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November 2004 Meet Reports
27th/28th September 2003 - Fell & Rock joint meet, Beetham Cottage - John Castick
Keith Williams and Peter Walker went up on the Sunday morning. The
only joint activity evident was John Castick having breakfast with
the FRCC so we went up Fairfield via St Sunday Crag. Superb views,
lovely weather, glad we went.
Peter Walker
17th/18th January - Alex Macintyre Memorial Hut Meet - David Lygate
Members present: Duncan Lee, David K. Lygate, Colin Maddison, Al
Metelko, Scott Sadler, Jenny Varley.
Guests present: Cath Sanders, Roger Smith. Plus Dave Kenyon, Jules
Cartwright & Kenton Cool.
The weather forecast for this weekend did not look good & scared away
most of the KMC winter regulars, this left just a determined few
heading north. However, our efforts were richly rewarded as the bad
weather arrived late & Saturday proved to be a perfect example of
'the calm before the storm.'
As Saturday morning dawned, we could see that it was a perfect
winter's day, with a good covering of snow on the hills, blue skies &
no wind. Scott, David & Roger chose to attempt the Aonach Eagach
Ridge from east to west. Being one of the last groups to leave the
car park, we were able to follow an easy trail through the deep snow
& pass a fair few parties. However, this also meant that when we
reached Am Bodach we had caught the two large groups at the front.
Through getting something to eat, trying to heat up camera batteries
that would not work (it was a day where you had to get some pictures)
& gearing up, all the groups we had passed were now also at the
summit. We ended up last in line & had to wait for over an hour to
start down the chancellor, luckily it was in the warm sunshine & we
got time for a lot more photograph opportunities! Unlike all the
previous groups, where everyone was belayed, we decided to solo this
first down climb. We found little of difficulty & next to no ice, so
since this is reputed to be the crux of the ridge, we decided to keep
the rope in the rucsac for the rest of the day. Without rope, we made
light work of the remaining ridge, catching all of the groups in
front & making our descent straight into the Clachaig's bar just as
it got dark. We had a few well deserved pints of 80 & toasted what
had been a perfect day before reminding Roger he still had to hitch
back for the car.
The rest of the KMC at the Alex Mac went to Aonach Mor via the
gondola. Jenny, Cath and Al climbed what was Jenny's her first ever
snow gully, a 400m grade 1, which was apparently also a first for her
brand new boots. They then descended the piste in style by elegant
bum-slide, while Al glissaded on the soles of his boots.
Duncan & Colin were on the West face of Aonach Mor & climbed 'Golden
Oldie' which was in powdery condition. But since it was such an
incredible day they even found themselves at the summit cairn with no
complaints from Duncan, so certainly a day out of the ordinary.
Duncan also broke a crampon during the climb, but managed to buy a
new pair in Fort William for £40 & in less than 20 minutes (Mr.
Marsden has a lot to learn from this shopping technique.)
On Sunday, Roger, Cath & David attempted the Buachaille Etive Beag
from the South & Glen Etive. The bad weather had now arrived, so we
enjoyed extremely high winds & heavy rain. This was the start of a
week of rain that was to wash away all the snow. We made the summit
of Stob Dubh, but abandoned our attempt at the ridge, as the wind was
so fierce we had trouble staying on our feet!
Al and Jenny were more sensible & had a leisurely late breakfast
enjoying the scenery in dryness and comfort by looking through the
window. Then like the others drove home.
For those that had made the effort it didn't matter about Sunday. It
was a highly enjoyable weekend & Saturday was all that was needed.
15th/20th February - Jock's Spot (6) Mid-Week Meet - John Evans
Members: Sean Kelly, John Evans.
Guests: Steve Cardwell
Once again a KMC mid-week meet in February, by comparison with the
last couple of years conditions were sometimes cold enough at least
(sufficient to freeze the handbrake of Sean's car on one frosty
night!). Some of the gullies were in condition but overall there not
really enough in the way of snow and ice for many winter routes to be
worthwhile - some of the gullies were good, and when Steve and myself
finally appeared at the curious and excellent Jock's Spot, Sean told
of exploits over the weekend involving use of the spiky toys...
