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March 2008 Meet Reports
December 15th/16th - Christmas Bash - Trish Cranston & Michelle Harvie
Present: Well fed members/guests, a few pounds of carrots, lots of
sunshine, except for some shady climbs.
A wonderful sunny Saturday morning lured us onto the wintry hills.
Kate and Dave ran over the Glyders, although some enjoyed (endured) a
chilly days climbing out of the sun (Kevin & Liam, Al, Andy & Chris).
There was some concern as Trish and I (the organisers) set out with a
map and compass, heading towards Snowdon. Would we be back in time to
prepare the meal? Or with my navigational skills would we get back
before Christmas?! We had left Ken to chop about 15 pounds of
vegetables, which seemed to keep him busy for the next 2½ hrs.
To the relief of the KMC, Trish & I returned at 5.00pm after a great
day on the hill. Whilst dinner was prepared the assembled group were
entertained by Duncan's cryptic quiz and alcoholic mince pies and
Kirsten's mulled wine. Kirsten was still thawing out after an ice
cold shower, since the hut hot water was not working again. Dinner
was served at 8.00pm, afterwards clear skies permitted a spot of star
gazing tuition with Dave W.
Sunday was just as sunny and frosty. There was a team walk up Elider
Fawr & Y Garn, whilst Duncan Vicky, Al & Dave K went looking for ice
on the Black Ladders.
Dave W made the most of a few days holiday and enjoyed 2 fine days
walking on Monday & Tuesday the following week:
Monday: The Snowdon Horseshoe including several Brocken Spectres and
force 7 winds on the top of Snowdon. Dave encountered a group
carrying a very large paddle to the summit (so this is what folks get
up to when we are all at work).
Tuesday: An icy interesting scramble on North Ridge of Tryfan,
Bristly Ridge, the Glyders and down via the Devil's Kitchen.
Thanks to all for coming to the Christmas Bash and making it a fun
weekend. Thanks to all the superb chefs for your excellent cooking,
especially Ken for his chopping and to Dave W for resurrecting the
hot water and saving most of us from very icy showers. Great weather,
activities, company, food and wine. We even managed to raise £55 for
the hut relief fund.
January 13th - Pendle Broomstick tour - Dave Bone
Present: Dave Bone, Dave Shotton, Iain McCallum, Phil Ramsbottom,
Chris Thickett, James Hoyle, Lester Payne, Jim Gregson, Sandy
Gregson, John Dobson, Dave Wylie, (Dave Bish on Flyby).
Twas a dull grey January Morn that the intrepid meet leader drove his
rusting chariot under the grim portals of the windswept Padiham
heights car-park to find a group of KMC carts huddled together,
drivers mostly inside. Such dull transport, single ticks for a stout
band of KMC, fearing the worst after days of storm. Shortly before
departure, the throng were blessed by the short appearance of the
Bish. Not of the group, he was going to run/fly round after some work
in his carriage. An inaudible fanfare and the gaily waterproofed
assembly splashed their way up the road.
A slight correction of aim deep in the woods, and we were back on the
farm tracks - which way - the white or the yellow arrows? Take the
white and cross the thundering thoroughfare into the fields. Yes,
into, if only we too had the power of flight, but nay, we had feet of
clay. Underfoot was inadequately described as 'soft', and pitiful
attempts of drainage were crossed, eyes ahead on the aiming point of
a metal 'tree'. With relief the group gained the relative safety of a
cart track and turned hard right - solid ground at least somewhere
under the surface. On like chattering starlings, the bulk of Pendle
Hill ahead, thrusting into the rapidly moving blanket of grey.
No stopping this group of witch-hunters, without a glance into the
sheltering ravines for a snack-stop, we swept across the Sabden
Super-highway and onto the ridge. Perhaps because a strong wind was
behind them? Conversing merrily, oblivious to the terrain, and so
making good time, we followed a black path over the rise and into the
backside of Pendle hill (Barley moor - though no self-respecting
grain would grow here). Following the water-course the hunters were
deeply involved in the ups and downs of a slaistery trail so were
startled by a yellow apparition overhauling them on the left. It was
the Bish (of suspect mortality) on a fly past. With an accusation of
the group having exceeded the speed limit, amid an expectation of an
earlier meeting, this apparition drew ahead and steadily faded into
the gloom.
