Late February is the ideal time to seek out those snow filled gullies of the Snowdonia range. This year especially, the Met Office has forecast a "good" winter with cold spells and snow. For my little excursion into the mountains, if the conditions are right, I shall be looking out for a little known gem! How about Shadow Gully II/III on Clogwyn Du? A member of the Oread did this a few years ago and was ecstatic in his praise for it! So there it is a whole New Year of climbing with our own hut waiting in its superb position, for a team of mountaineers who can rise to the challenge. Will this be you?
Following John Green's 'abdication' in favour of the Canadian Rockies and the 'white stuff' I will now be leading this meet. I thinks it's fair to say that everyone, irrespective of their particular mountaineering preference will be aware of the numerous attractions within easy reach of Patterdale so all we need is some luck with the weather.
As this is the first Oread meet at Patterdale for a couple of years following the hut's recent 'makeover', demand for this traditional late winter meet is bound to be high. Bookings are already coming in so book early to avoid disappointment! Andrea and I plan to arrive in Patterdale late afternoon on Friday and no doubt we'll meet everyone during the course of the evening in the White Lion.
Mark Vallance, President of the BMC and founder of Wild Country will talk to the Oread on "My Life and Times." This will include: Peak Rock, Wales, Cornwall, Scotland, the Alps, Antarctica, South America, Colorado, Yosemite, Himalchuli, Xixabangma, Broad Peak, Everest, Canyonlands, New Zealand, plus a Peak District Quiz - with prizes.
A meet with a difference... climbing on one of Yorkshires best kept secrets (Slipstones) during the day and touring Yorkshire's best brewery in the evening. All this can be followed by supper and beer in the brewery, secure in the knowledge that a warm bed awaits at Leyburn Camping Barn. Other possibilities include exploring the Dales by bike or gentle strolls in Nidderdale. A weekend to look forward to!
There was a good turn out of Oreads and friends for this years Cairngorm trip (James, Neil, Mike H, Derek P, Simon P, Graham W, John S, Roger, Justin, David and Victoria). The weather was quite reasonable on Saturday and clear skies prevailed on Sunday allowing great views of the surrounding mountains. The ice conditions were generally lean, but quite climbable. It was agreed that these thin conditions made most routes at least a grade harder. Everyone was at Glenmore Lodge Bar on Saturday night and quite a few pints of Cairngorm Beer were sunk.
Over the weekend Coire an t-Sneachda and Hell's Lum were visited and some good routes ascended. Graham/John did Hells Lum Chimney and some other routes up at Hell's Lum. Meanwhile, in Coire an t-Sneachda, Mike/Simon/Derek did Broken Gully, Aladdin's Mirror Direct and The Runnel. Neil/James did Aladdin's Couloir, Aladdin's Mirror and Jacob's Ladder. Altogether an enjoyable weekend made worthwhile by the routes climbed and the great weather on Sunday.
By the time most of us arrived at the Grampian Club hut, Inbhirfhaolain, Jackie and Daryl had a roaring fire going which took the chill off the building but increased the condensation! The only winter climbing on the West coast was clearly going to be on Ben Nevis, so on Saturday at 5, eight of us got up and set out on the long trog up the Allt a' Mhuillin. Michael, Simon and Steve climbed Comb Gully (IV). Daryl and Jackie had their fill with the walk up and took off for very early baths in Cardiff. There was a three strong Tresidder family outing on Number Three Gully Buttress (III), which also had to ascend to the top of the Ben since Hereward had never been there before. And so for the second time in a fortnight I found myself stumbling down beside the "abseil posts" towards the CIC hut. James and Neil confirmed that nothing on Stob Choire nan Lochan was in nick. Folk were pretty tired by Sunday, so a repeat ascent via the excellent looking Gardyloo Gully was ruled out. Hereward coaxed four of us into a short walk in Glen Etive, four went home after breakfast and John Green enjoyed the second of seven consecutive days of Corbett crawling. RT
If Mr & Mrs Appleby, Mr Bowers, Mr Bryan, Mr Larkam, Mr Moyes, Ms F Raphael, Mr & Mrs Sarson, Mr Theobald, Mr Tucker or Mr Willis have paid their subs. recently, then they can sleep easy knowing their membership card is in the post. Otherwise, could I remind them that their subs. are now due. Full Members £26, Family Membership £39, Senior Family Membership £19.50.