During the week Sean relentlessly hunted down Munros like a ruthless
hit man, impressively organised and usually walking in the right
direction... Some the rounded heathery bumps above Drumochter put up
a fight for sure, in the sodden swirling hill fog, but they went in
the bag nevertheless! Due to a remarkable comedy of errors one
evening Sean found himself with little option but to use
breaking-and-entering techniques to get into the hut, and a neat bit
of woodwork to repair the hole... The hut is itself an excellent
place, with a big old stove to boot out some heat which was most
appreciated with temperature down to -10 degrees on or two nights!
As for Steve and myself, a reasonable amount was done for a change,
including an ascent of Ledge Route, coming back down No.5 Gully,
which was lean but enjoyable. Some dicey experiments on the Brenva
Face were done the following day (thaw conditions, so we scarpered
over the Carn Mor Dearg arete); a day where dozens of
instructor-groups swarmed up the Allt a Mhuillin like heavily-laden
ants. After a rest day we headed up to Corrie an t-Sneachda, where
The Runnel proved to be a fine little climb. Thursday saw the two
West-Midlanders in the party traverse Creag Meagaidh, via Raeburn's
Gully and taking in Stob Poite Coire Ardair and Carn Liath in
pin-sharp clear visibility, with views from Glencoe to Torridon -
totally colossal. Friday was a major bonus, where after Sean departed
Steve and I climbed the magnificent Ardverikie Wall on Binnein Shuas,
as good a Severe as can be found in terms of rock, atmosphere and
position, and the midges were all on holiday in Spain! (I think).
June 12th - Burbage North Climbing - Heather Brooke
Members: Heather Brooke, Dave Dillon, Duncan Lee, Julie O'Regan,
Lester Payne, Sue Brooke, John Dobson, Al Metelko, Jenny Varley.
Even with a short notice crag change and what looked like bad
weather, a fair few people turned up late but with great enthusiasm.
Numerous classic routes at Burbage North were climbed like The
Grazer, Brooks' Layback, Amazon Crack and Greeny Crack to name a few.
Julie led her first HS with Right Recess Crack and as retreating Al
and Jenny was spotted topping out on Knight's Move.
June 20th - Llangollen World's End Walk - Iain McCallum
Members present: Virginia Castick, Roger Dyke, Bob Haynes, Iain
McCallum, Lorna Marsland, Phil Ramsbottom, Derek Seddon, Chris
Thickett, Peter Walker, Frank Williams, Margaret Williams, Keith
Williams.
Guests: Cathy Sanders.
Walkers 13 Climbers 0
Roger and Cathy were first to arrive at our starting point in
Llangollen close to the Ponsonby Arms. Derek arrived just in time for
the start after touring part of North Wales on the way. Under a
cloudy sky we set off for Dinas Bran Castle. Quite a steep climb but
well worth it for the view. After dropping down from the Castle we
made for the limestone escarpment and the Offa's Dyke path. On the
way we were joined by the campers, Virginia, Frank and Margaret. Once
up on the edge we headed north along a permissive path stopping for a
drink next to the Eglwyseg plantation on our way. Near Rock Farm we
followed a stream down the cwm to the main path. Here we had expected
to see climbers on the cliffs but there none to be seen.
There was now rain in the air and by the time we reached World's end
where we stopped for lunch there had been some very heavy showers (as
forecast). After ascending the track up from Ty Canol the party split
up. Peter, Frank and Margaret made their own way back to Llangollen
while the rest of us followed the track up to the Horseshoe Pass and
the Ponderosa Cafe. A busy place. After a very welcome drink we
climbed the ridge onto Moel y Felin and then onto Moel y Gamelin.
