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April 2001 Meet Reports
December 16th - 17th - Ty Powdyr, Christmas Bash - John Evans
Members/Guests: Apologies here for not
having a list of who was there, the roll call may well have been
donated to Bolton Mountain Rescue Team along with the profits... I
seem to remember that around 40 folk sat down to eat.
In December 1999 I remember cheerfully
volunteering to cook the food for next year's bash... in November it
occurred to me that a fair-sized undertaking was before me when the
names on the list began to accumulate...So it was that on the morning
of Friday 15th that a Volkswagen was stuffed chock full of various
vegetables, fruit, flour and pulses... "cheers mate, my kids can
have presents now" said the happiest greengrocer in Warrington.
After careful study of recipes, and prayers before my list of
volunteers in the Team Skinny monastery ("I'm working, mate,
can't get out of it" said Brother Scumbag, with a mildly
relieved air), I set forth with parsnips rolling around the
dashboard.
Saturday...Up at nine, with a
determined-looking Mr Beetham waiting, I ventured out under leaden
skies (the President having commandeered my cagoule and departed with
the Treasurer to Clogwyn y Ddsgyl) to unload the ingredients...the
task of getting the carrots and leeks past Scylla and Charibdis (the
most assertive of the in-situ cattle) was onerous, and although
officially I did no climbing on this meet, the leg-press move to
carry the carrots past the large ruminants onto the steps felt like
solid 4c.
Much chopping, kneading (respect to Rosin
and Sabina) boiling, simmering and frying was done, the presence of
the mighty Ken, flashing knife in hand was an inspiration...as the
day progressed various of the KMC and one or two prospectives arrived
to assist (goodbye mince pies). At one point a dozen or more were
engaged in the preparations, a top effort and most appreciated -
particular praise for Kevin with the parsnips and the magnificent
Presidential Custard (a gallon and a half, with spoon at 90
degrees!). Also entertaining were Professor Shotton's 34th Absinthe
Jelly Experiment and Wavy Davy's Lone Ranger disguise. At eight the
food was ready and the host descended.
My experience of the rest of the meet
(apart from losing in the
pick-up-the-disappearing-carton-with-your-teeth semi-finals) was
sadly limited and I missed the quiz and other capers, but many folk
walked and some climbed on either or both days. I couldn't face
cooking on Sunday so descended to Pete's with Tim. Too many
vegetables were purchased, so folk were able to return home with
sprouts or mushrooms. Thanks to all present for a most enjoyable bash
- even the bottles of colourful liquid (6th prize from the annual
dinner) were opened...
January 13th-14th - Ty Powdyr - 2001 Space Oddity - C. Thickett
Meet Report: Space Oddity 2001 or How to
Avoid Lockwood's Chimney for the Next 100 Years
Star Date: 13/14 January 2001
Space (between his ears) Leader: Chris
Thickett
Mission Control: Ty Powdyr
Members: Iain McCallum; Keith Williams;
Chris Thickett*; Bob Anderson*; Phil Ramsbottom; John and Virginia
Castick; Dave Wylie*; Sheena Hendrie*; John Evans*; Dave Garland*;
Kevin Anderson*; Al Metelko*; Mark Wiltshire*; Dave Whittingham*;
Vanessa Addison*; Andrew Croughton; Christine Beeston.
Guests: Bob Champion; Jane Hayes; Tim
Clancey; Mike and Zoe; Pete Bannister*; Kate Sparks; Kirsteen Young.
Twenty six members and guests turned up
for part or all of the weekend. And what was in store? Well! Anything
you could want: Snow and ice climbs in condition; Warm rock in the
sun; or Walking in perfect conditions on Snowdon. We had it all! And
stars were awarded to the twelve people (see above) who attempted a
climb of some sort during the meet.
Bob and I had a rece on Friday afternoon,
climbing the PYG path on Snowdon to find ice and hard snow in
condition although not in any great depth in upper Cwm Dyli.
So on Saturday, those armed with suitable
sharp weapons shot off to Black Ladders in search of the hard white
stuff. Now, Dave Whittingham decided to climb the Eastern Gully only
to find the others crowding his scene by following him up. We don't
know what made Vanessa scream but we do know that the successive
groups all disturbed the climb's resident vole - you could get as
angry as a dormouse, couldn't you?
