Out and About

It has been an amazing summer for members of HMC, with many jetting off to find sun and hills elsewhere. Brian K has been to Chamonix , as has Dave T among other places, which you can read about later. Lee, Maureen, Chris and Richard had a great time down in Cornwall earlier in the summer, Neil and little Holly have been cragging in Spain, Stuart has been to Germany, and there have been three trips to do the Coast to Coast, not to mention my 5 weeks globe trotting, 4 of which were on a strict budget, so the parents had to come along for that bit…!

Grasmere and the Roaches were very successful, with both huts full to capacity and luckily, great weather!

The President’s Meet was as full as ever, and it was great to see some new faces -Wayne and Lisa, Maureen, Jane M, and Chris.

A big thanks to all the cooks and organisers - the food was excellent, and everyone had a great time.

Now that summer has been and gone, on the first Thursday of every month, we’ll be trying to get as many members as possible to the Tower Climbing Wall, Beaumont Lees. If you fancy trying a bit of climbing, or just want to keep practicing, head down there or join them at Warwick on a Tues.

Looking ahead, we have got our AGM on 15th November at The Holywell. We need as many people as possible, so please come along. If anyone is interested in a committee position, give your name to Dave P before then, nominated by two members.

Thanks to all those who wrote articles for this edition, if anyone has any write ups, please email me

edwardsandi@hotmail.com

or take it to the Holywell on a Thursday night.

Blazing Saddles

We have had three parties heading for the Coast to Coast this year. First off, Andy T and his brother Kieran, along with Pete B and Richard E did the ride to raise money for Cancer Research. They cycled from Whitehaven to Tynemouth , a total of 149 miles! The trip was a great success and there was only one puncture. Many cakes later, they arrived at their destination, having raised a grand total of £1250 for the charity!

Next were Sinc and Carolyn, who did the same route. The weather was fine, with a bit of cloud in the middle, and no great disasters.

Finally Andy A, Alison H, Tracy W and sister Joanne cycled the Reivers Route from Newcastle to Whitehaven, a total of 180 miles with excellent weather and, again, no incidents to report! WELL DONE TO ALL

The Bongo Diaries: Travels of a 50 something…             by Dave T

Isn’t it a sort of small drum? Well no, actually it’s the rather bizarre name given to a small Mazda Camper which was going to be my mobile home for nearly six weeks as I journeyed across France and Spain . It had been a long time in the planning, involving booking flights for the three companions who would be joining me for parts of the trip. Would it all work out? What could go wrong...?

The day finally arrived when we set off (My old mate Mark and I) from Desford, bound for Dover . The drive to Dover proved uneventful and we boarded the spanking new Norfolk Line ferry on time and left dear old blighty behind in characteristically damp weather. A couple of hours later and we were heading down the French autoroute (also in damp weather) bound for Lille . The first night was spent on a typical Camping Municipal in Picardy (7.50 Euros for both of us) in torrential rain and strong winds - not that it really matters in a van!

The next day involved a long drive south through typical prairie country with seemingly endless fields of wheat and very sad looking sunflowers staring solemnly at the earth. Where was the summer? After a short stop at the “supermarche” for provisions and another at a “distributeur de billets” (work that one out!) we joined the main autoroute from Paris to Clermont Ferrand. It was then that I noticed a rather worrying crack in the bottom edge of the windscreen which proceeded to grow during the next couple of hours. When you drive an imported Japanese van which was never produced in Europe , the options for a quick repair are rather limited so we decided to press on regardless. We arrived in Le Mont Dore in the Puy de Dome area of the Auvergne without further mishap, to find conveniently that it had finally stopped raining some hours earlier after three days of constant downpour.

I won’t bore you with the saga of the windscreen! Suffice it to say that my initial assumptions were correct. You can’t get a Mazda Bongo windscreen in France ! Having erased any such hopes from my mind we set about enjoying the Puy de Sancy area and very enjoyable it was too. We managed to walk pretty well all of the bigger peaks in three circular treks culminating in the best of the lot which took in Puy de Sancy itself. A marvelous day only spoilt slightly by the rather ugly ski developments at the summit, the route took in all the main tops on some good paths surrounded by  glorious flower filled meadows. If you want to see rural unspoilt France at its best then go and take a look at the Auvergne .

