It’s been some time since the last newsletter but Club members have been active, with good turn outs on hut meets this year and a regular group of climbers continuing to meet at the wall on Thursday nights. There have been reports of winter climbs in North Wales, and more recent rock climbing trips essentially to the Peak. We even had four club members, namely Mark H, Ted C, Phil N and Sue E diversifying to cross the finishing line at the Hinckley Half Marathon last weekend. Now there’s dedication to cross training!
However, there has been other news too with Pete H getting into print (an article in Amateur Photographer), one of our younger members passing their driving test (well done Andrea), and Richard and Annette moving house. Wedding bells too for Harry and his new wife Stef who tied the knot on a recent ski trip to Vail (or should that be Veil!). Lee S and Louise should have tied the knot too by the time this newsletter has been circulated. Congratulations from us all to both sets of happy couples. Also, there have been romantic marriage proposals on Alaskan glaciers for Carolyn P by Andy S. Don’t put your wedding hats away yet girls! There have also been moves to increase the younger contingent of the club, with rumours of expectant arrivals in both the Stanton and Cosby locales!
On a less cheerful note, John T has had a serious spell of ill health but despite undergoing some pretty tough treatment he’s still been spotted striding out with fellow club members. We all wish you a full and speedy recovery John.
We welcome new members Mark Templeman, Campbell West and Andy Anstee. Plus there’s a list of forthcoming meets on the back page. Ed is considering booking Bosigran in Sept/Oct ’04 but he needs a rough idea of numbers by the end of May. He’s also looking to fill next year’s diary so know any good huts or areas – if so call him ASAP. A big thanks to all who have contributed to this edition, as always your articles and photos are much appreciated. Please keep them coming.
Pete M was quoted as saying “It was as good a weekend as the club has previously experienced. We arrived on Friday evening to find six inches of the white stuff outside the hut and drifts of a couple of feet or more in places.” Elvyn and Ted (who arrived early Saturday after learning of the conditions) completed a traverse of Crib Goch and Crib Y Ddysgl (read Elvyn’s account after this).
Dave I and Pat M literally ploughed their way across the Glyders from Ogwen Cottage to the Pen y Gwryd. Ackie and Julie completed an ascent of Snowdon by the Pyg Track. Blodwyn Edwards, Andy C and party topped Yr Aran on their way to Rhyd Ddu (and the pub!) then returned by bus to Beddgelert then Shank’s pony back to the barn!
Ed ‘s account was “Yr Aran from Pete’s hut may not sound all that challenging – but when you’ve only got little legs and your bum keeps bottoming out on the two foot snow drifts, believe me – it’s very challenging. It reminded me of a recent trip to Scotland when Mark & Ali tried to kill me, but this time, there was no way we would finish with a four hour trek in deep snow in the dark – the pub a Rhyd Ddu was a our target, and a last bus back to Bedgelert at 3.30 pm was enough motivation.
Myself, Andy C and Brian K took the direct route, kicking steps for the most part, and had the summit all to ourselves. The views were fantastic. Descending to Bwlch Main, we stopped to chat to “a Welshman”. He offered to buy the ice axe I had borrowed from Pete’s hut – a rare specimen he said, and obviously owned by a former teacher. How could he know?”
Pete M did a solo ploughing route on the Carneddau despite a warning from Brian K who had survived an assault in the same area on the previous day. Meanwhile, Mark and Kirsty Hi went in search of grade 1 adventures.
Next day, there was an attempt on the Nantle Ridge – that’s Ted, Brian K, Elvyn and Ed. “We got half way up the approach road before sheets of ice blocked our way. Ted’s car eventually succumbed and slipped nicely onto the grass verge, and snugly up against a dry stone wall. Bugger. We spent around an hour breaking the ice with our ice-axes and fetching sand up from one of those bins. Eventually, we got out and headed for Mynydd Mawr, an attractive and isolated mountain with a deep cwm. The ascent, by the steep East Ridge, was easy going, passing a huge cornice en route. Once again, brilliant sunshine, fantastic views and alpine conditions. If you missed this weekend, you missed a classic.” Father Ed.
Andy O and friend came up on Sunday and did a gully on Pen Yr Ole Wen with Dave I and Ted, Pete and Pat did the Cwm Bychan round and everyone appeared to have had another excellent day. Dave rang his boss for an extra couple of day’s leave and Andy O returned on Tuesday to complete an ascent of Central Trinity Gully on Yr Wyddfa. “A truly memorable weekend”. Pete M
Sat 28 Feb 2004. The typical uncertainties of the British weather caused premature concerns about the ability even to reach Wales with the heavy snowfalls of the previous week, coupled with the excitement of the possibility of a rare day out on skis. In the event, neither extreme came to pass but for once the club meet was in the right place at the right time. Thus an unplanned rendezvous at Pete’s Hut resulted in Ted and Elvyn setting out for Crib Goch. The first obstacle was the ice-sheeted car park at Pen-y-pass that wisely the authorities took no responsibility for. By chance, Mark Hi, fresh from The Ben, and daughter Kirsty arrived at the same time and departed for the sterner stuff on Y Lliwedd. Meanwhile, kitted out with crampons and the best Ashenbrenner, Ted and Elvyn joined the march for Crib Goch.
