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August 2001 Meet Reports
August 20th 2000 - Froggatt Edge - Heather Brooke
Members present: Sue Brooke, John Dobson, Lester Payne, Sheena
Hendrie, Neville McMillan, Alan (Liverpool) Jones, John Evans, Duncan
Lee, Dave Dillon, Michelle Harvie, Mark Garrod, Colin Maddison,
Christine Beeston, Mark Gledhill, Cathy Gordon, Roger Mapleson, Roger
Dyke, Pete Walker, Chris Williamson, Rob Alan, Craig Marsden, Sue
Marsden, Gary Thornhill, Andrew Croughton, Lance Davies, Marion
Madden, Roy Lee, Joe Flynn, Jesper, Iain McCallum, Pam McCallum.
Guests present: Rosien Maddison, Emma Gordon, Carys Mapleson, Ivy
Lee, Andrew Balmer, Thomas Marsden, Phoebe Marsden, Helen Swygart,
Steve Swygart, Daniel Swygart, Lowrie Swygart, Alexander.
A wonderful, dry and not so common autumn day, with the sun warming
this beautiful gritstone edge. The combination of good weather and a
local crag tempted out a lot of members, families and friends, with
the crèche once again in full swing.
Like all meets there was a lot of climbing done with the usual mass
ascents of all the old classics including Heather Wall, Sunset Slab,
Trapeze etc and the usual entertainment provided by the intrepid or
foolish attempting Tody's Wall. Mention has to be made of a
particular brave leading attempt by Sheena, who was so close to
taming the beast and just seemed to lack confidence at the crucial
moment. However with the mass audience gathered above and below,
offering advice or alternatively moving in for close up,
white-knuckle photographs, who could blame her for feeling phased.
The now traditional Lee family three-generation climb of Sunset Crack
again took place and hopefully will be repeated next year.
Thanks to everybody for a thoroughly enjoyable day, with great
weather and amazing company. I hope to see as many people at Froggatt
Edge on my meet this autumn and hope that the weather will be as good.
May 13th - Trowbarrow - Sheena Hendrie
Members: Sheena Hendrie, Neville McMillan, Margaret Williams, Frank
Williams, Virginia Castick, Al Metelko, Kevin Anderson, Neil Perry,
Craig Marsden, Jim Symon, Judith Symon, Mark Garrod, Michelle Harvie
Guests: Catherine Perry
Or not the Working Party meet (cancelled due to Foot and Mouth).
Since I said at the Committee meeting we should have a replacement
meet, I somehow ended up leading it despite both hands being behind
my back at the time I "volunteered".
However this was the 2 day summer - scorching hot both Saturday and
Sunday and Trowbarrow was cooking- as were the multitude of climbers
present. It was probably just as well the temperature was in the
80's (translate into Celsius yourselves) since many of the hordes
present were quite happy to picnic rather than fry on Main Wall.
That at least shortened the queues for routes, but the *** star
routes, Assegai Wall for example, had a continuous stream of ascents
all day long.
The KMC got off to a slowish start with Neville leading Pigfall
followed by me fighting the polish on Coral Sea. In the meantime
Midge, Frank and Margaret had arrived from the campsite at Arnside,
and were sitting in the shade with two of the three reviewing the
array of (male) legs walking past from the descent path. Neville
felt that having seconded Coral Sea (VS 4c), he merited a round of
applause and was only slightly mollified with the resulting flattery
from the gallery that he looked far too young to be the proud owner
of a zimmer frame.
Back on Main Wall Kevin led Hollow Earth (HVS 5a) followed by Al and
Craig. Jim and Judith completed Ramp Ant, followed by Jomo led by
Neil. However the lead of the day was undoubtedly by Al, who tackled
Sleeping Sickness (E2 5c) in fine style. Mark and Michelle arrived
to lend moral support, having been cycling round the area and the
climbing then degenerated into a stick throwing exercise for a
visiting mutt (who preferred our picnic spot to that of his owners.)
Thanks all for coming. I guess it was a bit too busy to be a good
introduction to Trowbarrow, but some may go back to tick off routes
when it is quieter.
26th - 28th May - Cornwall Camping - John Evans
Members: Tony Major, Dave Bone, Dave Wylie, Duncan Lee, Rob Clark,
Rick Davies, Andy Croughton, Margaret Baldock, Dave Garland,
Christine Beeston, Dave Dillon, Sheena Hendrie, Sabina Cosulich,
Neville McMillan, John Evans.
Guest: Julie Davis.
Absent Guest: John Handcock (A man could lose himself in London).
"It's just a bit of sea-mist"?I first said this on Friday night
driving past Penzance. It was the sort of mist that makes you think -
I've dragged people 350 miles past the hideous traffic demons of
Bristol and we can't even see 100 yards?at least we've got some
scones? An ideal first meet in fact!
