Karabiner Mountaineering Club

November 2006 Meet Reports

26^th February - Bridestones Bouldering - Kevin Anderson

Another beautiful day dawned. With the wind gently gusting force 8 and the temperature rocketing to a blistering +20C, an intrepid bunch of the KMC's elite boulders trekked across the moors drawn by the allure and adventure of Bridestones' wonderful sculptures. Before long honed muscles and grit's superb friction saw many of Bridies top problems relinquishing their secrets to the likes of Avalanche Al, Scot, Julie, Dave (Wylie), Jenny, Sandy (4 legged version) and yours truly. The weather remained dry - with just a few flakes whipping past - lunch was a shared affair and provided tasty sustenance (especially Jenny's cake!); all in all a grand day in the hills was had by those prepared to venture out in potentially inclement conditions.

June 17^th/18^th - Gogarth - Rob Allen

Member: Kevin Anderson

Guest: Kirsten Mundt

The sun glistened on the sea and cotton wool clouds scudded across the sky as Kirsten and I ticked off routes on Holyhead Mountain.

These memories came flooding back when I opened the last newsletter and found that I'd been fingered by the Editor.

Kevin was going to drive down on Saturday morning so we decided to go to Holyhead Mountain as it would be easier for him to find us. When we arrived at the usual parking place there were only a few cars there and the crag was almost empty. Starting at the left-hand end, Kirsten made a rapid ascent of 'Candlestick' and, being idle and not wanting to move too far I followed up with 'Romulus' (just to the right). All the time we were keeping an eye out for Kev's holiday home. The day wore on and after a butty break we moved further across to do 'Cursing' (two stars, I think, and well worth them). Still no sign of Kevin. We finished the day with 'Teaser' and headed back to the hut having had an enjoyable day in the sun.

Kev eventually turned up with some cock-and-bull story (giraffes blocking the A55, or something similar) but as there was a World Cup match that afternoon I'll let you draw your own conclusions. Plans to climb on the sea cliffs the next day were spoiled by low cloud and rain. After a few cups of tea it seemed clear that the weather was set for a while so I headed for home leaving Kirsten and Kevin to make the best of a soggy day.

Although only two of us managed to climb at the meet venue I wasn't disappointed. There had been a dry spell leading up to the weekend so there was a sizable group of KMCers climbing on Cloggy (it didn't look so good at 7am on Sunday, actually it couldn't be seen from below: Ed), Joe Flynn and John Dobson braved the Marin Trail, John Castick was on strimming duty and a number of other members of the club were at the BMC clear-up at Egerton quarry. So people were out there either being active or doing something useful, which is the main thing really.

July 8^th/9^th - Welsh Sun-rock - Dan O'Brien

Members Present : Ian Crook (Aka Colonel Mustard), Dan O'Brien (Aka Reverend Green).

Guests Present : Mike Reading (Aka Professor Plum)

After a late start on the Friday night due to work commitments, the team reached the hut at 1.30am on the Saturday morning. The weather the next day, although not sunny, was promising and so after a hearty breakfast at Pete's, the team arrived at the walk-in for Amphitheatre Buttress first thing in the afternoon and began the long slog to the bottom of the route as the clouds began to loom.

After dumping the bivvi gear (yes, we still hadn't given up on completing the meets objective) we crossed the col and descended to the base of the route. The ascent that followed was swift and incident free, passing the only other team on the route at half height. We topped out just as the rain began and descended via the bivvi gear, straight back to the van.

The bivvi food, which included a roast chicken two bottles of wine and a hearty supply of biscuits and cakes were consumed that evening during a rather competitive game of Cluedo. If you were to ask Ian and Mike they probably still would be unable to tell you where Mrs. Peacock was at the time of the murder.

The next day began at Pete's and finished in the Crescent. There was no climbing involved.

On a separate note, John Dobson and Joe Flynn were spotted on Cyrn Las, Main Wall on the Saturday. Good effort lads.