A quick snack cum lunch stop in the minuscule shelter of a tumbled
wall, and then it was on the grey-slabbed road to the summit. The
Trig point offered no hospitality, nor shelter from the spirits
shrieking into the group's ears and pushing them about. No
Broomsticks were seen, though in the close visibility there could
have been a whole squadron of Witches above our heads for all we
knew. However, I understand that Broomsticks aren't very controllable
in high winds so the Broomsticks, or their modern equivalent, were
likely grounded some miles away. The team at this point had their
feet firmly (well, just about) on the ground. A slight hint of
drizzle in the air, but not wet in the same league as days before.
Leaving the spirits behind temporarily, the team swept off the hill
and bounced uneasily down the cobbled trail slanting down the
escarpment face. At some point we must have missed seeing the Hero
Duncan and fair lady Vicky on the hill, the demons having drawn a
grey veil between us. In procession round the hill, and lo, an evilly
erected wall in front of us. The Evil ones weren't going to stop a
team of climbing hunters though, and so with obstacle tackled head
on, we gathered for a restorative banquet on a quaint wall bridging
the valley, constructed by the good burghers of the town for their
watery needs.
The homeward stretch now, a steady climb onto Spence Moor, and then
it was just a case of choosing a way off. With much wending about,
the hamlet of Sabden hove into view. A minor altercation - follow the
walled track or the signed path, settled by the leader finally
striding down the track, and so the heroic group clattered into
Sabden. The temptations of the flesh were ignored and with jaws set
the group strode out of the village past the hostelries.
The team straggled back to the transportation, after a last uphill
flog, in good time with daylight left (uncharacteristic for the
leader). Disappointment at no sighting of the yellow clad Warlock
Bish - the car park puddles could have been pressed into service as
ducking pools? Thanks to all the plain ordinary humans who came along
- may all your witch-hunts be successful.
January 20th - Lake District Walk - James Hoyle
The weather prior to this event had been pretty dire with gallons of
rain falling over the previous week. However the forecast for the
Sunday ended up being fairly good and it looked like a promising day
as Kasia, me and my dad set off for Rydal. Quite a few others
obviously thought so too and a group of 14 of us headed off up the
steep path towards Heron Pike, including Trudie Young with a group of
fellow walkers. The clouds were high enough at this point to allow
good views down to Rydal Water, Grasmere and Windermere. By the time
we reached the next top of Great Rigg it was time for coffee and for
the clouds to close in around us. At this point Dave Bish suddenly
sprinted past promising to catch us up as he accelerated away to
complete a round of Fairfield that also included Seat Sandal and
Helvellyn.
Light drizzle began to fall and it was pretty cold as we made our way
up to Fairfield's summit. Things soon heated up however as Midge
found a pair of discarded lady's knickers but the damsel in distress
was nowhere to be seen so we left them on top of the summit cairn in
case she came to look for them later! A few snowy patches filled the
gullies at the edges of the summit plateau and it took little
persuasion to convince everyone that this windswept place was not the
place for lunch. Being slightly disorientated on the summit I took
one trusty look at my map and compass and I was off? in totally the
wrong direction! Before I even had a chance to say "scenic route"
Chris Thickett spotted my deliberate error and we were soon back on
track.
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It was a cloudy, speedy romp over Dove Crag and High Pike and the
decision was taken to head down the valley side to take a look at
Buckstone's Jump, which is well worth the detour if you've not seen
it before. A natural rock dam sort of blocks the river causing it to
flow off to one side and down a small waterfall before continuing on
its way. After leaping a few fences we were back at Rydal Hall and
most of those assembled popped into the Badgers Bar for a spot of
light refreshment. Dave Bish got back at this point enabling me to
conclusively prove I hadn't lost anyone on the first meet I have led.
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It was a good walk, with good company and I hope everyone enjoyed
themselves.
Members Present: Dave Wylie, Phil Ramsbottom, Chris Thickett,
Virginia Castick, Lester Payne, Dave Bish, Trudie Young, James Hoyle,
Kasia Hoyle.
Guests Present: Mark Heslop, Steve Hoyle (Dad), Len Klejnow, Mike,
Alan, Caroline. (Sorry about surnames but pen stopped working on damp
paper)
Saturday January 26th - Peak District Walk - James Richardson
No report from the meet leader but Dave Bone writes:
Members Present: James (Dave for a Day) Richardson, Dave Shotton,
Dave Wylie & Dave Bone.