By this time it was fine and sunny. On the top we stoped for a drink
and to admire the fine views of the Berwyns and the hills of the
Clwydian Range. From the summit we descended the hillside and past
the spoil heaps of the Berwyn quarry in a south easterly direction
until we reached the southern end of the ridge. The descent to the
valley below was steep. People chose their own ways down the hillside
and routes back to Llangollen but everyone apart from Roger and Cathy
who stopped to view the ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey arrived back at
the Ponsonby Arms by 6pm.
(Distance about 15 miles)
Thank you all for your support. Pity about the climbing!
June 26th/27th Ty Powdwr, Joint meet with the Craven Pothole Club - Sue Brooke
Members: Kevin Anderson, Ruth Ashton, Christine Beeston, Sue Brooke,
Heather Brooke, Ian Crook, Dave Dillon, Roger Dyke, Alan (Liverpool)
Jones, Rick Kruze, Al Metelko, Dan O'Brien, Julie O'Regan, Scott
Sadler, Jenny Varley
CPC Members: Margaret Hamilton, Peter Hamilton
Guests: Roger Daley, Maxine Green, Tony Griffin, Emily Hulley, Cath
Sanders, Darren Saxton
Arrived to find Rick, Ruth and Scott sat outside basking in the early
evening sunshine, which unfortunately was just about the only
sunshine seen all weekend! Saturday morning was dismal, resulting in
a mass retreat to Llanberris followed by climbing at The Beacon.
Margaret and Peter, together with Tony and Darren from the Doncaster
Climbing Club, ever the optimists, drove to Gogarth hoping to escape
the rain, however this was to no avail and the day was spent touring
the tea shops! Saturday teatime saw the arrival of Kevin and Julie
with tales of climbing on Pentrewan in glorious sunshine, much to
everybody's disbelief! The evening was spent imbibing alcohol and
copious numbers of cakes, with glasses raised in the absence of the
birthday boy. John just happened to have to be on Crete that weekend
(working?) and claimed not to know that birthday celebrations had
been planned. Strange when it had been billed as such in the
newsletter and everybody else knew! Sunday morning dawned brighter
and there was much discussion of activity. Roger and friends called
in briefly to say hello and scrounge a brew prior to going for a walk
in the woods, Alan planned a solitary walk over the Glyders, Rick and
Ruth were heading off mountain biking and a large team descended on
Hollyhead Mountain and Gogarth. Unfortunately the day deteriorated
into another damp squib, resulting in a hasty retreat from the crag.
I believe a few routes were successfully completed but unfortunately
not by the meet leader. A good weekend for socialising, but
unfortunately not a lot else. Much thanks to all who attended.
Sunday July 4th - Ten Edge Challenge - Rick Davies
This reminded Peter Scholefield of a similar meet he had organised in
the 1960's, so Peter's Scho' and Walker set out from Grindleford on
a nostalgic stroll down Memory Lane. Between showers we visited as
many crags as we could, saw very few climbers and did not recognise
any KMC? Pleasant walk though.
So now you know.
Peter Walker
Several people have asked me how so many Peter Walkers came to appear
on Lorna's Langdale meet list. I had mentioned to Lorna that although
I had walked round his West Pennines walk with Mike Graves I did not
appear on the meet list- unless it was under the pseudonym "Alan
Jones dog". Seems Lorna was redressing the balance!
July 25th - Curbar/Baslow - Heather Brooke
Members: Heather Brooke, Dan O'Brien.
Nothing more can be said apart from it rained (a lot) and no-one
turned up but meet leader and her chauffeur.
August 21st/22nd - Weekend Birthday Camp/Gaping Ghyll Winch Meet - Lorna Marsland/Sue Brooke
Members: Christine Beeston, Sue Brooke, Trish Cranston, Michelle
Harvie, Mark Garrod, Lorna Marsland, Iain McCallum, Chris Thickett,
Dave Wylie
Guest: Kate Sparks
The weather leading up to this weekend had proved anything but
promising, so I was rather apprehensive about the turnout on this
meet. However, the sun emerged as I entered the Dales and it
remained with us all weekend, which was much appreciated.