July 30^th - Dovestones - Dan O'Brien

Members Present: Dan O'Brien, Dave Wylie, Dave Dillon, Trish, Kevin Anderson, Rob Clarke, Jamie Findlow, Peter Sharpe. Guests Present: Kirsten Mundt.

As Heather was busy packing for our impending Alps trip beginning that afternoon, the meet leadership was entrusted to me. I dutifully slogged up the slope to Dovestones sans harness and rockboots and seconded a couple of classics with Dave Wylie whilst the other members of the team got stuck into the green cracks and walls of this rather neglected crag (perhaps its the walk-in and the northerly aspect that puts people off)...................(I thought it was in pretty good shape on a mild September Sunday: Ed) Report ends due to meet leader buggering off on holiday. A good day was had by all. Mine finished trying to grab an hour's kip in the ferryport at Dover.

August 20^th - Giggleswick Scar, Yorkshire - Robert Clark

Robert Clark, Andy Grantham, Kirsten Mundt, Rob Allen, Vicky Alderton.

Due to the awful weather forecast the intended climbing and camping in Northumberland was cancelled. Instead we made the most of the dry-ish spell on Sunday and went to Giggleswick Scar.

We climbed on the upper tier of Giggleswick South. (Ah, Sandbag Crag: Ed) This is an excellent limestone trad climbing crag, facing south and drying quickly. Among the routes climbed were; February Crack, Little Corner, Meerschaum and Custard Crack. The rain stayed away (mostly) all day and the sun came out late afternoon.

Walking up to the upper tier we passed the lower tier, which is now largely a sport climbing venue with many bolts in evidence. This looks like a good winter venue as it also faces south and appears to dry quickly.

After the climbing we went in search of beer and food. I would recommend the Maypole in Long Preston for friendly service and good food.

Thanks to everyone who came along.

August 26^th/28^th - Joint Meet/FRCC Brackenclose - John Evans

Members present: Duncan Lee, Vicky Alderton, Colin Maddison, Chris Thickett, Alan (L) Jones, Peter Walker, Dave Garland, Rob Clark, Dave Dillon, Trish Cranston, Lester Payne, Dave Wylie, Kevin Anderson, Mark Ashley, John Evans.

"If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all" - Albert King: 'Born Under a Bad Sign'

Ho hum, another summer meet, another series of downpours... Due to circumstances beyond my control, as a general rule many of the best crags in the UK are to be found in areas of high rainfall. This meet has further entrenched my scepticism regarding benevolent deities! there was certainly no sign of the July heatwave, or the warm & dry conditions which prevailed for much of September, but an encouragingly large KMC contingent descended on Brackenclose nevertheless. On Saturday morning there was no sign of Pikes Crag (or was that Clag?) either, in spite of the fact that Mr Garland and myself were standing directly beneath it! A little closer, and we bumped into a large, greasy arete - not very nice, so up we went to the summit of Scafell Pike. The ensuing navigational debacle was impressive even by my lowly standards, where South became North and then the little voices start... "the compass must be wrong..." ultimately we got across to Lingmell, and on the descent encountered the ascending Messrs Clark, Payne and Anderson, who were apparently walking off a hearty lunch from a generous Cafe in Gosforth. They had retreated from Buckbarrow, disillusioned by dampness. Dave W (who collected several new summits during his visit) and Chris also took in Lingmell, as well as Great Gable by the Climbers' Traverse and Kirk Fell to finish. As ever, Duncan (with Vicky & Colin) successfully sought out the available climbing on obscure but useful low level granite crags (rather than take on the Lingmell flog). Mr Walker was assisting in the rehabilitation of Mr Jones, who remained sceptical of the merits of the walking pole... Wavy's movements, as is so often the case, were wreathed in mystery: "up over there" he pointed, when asked where he and Trish had been; outside it was dark, we were indoors, and I followed the arm and finger towards one of the ceiling joists... His powers are strong.

