Karabiner Mountaineering Club

October 2000 Meet Reports

December 5^th Kettleshulme - Len Stubbs and Walk Leader

Members Present: Len Stubbs, Iain McCallum, Sabina Cosulich, Duncan Lee, John Dobson, Dave Wylie, Sue Brooke, Chris Williamson, Mark Garrod, Michelle Harvie, Margaret Baldock, Lester Payne, Pete Walker, Dave Dillon, Lorna Marsland, Eric Hallam, Brian Taylor, Roger Dyke, Andy Croughton, Chris Thickett, Linda Crossley, Bob Anderson, Alan Jones, Phil Ramsbottom

Guests: Cathy Gordon, Mark Gledhill, Mike Graves, Christine Jones

Apologies: Ken Beetham

Twas a cool day with a touch of snow on the ground as we climbed from Lens up to Bowstones , the views back down to Whaley Bridge were wonderful with a touch of cloud hanging in the valley (of course this may have been steam rising from Duncan and Sab who set off half an hour behind the main group, with an extra mile and a half to cover and still managed to catch up). Were they fast or were the rest of us slow?

This year in an attempt to add a little variety to the route, we set off towards White Nancy which we reached by simply following the Gritstone Trail from Bowstones (Bowden would have been pleased). Just before we started the last climb to the top Duncan and Sab came into view, he was striding out purposefully whilst Sabs legs were blurred as she was forced to run to keep up - fell race organisers please note!!!!

From White Nancy we dropped down to the Rising Sun at Rainow where Mark was delegated to 'Remove Muddy Boots Before Entering' the landlord obviously didn't know us as he had no objection to us using his picnic tables to eat lunch on.

After lunch we followed a track up to Lamaload dam before climbing over to Jenkins Chapel from where we followed the valley back to Lens.

The previous night it had been the old peoples Pantomime in Kettleshulme and Len had mentioned that some of his friends were walking to White Nancy tomorrow. The general view was that we wouldn't get back in a day. Len explained that it was an experienced party and that some of them had climbed all over the world. To which the reply was 'Ah yes but have they climbed White Nancy before ?'

Lens Bungalow soon got nicely warmed up as the tea and soup flowed and the chat began in earnest.

Thanks are once again due to Ethyl and Eric for organising the catering and of course to Len for squeezing us all in.

February 6^th Rivington Walk - Phil Ramsbottom

Members Present: Alan Jones, John Dobson, Andy Croughton, Dave Wylie, Chris Thicket, Margaret Williams, Frank Williams, Virginia Castick, Lester Payne, lain McCallum, Keith Williams, Roger Dyke, Phil Ramsbottom

Guests: Christine Jones, John Evans, Vanessa Addison, ? Dobson, Paul ?

I was quite pleased with the turnout of 14 as we set off at the appointed hour. Suddenly two more cars screeched to a halt to spill out another 4 victims in desperate search of a bit of real Lancashire mud. Iain insists that we are a club of pals so I felt obliged to wait instead of sprinting off.

Within twenty minutes I had managed to reduce the party of 18 to 6 and that is counting the two dogs, so my planned lecture on Lord Levers gardens will have to wait for another day (you'll be sorry - I may know a bit more by then).

The whole party managed to regroup on top of Rivington Pike and then instantly split up again as the die-hard bogtrotters spotted some marsh grass, the rest of us opted for a circuitous (and dry) route to the top of Winter Hill. The time was just 11, even thought Derek was not with us we settled down to a quick snack.

From here we descended to Belmont with the only mishap being a very stylish slalom from Margaret. The pace picked up as we sped along the track above the drained Belmont Reservoir probably because the selected lunch spot was some distance away.

It is my solemn duty to report a most serious event which occurred as lunch was being taken: There was a definite attempt to curry favour with the members by a prospective member who blatantly passed round a home made cake - rumour has it that she had been told that this was a condition of membership. These things must be encouraged.

The way back passed over Great Hill, just after the top Keith Williams took over and gave an impromptu and informative Geology lecture, thanks Keith.

The cricket pavilion at White Coppice provided the afternoon tea before we enjoyed the easy paths back along the various reservoirs.

March 26^th Pre Hot Pot Walk - Grindleford to Stanage - Derek Seddon

Members Present: Ken Beetham, Iain McCallum, Alan Peck, Shelagh Manning, Jim Taylor, Roger Dyke, Derek Seddon.

