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November 2007 Meet Reports
August 19th - Five Trigs Walk - Keith Williams
Members present: Roger Dyke, Lester Paine, Iain McCallum, Lorna
Marsland, Phil Ramsbottom, Peter Walker, Keith Williams (Leader),
Dave Wylie.
As expected, the blazing sun of the previous week made way for a
slow-moving front which produced six hours of heavy rain out of nine
making this one of the wettest meets for some time. Not only that:
since the saturated bracken and heather was at its mid-summer
lushest, lower (and upper) leg wetness syndromes were inevitable on
the steep pull up to Alphin to start the day. The Ramsbottom/Walker
flanking manoeuvre to the west perhaps paid off in this respect
though both sections arrived at the 1st trig more or less together.
The monotony of the next leg along the northern edge of Wimberry Moss
in rain and mist was relieved only by a 10 minute break at Chew
Reservoir and the decision as to where exactly to break SE for the
next trig. With Phil already striding out with the air of a man who
knows, the rest of us quickly fell in behind with Peter and Roger
saying that they would probably stay behind and do their own thing
from there on. They were never seen again.
Happily, the rain eased up and mist cleared during the yomp over to
Laddow so when Dave suggested that we shelter in the cave there were
no takers. Unbeknown to us, I MacC was already cowering there having
- again unbeknown to us - started the walk 30 mins. ahead of the main
party.
This led to another characteristic of this meet - namely ignorance,
or perhaps unbeknowingness.
Yomping continued along Gt. Crowden Brook so, after a mile or so,
Lorna decided that - again unbeknown to most of the remaining party -
she would turn round and affect a secret tryst with I MacC who was by
this time uncowered from his bower and moving boldly in the direction
of the lovely Lorna at a closing velocity of ca. 5mph. Thereafter,
they went off, to use one of Iain's favourite legal phrases, "on a
frolic of their own". They said that they visited all but the West
Nab trig. point but with unknowingness all around, who knows? They
were never seen again. Perhaps they lived happily ever after.
Meanwhile, the remaining four members of the party pressed on to slay
the dragon of Black Hill. Since the mist was once again swirling
miasmically among the peat hags and no dragon was offering itself to
be slayed, they ate their butties instead. The burnished flags of
Gregson Super Highway 1 were covered at high speed towards Wessenden
Head, and West Nab was taken almost unawares after a mug of tea at
the 'Bogtrotters De-lite' wayside cafe. The bearing was now west
which meant that we were on our way home. 'Oh happy day . . .' Which
discerning readers will recognise as the most apt three consecutive
words in the complete oevre of Keats when facing west in the rain at
West Nab with only nine miles to go.
But this is where the story really begins? No sooner had our intrepid
heroes crossed the thundering Wessenden (with a hop, skip and a jump)
than the rain started with renewed vigour. The mist thickened, the
heather got deeper, turks heads were all around them and to all these
woes were added the unmistakable sound of high velocity rifles
discharging. This was turning nasty: what if some crazy terrorist
(he'd have to be crazy) had managed to evade the inspection of his
100ml bottles (max) at Ringway and decided to pick off some innocent
nutters out for a day flailing the flesh? Dave decided that the best
tactic would be to hide further into the mist so he moved - unbeknown
of course - to a higher line. Phil meanwhile, sought refuge in high
velocity walking, Lester giggled (or was it Diggled?) in a quite
disarming way while the meet leader cried, 'Wait for me'. That had
them fair flummoxed and soon the sound of gun shots being aimed at
tin cans was all that could be heard. Walking on them moors in t' wet
and that can fair do yer 'ead in sometimes?
Right, so where was I? We'd now reached the last trig point chastened
and moist but unholed. Technically the meet was over so it was just a
matter of individual tactics for getting back to the car park. Phil
decided to have another butty - he'd been reading the USAF Officers
Survival Manual v. 17.0.12a which says eat all your grub at one go
thereby maximising the chances of a quiet death if you fail to get
picked up. Dave lit up some device for turning rain water into rocket
fuel and was next seen in his car waving bye-bye. Lester kept
giggling and the meet leader kept alternately walking and swimming.
Somehow or other we all managed to cross the A635 without being
killed which was quite an accomplishment since the terrorists had
sneakily driven round from Diggle in their Nissan 4x4 pickup and in
trying to take us out while we trooped down the road in an orderly
fashion, took out 50yards of the wall instead. It just shows what can
happen when you go for a walk in the rain.
September 8th/9th - Malham Camping - Vicky Alderton
Saturday: Malham Left Wing
Members: Vicky Alderton, Duncan Lee, Robert Clark, Dave Wylie, Andy
Grantham, Bridget Mapleson, Ann Sanderson, Rob Allen, Al Metelko.
Guests: Paul Botham, Chris Williams.
As ordered, the sun was making an appearance as Duncan, Robert and I
headed out to Yorkshire?..slightly later than planned! By the time
we'd put up the tents we had acquired Andy, who'd come searching us
out, and by the crack of noon we finally made it to the crag.