John Evans and Dave Garland went off to
Tremadoc to climb and enjoy Creag Ddu Wall in the warm sunshine. They
were still radiating when they got back to the hut.
The main event of Saturday was the walk
over Snowdon. This attracted fourteen in all. We assembled at the
carpark at Rhyd Ddu and then, conveniently, strode off up the Rhyd
Ddu path in the direction of the summit of Snowdon. Above Llechog, we
met the snow which proved quite hard in places and formed a fine
mantle on the final ridge up to the summit. There were few people on
our side of the mountain in contrast to the multitudes queuing on the
PYG track zigzags. A suitable pleasant return was made by the Snowdon
Ranger Track and the Cwellyn Arms in Rhyd Ddu village. On returning
to the hut, we were welcomed by John's (Evans) cake which was duly
scoffed and swilled down with cups of tea.
Saturday evening was graced by the
appearance of Kevin's boxes of 'out-of-date' chocolates which were
demolished by the hut's residents although there was some concern
displayed over the green ones.
Anarchy broke out on Sunday. Well! It was
planned.
Back at sunny Tremadoc, John and Dave
climbed Poor Man's Peutrey whilst Dave and Dave managed the first
pitch of Craig Ddu Wall.
Andrew, Christine, Kate and Kirsteen
tempted Kevin onto the Moel Eilio hills where there was no snow but
fine views. Phil and Iain enjoyed walks on the Elidir Fawr side of
the valley.
Al and Vanessa headed off to Gogarth where
they completed four routes: two on Holyhead Mountain, Gruvers and
Tension; then Lighthouse Arete Direct followed by the harder
Aardvark. Not bad for early January!
Meanwhile, John and Midge were seen on
'Skid Row' in Shrewsbury. Are things really so bad?
The meet leader was able to award himself
a star as he climbed Parsley Fern Gully in the company of Uncle Bob
and Sheena. A few patches of ice spiced up the gentle snow plod.
After gaining the ridge of Crib y Ddysgl, we traversed along to Crib
Goch and then down the North Ridge. The strong wind was the only
negative aspect during a wonderful mountain day in the prevailing
winter conditions.
In fact, no clouds were to be seen in the
sky on either Saturday or Sunday! And nobody went anywhere near
Lockwood's Chimney!
January 21st - Local(ish) walk - Pendle Hill - John Dobson
Members: Margaret Baldock, Sue Brooke,
Dave Dillon, John Dobson, Joe Flynn, Iain McCallum, Keith Williams,
Alan Wylie, Dave Wylie.
Guests: Ian Buckley, Ian Dobson
(part-time), Martin Heaton, Kate Spark, Zoe Talk, Mark Wharmby.
The weather forecast on Saturday and
Sunday morning couldn't have been clearer - 'very heavy snowfalls'
and 'atrocious driving conditions' followed by advice to 'stay at
home' And to make matters worse, the snow would be 'followed by heavy
rain'. What did the KMC do? Fifteen of them decided that as
climbing was probably out, they would walk up Pendle Hill, and their
virtue was rewarded with no snow or rain, just a dusting of snow
already on the ground. However, you can't have everything and it
turned out to be a 'real winters day', but at least the frozen ground
meant no bogs!
A bitterly cold wind in the car park meant
that the leader had great difficulty in preventing the assembled
party from setting off before the appointed time - probably a first.
A very pleasant mornings walk, concluded with a liquid lunch in front
of an open fire in the Pendle Inn, where they were joined by Ian
Dobson (age 14) who for some reason was unable to get out of bed
before noon.
In the afternoon, poor visibility on top
of Pendle Hill deprived the party of the promised views. However we
knew all about navigating in the mist, and proceeded to demonstrate
to our guests and prospective members, the time-honoured KMC
technique - simply find a sheep track and follow it. Unfortunately
the said sheep was not going to the car park and the party were
rewarded with a 'sporting finish' after they walked off the wrong
side of Pendle Hill - only 90 degrees out, which is well within the
usual KMC margin of error. All have been enrolled on the forthcoming
Navigation Course. However, for the sake of accuracy I must point out
that Dave and Margaret were not in this party at this time the
offence was committed, having opted for the alternative 'knackered
knees' descent. Sue exempted herself from this latter group, on the
grounds that (1) there was nothing left of her knees to save and (2)
a restoration project was imminent. By chance rather than design,
all sections of the party reunited to arrive at the car park just as
the light faded.