Guest: Ray Booty.

Having been named and shamed, my report has been excavated from the closet. As expected, the majority of the massive turnout on this crisp spring day was supporting the President at Stanage. We helped to swell his numbers when we dropped in for lunch there after plodding past ancient Padley Hall, through the woods and round by Burbage etc, as laid out in the Feb Newsletter. All kept together in a convivial group and nobody got lost, not even the leader, so I suppose you could call it a non-story if you're looking for excitement, but thanks, team, I enjoyed your company.

May 27^th - 29^th BH Diabaig Climbing/Camping/All Sorts - Kevin Anderson!

Members: Dave Bone, Andy Croughton, John Evans, Dave Garland, Sheena Hendrie, David Lydgate.

Guests: Steve Cardwell, Jackie Storbeck, Shane Storbeck.

Having ignored the protestations of Messrs. Fish and Kettley regarding rain & more rain, Myself, Steve and the Scumbag drove North on Thursday night. A long way. Arriving at Torridon at 3:00 am we were treated to a tranquil campsite and a warm welcome from the first wave of midges. Hilarious scenes of desperate, hurried tent pitching ensued, the trauma of which may have affected my ability to accurately remember names and events...

Friday's breeze blew the clouds away with the midges and a marvellous walk over Beinn Alligin and the Horns was done, just reward for the (over)enthusiasm of the KMC Associates' advance party. Rumours as to the whereabouts of the meet leader abounded during the following hours as the remaining KMC folk arrived on Friday evening (or was it midnight?). The most feasible explanation of the location of the "Macpac Tent" was that following an engineering experiment in a reputable institution of higher education in Manchester, our sadly missing leader misread 'N' for 'W' on the new prototype compass and appeared near a lighthouse in Wales...

Saturday featured a slightly reduced midge count, thick clag at 2000 feet and two parties:

1: Andy, Sheena, Dave L and John (Shane & Jackie having earlier rumbled us as the angle of the bogtrot approach reached 45 degrees) traversed Liathach & Fasarinen pinnacles; visibility impaired by 'heat haze' but nevertheless a fine leg-stretch.

2: Dave Bone & Scumbag, watched by artistic impression judge Steve experimented on the cliffs at Diabaig. After "taking their time" and being rained off a HVS, a "fine yet somehow leisurely ascent" took place on Diabaig Pillar E2. Respect to the Daves for getting some climbing done in spite of the forecasts etc. Exploits were discussed and the second wave of midges avoided at the Beinn Damph Hotel in the evening.

Sunday's morning's weather was not promising, but at least the second wave of midges held off. Dave Bone and Scumbag went in search of more climbing, but took plan B (Beinn Damph, rain, clag) instead. Dave L, John, Steve and Andy set off up Beinn Eighe; after a time Andy turned back, citing concerns about the worryingly low amount of photographic equipment of the expedition. The Tops of Beinn Eighe took a very long time to walk across (amazing atmosphere in Coire Mhic Fhearchair), the weather threw all sorts at us. Apart, however from one of Dave's walking poles and the bizarre "where are the car keys?" discussions, the windblown trio emerged successful. Meanwhile Sheena had departed in order to collect a sip of champgne on a "last munro" with someone thirsty she knew... The remainder again retreated to the Hotel for watering/sustenance/discussing slopes (and snow!). Monday saw the priming of the mighty, inexorable Dave Bone Corbett Machine once again, leaving folk of variable keenness; Dave L put into action his plot to reach two munros "by car more or less", John, Steve and Scumbag having eaten all available food drove to Safeway in Inverness. Thanks to those who made the trip for a top meet, hoping for more folk at future remote meets. O Yes.

John Evans.

And from the official meet leader we have:

Attending - Many fine folk of all ages, gender, and cerebral function.

After recruiting a gaggle of enthusiastic supporters for the proposed trek up North, I was reluctantly obliged to make recourse to the meteorological rider (get-out clause) that had clearly accompanied the initial 'meet' outline. Unfortunately the fine weather that blessed the West coast of Scotland for much of the spring, and indeed the summer, gave way to a spell of inclement conditions over the relevant bank holiday. Recognising the potential problems of a meet being conducted simultaneously in two geographically separate locations, I dispatched my trusty emissary (Brummy Jon) to the frozen wastes of Torridon, whilst I braved the UV ray attack of the alternative venue at Gogarth and surrounds.