Maybe the numbers were reduced by a late announcement of a Saturday
meet, and then again by finding mid-week a double road closure of
Rushup Edge and the Snake. Actually the former was open, but Car 1
arrived in good time for the meet and a cold wait in a bus shelter -
only for a further breakdown in the plans. "James - I get the
impression that there isn't a Bus on a Saturday?" looking at the
encoded timetable. Change of plans - up the east side of the
reservoirs, follow the Derwent to its very head, then up to Bleaklow
Head through the groughs. Looking back, not much of the party was
visible. Ah, a mountain Hare? no, it's Dave Wylie. Black Sheep? Yes
and No it's Dave for a Day. Dave S , no, a Raven. Then back along the
top of Alport Castles with an extremely irritating, gusty side-wind.
Once back at the cars, it is pronounced a good circuit, though not
without strained muscles from the Battle with the wind.
February 2nd/3rd - Ty Powder Meet - Richard Yorke
Members: Richard Yorke, Roger Daley, Al Metelko, Dave Wylie, James
Hoyle, Mark Ashley.
Guests: Annie, Heckler the Cocker Spaniel.
When I volunteered to lead my first KMC meet at the club hut I wasn't
entirely sure what the weekend would hold. So many possibilities
coupled with so many uncertainties. We could do a winter traverse of
Snowdon Horseshoe but would there be any snow? We could bag a couple
of routes on Trinity Face but would there be any ice? We could enjoy
some fine malt whisky in the hut's fabulous, wooden lounge but would
there be any glass in the door of the stove enabling us to light the
fire and keep the room warm? And playing in the back of my mind all
along was whether or not anyone would actually turn up. After all,
since becoming a dad for the first time back in September, I'd not
managed to get down to the pub to recruit people for the meet and the
forecast for Snowdonia didn't look as promising as in the other
National Parks. So with all this uncertainty and doubt I set my
expectations low and hoped for the best.
Yet I needn't have worried. What did happen on the meet, whilst
unlikely to go down in the annals of KMC history as epoch-making,
countered all my trepidation and then some with what proved to be a
fantastic weekend.
There were two aspects to the meet. First and foremost, as with any
KMC meet, was the mountaineering side which varied from ice climbing
on Sinister Gully, to walking the Carneddau, through to being blown
up and along a couple of easy rock climbs. Secondly, to help with the
upkeep of the hut, there was a maintenance side to the meet which
involved cleaning or repairing an item over and above the usual pots,
pans and worktops with a prize going to the cleaner of the most
unusual item.
When I arrived at the hut around 8:30pm on the Friday I was greeted
by Al and Dave Wylie and given a rundown of all the jobs undertaken
by Dave during the course of the afternoon. Keen to win the spoils
for the most obscure item cleaned, not to mention his commitment to
keeping the hut in good working order, Dave W had completed a number
of tasks before I arrived that were varied, certainly unusual and
there were plenty of them to boot.
The table below shows the extent of Dave's toils. I've added in a
grading system that most of you will be familiar with to demonstrate
both the overall difficulty and in some cases the technicality of the
job. The jobs have also been given a star rating to show just how
unusual some of them were.
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Oiled the Gas Store padlock.
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Diff
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*
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Unblocked Gent's urinals pipework. This was almost completely blocked
up. Quite how I dread to imagine. Clearing it involved complete
disassembly of the traps and clearing of the pipes. You really don't
want any details of what came out!
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E3 6a
Unlikely to be repeated any time soon!
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*** (Classic!)
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Strip-light in Gent's loo. Unit disassembled revealing melted starter
Charred remains cleaned out and replaced.
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VS 4c
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**
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Miscellaneous electrical work.
Circuit breakers tested and labelled. Note - one 16 amp circuit
couldn't be identified.
Emergency Lighting tested and worked fine
Fuses for the trace heating on the water pipes checked - all OK.
Light bulb replaced in fitting above stairs
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HVS 5a
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**
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Drying room door was swollen back in Nov when the hut flooded. Door
was taken off, trimmed down and re-hung so that it closed properly
again.
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E1 5b
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***
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It goes without saying that Dave won the prize - a third or so of a
bottle of 10 year old Macallan Fine Oak. Despite knowing the prize
was already won, lots more useful jobs were carried out by everyone
on the meet including various light bulb replacements, dorm cleaning,
extractor fan cleaning and repair. Thanks to everyone for doing their
bit. The hut was definitely left in a better state than when we
arrived.
"But enough of all this talk of cleaning, this is a mountaineering
club not the Mother's Union!" I hear you cry. So on to the outdoor
stuff....