When I arrived at the campsite at 8pm there was no one there. This
was something of a surprise since Sue Brooke had meant to have been
taking the afternoon off and so I expected her to be ensconced with a
brew on, but the weather had delayed an early start and she arrived
within half an hour of me - and then there were two! By the time we
had both pitched camp it was pub time, so we walked into, considering
our options if we were to be the only 2 on the meet. We wouldn't
have to bother with walking at all and no one would be any the wiser!
Austwick is a lovely village with a country pub, selling delectable
ale, which I had sampled on an earlier visit in the company of the
Tuesday Night Gang. We managed to force down sufficient of this to
avoid noticing the walk back. In fact I failed to notice my bag,
which I'd carelessly left on the ground whilst changing into my
wellies just as we entered the field, but I digress!
Saturday morning dawned with glorious sunshine to welcome the arrival
of Iain McCallum, Chris Thickett, Dave Wylie, Mark and Michelle and
Christine, Trish and Kate. The weather had induced them all to delay
departure from Manchester until Saturday fearing a soggy night,
although many stayed over until Sunday. Chris wished he'd decided to
bring his tent, especially since he'd only come for the wenching!
He'd obviously got wind of the fact that there would be an ample
supply of KMC women on this meet, or else deafness is affecting his
vowels!
We set off in glorious sunshine for Crummack Dale, walking below the
crag I'd climbed on some years earlier which had enormous limestone
pockets and all the routes were pink! We soon hit the plateau which
gave way to an extensive limestone pavement with superb views over
the dale. We strode along it and around Thieves Moss dropping into
the valley above Clapham. Because we were making far better time than
Dave Dillon and I had done on a hot and humid day earlier in the
year, we did a detour via Gaping Gill so that those not visiting the
following day could see the set up. This was as close to 'wenching'
as Chris actually got, though he was seen peering fondly down the
swallowhole.
We enjoyed a pretty walk up the limestone gorge to view the winch
meet which Sue had helped organise the previous weekend, and we
returned by a different route into Clapham for afternoon tea. This
taken, we returned to Austwick and the campsite, where I provided
wine and cake, Mark brought out a birthday cake he'd made for me and
Sue got a brew on. Then we went to the pub where those who were
staying overnight and those who weren't showed the good people of
Yorkshire how to eat and drink! As you can see there was rather a
lot of that going on, and because there was only a select group of
us, we felt obliged to make up for those who were unavoidably
detained elsewhere - this is you DD!
Sunday was again sunny and we broke camp before following Sue to the
Craven Pot- Holing Club's parking field in Clapham. We walked up to
the winch and Christine, Trish and I went down the gill, Kate walked
up Ingleborough and Sue searched for her man to take her down Bar
Pot. It was a short but amazing feeling going down on the winch,
which carved a diagonal path not a vertical one as it seemed whilst
you were on it. The cavern was like a cathedral and the rock looked
like stained glass windows in the roof! We got wet however!
It was sunny when we emerged from the gill, and we lay on the grass
catching the rays and having lunch, thinking about how easy it is to
abuse your body with too much exercise. Better to care for those
vulnerable joints (particularly at my age) with lots of refreshments,
rending you too fat and inebriated to move, rather than risk wear and
tear on the knees and heart! Eventually, we decided on a leisurely
walk back into Clapham, followed by yet another tea stop, just to
keep the fluids up
Thank you to everyone who made the effort to attend and share my
birthday celebrations. A special thank you to Mark, for baking a
truly wonderful birthday cake- what are you doing next year?
Lorna
Lorna had selected a beautiful campsite at Austwick and Sue arrived
to find Lorna looking all lonely and forlorn, thinking that everybody
had abandoned her for her birthday. However a quick trip to the pub
and an extremely attentive barman soon sorted that out!