After a few days with friends further south in Aveyron, an attempt to fix the windscreen with superglue (what is the French for superglue?) and a rowdy night near Perpignan sharing a huge Paella and drunken dancing with some random middle aged French campers, it was time for Mark to head back to UK. I dropped him at Perpignan airport and then followed a quick dash up to Toulouse to collect Julie (my partner) we headed south again through the Ariege to Ax Les Thermes where we managed to stay on a campsite where everyone (except us of course) was Dutch! Very weird!

Next stop Andorra . Leaving the strange central hypermarket ridden valley at Soldeu we headed up the lovely Val D’Incles and found a fabulous spot next to a small river where we spent three idyllic days. The mountains were superb and relatively unspoilt except for some pedestrian traffic from walkers on the Pyrenean Haute route which passed close by. We enjoyed some beautiful walks to various lakes on the border with France and the views were truly spectacular.

Our time together ended with a week lazing around on the Costa Brava where we managed to wreck the sun awning by forgetting to wind it back in on the night when the mega storm hit! Too much wine I expect! Not to worry – it did at least wind back in and could be fixed later - possibly!

Julie left from Girona airport and I headed off back towards France and consoled myself by buying a few outdoor items at the local Decathlon store. A couple of days later I did manage to fix the awning, or rather a very helpful man in a specialist retailer put a new one on for me, and off I went to the Alps staying first in Ailefroide in the Ecrins national park. And what a splendid place it is too! Camping is allowed pretty well anywhere around the village once you have registered at the office and the walking is superb. There are remnants of Alpine Glaciers and several refuges with “Guardiens” on duty where you can get drinks and meals (and spend the night if you book ahead) A terrifying drive over the Col de Galibier from Briancon to Valloire and I was soon heading towards the high mountains with rapidly deteriorating weather. I arrived in Chamonix in heavy rain and a temperature of 12 degrees. The campsite at Les Bossons, which had been bustling on my last trip fours years previously, was eerily quiet. The next day was worse, and was apparently no better on the Italian side either, so I finally used the fan heater which had been irritating me with its presence all trip! When I awoke the next morning and looked out of the van window I suddenly remembered why I had come! The mountains were revealed in all their glory with a fresh coat of deep snow and a sky which promised better things to come. I busied myself and headed off to Geneva to collect my daughter Laura for the final stage of the trip. Desperately trying to avoid straying on to the Swiss motorway system I eventually gave in and paid the 30 Euros for the “vignette” which according to the border guard “was very good value as it allowed me on to any Swiss motorway for the full year”. Yes, I said, I know but I am only going to the airport (about 5 km) and then coming back to France ! He was not moved by this plea and pay up I did.

The rest of the week in Chamonix saw sunshine and temperatures rising into the low thirties. We forked out the hideous sums involved and made good use of the cable cars taking in Le Brevent, La Flegere, Bellevue and Aiguille du Midi as a final flourish. If you’ve not done it, do it once at least because it really is something else!

Heading home we reflected upon what had been quite an epic trip. All my guests said they had a great time (well they would say that wouldn’t they), I could have stayed for ever I think and I wondered what we need houses for really (except to fill up with useless clutter). Everyone got where they needed to be at the right time. The airlines delivered my companions on time as expected, and the windscreen remained in place despite a growing crack!

Upon opening my front door, nearly six weeks after leaving, I waded through a near ankle deep pile of post, junk mail and other assorted reminders of our modern way of life. Welcome back to earth (I nearly said reality but that’s a matter of opinion).                                    DT

Roaches August ‘07                    by Harry P

A great meet at the Don Williams Memorial Hut situated in the Roaches. Saturday dawned warm and sunny. Ed, Sue & Stef had a tough but exhilarating walk, taking in Danebridge, Tittesworth, the Old Rock Inn and Hen Cloud. Harry went climbing for the first time in GOD knows how long! Harry took the first lead on the Lower Tier taking Brian G and Elvyn H up Captain Lethargy HVD. Elvyn then led Harry and Brian up Prow Cracks V.Diff.