The snow that fell as I left home on Friday evening had all but gone
by the time I had descended the mile downhill into Macclesfield and
there was no trace of the white stuff when I arrived at the hut. So,
with nobody able to gauge what the conditions would hold, a plan was
hatched to try Trinity Face on Snowdon under the assumption that, as
a north facing buttress, if anywhere was to be cold enough for some
winter routes that would be the place. To make the day more
interesting we extended our plans to include a walk into Cwm Glas, up
along Clogwyn Y Person, then round the top of Garnedd Ugain and down
to the col to position ourselves for the drop round and down to the
foot of Trinity Face for a route to Yr Wydda (Snowdon summit). The
homeward leg would take us off the summit by the Llanberis path and
the nameless ridge to the north of Cwm Glas and back to the car. A
great and full day in anyone's book and you'd have thought the
planning would stop there.
However, not content with a ridge scramble, winter climb and the two
highest peaks in Snowdonia and encouraged by a couple of glasses of
Old Stubby and a wee dram or two, a zany twist was added to the plan.
Al figured that if we awoke at 4am and started the day at 4:45am we
could be back at the hut for breakfast and an hour's kip before
hitting the slate quarries for an afternoon of sport climbing. Now I
can't remember if we ever agreed to this but when I awoke with a
thick head at 7am and realised I was the first up I knew we would be
doing the more modest, original plan.
So after a hearty brekkie by all Al, James, Dave and I headed off to
the Llanberis pass to start our outing and Annie, Roger and Heckler
headed off up the Carneddau. James got in touch with Mark who aimed
to catch us up somewhere in the Cwm Glas.
The weather was OK but not particularly cold so we set our
expectations accordingly and took just the one rope and a basic set
of gear between the four of us. We almost left the rope behind,
assuming (wrongly as it turned out) that the routes wouldn't be in
nick and that a straight forward scramble would be as difficult as
the day would get. Had we not decided at the last minute to pack one
just in case we would have all been somewhat annoyed at an
opportunity missed.
On arrival at Cwm Glas we took the decision to climb up Parsley Fern
rather than the ridge of Clogwyn Y Person. The wind had definitely
got up and the ridge would have been getting the worst of it. Not
only that, the frozen gully looked a more exciting proposition as
there seemed to be some good ice glistening in the otherwise grey
light of day. We donned our crampons, got out our axes and used the
time James needed to work out how to fit his shiny new spikes to grab
some food and a hot drink.
Replenished and ready for action we headed up the lower left part of
Parsley Fern at which point Al picked out the silvery line of
Sinister Gully which to our amazement looked to be in condition. We
soloed up to the grade IV pitch at which point we roped up and Al led
the way up the short steep section, bringing the rest of us safely up
after him in various styles of ascent! We de-roped for the top couple
of pitches and eventually found our way wearily to the summit of
Garnedd Ugain and into the teeth of a vicious Sou'Westerly bringing
with it biting frozen snow and thick cloud. We didn't hang about.
Abandoning any plans to carry on to Trinity face we headed quickly
off the summit plateau and down out of the cloud and wind, through
the rain and back to the car. A great mountain day, if a little
shorter than planned.
Whilst this was going on Roger, Annie and Heckler had been blown
around the Carneddau and Mark had got up to Cwm Glas and played about
on various bits of ice below the rest of us.
Evening time saw plenty of good food cooked and super, homemade cake
devoured including my famous (well sort of) Gingerbread and a
delicious Lemon Cake from Kasia who was unfortunately too under the
weather to come on the meet as planned. Lots of whisky was drunk and
tall tales told, getting taller and longer as the drams were downed.
The forecast for Sunday was poor with 80 MPH winds predicted on
higher ground, not a day for getting up high. Instead Mark, Dave and
I headed down the Fachwen Lane to a small outcrop on the other side
of the hamlet. The wind was pretty strong but that didn't stop us
bagging a couple of easy routes before heading back to the hut for a
spot of lunch to keep us going for the journey home. A fitting end to
a great couple of days.
February 10th - Clwyd Hills Circuit - Dave Bone
Present: Dave Bone*, Dave Shotton*, Alan (L) Jones, Alan Peck*, Peter
Walker, John & Virginia Castick, Alan (H) Jones* + Christine and the
2 Grand National Hellhounds(1/2 *), Brian Taylor*, Roger Dyke and
Dave Wylie*. [* - completed full circuit].
And after the rain, came? Sunshine! The drive out from Manchester to
Mold was under thick fog from the M6, but this was expected to
dissipate. Pulling up the hill from Tafarn-y-Gelyn, we emerged into
clear skies and brilliant sunshine, tendrils of mist retreating into
the valley. I followed a car into the car-park at the pass - (L)
Jones visiting old haunts but at a slower pace. A pleasant surprise -
a pound fed the meter for a whole day, but note was taken of the
advisability to return by 6pm. Car by car the KMC gathered and it got
very confusing - it would seem that several walks were taking place
though at the same time, and that 'we' shouldn't wait for any at the
back. The sun now clear of the yardarm (Foel Fenlli), we strode forth
out of the car park at the appointed hour with a burst of demonic
howling (all canine, I think).