Saturday
The day dawned fine, clear and cold, but by the time the main party
arrived the sun was shining and the temperature had risen to an
acceptable level! The first gaff of the day was Chris's when he
accidentally (?) referred to the meet as the wenching meet, which led
to a lot of hilarious conversation during the day as to the success
of Chris's wenching technique (or lack of it!). The walk, unlike
many KMC walks, was very leisurely and civilised, starting from the
campsite, up Crummack Dale, turning left along the escarpment to join
Long Lane, allowing a quick look at Gaping Ghyll for anybody not
staying to partake of the delights the next day. The group then
descended to Clapham to sit outside in the sunshine, whilst sampling
the most wonderful cream tea's, before strolling back to the
campsite. The early evening was spent sitting in the sunshine back
at the campsite, eating more cake and drinking copious amounts of
wine, very generously supplied by Lorna, before retiring to the
nearest hostelry for a pub meal and more alcohol.
Sunday
Lorna, Trish and Christine making a new fashion statement, looking
very attractive in bright yellow building site helmets and
waterproofs, nervously took their place in the queue for the winch to
descend Gaping Ghyll. Sue is pleased to report that they have all
spoken to her since and claimed to have enjoyed the experience!
Speaking of Sue, she did finally find her way to the main chamber via
Bar Pot, guided by a member of the Craven Pot Hole Club, and was then
taken around Mud Halls (a mini via ferratta underground) before being
winched out! Only complaint about the winch is that it was all
over too fast!
Michelle and Mark opted for another leisurely day and ran up
Ingleborough from the campsite, whilst Kate also ascended
Ingleborough but in a more sedate fashion.
Sue
August 28th/29th - Ty Powdwr - Peter Walker
Members present: Roger Dyke, Ian Heginbotham, Julie O'Regan, Scott
Sadler, Kevin Anderson, Alan( L)Jones, Heather Brooke, Dan OBrien,
Ian Crook, Peter Walker.
Guests: Cath Sanders, Jason and Simon Luckett, Kate O'Regan, Roger
Daly, Trudie Wright, Shaun Thompson, M. Sales, M. Mc,Ilray, C.
Rivers(?).
10 members, 10 guests, and not many hut keys! A number of people were
on their first hut meet and fairly new to rock climbing as well.
Saturday: Roger Dyke was first away, to Cwm Silyn to do Outside Edge
with Cath. Roger Daly, Jason, Simon and Trudie took the meet leader
round to Ogwen where we climbed on the Gribin facet and Idwal slabs.
Jason put his new gear and climbing wall experience to good use to do
his first lead climbs whilst Roger took Trudie and Simon up their
first multipitch routes. Meanwhile Dan, Heather, Ian H, Scott and co
had all gone off to climb at Pen Trewyn. Back at the hut A (L) Jones
had arrived and gone for a run in the Padarn CP (fell race
training?). Kevin and Julie had also arrived after a day's climbing.
A very sociable evening ensued helped along by lots of wine from
Trudie and loads of lager from the Luckett brothers!
Sunday started off rather damp but had cleared by the time "the mob"
i.e. Kevin Julie, Jason and Simon, Trudie, Roger and Roger, had got
to Tremadoc. Roger Da and Trudie did Christmas Curry, Roger Dy and
Simon did Poor Mans Peuterey whilst Jason followed Kevin up an HVS.
Various other routes done included Oberon, Shadrack, Meshack I
believe. The younger end had gone off to Pen Trewyn whilst 3 walkers
went round the Moel Eilio circuit from the hut, ALJ, Shaun and Peter
had the pleasure of the company of two gorgeous girls who just
happened to be going the same way and used the opportunity to
practise their English by chatting up Shaun. I think they liked his
hair! Another very sociable evening despite Scott's efforts to liven
up Ian C's pasta with more than just a touch of Tabasco!
Monday: Thanks to everyone who helped to leave the hut clean and
sparkling before heading off to climb, walk or just go home.