Anyway to cut a long story short, the twin location bank holiday was enjoyed by a significant proportion of KMC folk. Much walking, frolicking and a little hardy climbing was to be had in Scotland, whilst N. Wales provided the good walking and climbing we have come to expect.

When it comes to issuing gold stars, I think it only fair that the Scottish team receive additional recognition for their sterling mountain spirit, and hence I award them the maximum allocation of three stars each. Meanwhile, to the Welsh team I award a single star apiece, (it would have been two had they not opted for Ty Powders luxurious accommodation). And finally, the meet leader gets no stars as he not only opted for the Welsh option, but he also enjoyed the Hut's hospitality, and more to the point, his Northern weather arrangements were far from satisfactory - hopefully he'll do better next year!

Thanks to all who attended.

Kevin Anderson

July 15^th - 16^th Dovestone Tor (incl Bivvy) - Dave Bone

Present: Tony Major, John Evans, Dave Bone.

Not too much enthusiasm for this one - perhaps it was the cool and cloudy weather, though it did stay dry. At least the meet leader turned up for his meet! Hoping to enjoy some evening sunshine, Tony and I ferried in our bivvy gear to the crag (an easy 50min walk) to find the only other KMCer, John, there bouldering (plenty of it). There are quite a few more routes than the guidebook shows - routes done included Typhoon (HVS), Back Blast (HVS not),and the classic Great Buttress (E1) - overhanging all the way and with an absolutely typical gritstone finish! Just Tony and I were left to perform the ritual bivvy, without the sunshine. But not totally alone for at 10pm a group of 8 from Sheffield arrived with the same idea (so it couldn't be that crazy then?). Sunday dawned cloudy and utterly cold - where was the predicted sunshine? Best option for getting warm was walking out immediately and the sun duly appeared at the car. Regathered at the alternate venue of Stanage, but quickly missed out the North end not having much left nice to do there, and eventually ended up at the Plantation. Had a short day after giving blood generously to the wee beasties! I'm told that people did arrive at Stanage North end later (well we were up at 7) - "Dave, your plan worked. Chris W, Robert Clarke, Sabina, Ken Beetham, Steve Bowker, Thelma and I all went to Stanage End after checking our answer phones. To fill in blanks for your meet report the following routes were ascended by various people. Old Salt, February Crack, The Wobbler, Green Streak, Incursion and various others. Duncan".

July 22^nd - 23^rdTy Powdyr & Snowdonia Walk - Iain McCallum

Members present: Ken Beetham*, Margaret Baldock*, John Castick*, Virginia Castick, Joanne Castick, Sabina Cosulich, Andy Croughton*, Dave Dillon*, John Evans*, Joe Flynn*, Dave Garland, Mark Garrod, Michelle Harvie, Sheena Hendrie, Duncan Lee, Iain McCallum*, Cohn Maddison, Lester Payne*, Derek Seddon*, Dave Summerfield*, Brian Taylor*, Dave whittingham. (22)

Guests: Fay Castick, Nigel Figgins, Paul Hough, Pam McCallum, Jackie and Shane Storbeck, Roisin Maddison. (7)

* Walkers on the Beddgelert - Cnicht round.

Saturday dawned bright and sunny. Dave transported seven walkers in his people carrier from Ty Powdwr to Beddgelert for the start of the walk. On the car park we were joined by Derek, Joe, Lester and Dave Summerfield. A little later than planned, we set off through the village and afler crossing the Afon Glaslyn by the bridge we followed the track along the river towards Llyn Dinas. On our way we met a Sean Kelly walking his dog. He was in good spirits having retired from teaching on the Friday. On reaching Llyn Dinas we halted for a break before heading up through the woodland and the rhododendrons towards Nantmor and Llwhyrhwch. From here we followed the track up the shoulder of Clogwyn Gottal towards the main ridge and Lyn yr Adar. On our way we stopped for lunch in a ruined building above Llyn Llagi. The Moel Hebog and the south side of Snowdon seemed very close from this vantage point. After the steep climb up to the ridge a paddle in Llyn yr Adar proved irresistible for Margaret and others in the party including Dave Summerfields's dog. On the ridge we met Ken returning from Cnicht, practising golf swings with his stick!. The views from the summit were spectacular, all the tops were clear and one could just about make out the sandhills of Morfa Harlech. From the top we descended the ridge towards Croesor before swinging west to Nantmor. The shade provided by the trees along the road over Bwlch-llechog helped to keep us cool as we made our way to the Aberglaslyn pass. Here the party split up, some choosing to cool down in the river before returning to Beddgelert while others hurried on back to the village for a welcome pint or two in the pub.