Numbers dwindled at the Pyg Track turning when the cameras came out, but not for the only time. As the ground steepened, hardware was donned and the video came into play. Just at the right time, a young model on her own overtook. She willingly posed for the camera, but the chief photographer could not match the pace and soon fell behind. Progressing upwards, the views opened up but could only be enjoyed at rest. Decisions as to which camera to use next ensured extensive rests were taken.
The narrow crest of the ridge was covered with fresh snow that provided continuous excitement and endless opportunities to film the traverse with all the surrounding hills covered in deep snow sparkling in the sun. However, Snowdon reserved some cloud for the afternoon and the decision was made to descend the Miners’ Track. Scores of students were descending the slippery path with care, lacking basic winter equipment. One in particular attracted attention. She was Norwegian and couldn’t believe that England (sic) in winter was just like her home! She wouldn’t have much call for tropical disease remedies on such a day! Elvyn Haigh.
This year it proved to be a hard fought, but very evenly matched battle as HMC took on the trophy holders Rugby MC at Red Lion, Huncote. However, in the final throws of the game Hinckley were triumphant and reclaimed the trophy with just a four point margin. Thanks to Rugby for the great turnout and thanks too to Elvyn’s excellent organisation of the event
The bunkhouse guide said “if you want the best, be our guest. So I booked it. But @£12.50 a night I was a bit worried as to what we were getting. I needn’t have been. This superb, independently run hostel situated on a farm in the heart of the Lakes turned out to be a gem. With small, en suite bedrooms, stunning views from the common room, a sauna and five minute walk to the Travellers Rest, we had everything. Even the weather.
On Saturday, the A Team (The Eddies, Sinc & Carolyn, Ewan & Vicky, Paul & Alastair, Debbie & Dawn) converged on Easedale Tarn and Sergeant Man / Blea Rigg, completing around 10 miles. Mark & Ali shadowed the team for a while before opting out of the serious stuff to go rambling.
The B Team (Andy; Andy; Helen & Louise) pulled in Helvellyn & Fairfield whilst The C Team (Swampy, Lee, Beastly, Pete H and Tracy did some scrambling before bagging Pavey Ark. Brian Kirton disappeared into oblivion and Brian G and Monty Pybus went over to Troutbeck. Now, having mentioned all 25 participants, I can confirm that the A Team were out the longest, the B Team went the highest, and the C Team drank the mostest. But the bestest was having a sauna at the end of the day. A new experience for me, leaving a trail of lard between the sauna and the shower on several occasions.
Sunday came round too quick – we’d turned the clocks forward – and every one went off to do their own thing. As usual with the Lakes, a large group were found in Daisy’s Café in Ambleside, but some did get out on the hill. I’ll be booking this one again next year, and as we were over-subscribed – be quick – it will fill fast! Ed Wordsworth.
You’ve heard Ed’s version – this is mine! This really was a cracking hut and a great striking out point for walkers. A large party led by Eddie set off in the direction of Easedale tarn with talk of a return loop along the ridge of the Greater Langdale hills. Mark and I went for the “shorter option” up the Easedale valley to Greenup Edge, over High Raise then Sargent Man and back to the hut via Ed’s tarn. The longer route as it turned out! Swampy, Lee Scott, Pete Hardy, The Beast and Tracy had a long but exhilarating day linking scrambles on Easedale Gill and the dramatic looking Belle’s Knott (above Easedale tarn). They too crossed Blea Rigg dropping down to Stickle tarn before ascending Pavey Ark, then over High Raise and down Easedale to base. Andy C accompanied by his wife and sister headed off on the opposite side of the valley, getting a lift before traversing the Helvellyn to Fairfield ridge back towards the hut. Brian K made a similar, solo traverse to Helvellyn and back from the hut, having completed the Kentmere horseshoe with Tracy on the previous day.
After a hearty meal in the adjacent pub there was a mass exodus to the hut’s comfy tv lounge to watch England’s final Six Nation’s game and to check the sauna (yes sauna!) for any strays!
In deteriorating weather, many took the Sunday option to restore tired limbs with the well known “breakfast - gear shop traverse – and head for home” revival remedy. Definitely an excellent hut worthy of another visit. Alison H.
This weekend turned out to be one of the sunniest this year. Brian K bagged Moel Siabod on Friday; Harry & Stef did Y Garn; Tracy, Swampy and Mark T spent Saturday climbing in the pass, Brian K trekked from Capel, over the Glyders & Tryfan back to the hut; Ken and daughter Megan did god knows how many miles (28) biking in Coed y Brenin; Mark & Kirsty climbed in the Ogwen whilst Sue was sunbathing; Ed went round 3 RSPB reserves!