Harry led Brian and Elvyn up Prow Corner V.Diff – very enjoyable morning’s climbing. 3 minutes back the hut for tea and cakes, then off to Skyline – Tower Buttress Area.

Elvyn led Brian and Harry up Ogden V.Diff followed by Harry leading Bad Poynt Diff with Brian and Elvyn. Finally in this area, Elvyn led Harry up Perched Block Arête V.Diff, an excellent route. To end the day, went back the Upper Tier Simpkin’s Overhang Area, where Elvyn led Harry up Inverted Staircase Diff, with Harry taking the amusing top pitch. It sure is a squirm through the bolder choked chimney, but fun.

The middle-aged gents did well!!

Brian rang home to check in with Liz… “eh up duck, I’ve done 6 routes today”  he said.

“Daft bugger” she replied, “you should know better at your age”

Maureen, seconded her first HVS 4c – Bachelors Buttress and Lee peaked with an awesome E3 6a on the Lower Tier. Chris led right route V Diff and Pedestal HVD.

Naturally, after a quick change of clothes and wash, it was off to the Old Rock Inn for a pint or two of the local brew and a meal.

Sunday, Harry and Stef were going climbing but rain stopped play, so it was a walk over the Roaches to the Bearstone Rock, then back via the road to the hut – approx 4 miles.

On returning home, called in at the Mercedes-Smart garage in Derby , where Stef traded in her Smart Car for a new model – a soft top Cabriolet!!! Delivered on 15/9/07 – watch out for the little Yellow Peril!

Not to be outdone, Ed also went shopping & bought Sue -a plant pot!

Grasmere September ‘07

Elvyn H reports:

“Lee, Jane and Elvyn left the superb hostel at Grasmere half an hour behind Kev and Ruth, bound for Seathwaite and Napes Crag. At Sty Head, the two teams inadvertently met – Kev and Ruth had failed to find Trophet Wall on Great End! Was this worthy of a TAT? Not really, because another party (non-HMC) we met at the col were also lost, being several miles away from their chosen crag. Return was made over the summit of Great Gable and Lee chilled out with a dip in Sty Head Tarn. Jane was pleased with her first climbing and mountaineering excursion.

On Sunday, Lee and Kev climbed May Day Crags on the north crag of Castle Rock of Triermain, while Elvyn and Ruth ascended several routes on the south crag”.

Dave G reports:

“A well attended meet in good weather conditions. The highlight of the meet had to be Pete H completion of the Lakes 3000’rs in one go. Fifty miles in just under 24 hours. A fantastic achievement – well done Pete. Newcomer Jane M was taken up to the Napes by Elvyn and Lee where an attempt on the Needle as her first rock climb was thwarted by bendy boots – very brave.

She was then treated to the delights of the rather less technical Needle Ridge. The Turners, in the same area, completed Tophet Wall. The same group, minus Jane, went on to Castle rock the next day. The Whytes and Andy A mountain biked on the Saturday and Tracey took Ken up a saturated Bowfell Buttress on the Sunday definitely scuppering her membership of the cragrats union. The Beasleys (all four of them) did Helm Crag with Annette – well done ladies. Dave G and Mark H  did High Seat via Silver Howe and Helm Crag – a pleasant horse shoe. Whilst the Pells engaged with Striding edge on Saturday and Jack’s Rake on Sunday. Dave P and Stuart M covered the Langdales on Saturday. If I’ve missed anything I apologise.

All in all an excellent week-end ending with a complement from the warden on the way the group had treated the hut.”

The Lakeland Three Thousanders Walk by Pete H

This walk traditionally starts and finishes in Keswick Market Place and is a minimum of 46 miles and 11,000 ft of ascent depending on the route taken. It basically involves the ascent of Skiddaw, Scafell, Scafell Pike , and Helvellyn within 24 hours. I had originally hope to attempt the walk during the Coniston meet in June to take advantage of the optimum daylight, but the weather forecast scuppered the idea. The Grasmere meet provided a second opportunity and I decided, given the proximity of the hostel to Helvellyn, to start from there and avoid driving to and from Keswick. The downside was that this added an extra 3 or 4 miles to the itinerary.