September 11th/12th Ty Powdwr, Joint Birthday Bash - Sue Brooke
Members: Kevin Anderson, Ken Beetham, Heather Brooke, Sue Brooke,
Sabina Cosulich, Trish Cranson, Dave Dillon, John Dobson, Roger Dyke,
Joe Flynn, Duncan Lee, Colin Maddison, Al Metelko, Anna Neubert, Dan
O'Brien, Julie O'Regan, Kate O'Regan, Lester Payne, Scott Sadler,
Jenny Varley, Alan Wylie, Dave Wylie
Guests: Helen Barker, Conrad Bower, Sally Fryer, Fiona Houghton,
Iain Lee, Jason Luckett, Roisin Maddison, Mike Reading, Suzanna, Tai
Wei,
Heather and I arrived slightly late at John's due to heavy traffic,
which led to a rather fraught journey down! John took his duty as
Head Libations Officer extremely seriously and was worried that the
especially selected barrel of Bikes, Trikes and Beer wouldn't settle
on time. After all how could you throw a party with less than
perfectly clear ale!
The Serious Bit
From recent experience the weather in Wales has not been kind and
this weekend was no exception. People attempted to climb between the
showers and a few routes were reported as completed.
Tremaddog
Jason and Kevin: Striptease, The Fang and Christmas Curry
Dave Wylie and Scott: Christmas Curry with Mica Finish
The O'Regan sisters: Christmas Curry with the ordinary finish
Dave Dillon, Anna, heather, Tai Wei, Suzanna and Trish: Mass ascent
of Oberon
All: Eric's Cafe Direct, twice.
Cwm Silyn
Duncan and Sabina went for the full mountain experience and climbed
Ordinary Route, in the pouring rain with nil visibility.
Llanberis
Colin and Roisin: A variation to the direct route via the Slate
Museum and Pete's Eats
The meet leader did not attempt to climb but did get the full
mountain experience when joined by Alan and John she decided to walk
up Carnedd Dafydd, over Black Ladders. With the wind so strong that
you could barely stand on the summit, let along make progress, a
decision was made to bid hasty retreat and join the competition for
space in the drying room.
Unfortunately there was no improvement in the weather on Sunday and
whilst a few people went for an extremely wet walk, circular from
Milestone Buttress via Llyn Bochlwyd, Idwal Slabs and around Llyn
Idwal, many decided on retail therapy in Llanberis or a direct route
home.
Fun and games
Well what can I say about the party celebrations. As usual everyone
threw themselves into it in style with the guests soon joining in the
spirit of things! Roisin organised everybody in a game of pinning
the tail on the donkey before helping decorate the birthday cakes.
With three birthday cakes to consume (it was Mike Reading's birthday
also), there was a wonderfully sociable munching session in the
lounge during which Heather and Scott were given the bumps (48 in
total). The cake was washed down with a plentiful amount of alcohol,
which might have had something to do with the creative display of
wall dancing by Sally and Sabina, who were very quickly overshadowed
by Jason's attempts! John went to bed a happy man after drinking
several pints of his beer, which was perfect! Dan's rehearsal for the
disco at the Annual dinner went down extremely well; people danced
until the small hours and were complementary as to his choice in
music.
Thanks to everyone that turned up for helping make Heather's 21st and
Scott's 27th birthday celebrations so memorable!
September 18th/19th - Ty Powdwr, FRCC Joint Meet - Al Metelko
KMC: Chris Thickett, Bob Anderson, Al Metelko, Peter Walker, Virginia
Castick, Roger Daily, Alan (L) Jones, Roger Dyke.
FRCC: Uncle Bob!
Saturday dawned very grey and very wet, Roger Daily arrived early
wondering why! So Bobs eleven o'clock rule was implemented but by 10
there was a definite blue band out towards Anglesey. Rogers
enthusiasm took all six of us to Holyhead Mountain and a stunning
days climbing was had in the sunshine. Evening saw the arrival of
Alan and Roger Dyke.
Sunday dawned grey but the mist and cloud soon lifted to give a
pleasant day with only an occasional small shower in the Park. Crags
at Cwn Du, Gribin Facet and Little Tryfan where visited but I decided
to do a small walk from the hut which included Tryfan.
September 26th - Laddow - Andrew Croughton
Once again this was a wonderfully attended meet despite the lack of
tea being served in the cave, thank you to all who ventured out
despite the forecast. To those who didn't the sun did shine all be it
slightly late in the day.