Got to the campsite (the Sea "View" - sorry folks, not recommended
for the views or the price! never mind) at midnight on Friday; Mr
Wylie was putting the finishing touches to his tent, Messrs. Bone &
Major (as well the Presidential palace and the Secretary's office)
were already concealed in the fog. We were joined later by Andy, Wavy
& Margaret, much later still (Saturday pm!) by Christine & Julie!
Saturday morning was even mistier, I thought I could see stocks or
perhaps a ducking-stool being built, but it was hard to tell in the
fog. Playing Frisbee in drizzle will only entertain for a limited
time, you see. Can't climb in this, I thought. Rick had other ideas,
however, and on a wave of optimism (I'm sure I faintly heard the
Beach Boys as we left the campsite) most of us went to Chair Ladder.
Whether too sensible or too realistic, the Wavy bicycle crew did some
pedalling instead. Incredibly (tell how familiar I am with sea-cliffs
- where I grew up is, by British standards, quite a long way from the
sea!) from the cliff top was a clearing view and lots of inviting
granite. The start of Terriers's Tooth isn't very accommodating for a
VDiff, though - at least the Elvis impression was over early!
Smashing route. Rick and Rob climbed Pegasus and Ariel, while Duncan
& Sabina enjoyed Bishop's Rib, then The Spire (good effort, that) and
Diocese. (Team Skinny climbed Diocese later in the week, I shall
compare gibbering notes with Craig about the traverse, not to mention
the bottom pitch). Corporal's Route, with in-situ Fulmar, was also
done. A very good day, all things considered. Muttered rumours were
heard from other parties at Chair Ladder that the mighty Bosigran was
open, we returned to the campsite optimistic, further buoyed by the
arrival of Christine and Julie, and the opening of the Tupperware
containing the scones...
Rather than the azure skies deserved by the solid KMC turnout at the
end of the land, Sunday morning served up more mist, accompanied by
an increased "sea breeze". Bosigran was the destination, once again
we miraculously avoided the sea-clag and much windblown granite (the
stuff with the green beard at the top) was ascended. Team Skinny
climbed on the Ochre Slab, followed Dong and naturally Ding. Dave and
Tony (I must confess to wondering how these two fellows can
communicate when 150 feet apart on a windy day! Their powers are
quiet, but strong) ascended Paragon, Armchair and Nameless. After
Thin Wall Special, Duncan & Sabina departed to Sennen for more fun,
including Africa Route (the one with the naughty start). Rick and Rob
chose Little Brown Jug, Doorpost and Venusberg, thoroughly enjoying
themselves in the process. As far as I am aware there was also a KMC
assault of Commando Ridge, all troops returning to base with
cheerfully windblown faces. I do believe Mr Croughton also climbed up
Alison Rib; this sort of behaviour can only be encouraged! Finally at
8:30pm I located clotted cream in the heaving fleshpot that was St.
Ives, returning triumphant to the KMC enclosure. The scones were
washed down with Sheena's Old Tart, can't say fairer than that!
Folk gradually dispersed on Monday, but not before Dave Wylie
finished his business at Sennen, a fine lead of Demo Route, by all
accounts. The unfortunate four left behind for the rest of the week
had to contend with azure skies and glittering seas?Thanks for making
the effort folks, and sharing a very good Spring Bank Holiday.
p.s. (we also decamped to Trewellard, quieter, cheaper and better all
round than the Sea View, remember this for next time!).
June 3rd - Millstone - Roger Mapleson
Members: Rob Allen, Andrew Croughton, Dave Dillon, Dave Bone, Dave
Wylie, Jim Symon, Judith Symon, Neville McMillan, Sheena Hendrie,
Roger Dyke, Duncan Lee, Sabina Cosulich, John Dobson, Chris
Williamson, Tony Major, Cathy Gordon and Emma, Colin Maddison and
Roisin, Sue Marsden, Craig Marsden, Christine Beeston, Al Metelko.
Guests: Kate Sparks, Ian Lee, Anna Girolami, Andy Lidstone, Carl
Scragg, Martin Heaton, Zoë Talks, Christine Atherton, John Warburton
and Jim
A good turnout for this special pre-election meet. We were graced
with the presence of the leader of Her Majesty's Opposition who posed
for photos following a solid finger jamming lead on Embankment 1,
thus dispersing any rumours that his nerve was faltering in the face
of adverse opinion poll results.
Newcomer Carl Scragg did his first ever climbs on rock seconding the
Scoop (Diff) and the Mall (VS) in fine style. Colin and Craig
disappeared off up the far end of the crag allegedly to climb
Plexity. They returned later, Colin sporting rope burns, having had
"an exciting time" according to Craig. Craig subsequently received a
lot of unwarranted abuse as he led Bond Street but gave as good as he
got with his imaginative use of some more "technical climbing terms".
Guest Andy Lidstone impressed all who were watching as he made a
stylish and clean start on the initial hard moves of Great Portland
Street but most agreed that the rest of the route would have been
considerably easier facing in rather than out.