Overnight the squalls of rain continued, but Sunday was dry (to begin with at least). Mr Clark and Mr Garland and I set forth along the Wasdale Screes, thence up onto Whin Rigg and across Illgill Head, a fine breezy stroll, but the clouds were gathering... We almost made it to the Wasdale Head Inn, but even 30 seconds of the deluge soaked us as we ran! Meanwhile, Duncan, Vicky, Kevin and Colin were enjoying the delights of Needle Ridge in howling wind and swirling rain - a most impressive ascent! The rain continued for most of the night, and due to the Old Peculier effect, I began to lose track of peoples' movements, even as they recounted them by the blazing fire... (by now the famous KMC charisma had emptied the hut of FRCC members entirely!). Better luck next time and thanks all who attended! On the way home Dave G and myself managed to sneak a VDiff in at Wallowbarrow, more as an act of defiance to the evil controller of the elements, the supposedly-retired Michael Fish...

September 2^nd/3^rd - Mystery Meet - Kevin Anderson

A glorious sunny weekend was had by all those climbing in Choro, Thailand and Arapalies, meanwhile in Snowdonia the rain was horizontal. The KMC was represented by its younger members of Al Metelko and Kevin Anderson. After a Saturday morning and afternoon pottering around the sights of Llanberis, we finally settled on Devil's Kitchen route. For once, the Ogwen car park was empty - a warning to the wise! We headed off crossing the first foot bridge where the water was lapping over the planks - another warning.

Walking past the Slabs Al commented on the absence of any other climbers - wimps or warning number 3? We still couldn't see the Kitchen, obscured as it was by swirling mist - but as we approached we could hear the roar of water disgorging from the Kitchen's dark slime-filled caldron. Finally we emerged from the mist only to be greeted by torrents of liquid fury eager to dispatch foolhardy souls to the depths of Llyn Idwal.

Two hours later, ears ringing and minds and bodies battered, we were spat out of the Kitchen. Arguably we'd failed. We'd got within 3metres off the bottom of the climb before being beaten back by the final waterfall. With an hour to go before we lost the light, Al signalled retreat was the least worst of our options. Surprisingly the return journey was much easier than anticipated - probably a sign that the rain had reduced to vertical.

All in all, though we hadn't even touched the route, it was a day to savour and remember - and I'm sure we'll be back. The Sunday began in similar vein to the Saturday, but with a sense that things might improve. We sought out dry rock, but each time we set out for the crag the rain set in again. Tea and V12 in Llanberis saw the clouds receding and a beautiful late summer evening emerged from the gloom. With the sunny side of the crag glowing gold, we had fun on Phantom rib and finished with a damp Brant Direct as the sun set behind the hills.

A character building weekend with good company.

October 7^th/8^th - Hut Working Meet - James Richardson

Members: Dave Wylie, Al Metelko, Roger Daley, John Castick, Wavey, David Whittingham, John Evans, John Dobson, James Richardson. Guests: Annie Pettifer, Megan Anderson, Damien Holmes, Anja Wermeling.

Work done:

• Pot holes filled in on track.
• Loose step on the way up to the hut has been fixed + the steps have weeded and holes filled.
• Two new benches have been created in the hut grounds.
• The wall on the left hand side while approaching the hut has been finished.
• The ovens have been cleaned.
• The mens toilets have been scrubbed again!
• Grass has been removed from the base of the hut and has been used to start building a ramp into the lower field.
• Two slates have been replaced.
• The gas store render has been completed.
• Rubbish (including crisp packets and beer cans) were removed from the back of the hut.
• The turning circle has been cleared.
• The cement mixer has been moved on to a plinth. May it rust in peace after 30 years of loyal service to the KMC.
• Various bits of grass were strimmed.

A fantastic meet where everyone worked extremely hard. The outside of the hut now looks a lot tidier. The four guests who turned up on this working meet all worked extremely hard to make YOUR hut a nicer place to be.

On Sunday Anja and I went for a wander on Moel Eilio while Al, Wavey and Wylie went to find a VD in the quarries. Everyone else left early.