A personal special thanks to Alan Wylie
who very patiently got my car going in the dark and a bitterly cold
icy wind, after the idiot owner had left it parked all day with the
bonnet facing the icy wind until the engine compartment resembled an
iced up trawler in the Artic.
Many thanks to everybody who managed to
get well away from the crowds by ignoring the weather forecast and
turned out for a great days winter walking.
January 27th - 28th - Ty Powdyr Working Meet - Iain McCallum, Hut Manager
Members present : Bob. Anderson, lain
McCallum, Lester Payne,Jim Taylor, Gary Thornhill, Chris. Thickett,
Alan Wylie, Dave Wylie,
A very successful working party. A good
start was made on Friday when C.L. Jones (B) Ltd delivered the
materials we had ordered, albeit a little later than planned, to lain
and Lester at the Hut..
The following tasks were accomplished:
Dormitory - Elidir Fawr - Internal front
wall - battens and insulation were installed and the wall partially
clad (Bob and Chris). All the cladding was given one coat of varnish
(Gary, lain and Lester). The plasterboard ceiling joints were taped
(Alan). The electric cables were partly boxed (Dave).
Dormitory - Glyder Fawr - Plasterboard
ceiling was installed and insulated with rockwool (Jim and Lester).
The fluorescent tubes were removed and new wall lights were installed
(Dave)
Cleaning - The toilets, washbasins and the
areas around cookers and sinks were cleaned (Iain).
Track - All the pot holes from second gate
down to the Hut car park were filled with gravel
Gravel was also spread on the soft areas
of the car park near the perimeter wall (Alan, Gary
Dave and lain). Little now remains of our
ten ton pile of gravel!
New curtains - part of set of curtains
donated by Ethel Hallam, were hung on the lounge front windows
(Lester).
Lunch - was provided by lain.
Thanks to everybody who supported the meet
for all their hard work.
February 4th - Arnside and Silverdale Walk - Brian Taylor
Members: Brian Taylor, Frank and Margaret
Williams, Dave Dillon, Margaret Baldock, Graham and Sue Harkness,
Tony Gask, Lester Payne, Ian McCallum, Pete Walker, Midge Castick,
John Dobson, Christine Beeston, Kate Sparks.
Guests: Martin Heaton, Zoe Talks.
I was somewhat surprised at the good
turnout considering the forecast of wind, rain and snow! We set off
and were soon on the top of Warton Crag, it was then down hill
towards the coast, the weather also went down hill rapidly and by the
time we crossed the marshland near Leighton Moss it was sleeting
horizontally. The weather temporally improved again and we headed
along the attractive coast towards Silverdale (as far as I know this
is one of the few really interesting stretches of coast in
Lancashire).
We then headed up Arnside Knot at 159
metres, the snow was laying on the top of the hill and pleasant views
were afforded towards Grange-over-Sands. From there it was past
Arnside Towers and then to Leighton Moss visitor centre for a warm up
and a welcome cup of tea. The last part of the walk was unfortunately
a bit of a route march in deteriorating weather (more horizontal
sleet) back to the car park below Warton Crag at about 4.30pm .
February 11th - 16th - Alex MacIntyre Memorial Hut Meet - Duncan Lee
Members present: Dave Whittingham, John
Evans, Peter Johnson, Al Metelko, Vanessa Addison and Duncan Lee.
Guests present: Dave Kenyon, Jesper
Jorgensen, Alan Morton and Tony.
The thaw that blighted the weekend meet
was thankfully quickly replaced by a cold snap and conditions
improved as a reward for those brave and/or foolish enough to stay up
for the week.
Monday mornings initial cloud and drizzle
were enough deterrent to persuade most folks that a lie in was a good
idea but Al and Vanessa set off to Ben Nevis regardless. There
optimism was soon rewarded however as the weather cleared and Vanessa
launched her leading career on ice with an impressive ascent of
Waterfall Gully (IV). Subsequently, whilst watching a Plastic y
Breadbin group practising ice axe arrests, Vanessa commented on the
tedium of the affair. Needless to say, ten minutes later, whilst
having to use an ice axe arrest in anger she did not find the
procedure at all boring. An hour later it was all still very
interesting as she stopped her second plummet downhill of the day. A
quick decision was made to avoid the hat trick and they called it a
day.