Saturdays forecast was good and so despite the lack of any volunteers to accompany me, I set off for Tongue Gill and Grizedale Tarn at 9.30 pm on Friday night. Part way up the gill, I was surprised to see another walker’s torchlight about fifty metres away descending towards me. A few seconds later, the illusion was shattered; it was my head torch reflecting off the eyeball of a sheep only a couple of metres away!

The summit of Helvellyn was passed shortly after midnight with broken cloud giving a glimpse of the stars, and a cold breeze to keep me moving. The walk over to Keswick was uneventful, with only half a dozen cars to step clear of. The low point of the day was between 3.30 am and 6.30 am , wishing for the dawn which, when it came, revealed cloud down to 2000 ft. It did not help that I was slogging up Skiddaw at the time.

I got back to Keswick at about 8.15 am and started the nice leg along Borrowdale. The best part of the day was between Styhead and the Scafells (excepting Lord’s Rake) with vast views from the Corridor Route and the cloud free summits. Having dragged myself onto Scafell Pike , I was determined to finish and began a race against the clock, descending by Esk Hause to Angle Tarn. Here I parted company with the crowds and headed for Stake Pass and a pathless passage to Sergeant Man. Having groped my way across the fields, I was very thankful to step into Grasmere , arriving exactly 24 hours on.

I am willing to accompany any member who wishes to attempt it next year…any takers?

Ex-President’s Meat (pun intended)            by Elvyn H

Marie required a restful holiday and chose a coach trip to a hotel we knew in Kingussie, near Aviemore. Unfortunately, this coincided with the President’s Meet in Wales but the prospect of a long weekend, excellent hotel accommodation and a superb menu all at a very reasonable rate and the opportunity to do my own thing was too great a temptation. Luckily, the coach took my bicycle.

On Friday, I cycled approximately 16 miles from the hotel into Glen Fechie, the last few miles being off road, until the landslides blocked the track. The end of my cycling was sooner than hoped because it meant an extended walk into the upper reaches of the Glen: a fabulous place with full autumn colours in the sun. Open moor with knee deep heather led up to An Sgarsoch, 1006m, and beyond to Carn an Fhidleir, 994m. These hills occupy one of the wildest and remotest parts of Scotland , and are at the head of the Tarf, Tilt, and Geldie river drainage systems. The journey was accompanied by the noise of stags roaring at the height of their rutting season, although the deer were only visible when silhouetted on a ridge. The return was a strenuous walk to my bike, followed by a long downhill ride, off and on road, in the dark. Unfortunately, I lost the race, arriving at the hotel too late for the evening meal.

On each of the following two days, I had a long bike ride to a similar start point for ascents of Carn na Caim and Meall Chuaigh.

The hotel offered entertainment each night. One comedian looked at his audience of elderly ladies in their black tops and white hair and said they looked like a sea of Guinness .

For the record, my total for the holiday was approximately 100 miles cycling, on and off road, 36 miles walking and the ascent of four Munros.

Meat and drink, some would say.

Meanwhile, Marie was pleased with her rest.

A Peruvian Diary: Part 2                    by Harry P

6/7/07 Met with Manuel our Cusco rep who took us to the airport for our flight to Lima . Gave us some bad news that we wouldn’t be able to go on the bus until 10.45pm due to some sort of strikes. Stef went ballistic. It was finally all sorted, and we were on the bus to Huaraz. To say it’s a coach is a bit of an understatement. Reclining leather seats, leg rests, meals, drinks, DVD, toilets, aircon – and it’s needed, as it’s a 7-hour transfer to Huaraz!

Start out along Pacific Highway ocean one side with huge sand dunes on the other. This for about 3 hours before starting the climb up through rolling hills reaching 4020 metres before dropping down to Huaraz.

Arrived at 9.30pm , met with Roya, our guide for the remainder of the trip who transferred us to our hotel.

7/7/07 Met with Roya who took us back into Huaraz so we could spend the day around the town. Very enjoyable day visiting the local market areas full of wonderful smells. Later met with Liz and Tim for meal, then back to hotel to pack for tomorrows trek. Meal with Liz and Tim again in the evening, then back to bedroom for sleep. Well not straight away wink wink nudge nudge, know what I mean, and at altitude!

