Karabiner Mountaineering Club

January 2003 Forthcoming Meets

All note the following small print when taking part in meets :-

Sun 5^th January - A Classical Stanage Traverse

Meet at the Popular End at 9:45 for a 10:00am start. Early lunch at Prospero's Crack before moving onto Doctors Chimney, October Crack, Overhanging Chimney, Twisting Crack, Helfenstein's Struggle, Paradise Crack, Curving Chimney, Devil's Chimney, Mississippi Chimney, Amazon Crack, Crack and Cave, Leaning Buttress Crack, Black Hawk Traverse Right, Crack and Corner, and The Scotsman. Come lightweight, absolute minimum is a harness, suitable footwear and don't forget your head torch.

11^th/12^th January - Ty-Powder - Chris Thickett

Ty Powdwr Goes West

Hop along to the hut for some mountain fun.

As established by recent custom I shall lead a walk on the Saturday, this time attempting to lose bearings as well as KMC members and their guests on various points of the southern Carneddau.

With my trusty cohorts I shall start at 10.00 from the car park at 'Big Willies' (Gwern Gof Isaf) GR 685602 on the A5 (£1, pay at the farm) and take the old road (very extremely wet in parts - snorkel and flippers advisable) westwards to rejoin the A5 opposite Glan Dena - alternative start for cads and latecomers, GR 668605, park on southern side of road or thereabouts. NOTE: be ready at 10.25 together with your waterproof boots (on your feet or round your neck) because you won't be missing out on the mighty wet as there is plenty on the walk up by the Afon Lloer.

The preferred route will take the east ridge of Pen yr Ole when a sharp right turn will be made towards Dafydd, then east and northish on to Llewelyn, returning over Craig Yr Ysfa, possibly Pen yr Helgi Du, and the electric road.

Nine miles and five and a half hours walking, both figures not allowing for bad jokes.

If we are lucky maybe ice axe and crampons will be required. All we need if some of that cold white stuff - you never know it might be winter!

Free for all on Sunday as usual, or even on Saturday as well if that's what you want.

Wed 15^th January - Bouldering & Bingeing Comp - Kevin Anderson

Indoor Meet.

So the post-Festive blues have set in. Christmas and Hogmanay have been & gone and what have you got to show for two weeks of fun, frolick and debauchery? Endless bottles of smelly stuff from various relatives & acquaintances you'd long thought had passed on to the land of low gravity; the rumbling remnants of indigestion that even the strongest liver salts wont touch; and worst of all a credit card bill that suggests a wonderful time was had by all, but of which your mind has nothing but fleeting and disturbed memories of indescribable liqueurs downed from some stranger's stiletto whilst standing on a bar table and gurgling your heart out to a Karaoked version of Slade's Merry Christmas. But worse by far is the sense of disbelief when getting out of the shower you glimpse an horrendous vision of your head and Craig Marsden's body. How, in just two weeks, could turkey and stuffing have converted to 6 stone of blubber!

Well don't fear - the cure is here! Guarenteed to restore mind and body to some semblance of balance, burn off the surplus lard, and give you hope, and maybe a little excited anticipation, for what the coming year holds.

So what is this cure-all, this elixir of life, this panacea ????..?

A Bouldering Comp' - wot a grand idea I hear you all shout with enthusiasm!

What could be better than putting your aging limbs and sagging stomachs through their paces at a friendly, not-too-competitive (take note Rick) climbing outing encouraged by calls of support from your bestest chums - and all followed by a curry and a pint of Robinson's finest at a nearby hostelry.

After the enthusiasm and support for last years bouldering competition - regardless of age (old Rob Allen - 73 - got his crumbling bones up some problems) and size (Craig & Rick came along - damage to wall has now been repaired!), I am organizing another for this year. So if you're interesting in demonstrating your grace, poise & elegance, or even your thuggery, skittery foot work and fear of heights, then make a note of Wednesday 15th January.

The script will be much the same as last year - arrive anytime after 6.00pm, 'compete' (in its loosest sense) till 9ish - then out for a curry at a local curryhouse/pub for good food, banter and prize giving.

The venue is Glossop Wall, where problems across the full range of KMC ability (3b - 4a) will be set to test your metal and embarrass you in front of friends and family - but don't let that put you off, you can rest safe in the knowledge that there's always someone less competent than yourself - Rick will be there!