The teams that sneaked a lie in were
rewarded for their laziness with a view of an otter swimming in the
loch opposite the hut. Finally though breakfast could be dragged out
no longer so we headed off in a variety of directions. The
Whitteringman and John set out on a recognisance mission to Stob
Coire Nan Lochan and then traversed Bidean Nam Bian enjoying
fantastic views over the summits. Pete and Jesper also had a good
walk over Sgor Na H-Ulaidh, which Pete found particularly
exhilarating. Mr. Kenyon and I went to the Buchaille where we short
roped our way up the classic and highly pleasing Curved Ridge (II). I
had agreed to act as an inept punter to assist Dave with his training
for his winter assessment (he passed). Acting ineptly on a
snow-covered hill came naturally to me. The wind on the summit was
bitingly cold but the views of the adjacent peaks were adequate
compensation. Seeing three Golden Eagles was a definite bonus.
Tuesday morning saw Al and Vanessa making
an early start to Creag Meagaidh for Vanessa's second lead on ice.
The highly impressive Last Post (V). A fine parting shot from Vanessa
before fleeing to warmer climes and climbs for five months. The other
early birds were Dave K and I who headed up to Ben Nevis. Dave set a
blistering pace that saw us at the CIC hut in an hour and a half. It
nearly killed me. A strong wind necessitated a quick change of plan
but we had a great day doing Garadh Gully (II) and Glover's Chimney
(III/IV) before finishing up Tower Ridge from Tower Gap and
descending Number Three Gully where we found some booty. A shiny new
dead man.
Jesper and Pete spent the day touring the
delights and sites of Fort William. Judging by the number of bottles
of malt that Jesper returned with there must have been some serious
whisky sampling going on.
By contrast John was busy sampling his
first ever winter route; Number 4 Buttress (II) on Stob Coire Nam
Beith. An experience he and Dave were still sampling whilst the rest
of us were toasting by the fire at the hut. Whilst we were relaxing
Dave was irremovably cold-welding his favourite warthog into a crack
for a belay. John in the meanwhile, alone in the darkness, was
cooling to the delights of a long winters day. To quote. "I
should have been freaking out but I was too busy shivering so I
didn't." Finally they topped out to a view of the Northern
Lights at 9pm and were back at the hut by 11.15pm. By this time even
I was getting worried. I have NEVER known Dave to miss last orders
before! He assures me it will never happen again.
Tuesday evening also saw changes in the
team as Al and Vanessa headed back south. Reinforcements soon arrived
in the form of Alan (Mary's mad friend) and Tony who were armed with
a serious thirst and a bottle of Bowmores. Not having seen Alan since
Yosemite last April I felt compelled to be sociable and the next
thing you know it is 1.30am, I'm plastered and the alarm clock that I
am no longer capable of focussing on is set for 5.30am. Ah, the joys
of a Scottish winter.
The joys of a Scottish winter took on a
particularly painful clarity the following morn. The initial pain was
all self inflicted the previous night but the high velocity impact
that occurred at Meggy, between a large block of ice and my testicles
was totally out of my control. Thankfully the slow gurgling double up
forwards gave me plenty of time to bury my axes into the snow. Once
Dave had stopped laughing and I had regained my composure (i.e. wiped
the tears from my eyes) we ran away from Last Post as the two vandals
above continued to hack the route to pieces. Morons! Instead we did
the highly enjoyable Staghorn Gully (III) but at the end of the day
we still felt robbed.
Dave and Jon ventured briefly out of their
padded cell for a walk up the Lost Valley whilst Jesper and Pete
bagged a couple of Munroes at the west end of the Mamores; Mullach
Nan Coirean and Stob Ban. They reported that the summits were crystal
clear and that the views were magical. Team Scotland also had a fine
day out on the Buchaille with Tony following Alan up Curved Ridge for
his first winter route. A classy introduction to the delights of the
white stuff.
Thursday saw Dave and John out on the hill
first for a change. They assured me that the slog up to Stob Coire
Nan Lochan was just as gruelling as ever and that Dave's extremely
vocal gibbering was up to its usual high standards being audible from
the Buchaille. The good rock and mushy snow on Dorsal Arête
keep them entertained for the day and they even made it down in
daylight this time. A combination of the warm weather and a lack of
energy saw Dave K and I taking a rest whilst Jesper and Pete went for
a walk into the Lost Valley. Team Scotland headed south in the
direction of the Trossachs planning to bag a few Corbetts.