Sunday, much of the same, with Tracy and Swampy notching up some local rock climbing routes. (Richard was kicking himself at having to work, but made up for it on the Sunday, climbing with Pete B in the peak) Ed went home to lay bricks.
Nice hut, shame about all the flaming gates that need locking going in/out. Which reminds me – I’m currently booking next years huts – so if you’ve any preferences – be quick to let me know. Ed.
Around 30 members met up at the Phoenix Arts on 17 March 2004 for one of the limited screenings of the recently released film based on the enthralling and absorbing, very-hard-to-put-down book of the same name. For those who haven’t yet got to a screening or been seduced into buying the film for themselves (or to read the book), it’s a reconstruction of the real life epic tale of friendship, adventure and survival that unfolded as two young climbers attempted to climb Siula Grande (21,000 ft peak) in the Peruvian Andes. Ah yes, and that much debated rope cutting incident.
Whilst the leads are played by actors, Simon Yates and Joe Simpson intersperse the dramatic reconstructions with their own documentary style accounts to explain their actions and feelings. It’s a bit like a film version of an episode of “999” but incredibly compelling viewing which definitely makes your palms sweat and your toes curl! I’d highly recommend you see the film if you get the chance.
Mark and I visited the show again this year, along with my dad Stuart and 10 yr old nephew Luke. The show has expanded since the first one and offers a variety of distractions. In addition to the stands you’d expect to see there promoting their outdoor products such as tents, bikes, clothing, climbing hardware etc there was a larger emphasis on watersports such as diving, sailing, surfing. Many travel companies were represented too.
There were lots of opportunities to “have a go”. Luke went climbing on several indoor walls but was disappointed to be too small for the mock ice climbing wearing the full kit complete with crampons and ice axes to ascend the foam panel wall. He also orienteered which was on of the many outdoor exhibits on offer. There were pools for try it sessions for canoeing and diving. Although we spent quite a bit of time watching the ongoing indoor Team Adventure Race, complete with the climbing, cycling and zip wire endurance challenges. However, Luke was most impressed by his off road ride in a 4x4 over an impressive outdoor assault course. Think he’s already started saving his pocket money up!
Despite all the things to see, do, buy and eat, we were thankful of a sit down when the time came to be entertained by Mike Harding in the lecture theatre. I don’t think Mike looked quite how Luke expected – but he soon warmed to his humorous stories of travelling by bus then on foot over passes in the Karakoram region of Pakistan
I wonder how far we walked over the course of the day? Maybe we should have bought that pedometer.
There was a great turn out in the back room of the Black Horse when over 30 past and present members came along to hear friend of the club, Martin Wells, recount his adventures during his successful trip to summit Mount McKinley. It became apparent that the cold temperatures in the area really add to the obstacles for success on this summit. Big thanks to Martin for his entertaining and informative lecture.
Daniel Mazur Lecture – Jan/Feb 2004
Despite treacherous snow conditions forcing a re-arrangement of the original date for the lecture, Daniel Mazur arrived safely from the USA (albeit having underestimated the distance of Earl Shilton from deepest Lincolnshire on the night!). He entertained a full house with slides and vivid video footage of expeditions in the Himalaya. He also detailed his involvement in charity work out there, stating lecture proceeds went towards supporting local communities. For more information about his involvement, check out the link on the HMC website. Thanks to Elvyn Haigh for another efficiently arranged and well attended evening.
He may have moved further North than the A50, but he’s still been keeping himself active on the climbing circuit. Over the last few months, Richard E has seized the opportunity to climb on Birchen Edge with Neil, Kev and Ruth. He’s also been seen climbing with Pete B on Crow Chin, as well as exploring the Lancashire delights of cragging at Cadshaw Castle Rocks. He’s also found time to complete the Kentmere Horseshoe and a traverse of Helvellyn, but a recent attempt to walk in Eskdale with Annette was thwarted as they were almost blown off the hill when wind, hail then snow stopped play. Fortunately, the weather improved on the following day so they climbed in the welcome sunshine of Hare crag (pretty near this year’s President’s meet venue), bagging amongst other routes a MVS and a VD.
Incidentally, Richard’s mislaid a very small friend, probably at the end of last season, identifiable by Richard’s distinctive yellow marker tape. So if anyone finds they have it in amongst their cragging kit, Richard’s keen to be reunited with it.
President’s Meet October 7/8th 2004
Thanks again to all who took the time to complete the evaluation forms on President’s 2003. Having taken your comments into account, and after exploring a number of alternatives we have rebooked the Eskdale YHA in Boot but have negotiated with the staff to have a different meal for the Saturday night. We have agreed to pay a bit more for the meal, but to have a nicer but more limited choice of options (including veggie choices). The staff seem really keen to do this for us, and the cost of the whole weekend should still be in the region of £37-£38. We hope this addresses comments raised last year – the location and venue are good but the food was poorer than we’ve been used to. Dave G will be taking bookings later in the year and he hopes to have limited scope to reserve the smaller rooms on a first come basis. Hope to see you there. Dave G (Chairman)