On Saturday evening 22 members and guests sat down to supper - melon, hotpot, apple strudel and custard followed by cheese and biscuits. Many thanks to Pam who cooked the food and to all those who assisted us with the meal.

Climbing - Over the weekend members and guests climbed a wide variety of routes on the local crags. These included climbs on Clogwyn Du'r Arddu, Cyrn Las, Dinas y Cromlech, Clogwyn y Grochan and in the slate quarries.

Walking - On Sunday Derek and Lester traversed the Moel Eilio ridge.

A most enjoyable weekend. Many thanks for your support.

July 30^th Millstone Grit - Dave Dillon

Attendees, vaguely in order of appearance - Christine Beeston, Manda Molloy, Dave Bone, Duncan Lee, Sabina Coselech, Mark & Cathy & Emma Gledhill, Roger Dyke, Helen & Steve & Daniel & Lowri Swygart, Neville & Sheena McHendrie, Shane & Jacky Storbeck, Roger & Bridget and Carys Mappleson, Andrew Croughton, Colin & Rosin Madison, Lee Wood, Chris & Rob Allen, Jim & Judith Symon.

Of which, prototypes - Emma, Daniel, Lowri, Carys & Rosin.

From the solar point of view, quit remarkable. Empirical tests indicate that the sun hits the Embankment slabs at around Eleven o'clock, at his time of year. Bagged a nice shady lounging zone. It was a nice climbing meet, so there was some climbing. In general the routes followed suggestions from various guide books. I have begun to notice that my own guide books are becoming more like '100 best Sandbags for your mates to lead'. Some are even the right colour, e.g. "The Yellow Bumper Book of Froggatt Sandbags" circa 1834, where most of the Vdiffs are at least E1. Whether this explains any of the following, I'll leave to your imagination.

Confessions - Duncan said he took a leaf out of Christopher's book of pauses and paused for some time on Time for Tea, teetering he said while savouring the blank looking bits. Lee said he failed on an E3, but I reckon he was just trying to make the meet leader take pity on him.

Manda said she had given up looking for challenging routes but still followed Dave Bone up the back wall of Embankment 1. (foot note: has since worn out finger tips bouldering)

Roger D and Neville both gleefully confessed to laughing out loud at Sheena, a.k.a. the Thug, while she was on a slabby E1. No jugs, she said later.

Christine and Cathy said they hadn't done anything difficult. Secret training me thinks.

Sabina was observed reaching holds that were physically out of her reach. Some dark magic there. She would confess to nothing but I suspect her glasses bring things closer.

Colin, in between romping up routes, was seen building a dry stone house. Possibly training for siege camps on Italian peaks.

Roger and Bridget actually climbed together. A milestone in the upbringing of Carys.

And on the Emma side, Mark got back in the swing of things on Great Slab. Throwing his cares and worries to the four winds. Luckily there was someone nearby to hand them back.

Snot hurling champion Jacky, heavy cold from Durban, was pipped at the post by a double barreled load from the up and coming Carys (also well known plum hurling champion).

Andrew wins the photo guru contest with four cameras on site. Neville will have to watch out for the 'up the trouser leg' shot Andrew got while bridging high on Great Portland Street.

Wayward team Chris and Rob confessed to being at Ramshaw rocks for some time before eventually turning up at Millstone.

Slightly more wayward team Jim & Judith turned back with car problems but still got out locally.

Green traveler awards go to Shane, Jacky, Colin & Rosin for using the railway for transport.

The meet leader failed to be of suitable crèche minder material, making Carys cry. Duncan, however, excelled maintaining a sustained tearless baby grip. Rumoured to have whispered into the babe's ear - "One squeak and I'll drop kick you".

So there you have it. Lots of climbing and stuff. A spiffing day out. Ta.

August 5^th - 6^th Bryn Hafod (Cwm Cowarch) - Mark Garrod

The original meet leader was Tony Gask, but unfortunately Tony ducked out; some story of having to go bird-watching or whatever. However, we would never snipe at such misfortune, as Tony was with us in spirit if not in body.