8/7/07 Up at 7am to leave at 8am . Stops at Charraz Yungay before a few hours spent on a dirt road. Up to Llanganuco where we had lunch before the hairpin bends took us to a pass at 4750 m. Had it not been cloudy we’d have had stunning views of Mt Huascaran, Huandoy, Pisco and Chacraraju.

Got to our campsite at 4pm just after a shower of rain and hail had passed.

9/7/07 Set off at 8am leaving porters to pack up and store equipment on mules and donkeys. Headed down to Vaqueria with glimpses of Yamapacha through the clouds. Did almost a V turn over ridge and into the Huaripampa Valley . Given the cloud cover and farming fields, it looked very much like the Lake District but at 3300m.

Started the slow climb up towards our campsite with good views of Paria glacier with the occasional view of its ridges. Stef unfortunately arrived at camp with a banging headache – not ate enough I think, although is well hydrated. She missed tea, but had a good rest before evening meal, she ate well – nice one gal.

10/7/07 Stef much better this morning. Set off walking towards Punta Union Pass at 4750m. Cloudy to start with but clearing all the time, getting some amazing views of peaks Mt Taulliraju. Met Crispin cooking lunch at 4600m by a lake.

After lunch, the last zigzag to the pass which was a gap in the ridge about 6ft wide. An emotional time for myself as again amazed at Stef’s grit and determination, and great acclimatization. Took the obligatory shots with views of snow-capped peaks and views down the Santa Cruz Valley . A steady descent with weather worsening – some snow to start with then rain about 20mins before we got to camp at 4200m. A long 9hr day but worth every minute for the  memories. Evening meal then bed for a long, cold night although we were both warm in our sleeping bags. I think I’ve caught some sort of bug as feeling like diarrhoea coming on. A trip to the loo at 2 am confirmed it. SHIT!

11/7/07 3.30 am an earth tremor hit for about 3 seconds. Strange to feel the ground move underneath you. Stef put her head-torch on and left it on for the rest of the night. Bless her!

Woke at 6 am with tea, didn’t feel like eating much, but forced some breakfast down. Very cold start. Set off down to Llamacorral (3600m). Again, had some great views of Quitaraju and Alpamayo, the latter I climbed 7 years ago. Down to the marshy meadows, past the two lakes and arrived at camp by the river, quite an idyllic spot at 3 pm. Tea at 4 pm then couple of hours rest before dinner, then to bed.

12/7/07 Last day with walk out of the valley, which slowly narrowed to a Canyon before reaching Cashapampa. Unfortunately no buses waiting due to farmers and teachers striking, so had to wait some 4-5 hours before finally getting back to Huaraz, not before negotiating 45 miles of boulders, trees and fires out along the length of the road to disrupt transport (it worked). Not the best way to endear yourself to strikers!

13/7/07 Overnight in Huaraz and then last minute shopping, before executive coach travel to Lima (7hrs).

14/7/08 Flight back to UK delayed due to bloody birds flying into the engine of the plane!!

15/7/08 Arrived in UK after two amazing treks and some unforgettable experiences.

President’s Meet 2007                   by Andrea

The President’s Meet this year was another great success. Members arrived at the Chamois Hut, Llanberis, throughout Friday evening to the smell of real ale and Indian nibbles.

The journey up had been pretty uneventful, apart from encountering dense fog in the Llanberis Pass.

Saturday dawned and the weather wasn’t looking too great, so people slowly had breakfast and packed some lunch before deciding whether or not to brave the drizzle. Nigel and myself went for a short coastal stroll on Anglesey , before heading back. Andy A, new girl Jane M, Mark T and the Whyte family headed for the Marin Trail on their bikes – luckily there were no major accidents, but a couple of them did fall off. Pete B and Andy T were also planning on getting out on bikes – having left theirs at home, they planned to hire some, only to find that they were too late and the only bike available was a tandem…they refused the challenge  and decided the best thing to do was to head back to the hut and drink tea! Maureen, Lee and Chris went for a days climbing. The only comment I managed to glean from this outing was from Maureen… “I was beaten up; kicked the crap out of at the bottom of a mountain by Chris and Lee” – it was all in good humour, I’m assured