October 15^th - Fell Race - Dave Whittingham (emergency stand in)

Members (runners): Pete Walker, James Richardson, Andy Grantham, Anna Neubert, Dave Wylie, Robert Clarke, Julie O'Regan, Jim Symonds Michelle Harvie, Mark Garrod, Al Metelko, Dave Bish,

Members (Marshals): Sue Brooks, Joe Flynn, Dave Dillon, Andy Croughton, David Whittingham.

Members (moral support): Neville McMillan, Roger Dyke.

Guests: Kirsten, Ivy Limbrick, Saddleworth Runners Ray Green, John Gomersall, Ossie Kershaw, Colin Bishop, Lee Bowden and Shaun.

This was the fell race that nearly wasn't. Neville felt unable to run the proposed race in the Lake District so I was given the opportunity/co-opted by the committee to be the replacement meet leader just ten days before the event. It all actually worked surprisingly well; so here is my Gwyneth Paltrow moment.

I would very much like to thank all those who gave me support and assistance in making the meet the success it was:-
Al Metelko for advice on what runners might expect, Roy Lee and Heather Brooke for suggesting the course, Neville McMillan for advice on course setting and for the handicapping, those who volunteered at short notice as marshals for the check points, all the runners who took part, catering by the tea van, sound track by Little Axe and weather by Aiolos.

Any mistakes can, of course, be laid firmly at my door, where I will step over them.

I arrived at the car park below Dovestones reservoir dam in the Chew valley shortly after 10.00 to be met by a crowd of eager runners.

Eager and happy, the parking ticket machine was out of order so - free parking. After beating them off I was able to give the marshals the checkpoint locations. Start at the dam, then Broadstones trig point (Sue and Ivy), Ravenstones Trinnacle (Joe and Wavey), Fox Rock above Dovestones (Big Andy) and then back to the dam.

The runners were given the grid references and invited to self-select into three start groups. The Saddleworth boys, being eager, set off early and returned shortly after the last KMC group started. They were spattered with mud, had detoured several miles to make it more interesting and seemed to have had a good time. The weather was not ideal. Hazy sun and light cloud held no promise of rain to make the boggy bits more interesting, but it was blowing a fair hooley. Group one started at 11.00, group two at 11.30 and group three at 12.00.

Having seen them all off I relaxed with a cup of tea and bacon barm (I chose the start point because of the presence of the tea van) whilst watching the dinghy racing on the dam. These dinghies seemed to have only two states; very fast or upside down, great spectator fun!

It seemed no more than a moment when there was the patter of tiny feet as Michelle swept past me and into the middle of the car park, hotly pursued by Kirsten. The rest of the pack arrived in fairly quick succession. The self-selecting seemed to have worked well. I do feel that a special mention should go to James for walking/running the race with a pair of trekking poles in action. Is this a first?

After feeding the raw times through the McMillan megacomputer I am pleased to announce that the winners are:
(Drumroll, trumpet fanfare, fireworks?)

	Overall winner on handicap		Jim Symon
	Fastest man		Mark Garrod
	Fastest woman		Michelle Harvie
	Concordia Cup		Dave Bish

So some old favourites and some new faces.

Detailed Results

Group 1, 1100 start: Pete Walker, James Richardson, Andy Grantham, Anna Neubert.

Group 2, 1130 start: Dave Wylie, Robert Clarke, Julie O'Regan, Jim Symon, Michelle Harvie, Kirsten.

Group 3, 1200 start: Mark Garrod, Al Metelko, Dave Bish.

Overall Finish Times (in time order, hours and minutes)

	Mark Garrod		1.35
	Dave Bish		1.36
	Al Metelko		1.41
	Michelle Harvie		1.48
	Robert Clarke		1.57
	Jim Symon		2.01
	Julie O'Regan		2.02
	Dave Wylie		2.05
	James Richardson		2.21
	Andy Grantham		2.21
	Anna Neubert		3.31
	Pete Walker		DNF (but a valiant effort in map flying)

Corrected Times and Positions

	1	Jim Symon		1.19
	2	Robert Clarke		1.31
	3	Dave Bish		1.36
	4	Al Metelko		1.37
	5	Mark Garrod		1.38
	6	Harvie		1.38
	7	Julie O'Regan		1.52
	8	Andy Grantham		2.15
	9	James Richardson		2.18
	10	Dave Wylie		2.26
	11	Anna Neubert		3.22

Once more, thanks to everyone for turning out.