Friday saw 6 of us installed at the hut, which for those who missed out, is wonderfully situated in the heart of the Arans. All 6, including Kirsteen, the new gull, swiftly set out on Saturday for a tern around the hills, initially puffin up steep slopes, crowing about the glorious weather. A stint of ridge-walking bought us into the Arans proper, where we had some eggcellent views. We then descended to the Llyn under Aran Fawddwy, where the dipper found shore-bound babblers (not even waders) and 2 blue tits.

On our return, we found Sabina and Duncan grousing about their awkward climb, an E2 called Keelhaul. Anne and Bill (harrier) Harrison also climbed, doing the classic Will-O-The-Wisp.

Plenty of warbling and larking was had that evening, with gannets and shovelers seen in the kitchen, but Sunday found us sick as parrots with low cloud and drizzle. Frank and Margaret headed off for the alternative technology centre, while Kirsteen, Andrew, M&M discovered a wonderful short valley walk nearby, followed by the diver being seen in Lake Bala. Sabina and Duncan headed east to sun-kissed crags.

August 12^th - 13^thTy Powdyr - KMC Family Meet - KMC

Members: Roger & Bridget Mapleson, Cathy Gordon, Mark Gledhill

Guests: Carys Mapleson, Emma Gledhill, Steve, Helen, Daniel and Lowri Swygart

There was no meet leader as such for this meet but here's a brief report of the weekends actvities. Cath, Mark and Emma arrived Friday night and reported spending an idyllic evening eating tea outside the hut basking in the rays of the setting sun. The rest of us arrived on Saturday morning by which time there was no sign of the sun and the sky looked threatening. Cathy, Mark and Emma headed off for a walk up Y Garn whilst the remaining hut residents headed into the quarries to do some slate routes. With the creche fully established at the bottom of "Seamstress" Steve led up the aforementioned route on dry rock. Bridget had barely ascended 5 foot when the heavens opened. The ascent was completed rapidly followed by a hasty retreat to the hut. Sunday was still wet so we all went home.

Roger

August 12^th - 19^th Lundy. (8 days) - Dave Bone

All places were sold out - even oversubscribed! Next time, do commit at least two months before since places go fast... 8 people were packed into three cars and the adventure began! Rolling down the M56 in Al's car, a vibration was felt - "oh a balance wieght must have dropped off", or "is the bearing going". A brave decision to continue at a reduced pace... "Isn't it getting worse?" Somewhere on the M5, now down to <50mph, "bang" - blowout! OK, let's change the tire then - not so easy! The concerted efforts of three men couldn't release the spare wheel with the supplied (useless) tool. A tip when buying a new car - if it has a spare wheel under the car, don't! Or else check you can get the wheel out every few months - Rust! Just as well I'm with the AA. More all out effort and the application of a crowbar and a rusty spare wheel was released and changed. On the roll again at 1-30pm and the plan of a nice comfy doss at my parents in tatters, a doss on the pavements of a picnic site on the A361 was in order. A warm night in the open except for Lee, the only man to have frostbite in August!

No further incidents were reported and all were ferried to Lundy (not even an unstable stomach) to be told by the outgoing teams of glorious conditions, 6 from 7 days climbing and weren't we lucky to have the tides. After relaxing in the sun on the grass, the tents arrived and packs sorted for climbing - too late, in comes the rain which contines till late Monday afternoon! Lee and I nip out for a couple of accessible dampish routes. The others go swimming (which became a regular event) - I'm told to recommend one comes prepared for this as it's really good and not cold at all (so why keep your head above water then CB/MB?). Ah hah, a forecast of a dry morning before rain later so an early start for the cliffs. Weather forecasting through the week suffered a tad from inaccuracy as the rain arrived at Immaculate slab (immaculately clean because of the water running down the crux!) I was forced to aid it after the n'th attempt to friction on water kept me dangling on the creaking flake. Lee and I had a wonderful wet walk back, whilst the others kept dry with prussik practice and mantelshelf practice on the light support inside the Old Light. Desperate for entertainment we retired to the pub to try most of the games on the shelves, with CB having a statistically suspicious knowledge of the Questions for SexManiacs! Great company for the evenings - Jim & Al looking a little worse for wear on the Symons aniversary - of couse the next morning was OK for some climbing even though anything that could seep, was. A fact not welcome on the smooth rock of Rampart E2. Lee's verdict on Lundy 5c - hard! Things did improve, and the latter part of the week was a case of rain in the morning, good conditions mid afternoon onwards so last routes began to fall, though no one did.