Walkers included Sinc, Carolyn, Karen, and Ewan who went up Moel Eilio (726m). They had a great day out, getting to see a rainbow, and even a glimpse of Anglesey before the view disappeared from sight! Mark H also joined them for part of this walk, before running off to catch the train back! Brian G, John T, Stuart M and Dave P made their way over to Newborough Warren for a walk around the woods and sand dunes, and also managed to wade across to an island as the tide was out. Pete H, Alistair, Dave T, Brian K and Ted went scrambling on Crib Lem (Llech Ddu Spur) on Carnedd Dafydd, which was sufficiently greasy to ensure that a grand time was had by all! The 'Cwm Llafar Horseshoe' was then completed in thick mist. Descent from Yr Elen took them to the seldom-visited Llyn Fynnon Caseg, followed by a photo shoot in the hanging gardens (possibly Babylon ). 

There were many other activities during the day, including trips to the seaside. The cooks, Ed, Sue and Annette, spent the whole day faithfully preparing and cooking the excellent three course evening meal. Big Thanks to all of them, the food was wonderful!

New president, Harry P, made a great speech after dinner, with recognition of Dave P for his excellent achievement in walking over 2300 miles so far this year, and Pete H who did the Lakeland 3000’rs Walk on the Grasmere meet in September.

The President’s Award this year went to Tracy W – well deserved, and long overdue, so congratulations Tracy ! There were many amusing TAT awards, including Maureen’s first ever golden bucket, Chris’s unlucky incident while belaying Lee, and Ken W doing a U turn on a 6 lane road in Spain…in front of the police. Well done to all those who received an award!

Also, congratulations to the winners of the photo competition – Chris won best ‘TAT Worthy’, Harry won best ‘Landscape’, and Alison won best ‘Action’. Thanks to everyone who entered, and in particular to Ted for judging the competition.

Sunday arrived, with a few green faces and not much talking! After the big clean up and clear out, everyone headed off in their own directions. Sue, Ed and I went for brekkie at the Pinnacle café, Stef finally managed to conquer her fears and made a fine ascent of Tryfan, there were lots of gear shop traverses, Ken, Tracy and Megan W were joined by Mark T on cycle route called Penn Machno, a single forest track for 2 hours which was a bit hairy in places, with no major spills! Pete B, Jane, Brian K and Andy T did a scramble on the east ridge of Moel Siabod, with Jane immersing herself in a bog en route (a candidate for next years TAT already?)

A great weekend with nearly 50 members in total - looking forward to the next one!

Cragging

August Bank Hol and Lee, Chris, Rich & Maureen travelled to Cornwall for some sea cliff climbing. “Sennen Cove, despite being a great area to climb, is still unnerving for the feint hearted that are scared of heights, of multi-pitch, of sea and of being led by Lee” said Mo. Chris led Demo Route (HS 4b) and Rich & Mo climbed Alison Rib (D) & Ochre Slab Route 2 (S4a) and the next day was spent confidence building doing Diffs & V Diffs. Lee & Chris had a day at Chair Ladder completing Bishops Rib (E1 5b).

A trip out to Gurnards Head turned out to be Maureen's “peak of the whole trip”. The route, Right Angle, was “a wonderful climb with a great sense of achievement - thanks to Chris, Lee & Rich for so much fun and support over the weekend”.

More recently, the same group have been “very regular” visitors to Stanage, Birchens, Burbage North and Froggat. Despite a hangover, Maureen managed Green Streak at Stanage End VS 4c (Lee leading) and at Birchens, Rich & Tracy led some super routes including Powder Monkey Parade. At Froggat, Tracy led Three Pebble Slab and Barra did Chequers Buttress.

With increasing confidence, both Chris & Maureen have started to lead and it is thanks to the likes of Richard, Barra, Tracy and others that we have such an active and successful climbing fraternity within the club.

Join them this winter either at Warwick , The Tower or even outside!

P.S Don’t forget to fill in the log book, it makes my life easier!!

Your Club. Our History: Jottings from old Log Books

1984

In February, Harry, Kev H, John F, Brian C, Tim W and P Brown had a week  in Scotland, “ripped off a classic route, finishing in an epic on Vanishing Gully, Grade V,  and had a terrifying 2 hours reversing Tower Ridge, arriving back at the car at 9 pm, totally knackered” reported H.