David "I counted them all out and I counted them all back" Whittingham.

October 22^nd - Peak District Walk - Dave Shotton

Present: John Corbett (guest), Roger Dyke, Martin Heaton, Alan 'Liverpool' Jones, Alan Peck, Pete Walker, Frank Williams, Margaret Williams.

The party assembled in fine, dry weather near the Monsal Head Hotel (parking along the lane to Little Longstone to avoid the extortionate car park charges) and set off walking at about 9.50 a.m. We descended the path to the River Wye, crossed the footbridge, and followed the riverside path underneath the Monsal Viaduct and downstream through Monsal Dale. Eventually we crossed over the A6 and headed up into Deep Dale, a quiet and pleasant open limestone dale which we followed until we were able to turn right onto the farm track of Wheal Lane. The wind had been a bit fresh but we sheltered in the recess by a field gate a little way past Over Wheal Farm for some late elevenses.

We continued into Taddington village, where we resisted the lure of The Queen's Arms pub and where a breakaway group (Frank and Margaret, Pete, and Alan 'L.' Jones) took a shortcut over the fields to Litton Mill to mitigate the effects of the years and aching joints.

(Apologies to the breakaway four, the rest of the walk is described from the viewpoint of the meet leader's group).

The remaining five passed through Taddington, crossed the A6 again and followed the lane of Hollow O'The Moor for a little distance until the rougher track of Long Lane was taken. This led down to the River Wye in Miller's Dale, where the group crossed the river and climbed up steps to the old Miller's Dale Station (as immortalised in song by Flanders and Swann*, it was pointed out); this is no longer in use for journeys by train, but has some nice picnic tables on the platform where we stopped for a pleasant lunch enlivened by Roger's stories of life in Switzerland.

The five then crossed one of the twin parallel and impressive Miller's Dale viaducts, and followed the Monsal Trail east along the disused railway bed for a distance, overlooking Ravenstor crag on the way, until we were able to drop down from the normal Trail route and cross a footbridge to Litton village and the old Litton Mill (once a grim cotton mill, now converted to posh flats). We continued downstream beside the River Wye, past reeds and bulrushes and stretches of open water with swans, coots and moorhens, and paused to have a look at some hard routes at Water-cum-Jolly just before we arrived at Cressbrook Mill (another former cotton mill, one of Richard Arkwright's, now also converted to upmarket residences). Here there was a small shop/cafe where Roger treated us to ice creams which we ate alfresco in lovely sunshine, and where we were briefly rejoined by some of the breakaway party (namely Pete and Alan 'L.' Jones) as our paths merged again.

We then crossed back over the river and ascended to rejoin the Monsal Trail, which led first along a narrow footpath (bypassing a now-sealed railway tunnel) and then along the old railway bed, through the disused Monsal Dale Station, towards Monsal Head. The weather turned on the home straight as we approached Monsal Head, and we crossed the Monsal Viaduct and climbed the short but steep path back to the Monsal Head Hotel in the rain. The two groups were reunited on the last stretch yards from the Hotel, arriving as one party at roughly 3.15 p.m. Some of us stayed to drink tea at the Stables Bar, others went straight home.

Pete Walker phoned that evening to confirm that the total distances as carefully measured by him were around 13 miles for the full route, and 10 miles for the shorter route taken by the breakaway four. Apart from some short stretches (particularly the slight sting in the tail) this was generally a fairly gentle walk which in Pete's words "was much appreciated by the geriatrics".

* (Note for younger readers including the meet leader) Flanders and Swann - a musical comedy duo popular in the 1950s-1960s. The song is called "Slow Train".

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