Try Spacewalk (E2) for adventure - or perhaps not. It's well named looking down from the top pitch on the sea which cut off retreat long ago.The first pitch gets no stars -precarious 5b on damp, green rock. But don't go off route and head for the obvious tat - the sling and bootlace to a peg seems to all that's holding an enormous boulder and all the loose stuff behind it in place! Back on course and the proper stance is shared with a resident Fulmar, thankfully in its own hole. But you have to bridge up over that hole, and a Fulmar has a disturbing range! Second pitch is 5a (like hell!) - don't follow the route description and proceed up the terminally loose, crumbling grove with no good gear, but swing onto the overhanging spikes on the arête which look like they are going to peel off! The 3^rd pitch is honest, exposed and an exquisite rock over. Adrenaline overload.

Naturally, on the day of departure, glorious sunshine. Three of us elect to spend the remainder of the weekend toasting on the grills of the Baggy point slabs - scorchio! Excellent routes. Despite the weather, all had a good time and of course there's plenty to go back for. There should be another next year, so get thinking about it now and make sure you don't miss out. Indoor accommodation is possible if there is enough committment (though this can need up to a years notice).

The magnificent eight: Al Metelko, Lee Wood, Dave Dillon, Jim & Judith Symon, Margaret Baldock, Christine Beeston and Dave Bone. Routes 'enjoyed' during the week: Devils Slide (HS), Shark (HVS and very, very hairy), Albion (VS), Satans Slip (VS-E1 depending on opinion), Stuka (HS), Formula one (HVS and honest), Rampart (E2 and evil), Spacewalk (E2 and exciting), Immaculate misconception (Failed - E2 is a misconception - it's now E3 6a), Immaculate slab (HVS), Serpent (E1), Meninirons (bold E1) and others.

August 26^th - 28^th ULSTER ROCK (August Bank Holiday) - Kevin Anderson

Sun kissed rock, stunning lines, tranquil coast line, basking seals, cavorting porpoises, a music/Guinness festival in a local village and not a KMC member in sight! Say no more.

September 3^rd Willersley - Chris Williamson

Members: Sabina (First Lady) Cosulich, Rick (Al's rope boy) Davies, John (Good on yer) Evans, Dave (Scumbag) Garland, Mark (Done the hard bit) Gledhill, Cathy (Destivelle) Gordon, (Sleepy) Emma, Duncan (El Presidente) Lee, Al (Red Baron) Metelko, Chris (!) Williamson.

Guests: Steve (?) Bowker, Tam (Can we climb something harder) Sayers.

For other than The Few, 'Lightweight' unenthusiasm was the order of the day. Noticeable absentees included Kevin & Joan. Word was, they were spending the day at Chatsworth country fair. A rumour that must surely be unfounded - though Kevin has been taking an increasingly unhealthy interest in sheep since Joan moved south. It's unclear how many people ended up at Black Rocks by mistake?

Those making the effort found the experience well worthwhile. Cathy & Mark were singularly undeterred and Cathy, particularly, well rewarded for the effort - dispatching a couple of the crag's classic VSs with consummate ease.

Never being one to dwell on how long might be spent executing a pitch, it's best to pass quickly over John Evans first afternoon in limestone; all of it spent on one route. But, good effort man. When it's hard, it takes time and pushing your limit is what counts. Dave Garland somehow kept awake through the experience, having been forbidden from leading lest his language was the cause of our eviction.

Duncan's 'Team Victim' award went to first-time guest Tam. No problem there - in fact here's a boy to keep an eye on.

Duncan actually appeared to enjoy the delights of Pleasure Dome, E2 5c, to the extent of prolonging the experience as much as possible. Hmmm.

Having escaped the duty of 'Team Victim', Sabina slowly realised she'd walked into an alternative form of torture. First leading Lone Tree Groove, HVS 5a, with a raging hangover - and wondering where and when breakfast was going to come back to haunt her. Sabina then got to be Steve Bowker's very own 'victim'. Zombie, E2 5c,... Quote 'There aren't enough Girlies in the Mynydd', so if ever the Ladies Luncheon Club comes out of hiding en-mass we can expect to see more of Steve?

