Meet Report: 15-17 September 2023 at the Wayfarers’ Robertson Lamb Hut.

Early birds arrived on Thursday, and Mike Gregg had a long walk on Friday, despite the changeable weather. Dave Carpenter did a tour of Whymore Fell and Cathedral Cavern in the rain. Other less hardy souls arrived from Friday lunch time, hung around in the rain at RLH and made their way to Old Dungeon Ghyll, no doubt hoping that Dutch courage would inspire them to perform deeds of derring do on the fells on the Saturday. Bruce’s ambition was to qualify as a BIC (Bacchus Inspired Chef).  He certainly quaffed a considerable quantity to ingratiate himself with the deity.

Dinner was timed to be after 7.30pm.  Nibbles to allay the pangs of hunger were followed by five bean chilli and dessert.  Whatever the recipe, Bacchus inspired him to produce a tasty meal.

Breakfasts Saturday and Sunday were sausages, cereal, porridge, toast, jam and marmalade and were very well received.

Saturday’s weather was much better and, inspired by the breakfasts, groups set off in different directions. 

Dave Ormerod installed new lights in the upstairs toilets, and replaced some outside courtesy lights.

Naomi, Tamsin and Paul climbed Pavey Ark via Jack’s Rake. Naomi misheard and thought that Paul had said “Pervy Crag.”  They also went to Pike o’ Stickle.  Naomi and Tamsin again got confused and called it “Pickle Stickle.”  Paul then carried alone to Scafell Pike.

Mark also did Pavey Ark, The Stickles, Bowfell, The Crinkles and Pike o’ Bliscoe, completing  the full horseshoe around the Pikes.

John & Carol Whalley walked from RLH to Hell Ghyll, then back down and some way up The Band before taking the path to the footbridge in Mickleden and back along the Cumbrian Way, calling at the ODG.

Sue Mellor went via Chapel Stile, Elterwater, Little Langdale and back past Blea Tarn, straight down to the ODG where she joined the crowd.

Bruce, Tim, Paul Read and Dave Lawrence walked up Oxendale to Crinkle Crags.

Dave then returned down The Band whilst the rest continued over Bowfell then down via Angle Tarn and Rossett Gill. The stone steps and rocky surface of the engineered path down beside the Gill caused some suffering to Bruce, whose knees may have seen their best days.

Dave Carpenter, along with Dave McKie and Mike Gregg went to Scafell Pike, returning via Esk Pike and Bow Fell, down Great Slab and the Climber’s Traverse.  The weather improved throughout the day.

Dave Webster, Nigel Musgrove, Steve Auty and Martin Tomlinson did a challenging ascent of Bow Fell via Hell Ghyll, followed by a daring descent across the Great Slab, Climber’s Traverse and The Band to queue-jump repeatedly at the ODG.

Because of the weather forecast few had planned any climbing but on Sunday, Dave McKie led Dave Carpenter up Revelation (HS***) on Raven Crag before the rain set in. Others planned various shorter walks. Tamsin and Paul climbed Pike O’Blisco and Tim drove to Grasmere and did a round of Easedale and Helm Crag.

On Saturday evening Bruce again sought inspiration in Bacchus’ nectar – it worked! 

After nibbles he served tumbet, a seasonal taste of Mallorca with pan fried chicken.  It was excellent!

Sue & Gary produced a superb blackberry and apple crumble with custard followed by cheese and biscuits.  What a superb meal.

Alan Clare was inspired to propose a vote of thanks to Bruce on behalf of the Yorkshire Ramblers’ Club. Bacchus was mischievously capricious when he was rising to his feet and trying to stand. Nonetheless he delivered a very sincere vote of thanks.  So did Dave Carpenter for the Wayfarers.  No problems with balance – he held the table!

Bruce – you are a fully qualified Bacchus Inspired Cook – A*

Can anyone remember the last time George Chambers was on a meet at RLH and didn’t do any catering?  He had a relaxing decadent weekend.

Despite variable weather, this was an excellent weekend for renewing social friendships and getting in some really good walking and climbing.  I hope that everyone else enjoyed it as much as I did.

George Chambers

Attendees:

Wayfarers:

Dave Carpenter, Dave Lawrence, Dave Ormerod, Dave Webster, Dave McKie, George Chambers, Nigel Musgrove, Steve Auty, Martin Tomlinson, Paul Read, Bruce Hassall, Sue Mellor, Gary Mellor.

YRC:

Mike Gregg, Mark Rothwell, John Whalley, Carol Whalley, Alan Clare, Naomi Hogg, Paul Magson, Tamsin Spain, Tim Josephy.