Having found nobody at the designated spot on arrival, Al had, as Al
does, taken to soloing. We left him to it as we slowly geared up, in
the now blazing sun, and before we even touched rock, we'd been
joined by Chris, Dave, Ann, Bridget, Rob and Paul. There were
mumblings of "it's too hot to climb" & 'sunbathing' was mentioned
once or twice??but eventually we managed a number of climbs with mass
ascents of Straight Crack, Crazy Paving, Pikestaff, Flake Wall and
Original Route to name a few. All in all, a beautiful, sunny,
leisurely day of climbing was enjoyed by all, well, nearly all.
Robert and Andy's expressions were not ones of amusement as a rather
large, dislodged block came hurtling towards them. Luckily nobody was
hurt, so feeling in need of a pint we headed to the pub.
The crux of the day came at the bar, where getting served was nigh on
impossible, and 'service with a smile' was certainly not something
they'd heard of! This was followed by a debacle over the table we'd
chosen to sit at for food??..which apparently was 'reserved',
although our telepathic skills had failed us on this occasion, so we
were blissfully unaware until we tried to order our food! This led to
us being upgraded to the waiter service, guests only dining area. We
soon lowered the tone!
Sunday: Rylstone
Members: Vicky Alderton, Duncan Lee, Robert Clark, Dave Wylie, John
Cox, Mark Ashley.
Guests: Chris Williams & Mike.
The next day proved to be not quite so obliging with the weather, but
at least the rain held off. So, having been joined by John and a
newcomer to the club, Mike (hope I got that right), we started the 45
minute, uphill walk into Rylstone for another day of fun climbing?
Well, that was the plan anyway! Having eyed up a couple of nice
looking climbs I emptied my sack to find (or not as the case was) my
shoes! Hmmmmm? not a good start and after pondering the situation
decided to follow some routes in rock boots 3 sizes too large. This
seemed preferable to walking back to the car for my spare boots and
back up the hill. Everyone else, including Mark who'd just arrived,
seemed eager, despite the chilling wind, to have a go at the 3 star
classics President's Slab and Dental Slab. I think people had a good
day although my mind was slightly pre-occupied with thoughts of where
my 'almost new, expensive' boots had gone. A blat back to Malham left
wing proved fruitless so the mystery continued? I have now named Rob
'The Thief' and I believe my boots had a lovely day out in Chorlton!!
September 29th/30th - 90th Birthday Party, Anglesey - Michelle Harvie
Members: Michelle Harvie, Mark Garrod, Al Metelko, Trish Cranston.
Guests: Des Chadderton, Rachel Summerville.
Given the recent dire weather the white cloud with sunny bits
forecast sounded good enough, so Anglesey it was. Mark & I headed to
Cemaes Bay on Friday night to the welcoming Harbour Hotel. Friendly
bouncers, big screen rugby with England vs. Tonga kept Mark happy
whilst I chatted to a slightly batty local.
We arrived at the empty windswept campsite at the same time as Trish.
We could see why there was no need to book as we sat alone in the
campsite drinking wine.
Saturday started with a mandatory birthday dip, for some of us
anyway. On the way to the bay one of our fellow campers delighted in
showing us his days catch, a sharp clawed lobster, though not, as he
explained, the usual Conger eels found in the bay. Trish & I braved
the cold and this potential company to swim. We were certainly in
better shape than the upturned dead sheep, which appeared during our
swim!
Breakfast and a bottle of Brut delivered by the campsite owner Lizzie
then off to Gogarth to find Al and co. We contemplated Lighthouse
arête, or rather the ab point but decided to leave it for today. We
found Al on Wen slab and joined the seals to watch a procession of
climbers including Rachel boldly leading Des across Dream of the
White Horses. We were unfortunately caught contemplating routes again
by 2 climbers who had been at Lighthouse Arête. Finally we did get
on rock. Mark & Trish led 2 great routes on Holyhead Mountain; Pigeon
Hole and Stairs. We headed back for B day cake and champagne, leaving
Al & co to finish Concrete Chimney on Wen slab.
That night none of the local pubs could feed us, so we went off to
Amlwch for a Chinese takeaway. It was a bit of a Wild West town, at
9.00pm the locals were falling through the door of the Chinese in
various states of inebriation.
Sunday started with a swim (Trish & Michelle), the others all had
Doctors notes or feeble excuses. We all had a great day on Castle
Helen. Thanks to Al for his moral support for the abseil. Mark boldly
led me up Lighthouse Arête, Al & Trish did a combination of Pel and
Rap, while Rachel & Des raced up Blanco. By 5.00pm Mark & I had
finished our 1 route of the day, and 4th of the year. Al & co set of
for more fun on Holyhead mountain. It was a great, fun albeit low key
weekend. Don't forget to put our 110th Birthday party in your diaries
in September 2017.