To recap:

Event: Bouldering Comp.
Date: Wednesday 15th January
Time: 6.00pm onwards

17^th/19^th January - McDougal's Cottage - Al Metelko

For the first Scottish meet of the winter we have an exciting new venue, McDougall's cottage near the Bridge of Orchy. The nearest winter/ice climbing is Beinn Udlaidh and the cottage sits below Beinn Dorain and a marvellous circ of 6 Munro's, most above 1000m, for the winter walkers. Combined with the shorter drive from the south and the close proximity of Glencoe and Lochaber should make this a very popular meet.

The cottage (GR 312 373) half way between Bridge of Orchy and Auch, and has gas lighting and cooking, and accommodates 12 people. There is parking for a maximum of three cars, there are no mattresses, and we have to bring our own fuel for heating. See me in the pub on Thursday's, £7 ensures a place.

All places have now been taken but please do contact me if you wish to go on to the reserve list.

Sun 19^th January Alternative - Local (Pennines) Walk - Dave Wylie

For those who aren't going up to Scotland to play in the snow this weekend, here is an alternative in the form of a more local Sunday walk.

I'm planning to start at the Hollingworth Lake Visitors Centre (Grid Ref. SD 939 152) at about 10am and head up via Lydgate and the "Roman Road" onto the Pennine Way. Going North along this will take us past Cows Mouth Quarry and the Warland Resevoirs. We can then descend into the Todmorden valley via the Cat Stones, which will give us a choice of an easy way back along the Rochdale Canal towpath, or various longer options if we head up again on the other side of the valley. Final details can be decided on the day depending on the weather. The short version would be about 10 miles, but it can be extended as much as we like!

As this meet will coincide with a Significant Birthday for me (according to some sources, life begins at this point), people are welcome to drop in at my house before the walk (from 9am onwards) for a cup of tea. After the walk everyone is welcome to come back to my house for more tea and, if anybody takes the hint(!), perhaps some other refreshments...

If you need more information (to find out how to get to my house or to the starting poing of the walk), or have any other queries, then call me!

Sun 26^th January - Peak District Walk - James Richardson

We will meet at Piccadilly station at 10.30 (under the destinations board in the main foyer), the aim is to walk from the Edale line to the Glossop line. I have several routes in mind, a horrible weather walk, a not so good weather walk and a bearable weather walk. I will decide on Sunday which one we are doing, please note these start at different stations on the Edale line.

1^st/2^nd February - Ty-Powder Working Meet - Chris Thickett

Come down to the hut to work both days or spend one day working and one day on the hill. You will be welcome but if possible please let Chris know in advance as Iain is kindly providing his usual excellent lunch so we need to know approximate numbers to cater for.

The focus of the meet will be to finish off work already started and will include pointing, painting, a spot of woodwork and plumbing, together with some cleaning.

If the weather allows work to the car park wall will be continued.

Working parties tend to be very social affairs, unless you have just emerged from the septic tank, so bring your joke book in your tool box.

7^th/13^th February - Alex Macintyre Memorial Hut - Andrew Croughton

Scottish weekend / midweek meet

For this years week long meet in Scotland we have secured the Alex Macintyre Memorial Hut North Ballacullish Glencoe NN044612.

The meet will be taking place from Friday night 7th Feb 2003 until the following Friday 14th Feb 2003

Places are limited so book early.

The hut, as everybody knows, is well situated just off the main road into Fort William giving easy access to Ben Nevis Glencoe and the Mamores, lots of choice for winter climbers walkers and mountaineers.

The hut is also next door to the local hotel so not far to walk to the bar in the evenings.

I will be there for the whole week and looking forward to getting out on the hills for several Munros trips and a few people have already shown an interest in staying up for the week to try and get some good winter climbing conditions. Anybody interested in attending should contact me as soon as possible with their money to guarantee a place. £3.50 per night and I think we have about 12 places booked for the weekend and 6 for the week. (if enough interest it might be possible to get more places for the mid week bookings)

Email me, 'phone me or see me at the pub any Thursday night.

Sun 16^th February - Lakes ridges walk - Dan Creber

Lake District Ridge Route / Scramble

Harrison Stickle (736m)

In between Pavey Ark and the Pike of Stickle, Harrison Stickle is the highest of the Langdale pikes and offers spectacular views of virtually all the lake district mountains on a clear day. The rock is exposed but sound and the ridges are both challenging and exciting! (well they said the piece was designed to drum up support for the meet).