Thanks to everyone who turned out.
June 30th / July 1st - Pembroke - Sheena Hendrie
Members: Mark Garrod, Michelle Harvie, Rick Kruze, Ruth Ashton, Rob
Allen, Rob Clark, Al Metelko, Sheena Hendrie
Guests: Lynne Williams
An uncertain weather forecast and long drive may have deterred some,
but those that arrived at St Petrox ended up enjoying some of the
best weather and quietest cliffs of the year to date. Outside of a
Bank Holiday we generally had a free choice of routes, albeit not
assisted by unfavourable tides and heavy swell on Saturday. (So what
if the meet leader had not thought to check tide tables back last
December when the meet was scheduled.)
After initial showers on Saturday we all headed off for Stennis Head.
Al and I went for Bludgeon HVS 5a while Rick, Ruth, Lynne and the
two Robs tackled various routes around the corner (Dire Straits E3
5c, Cool for Cats E1 5b, Manzoku, E1 5b, Limbo VS 4c, and Quickstep
VS 4b). Having caught up with the team, Al and I caught up on a
couple of routes before tea beckoned for us all at Ma Weston's. Rob
Clark had succumbed to a sore back and walked back to the campsite,
while the rest then headed for St Govan's. Rick, Ruth and Lynne,
after extensive debate, settled for Deranged E2 5b while Al and I
tackled War Crime E2 5b. Meanwhile Mark and Michelle had been
testing sea conditions (rated Hardly Severe) during a walk and swim
marathon along the coastal path from Freshwater Bay.
Sunday the weather was improving, and teams headed for Mowing Ward,
Flimston Bay, Trevallan, and St Govan's. After trying to drown me at
Mowing Ward, and having had a short visit to Saddle Head, Al decided
we had to make the best of glorious weather and receding tide, so
Huntsman's Leap it was. The Beasts from the Undergrowth E2 5b was
for me the best route of the weekend.
By Monday numbers had dwindled to Rob, Rob, Mark, Michelle and self
but the weather was "scorcio". Mark, Michelle and I made an
inglorious assault on the "easy" routes at St Govan's, while the Robs
headed for St Govan's East. They returned in time to witness that we
did actually manage to climb out of St Govan's, but only just, having
been repulsed by Chieftain before thugging up Ghandi. It took little
persuasion to convince all that swimming was a better bet and so
Broadhaven beach was duly invaded. After another visit to Ma
Weston's, Mark, Michelle and I headed off to leave the Robs for the
rest of the week. Unfortunately the weather ceased to co-operate and
little more seems to have got done, although both Robs can vouch for
the impressive nature of lightning displays at night!
Thanks to all who came. Pembroke out of a Bank Holiday is both do-
able and worth it!
July 15th - Two out of Three Towers Meet - Phil Ramsbottom
Members Present: Dave Wylie, Andrew Croughton, Lester Payne, Margaret
Williams, Frank Williams, Pete Walker, Iain McCallum, Phil Ramsbottom
Guests: Fiona Roy, Trevor Lilley, Richard Walker, Zoë Talks, Martin
Heeton
Foot and Mouth put paid to the Real Three Peaks meet but it was
ironic that access would have been available to the modern day three
peaks (yuk).
Instead we assembled in the rain at Rivington to do as much of the
Three Towers as Blackburn council would allow. The first three or
four hours were spent in something approaching misery as we passed
Rivington Tower and climbed up into the low cloud which was hanging
over Winter Hill - not that this stopped the chatter as many subjects
were dissected ad infinitum.
In view of the weather I decided to cut out a chunk of the walk and
follow the track above Belmont reservoir, lunch was taken in the
modern ruin of Lower Pasture Farm where an open building gave some
shelter from the steady drizzle, when we stepped out we were
pleasantly surprised to discover that the sky was lightening and the
rain had stopped.
This improvement continued up to Darwen Tower by which time the sun
was making a bid in the distance so we all enjoyed the extensive
views - especially to Holcombe Tower as we didn't have to walk there.
From here we dropped down to the visitor center at Tockholes (mild
panic ensued when we noticed that we had lost Fiona and Trevor but I
didn't need to worry as Pete Walker had them safely tucked under his
wing).
Great Hill was the next objective and we were pleased to discover
that we could get to the summit (unlike my recce the previous week),
from here we followed the flag path back towards Winter Hill, then
the track back to the Pigeon Tower at Rivington. This really was the
highlight of the day as the rain had cleared the air, the sun was
shining and we had clear views from the Mountains of North Wales to
those of the Lake District, all the rain and drizzle were forgotten
as we picked out many landmarks.
Many thanks to all who turned out with Fiona and Trevor deserving
special credit - it was not an easy walk and they finished in fine
style - even claiming to have enjoyed it!!
August Newsletter Index.
Copyright © 2001 Karabiner Mountaineering Club
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