The now traditional ascent of long climb by as many people as
possible was undertaken as well as a few other attempts to get
covered in green slime. Don't ask me why I stayed in the cave with
the box of white wine and abundance of sticky cakes (the diets not
working but tastes great)
I hope everybody that attended had a good day, good enough in fact to
want to take over the roll of meet leader for this meet next year as
I am stepping down.
Perhaps somebody with a love of tea would like to take over and
reinstate the brew making ritual in the cave. So all you tea fans out
there get in touch with your outdoor meets secretary and show your
support as I know he is always happy to have new meet leaders
volunteer, and there are still a few leaderless meets waiting to be
filled in 2005.
Once again thanks to Jim, Sandy, Alan, Lester, Dave W, Wavey, Al,
Trish, Julie, Midge, Joanne, Frank, Margaret, Trudy, Nic, Jason,
Katy, Simon, Nick, for coming out to the meet and Craig, Roger, John
who apparently ran past the top of the crag during a fell race only
half ticks there I'm afraid.
October 9th/10th - Fell Race - Neville McMillan
Members: Christine Beeston, John Castick, Virginia Castick, Sabina
Cosulich, Trish Cranston, Dave Dillon, Roger Dyke, Joe Flynn, Jim
Gregson, Sandy Gregson, Mike Hall, Graham Harkness, Alan (L) Jones,
Duncan Lee, Roger Mapleson, Craig Marsden, Neville McMillan, Al
Metelko, Julie O'Regan, Lester Payne, Scott Sadler, Jennifer Varley,
Dave Wylie (23)
Guests: Vicky Alderton, Cath Sanders, Kate Sparks, Shaun Thompson,
Nick Veevers (part time), Trudie Wright (6)
(29 in total)
The best weather of the weekend was on Friday afternoon, but only
Neville and Roger were present to climb on Wallowbarrow in really hot
sunshine and no wind. Saturday dawned cloudier and cooler, but 17
members and guests climbed a wide range of routes from Hard Diff to
HVS. Thomas was well-supported, and found quite a giggle by some.
Virginia opted for Nameless as a final route, but finding it harder
than expected, was heard by many giving the route a selection of
choice names, mostly not repeatable. To round off an enjoyable day,
many sampled the wares of the Newfield Inn, all for the benefit of
the local economy.
Sunday was dry, and clear on the tops, but with a strong cool breeze.
There was an air of seriousness in the hut, added to by the medical
condition of two members. Duncan had been stricken by a virulent
stomach bug during the night, and Graham very reluctantly decided
that his asthma problem needed to be taken seriously, so both were
declared hors de combat. That reduced the number of runners to 10,
but this was increased by five members and three guests who turned up
on the day (four quite unexpectedly). Final field 18.
Since last years event had been won in less than 1.5 hours, a more
challenging course was provided this year - approximately 11 miles,
with 2,940 ft ascent minimum.
Course: High Moss - Goats Hause (SD 2665/9828) - Castle How (NY
2372/0050) - Wallowbarrow Summit (SD 2223/9679) - High Moss
There were many different ideas about the fastest line to Goats
Hause, but only Roger and Cath found the slowest route, including
paddling in the beck on the way. On the descent past Seathwaite Tarn,
Virginia's colourful rigout caught the eye of both sheep and
sheep-farmers, leading to a verbal harangue. Virginia claims that the
delay was to cost her the Shelagh Manning Trophy, but such special
pleading cuts no ice with the referee.
By Castle How the fast guys were still ten minutes behind Julie and
Scott of the middle group, and Trish and Wavey from the slow group -
obviously not trying hard enough. But it was the supposedly easy,
valley stretch from Castle How to Wallowbarrow that really produced
the surprises. Al, Julie and Scott got it right by sticking to the
forest track. Those who tried to gain advantage by running along the
road lost out by at least seven minutes, and some much more. Shaun,
one of the fastest three at Castle How, lost 52 minutes on this leg,
and others made costly mistakes.