The plan will be to ascent the east ridge (250m scrambling 2 to 3 / climbing - moderate / winter 2) if the weather conditions are appalling and there is a strong wind (given the time of year then most likely) then plan B will be to ascent the nearer and easier Southeast ridge (110m scrambling 1 / climbing N/A / winter 1). Decent is via several paths pack down to the north and west and again will depend on time and weather conditions. The meet starts at the car park opposite the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel (the first one you come to) the approach starts behind the hotel (GR 295 064). If we can aim for 10.00 for a 10.15 start this should allow us enough time to get back before dark. It will be advisable to bring a rope etc. if we decide to do the east ridge.

Sun 23^rd February - Winter Run - Sabina Cosulich

We are planning to run two courses of approx 10 and 6 miles, starting from the Whaley Bridge Cafe' at 11.00am. Walkers also welcome (though they may have to wait for the runners!).

Soup and refreshments will be provided at the end.

Please bring your own maps - you know how bad our navigation can be!

Give us a ring if you are thinking of taking part or email us.

See you there!

PS- As for all other meets, please try to use public transport or share cars as much as possible.

1^st/2^nd March - KMC Hut Meet - Linda Crossley

Come along to the hut to do your own thing or for those who'd like, I'm planning a walk on the Saturday. At present, the idea is to catch the 09.10 Snowdon Sherpa from outside Joe Brown's up to Pen-y-Pass. We'll return to the hut via the Glyders, Y Garn and Elidir Fawr.

A number of people have birthdays around this time of year, so Saturday evening is a time to eat cake and celebrate!

Contact me or check back on the web site to confirm details nearer the time.

8^th/10^th March - Braemar Telemark Fest. - David K. Lygate

Over the last couple of years Telemark skiing has seen a dramatic rise in popularity within the KMC. This interest combined with a renaissance in the Scottish telemark scene, has created an ideal opportunity to introduce a telemark skiing weekend to the KMC's meets calendar. The proposed meet will cater for all abilities from complete beginner to experts, this will be achieved by fully embracing the 5th Annual Telemark Festival.

The Braemar Telemark festival has grown into the UK's biggest on snow ski festival & attracts around 500 Telemark skiers of all standards, from the UK & further a field. The skiing is based at the Glenshee ski area, but conditions permitting, will extend far beyond the lift served area.

The blurb for this years Festival has as yet not been published, however here is a sample of last years (I'm presuming that there will not be too many changes from the 2002 formula):

Braemar's Telemark Festival is a unique blend of skiing & socializing amongst some of Scotland's finest scenery with a unique, friendly atmosphere that could never be experienced anywhere else! For this year we look forward to welcoming close on 500 skiers to a fun-packed programme that will/can be as active or leisurely as you wish; but be steeped in the spirit of telemarking whatever activities you take part in. Building on last year's success we are urging you to go for the Haglofs Ski Odyssey; a team event ranging over the ski area & hopefully out into the hills beyond if conditions permit. It is hard; but worth it! We offer the Garmont Mountain Race; a shorter ski traverse involving skiing, climbing & skinning that is very popular with the honed as well as the more recreational skier. New for this year is a Tele-cross; race head to head with other telemarkers down a banked course & air it over small bumps; emphasis most definitely on fun - but be prepared for a few spills! And don't forget the ceilidh; a marquee dance with hot buffet in a fantastic setting in front of the flood-lit Braemar castle, started off by a torch-lit procession from the village.

The cost will include events over the three days; Free instruction (one half-day session each) Entrance to the ceilidh including hot buffet Entrance to all races & fun events Annual membership of the Telemark Club It does not include: Transport, accommodation, ski hire & lift pass.

What if there is absolutely no snow? We will go ahead with the festival anyway; that many telemarkers in one place will still have a good time!

I propose to assess the amount of interest in attending this event before trying to sort out any accommodation or travel arrangements. You do not necessarily have to attend the full three days of the festival or take part in every event, just attend those that interest you. The above spiel is for last years event, so with this year's programme as yet un-published, I will attempt to find answers to any queries people may have. There is something in the festival for every level, especially introductory levels, since finding decent equipment & instructors can often be difficult. So if you've always wanted to try telemark skiing or just improve, then this is the ideal weekend for you.

January Newsletter Index.

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