Beeston, Sheena Hendrie, Neville Macmillan, Rob Allen, Richie Johnson, Julie Johnson, Paul Harding, Julie Harding, Rick Davies, Al Metelko, Sean Kelly, Chris Williamson, Judith Symon, Jim Symon, Michelle Harvie, Mark Garrod.
Potential members: Dave Garland, Clive Turpin.
Guests attending: Jess Harding, Mike Howlett.
I have to say I didn’t know what to expect. The tragic news from Pembroke had broken only 2 days previously, and the weather forecast was rubbish. In fact, a good number of people seemed to take some little comfort from sharing Norah’s loss with each other.
In terms of climbing, the weather behaved nicely till 4pm, when the almost summer-like sunshine was replaced by wet rain, and a fair bit of it. Climbing? Yes, some got done, as did some walking, picnicking, chatting and simple reflection.
Enough said.
June 13th Derbyshire Limestone Dave Dillon
Beeston meet report. (or what I think I saw)
Present. Ken Beetham, Dave Bone, Dave Garland, Chris Williamson, Clive Turpin, Christine Beeston, Rick Kruze, Ruth Ashton, Rick Davies, Elaine Beaulieu, Nigel Zoe and Hannah Rosenbaum, Roger Dyke, Neville McMillan, Shenna Hendrie, Dave Dillon.
I had a vision of a damp green crag partially obscured by that sort of low swirling cloud/mist that makes your butties soggy. A nightmare brought on by consulting the weather forecasts. The crag provided its own interpretation of the vision. The low swirling mist was replaced by flowers and borders, while the damp green might have been replaced by suspicious sunshine, hard to be precise on that part of it.
Anyway. The day turned out quite pleasant. And in no particular order … The river was dry. Most of the visible routes got cleaned up. Seems like many of the routes were graded harder in the meet leader's old guide book. And to mention a couple of assents … Dave B. did Patience. Roger tried out his new rope on West Wall Climb. Rick D. did the Thorn. Ruth did Deaf Dove and smirked. Chris not to be out done had a go too, but later in the day. The meet leader had scarpered before Chris finished. It was confirmed that no one had seen a sling pull on Evensong. The crag echoed with the sound of sneezing belay bunnies as the pollen drifted up the valley. Odd Comments - "Flick the pink rope over the Daisies" and "I'm just cleaning the cam lobes, they're full of petals" and "So, you do quite a bit of cooking then". The word Napalm had a subliminal presence in most sentences. A horticultural revolution was in the making when it was discovered that a certain plant smelt like beer. Sadly, the effect was isolated to Ken and a lively can of beer several hours earlier. Nigel and Zoe passed by with Hannah, in a rather fast 'jogging' pram.
So, quite a grand day out.
June 26th-27th Northumberland Coast Camping Michelle Harvie
The KMC - at sea.
Present: Michelle Harvie, Mark Garrod, Tony Gask, Brian Taylor, Andy Croughton, Chris Williamson, Cathy Devine, Jeremy Engineer, Sabina Cosulich, Neil Perry, Sue Brooke, John Dobson. Guests: Heather Brooke, Danny Thomas - Whittington
We arrived at a well ventilated campsite at Beadnell Bay on Friday night where we obediently pitched our tents 6 metres apart (reg 1001; The 6 metre rule) and accepted Tony's generous offer to partake of his fairies " anybody fancy a fairy?". Andy, Neil Sue, John, Heather and Danny did the only climbing of the weekend;" Fence Direct". This was to get into the campsite as they had arrived after the 11.00pm curfew. Sue John, Heather and Danny obviously thought they were at Glastonbury and pitched their tents far too close together, and had to move them on Saturday morning.
On Saturday the prevailing south easterly meant we couldn't paddle out to the Farne Islands, but stood a good chance of reaching Norway. Instead Mark, Cathy, Jeremy, Sabina, Neil, Chris, Andy and myself battled our way around the coast and canoed to Scotland. Low flying shags, puffins and gannets, and surfing seals watched 8 pieces of plastic bob about in the 7 foot swell. Andy did his Jacques Cousteau impressions by trying to photograph the seabed, while I think Chris decided that he preferred the other "Dream of the White Horses". Jeremy powered around the final headland with the instructors to pick up the minibus while the rest of us abandoned ship at Burnmouth where interestingly a certain Ravey Davey was hosting a rave the following Saturday.