At Wallowbarrow summit, Julie and Scott were still leading the field,
with Al nine minutes behind, and Craig still 10 minutes behind. On
this final leg, and the uphill finish to High Moss, Julie dug deep.
Craig was closing the gap, but Julie showed great determination to be
the first home, 2.5 minutes ahead, with Scott third to finish.
Individual Results:
| Name | Start time | Time at Finish | Time to Finish | Overall Time | Handicap | H'cap Time | Finishing Places |
| hh:mm:ss | hh:mm:ss | minutes | hh:mm:ss | minutes | hh:mm:ss | Actual | KMC | Ladies | H'cap |
| Craig MARSDEN | 12:00:00 | 14:48:56 | 168.9 | 02:48:56 | 31 | 02:17:56 | 1 | 1 | | 1 |
| Al METELKO | 12:00:00 | 14:51:18 | 171.3 | 02:51:18 | -78 | 04:09:18 | 2 | 2 | | 12 |
| Mike HALL | 12:00:00 | 15:00:12 | 180.2 | 03:00:12 | -22 | 03:22:12 | 3 | 3 | | 8 |
| Roger MAPLESON | 12:00:00 | 15:13:02 | 193.0 | 03:13:02 | 15 | 02:58:02 | 4 | 4 | | 3 |
| Julie O'REGAN | 11:30:00 | 14:46:30 | 196.5 | 03:16:30 | 7 | 03:09:30 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 6 |
| Scott SADLER | 11:30:00 | 14:50:00 | 200.0 | 03:20:00 | 1 | 03:19:00 | 6 | 6 | | 7 |
| Shaun THOMPSON (G) | 12:00:00 | 15:50:44 | 230.7 | 03:50:44 | | | 7 | | | |
| Dave DILLON | 11:00:30 | 15:17:04 | 256.6 | 04:16:34 | 76 | 03:00:34 | 8 | 7 | | 5 |
| Trish CRANSTON | 11:00:30 | 15:24:30 | 264.0 | 04:24:00 | 34 | 03:50:00 | 9 | 8 | 2 | 10 |
| Virginia CASTICK | 11:30:00 | 16:06:17 | 276.3 | 04:36:17 | 133 | 02:23:17 | 10 | 9 | 3 | 2 |
| Trudie WRIGHT (G) | 11:30:00 | 16:14:41 | 284.7 | 04:44:41 | | | 11 | | | |
| Vicky ALDERTON (G) | 11:30:00 | 16:15:16 | 285.3 | 04:45:16 | | | 12 | | | |
| Joe FLYNN | 11:30:00 | 16:15:18 | 285.3 | 04:45:18 | 107 | 02:58:18 | 13 | 10 | | 4 |
| Alan (L) JONES | 11:00:30 | 16:18:17 | 317.8 | 05:17:47 | 114 | 03:23:47 | 14 | 11 | | 9 |
| Cath SANDERS (G) | 11:00:30 | 16:53:52 | 353.4 | 05:53:22 | | | 15 | | | |
| Kate SPARKS (G) | 11:00:30 | 16:54:09 | 353.7 | 05:53:39 | | | 16 | | | |
| Roger DYKE | 11:00:30 | 16:54:11 | 353.7 | 05:53:41 | 106 | 04:07:41 | 17 | 12 | | 11 |
| Christine BEESTON | 11:30:00 | 15:38:41 | 248.7 | 04:08:41 | | | DNF | DNF | | |
And the winners of the trophies were:
| Ken Beetham Trophy | Fastest time | Craig Marsden | 2:48:56 |
| Sumerfield Cup | Fastest Lady | Julie O'Regan | 3:16:30 |
| Shelagh Manning Trophy | Fastest handicap time | Craig Marsden | 2:17:56 |
| Concordia Trophy | Fastest first-time entrant | Scott Sadler | 3:20:00 |
My thanks to all the checkers, and also to Sabina for producing such
excellent food in large quantities.
Start training for next year; we will probably have a change of
venue, in the hope of getting thick cloud on the fell tops!
November Newsletter Index.
Copyright © 2004 Karabiner Mountaineering Club
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