January 1983
New M.M.C. lying-in record.
Our North Wales correspondent reports that bodies were sighted in bed at the hour of 14.30 on Saturday 1/1/83. Although remaining in a dazed condition for several hours pending arrival of rescue services from Padarn Lake Hotel, all parties made a dramatic recovery being able to resume activities at 20.00 at the Llanberis chip shop.
6th January 1983
After so long absent it's good to be back! Sheila and Phil Scratton (and Paul and Sean) came out with Greg and Suzanne in dreadful weather!
7th January
Phil, Paul and Sean went off to the lake and shops - the joys of parenthood! Sheila, Suzanne and Greg set off for the Pen y Gwryd to Llyn Caseg-fraith, Glyder Fach, Bwlch Tryfan, Bochlwyd and over the Gribin to Idwal and down to Ogwen. Sudden blizzard hit us as we crossed the ridge - descent in the teeth of the icy wind (ugh!).
8th January
Sheila, Paul and Sean went to Anglesey, Phil Suzanne and Greg went up Y Garn from Nant Peris then on to Foel Goch, Mynydd Perfedd and Elidir Fawr and down quite late - weather pretty bad - gusting wind and rain later - snow on tops, quite icy in patches.
22nd, 23rd Jan
Arrived expecting hoards at the hut to find only half-a- dozen in residency. Went to Tremadoc on Saturday and did Scratch Arete VS and scratted up Silly Arete then soloed up and down Poor Man's Peuterey and Borchgrevinck. Dinner Saturday night home Sunday morn.
Neil & Dave.
February 1983
3.2.83
Arrived at 3pm to glorious sunshine and snow capped peaks. I thought of taking a run up Snowdon but decided it was too late. I wonder what sort of weather tomorrow will bring. Oh! I also fell coming down the path to the hut and got sheep shit (liquid like) all over my new sleeping bag, jeans and cagoule. So much for Polyvelt shoes. Cleaned the hut - Pete.
4th
Attempted to go up Miner's Track but the path was so icy and we didn't have our skates that we just walked to the lake and back.
5th
Weather horrible and misty, low level cloud everywhere. But alas a bit of excitement in the kitchen, the fan heater on the cooker burst into flames. Bravely we fought the flames and lived to tell the tale.
Weather remained poor so we headed for Anglesey Sports Centre and had a swim then to Ian and Margy's to chop some wood and eat all their food.
6th
Weather, would you believe, awful again. I think we will go home.
Hazel & Pete.
Sat 20th
St Kath's & Christs Outdoor Pursuits Meeting.
Arrived at 10.30 after much haste obtaining transport and various people dropping out. Five of us arrived in a mini van and headed for Tryfan. Up and down Tryfan in record time with an hour spent on Llyn Bochlwyd which was frozen solid. Tug-of-war and fun and games. Bit of caving. Down to the Prince Of Wales and the L.I. male (and female) voice choir accompanied the organist (sounds rude to me) in many renderings of popular song. The walk back to the hut went quite easily (the fact that a teacher and pupil had tried unsuccessfully to to emulate superman the night before did nothing for the confidence of the team).
Sun 21st
Arose early, 9.00am, started to move about 10.00am, after mice on toast for breakfast, gang filed out into fields with frisby and Robin Hood gear. Played silly buggers for a couple of hours then back for nosh. Mice butties with dripping trimmings. This afternoon we took off for Little Tryfan. Group coped with extreme proficiency and skill. Neil led with extreme amateurism as usual. Returned home safely at 6.00pm.
Tonight: ale, women, sex and drugs with a spot of mouse hunting; expedition led once again by, yes, you've guessed it: Neil Davies (our hero). P.S. didn't go to chapel but we all said our prayers, honest!
Mon
Up early for assault on Snowdon. Tons of ice, wind and sun. From the hut onto the Ranger's and down Llanberis path, ace day. Plenty of brown stains on the snow deserved drink in Padarn. Showed Zippy an alpine basket, carried him into Padarn and dumped him on the bar floor, people ignored him. We got back to the pool about 1.00 in the morning.
25.2.83
Neil Davies Meet
Arrived at about 10pm in the rust bucket via somewhere in the Wirral and some bit of leg in Mold. Once in the hut (guess who left the key in the car, guess who went for it) we went to bed for zzz's.
26
Weather was really bad and after crispy bacon we went to Tremadoc (the long way round because the road was blocked after a crash). The weather was still bad so we did Christmas Curry Hard finish (Micah eliminate) in the rain with the boys leading the last pitch in pumps. After that we went to PYB climbing wall and then home for tea. Off to pub later (they would not serve Spike, funny hey)
27
Weather not too good again so it's off to the coast via the Clog factory. Surprisingly the food was quite good and on the whole not too bad a meet.
Dave Harrison, Neil Davies, Dave Kelly, Mike (Spike) Hall, John, Sara Peake.
March 1983
5.3.83
Martyn and Kate Harper - a brief but warm stay. Off to practice navigation on Carnedds.