As for Al and Rick - Al set the scene with Boomerang, HVS 5b, and they just kept on coming back for more. Thankfully, Al didn't use this as another opportunity to add to his long-haul air-miles collection.

And to finish... Nearly everyone had a go on the classic three star of the crag - Lime Street Direct E1 5c. An orderly queue formed for the ab off.

Thanks again to all those who turned out in support. I certainly had an entertaining day out.

September 9^th - 10^th Buttermere Camping Weekend - Graham Harkness

Members : Graham Harkness, Sue Harkness, Margaret Williams, Frank Williams, Virginia Castick, Joanne Castick, Sandy Gregson, Jim Gregson, Joe Flynn , John Dobson

Prospective member : Tim Clancy

Guests : Dave Hall, Ros Clancy, Jane Hayes.

An excellent weekend thanks to all that turned out, it was a great pleasure to see old friends and new faces.

During the week and even well into Friday afternoon the weather did it's best to confuse so when we arrived at the site on Friday night and found Frank and Margaret perched on top of a little hill Sue and I were very pleased that we had some company. Aspiring member Tim had called during the week but there was no sign, not that I had the faintest idea what he looked like in any case.

Rushed to get the tent up in the dry, wind now rising as promised, rain threatening. Camp was just about habitable when an aged hooligan on a large red Suzuki roared into the car park, this I recognised as my friend David, at least a quorum I thought.

Sleep followed swiftly assisted by a few pints of Black Sheep, which in case of misinterpretation by the seedy minded, is a fine bitter beer.

SATURDAY - An agitated Cumbrian voice woke us about 8 o'clock on the Saturday morning. Frank had engaged the farmer, who was collecting the campsite fees, in a discussion on the common agricultural policy. I paid the man and was just settling back for 5 more minutes when a voice enquired if Graham Harkness was in that tent and what time we were setting off. This was Tim who with amazing observational skills recognised my Blacks Mountain tent from among all of the other 4 tents on the site.

With such a crowd it was now necessary to get up and do something, fortunately the rain had stopped and the day was looking more settled. I just about had time to get back from the loo when who should appear but Virginia and Joanne who in short order had up 2 more tiny tents. Now it was a rush to get breakfast and get ready, and start arguing about what to do.

Just when we could not agree the Gregsons showed up. We collectively settled for a well worn but worthy rout up Scale force and south east along the ridge. Most of us had not done it for a long, long time and surprisingly there were a number who did not remembered having ever walked that way. By now the sky was clearing nicely and we did get away about 10:30, after I had packed and Jim had gone off to find somewhere to park for free. The party was completed by Tim who for his comfort and company had been joined by girlfriend Jane and sister Ros.

The weather was beautiful, the walk along the valley bottom and up Scale Beck was idyllic.

Once we started to climb away from the beck above Ling Comb and towards Red Pike the party started to string out, as it does. The views along the ridge were among the best I have ever seen. It was not quite totally clear but every peak in line of site was visible and the colours and mist blended perfectly.

At Scarth Gap Frank, Margaret, Tim, Jane and Joanne headed down. Jim and Sandy had hit warp speed and disappeared into the distance. Graham, Sue, Virginia, Dave and Ros continued most pleasantly over Hay Stacks and cut over to come down Wanscale bottom. By then it was a warm clear and very cosy autumn evening. As pleasant a Lakeland day as one could wish.

Later in the pub who should turn up but Joe and John who had been climbing. They had queued for Troutdale Pinnacle and then finished up on Little Cham. for good measure.

SUNDAY - Just to be awkward the weather did what it was forecast to do, it rained hard all night and into the morning. The rain stopped for breakfast, which was nice, but we decided to abandon climbing on Grey Crag and go with Midge who wanted to tick off a couple of Wainwrights. The route was up Whiteless Breast, to Whiteless Pike and then onto a little rise called Wandope. It rained and steamed and mists swirled and all told it was very good. The ridges around there are interesting narrow and very steep sided. On the way back Midge, Dave and Graham took in a little ridge called Low Bank and got some superb views up and down Buttermere.

On the way down we met Joe and John who were on the way up and going further.

Guest Tim, friends and siblings had a lie in and went their own way, the tents were still there when we left but they were not, so I hope we see them again.

As a bonus we did get most tents down in the dry and were able to enjoy a last lingering cup of tea before heading home. A most enjoyable weekend.

October Newsletter Index.

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