Glorious weather on Friday saw Dave K
heading to Aonach Mor where he did Morwind (IV) with some friends
from the Brenin. Jesper festered around the hut waiting for
reinforcements from south of the border but alas Dave, John and I
turned our backs on the hills and headed home.
Cheers to everyone who turned up and
helped to make this such an enjoyable meet.
February 18th - Yorkshire Dales Walk, Burnsall- Frank Williams
Present :
Alan and Chris Jones + dogs, Mark Garrod,
Michelle Harvie, Graeme and Sue Harkness, Lester Payne, John Dobson,
Mike Graves, Derek Seddon, Linda Crossley, Lorna Marsland, David
Swindlehurst*, Martin Heaton*, Zoe Talks*, Dave Wylie, Kate Sparkes*,
Frank and Margaret Williams. (Guests*).
A remarkably hearty crowd gathered at the
well organised car park by the Wharfe at Burnsall ready to kick of f
at 09.30. The day promised well but we had driven through miles of
quite thick mist. However, there was thick hoar frost around and we
maintained optimistic views that the clag would burn off. So it did
indeed and we had brighter weather and some sunshine.
It was great to see Michelle looking and
performing so well again, so we all wish you good health and fitness.
Mike Graves too is coming back to form after his DVT brought on by a
long distance flight, keep up the progress Mike.
The route consisted of a leg out and back
on the Dales Way along the bank of the Wharf e and loop via Trollers
Ghyll, Grimwith Reservoir, Stump Cross, and Simon Seat. It turned out
to be about fifteen miles, with a sting in the tail up to Simon Seat.
Our reccying paid off in the sense that we had managed to assemble a
route of varied landscape interest and varied conditions underfoot,
helped on occasion by the frozen ground.
GH, SH, AJ and CJ + dogs missed the start
since the H's had a blow out, but managed to meet up with the group
at Eller Edge Nook. Highlights were beautiful Wharfedale itself,
Trollers Ghyll like a mini Gordale and Grimwith Reservoir (pronounced
Grimoth i' Yorkshire) with about a three mile periphery walk. We had
lunch there and took advantage of all facilities including the view.
Unfortunately it was cold and misty when we reached Simon Seat so
there were no views of Wharfedale. However, looking back as we walked
the return leg along the Wharf e, Simon Seat and the fir and bracken
clad slopes leading up to Barden fell were golden in the late
afternoon sun. We returned to Burnsall and pots of tea etc., after a
very satisfying walk.
Thank you all for your support on a
beautiful day in a beautiful area.
February 24th - 25th - Dry Rock Weekend!- Al Metelko
Present: Dave Dillon, John Evans, Dave
Garland, Kevin Anderson, Sabina Cusilich, Duncan Lee, Mark Wiltshire,
Paul Chapman, Christine Beeston, Kate Sparks Steve Bowker, Paul
Chapman, Jon Handcock.
Saturday - Stony Middleton
Only three of us (Duncan, Steve and
myself) took advantage of the excellent weather it was cold but we
where out of the wind and the sun was strong enough to make some of
the rock almost warm. Foot and Mouth restrictions came in this
weekend even so this roadside crag was virtually deserted. We each
led two quality routes ranging from HVS to E2, which made it a very
good afternoons climbing.
Sunday - Lawrencefield
A lot more people turned out on another
sunny day and the crag was quite crowded. Lots of routes where done.
Only Kate didn't climb but she did go for a walk with Christine after
Christine had led Tron???? with ~y Dave. Sabina (I don't lead in
winter) led Gingerbread. John and Dave did Snail Crack and Three
Trees Climb. Mark brought beginner Paul along, they also climbed
Three Trees Climb but Paul struggled on Great Harry. Kevin was
spotted climbing on real rock with Jon. The most popular route was
Great Peter and Steve led Suspense probably the meets hardest route
of the weekend but he was up there for quite some time and I got cold
belaying him and had to put my downy on.
It was a good start to the summer climbing
season only there isn't any!
April Newsletter Index.
Copyright © 2001 Karabiner Mountaineering Club
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