No gentle start, but straight up the hill, alleviated by a zig-zag or
two. Instantly the pace was set up the dogs forging their way towards
the front, humans in pleased or reluctant tow. Mud and canine
strength were the undoing for Christine. However, the climb was
short, emerging onto the hill fort of Foel Fenlli where we
re-gathered for an extended stop (the dogs would have to be patient),
and the extensive views in the clear, warm air. Fog was in some of
the valleys and out to see, and above this the hills of Snowdonia and
further south were crystal clear - enough to see little snow left in
the gullies. Inadequate attempts were made by all to photograph the
scene (but if you did succeed, why aren't they here?). Reluctant to
leave, but a walk was to be done, so the leader forced the issue by
striding off.
Blue Skies do happen - Moel Famau from the south [D. Bone].
Southwards steeply, thus stringing out the team, followed by a
regroup at the foot by a dilapidated fence. Articles of clothing were
removed as the temperature soared (for February). As the final
members hove into sight, there was a mighty yelp as Midge made an
electrifying discovery. Not so as innocent as the unlabelled fence
appeared, the top wire had been casually lent on. The length of
insulating pipe by the stile ought to have been a clue. Now
attempting to navigate the fields, the party headed south eastwards.
A number of bottleneck stiles, leapt with enthusiasm by one, less so
after encouragement at the rear by the other canine member.
Extendable arms would be useful, humans having a thought for the
landing. The onwards route became less clear and the group were
forced over the gate. While the leader attempted to fathom the
Gordian knot, Alan was persuading the dogs to steeple-chase the gate.
With "I don't want to see this" looks the party were astounded to see
amid a scrabbling of limbs both Grand National entrants clear the
gate, though the landing lacked finesse. By various devious routes
the road was attained and the way became comparatively easier.
Looking South-east down the Clwyd Hills [D.Bone].
In Limestone country now and after some not unpleasant, Snowdrop
lined, road walking, it was into woods for the Northbound section.
After an early lunch/late elevenses in a clearing, the walk resumed
with the party strung out - at a poor pace of 2hours for the first
~3miles, the rate had to be stepped up, Peter and Alan (L) silently
departing from the back on a shorter return option through the
conifers back to the cars. As the trees weren't in leaf, the cave
en-route was spotted and three 'ferrets' zipped into the depths.
Nothing was flushed, and 3 bats were left sleeping, probably the
fading "no access" sign was their protection. Into the bustling
surrounds of Loggerheads and the party split into short version
(teastop), and full version groups. So were the canines, and with
unearthly howling, the 6 + 1 of team A stormed into the country-park
on a mission (part A - to escape the madding crowds).
After some high-speed walking the level track ended at a river
crossing on the turn left to Cilcain. Now on roads, the perils of dog
leads were discussed - those that were extendable being vilified. You
can keep the friction burns though. A final break at spot ht. 304 to
check progress - much better, 2½ hours left for the final 5mi. Soon
we were on the last steep pull onto the main ridge, dog to the fore
as usual, and able to enjoy the easy procession onto Moel Famau.
Still quite mild with the sun low in the clear sky. Finally up the
steps into the remnants of the Jubilee Tower on top, complete with
indicator panels for the views.
With the sun low and a bite to the air, we left the summit on the
uncomfortable stone path (with some determined to look up the history
of the uncompleted summit tower [Started for the Golden Jubilee of
George III]) for the final motorway mile. We picked up Roger on the
way, who hadn't reached the summit because of an opportunity of deep
conversation. Will cause embarrassment - tales of multiple tea stops
were told on the downhill race. The sun set crisply below the
serrated horizon - no Green Flash I'm afraid (never convincingly
observed), and we were back at a still well occupied car park at
5:15, ahead of schedule. The Canines were disappointed at not having
completed the full Clwyd hills traverse - maybe next time. My thanks
to those who came out on a splendid day - a recharge from all the
poor days that came before and those yet to come.
[I met Derek Walker (BMC) just before I got back to the car and he
asked after KMC members. Alan (L).]
The Snowdonia skyline at sunset - what can you identify? [D. Bone].
March Newsletter Index.
Copyright © 2008 Karabiner Mountaineering Club
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