During April, Mick B was sandbagged, when he thought he was going for a gentle stroll—turned out to be the Trailblazer (25mls). Amongst the usual climbing and walking entries, the saddest has to be “ went canoeing on the canal, and cream teas to follow with members from N.Leicester MC” (unknown)

In May, Ian W, Mary S & Mary H completed the West Highland Way in exceptional weather.  Several HMC members joined up with Hinckley Scouts on their trips to Kanderstag, Swiss Alps, Yugoslavia and Austria . In Sept, Brian G & Pete Lee did Outside Edge VD Cwm Sylin, Bob T was in Chamonix for a week and ticked Dent du Geant (4000m) “an easy climb, but tiring” said Bob.

1987

Andy T managed to throw himself in the river at Pete's hut in Nant Gwynant. The same weekend Pete M & Brian G shared the honours with their very own Eisteddfod.

The skittles evening at Croft in March, organised by Dawn & Tony, saw more broken glasses and injuries than your average rugby tour. Keep practicing guys.

HMC were represented at The BMC Annual Dinner in Keswick by Jackie Crockford, Phil R, Pete B & Bob T. All behaved very well, causing only moderate damage, but not as much as Bury MC. “The beer was rough, meal moderate, and the speakers were boring”

At 2am , having been thrown out of the hotel, Phil & Jackie kipped in the car whilst Pete & Bob attempted to climb Skiddaw, with a route description from a passing bus driver, a sleeping bag, a Karrimat and a headtorch, they made the summit in about 3 hrs. After a couple of hours kip, they awoke to find that Skiddaw was about a mile away. In another epic, John T, Ian E & Teeth set off to do the Welsh Desert, a route across mid-Wales from Aberearon to Kington, about 60 miles. Teeth managed to bale out at Tregaron (with flu), but Trowie gallantly forced Ed to endure some of the roughest terrain you can imagine. These days, he’d have been locked up for abuse!

Saga Louts: Still At It                    by Ed

Whilst I was on holiday down under, and Brian was in Chamonix , the boys continued to get out to areas including the Cotswolds, the National Forest on the Leics/Derby borders and The Peak.

In October, we travelled down the Old Fosse, to the Burton Dassett Country Park for a ten-miler. Unspoilt, rolling hills, the views from the top were brilliant, as was the Old Hooky ale. Whilst at the viewpoint, Edge Hill was spotted in the distance, and that’s just where we are heading on Monday 5 November, so if you fancy a stroll during the week when everyone else is hard at it, remember remember….

PS. Monty Pybus has now clocked over 2300 miles this year and Jake the dog has clocked up in incredible 2200. Having started life as Great Dane, the pooch now resembles a sausage dog. Meanwhile, Dave had to go to the quacks for a foot injury.

After Dave had told him the distance he’d covered, he suggested he might slow things down a bit. So, 70 ml a week is now down to 50 ish!!

You Could Be Here

Our next weekend away is to Dolgellau,  (Mid-Wales). We tend to get a lot of mountain-bikers on this one as the infamous Coed y Brenin National Mountain Bike Trails are just up the road. However, there is also some great walking and scrambling to be had on Cadair Idris and the Rhinogs. Let me know asap if you are coming. Incidentally, this time we’re going to the HyB Bunkhouse next to The Stag Inn & two doors from last years digs

And so on to December. Last year we went to Ingleton Youth Hostel, and it was all Christmassy and stuff. Even I liked it Same again this year, but I want to book a table at the Old Mill Inn for the meal on Saturday night. Those that were there will know just how good it is. Please get in touch ASAP to book your place. You won’t be disappointed.

I am currently booking next years huts, so if anyone has any burning desires to go somewhere in particular, let me know.

Finally. Skiing. And forward planning’s the name of the game. March 15th 2008 is when we’re going. Val Thorens; S/C; Many apartments. I have 10 confirmed names, but up to 20 will be good. Beginners; Intermediates; Maniacs & Bad Ass boarders all welcome Let me know where you want to go. See you there!