October 14th - Giggleswick Scar South - Duncan Lee
Members present: Rob Allen, Robert Clark, Dave Dillon, Dave Bish,
Vicky Alderton, Duncan Lee, Lester Payne and his 27 year old harness.
Guest present: Kate Sparks.
Despite the previous days blanket drizzle and a grey start to the day
the sun soon broke through to warm the bones of the select few who
braved the journey to the wilds of Yorkshire. By mid afternoon it was
T-shirt weather!
Everyone wisely resisted the temptation of the traditional sandbags
and opted for clipping the nice new shiny bolts on a variety of
routes that included Chopping Block (F6a+), It's Alright Mama (6a+),
She's not Yew (5+), Out of Bounds (4), Pitch n' Putt (6a+), Babel
(5+), Displacement activity (6a+), Crazy Paver (6a+), Over the garden
wall (5+), Atomic kitten (6a) and Rat Poison (6a+). All except Kate
that is who bravely headed forth for a walk without a map. Maybe it's
the next step for our navigationally challenged members seeing as you
cannot misread a map you don't have.
Meanwhile back at the crag no one was having any route finding
difficulties following the bolts. The finest effort of the day was by
Lester who followed Rob on The Constant Gardener (6a). By the time
his feet were reacquainted with the ground he had developed bulging
veins on his bulging veins. Team Dave then headed for a benightment
on the appropriately named Taking the Mickey (6b) whilst the rest of
us went in search of Kate en route to the Maypole. As darkness fell
the Daves arrived having reached the car in the gloom.
Thanks to everyone who bothered to show up.
October 20th/21st - Fell Race Weekend - Neville McMillan
Just the basic results here, a full report will be available in the next
Newsletter.
Route: Irish Row - Black Sails - Brock How - Goats Hawse - Irish Row
Distance: 7.2 miles or more for some
Height gain: 3,490 ft. or more (not less!)
| Overall Fastest |
|---|
| Mark GARROD | 2:11:39 |
| Richard YORKE | 2:14:15 |
| Duncan LEE | 2:14:23 |
|
| Fastest Ladies |
|---|
| Kirsten MUNDT | 2:27:42 |
| Michelle HARVIE | 2:28:00 |
| Kate HORGAN | 4:20:31 |
|
| Fastest on Handicap |
|---|
| Robert CLARK | 1:52:48 |
| Colin MADDISON | 1:53:03 |
| Duncan LEE | 1:56:23 |
|
| Concordia Trophy |
|---|
| Richard YORKE | 2:14:15 |
| Name | Start time | Time at Finish | Time to Finish | Overall Time | Handicap | H'cap Time | Finishing Places |
|---|
| | hours:mins | h:m:s | mins | h:m:s | mins | h:m:s | Actual | Ladies | H'cap |
|---|
| Mark GARROD | 12:00 | 14:11:39 | 131.7 | 2:11:39 | -5 | 2:16:39 | 1 | | 6 |
| Richard YORKE | 11:30 | 13:44:15 | 134.2 | 2:14:15 | 0 | 2:14:15 | 2 | | 5 |
| Duncan LEE | 12:00 | 14:14:23 | 134.4 | 2:14:23 | 18 | 1:56:23 | 3 | | 3 |
| Craig MARSDEN | 12:00 | 14:26:12 | 146.2 | 2:26:12 | -5 | 2:31:12 | 4 | | 10 |
| Kirsten MUNDT | 11:30 | 13:57:42 | 147.7 | 2:27:42 | 10 | 2:17:42 | 5 | 1 | 8 |
| David LYGATE | 12:00 | 14:27:45 | 147.8 | 2:27:45 | 11 | 2:16:45 | 6 | | 7 |
| Michelle HARVIE | 11:30 | 13:58:00 | 148.0 | 2:28:00 | 20 | 2:08:00 | 7 | 2 | 4 |
| Al METELKO | 12:00 | 14:29:52 | 149.9 | 2:29:52 | 12 | 2:17:52 | 8 | | 9 |
| Robert CLARK | 12:00 | 14:30:48 | 150.8 | 2:30:48 | 38 | 1:52:48 | 9 | | 1 |
| Colin MADDISON | 12:00 | 14:38:03 | 158.1 | 2:38:03 | 45 | 1:53:03 | 10 | | 2 |
| Dave BISH | 12:00 | 15:18:16 | 198.3 | 3:18:16 | 5 | 3:13:16 | 11 | | 11 |
| Virginia CASTICK | 11:00 | 14:23:10 | 203.2 | 3:23:10 | 115 | 1:28:10 | --- | Disqualified | --- |
| Joe FLYNN | 11:00 | 15:11:05 | 251.1 | 4:11:05 | 107 | 2:24:05 | Disqualified | | Disqualified |
| Kate HORGAN | 11:30 | 15:50:31 | 260.5 | 4:20:31 | 19 | 4:01:31 | 12 | 3 | 12 |
November Newsletter Index.
Copyright © 2007 Karabiner Mountaineering Club
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