We celebrated Johns birthday on Saturday night although there were concerns that the 21 candles were too near the ground and were contravening reg 1002; "barbecues must be at least 1 foot off the ground". Fortunately the prevailing winds managed to put them out. On Sunday Sue, John, Heather, Danny, Tony and Brian set off in the canoes while the rest of us braved the rain to visit Lindisfarne and tea shop direct. Unfortunately Heather and Danny got sea sick in the swell and ended up body surfing while the rest headed down the coast before canoe surfing and leaping off the end of the harbour into the sea. Thanks to everyone for a swell weekend.
July 10th-11th Langdale Camping & Gimmer Sheena Hendrie
Members present: Dave Wylie, Neil Perry, Sue Brooke, John Dobson, Rick Kruze, Ruth Ashton, Neville McMillan, Sheena Hendrie, Duncan Lee, Sabina Cosulich, Chris Williamson, Lynne Williams, Pete Leeson, Christine Beeston, Dave Dillon, Roger Mapleson, Bridget Mapleson, Michelle Harvie, Mark Garrod, Craig Marsden, Al Metelko, Sandy Gregson, Jim Gregson, Lester Payne, Joe Flynn, John Dwyer, Gavin Anderson, Virginia Castick, John Castick, Bob Astles (30)
Guests present: Elaine Beaulieu, Joanne Castick, Sue Marsden, Mike Hall, Thomas Marsden, Pheobe Marsden (6)
On Thursday night in the pub at the end of a long hot summer evening Langdale seemed a good idea. Friday night in the ODG, prospects still looked good despite the clouds looking threatening. So, being woken up on Saturday by rain on the tent and Dave Bone already packing to head south was not exactly what this meet leader had in mind. We were right on the edge of a weather front, with everything south of us apparently basking in sunshine, but in Langdale hardly able to see even the nearest hills through the drizzle.
After much debate no one else followed Dave B and Dave Garland south, with six (Chris, Lynne, Ruth, Rick, Duncan and Sabina) departing to Trowbarrow with promises to return and the rest dithering in the camp site. Dave Dillon and Christine Beeston arrived to assist the dithering, with the pattern repeated with the arrival of the Maplesons. So, eventually, we departed to the pub for morning coffee and scones.
Sitting at the pub, the sun made a well timed appearance, as did Mark and Michelle. Shortly thereafter there was a mass evacuation, with Roger and Bridget heading off for Bowfell Buttress, Sue and John going for a walk from Elterwater and the rest making mass ascents of routes on Raven Crag - The Original Route, Centipede, Holly Tree Traverse and Evening Wall all got ticked. Comparing notes later in the pub, those returning from Trowbarrow reported baking heat, escapes into the shade of Red Wall and funny noises emerging from the undergrowth - attributed to the adverse effects of soapy rock on sweating leaders (?)
Sunday morning was genuinely hot - even at 7.00am. The youngest guest (Pheobe Marsden) put in an honorary appearance before people headed off. Team Trowbarrow changed their allegiance to Pavey Ark where Lynne and Chris are reported as having a measured but traumatic ascent of Arcturus. Rick and Ruth also ticked Arcturus before going for Poker Face, while Duncan and Sabina completed The Bracken-clock.
Back at camp Neville and Sheena had made an early start for Gimmer. Having got to The Crack first and made a pre-emptive strike ahead of three teams from Aberdeen (who caused the subsequent day-long queue - NOT US) they returned to the SE face in time to witness the KMC successfully blocking Bracket and Slab against all-comers. Joe, Lester Mike and Gavin had made an appearance from Rawhead (and Ohio), and were accompanying Mark, Michelle John, and Sue in a shouting contest on this classic route. Only Jim, being of independent mind, appeared not to be joining in the fun but was disdainfully supervising operations from underneath a large multi-coloured umbrella. However he reported that the Casticks merited a tick having been spotted heading for White Ghyll while Bob Astles was also somewhere in the vicinity. Thanks to Jim for filling in the gaps in the attendance list.
Apart from Bracket and Slab, other routes ticked included NW Arete, F Route, Main Wall Climb, D Route and Asterisk. Michelle and Ruth completed the day in Stickle Tarn while the escapees Bone and Garland apparently experienced the Yorkshire delights of Twistleton and Attermire. (Not sure if this merits a tick - being in the wrong county.)
Meanwhile back at Gimmer, the meet leader was last seen (and heard) on Bracket and Slab.
So, an excellent turnout and a good weekend I hope was had by all despite its unpromising start.
August 1999 Newsletter Index.
Copyright © 1999 Karabiner Mountaineering Club
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