Fiona and Lindsey's Meet
Rob, Jenny, Dave, Roy, Phil, Shona, Fiona, Linsey arrived Friday night to set up a welcoming party for Bill, Simon, Mal, Kev who arrived next morning. Don and Kathy made their way up most(?) of Snowdon, returning in two hours. Fiona, Lindsey, Jenny and Rob walked to the Glyders while Bill, Simon, Dave and Roy climbed Wrinkle and Ribbon Slab (Dave and Roy went on to do ice climbing in E.B's. above Cromlech? - please ask them, not us); Kev and Mal made a bold ascent of Diagonal Direct route with numb fingers. Nick and Di arrived on Saturday night, then everybody went to the pub (I do like a varied meet). Sunday morning left everybody wondering what to do - mist and rain. Shona got stuck in Flake Chimney (Diff) and so went on to run up Crackstone Rib (Severe). While Dave and Simon considered climbing Nea, and Mal and Kev the PYB wall, the rest either went for a walk or visited the Clog factory.
Easter (1st Edn.)
Good Friday. Arrived this land of sun and snowcapped Snowdon 2pm with Mick. 5.30 arrived a deserted summit via Central Trinity Gully in prime condition (gully that is). Dave Harrison and Alan Flood at hut running a Chinese laundry. Later Sara and John arrive via Unnamed Route, Arian and Ivy League on Craig y Forwen.
Good Saturday (2nd Edn.) The boys (Alan & Dave) had a rest day to recover from the exertion of the past few days walking & hitching (8hrs from the 'Pool, most of which was spent outside Mold). Our educational day consisted of 'History of P.E., Electronics, Circuits & Devices & some art work then a walk up to the slate quarries for some bouldering i.e. pulling boulders off.
The men and woman returned after hardpeople activities in Tremadoc, Anglesey and Snowdon.
Good Sunday. Alan and Dave woke before the milk and post having Readybrek, toast and jam, made millions of appetizing beef spread sandwiches and promptly left them behind. The prospect of hitching down the Pass grew closer...
At the gate we were saved by a bloke and his bit of leg in the Lancia HPE which he had driven all over Snowdon. He took us the bottom of the Wastad. Dave (a la pumps) walked over Wrinkle (which we see note 29.12.82 is E1, Dave freed all aid points). Dave led Unicorn HVS, much fun was had at the crux by a dangling second. Aces. Dave soloed Ribstone Crack in his earphones (E.B's. were hurting).
Good Monday. We had thought of going up the Pass to do some more goodies, but the weather wasn't pretty. So we went up to Dinorwic (look out the window) via every quarry and tunnel on the way. Discovered a hairdrier 20ft in diameter halfway up. Boy the BMZ certainly didn't want people in there, I've forgotten how many piddly barbed wire fences we had to climb, not to mention the 12ft one at the overflow at the very top of the quarry. Ran down the mega scree slope just left of the concrete doorway (see out of window). A really good day's walk (nothing to eat again) plenty of section 14 (see MLTB curriculum). The boys were dead in need of food and a blast from the RT 100's (which we haven't brought with us).
Good Tuesday. All the people have gone, inc kids. Much in need of food and noise from Rt 100's so going home. Bye Bye Caer Fran.
Alan Flood and Dave Harrison.
It rained so we came back. Try tomorrow.
P.S. It's my gear in the black bin bag.
Easter Sat (1st Ed) 240o magnetic from upper Cwm Glas. PFG in generally unsociable state.
Easter Sun. Holyhead Mountain. Black Owen D1, Slippers VD2.
Easter Mon. The rains too much, even for us Bill Geoff & Mick Turner [Published May Day 1983. No one here]
Easter Saturday (3rd Edn.)
Arrived via Tremadoc which was very busy. An enjoyable ascent of Grotto VS was experienced by Pete Kirton and Eric Roseberry. Despite the name this is a very pleasant route, but how come I do all the leading even though I'm with 5c/6a superstars?
Sunday arrived dank and depressing so we went to Tremadoc which was, if at all possible, even busier. Considered queueing behind 10 people on Olympic Slab/Stromboli but walked back along the top - Pete was leading. I was smitten by a bout of total idleness so dossed about while the heros did Chwys HVS and G String HVS.
Monday arrived even danker and more depressing, the towel was thrown in! Everyone ran eastwards to Ellesmere Port and other places around Merseyside. I ejected from the Kirton- mobile to land safely at "La Maison Ashman" high up on Halkyn Mountains, where I was housed, fed and watered in return for assisting in the construction of a hen house. (P.S. We also oggled Bo Derek on the box!).
Tuesday arrived to find us wending our way back to Tremadoc in Mal's new dream machine (Minivan actually). In search of new VS experiences we attacked Craig y Gesail (crag of the armpit - seems the logical place for the Anderson/Ashman combination). We ascended Chateau, Clutch and Plumbline. All three routes were really enjoyable and well worth a visit particularly when the other Tremadoc cliffs are "a-buzzing".
Wednesday arrived even more danker and yet more depressing. So we went shopping. Visited Porthmadoc but everywhere closed by 12.30. Then tried Criccieth but everywhere shut by 1.00 - so onward to "Poothelly" (really into the Welsh language as you can see) - whoopee it was like Mecca - market day. Wandered around with our hands deeply in our pockets - though an enterprising thirteen year old Welsh kid did flog me a sweatshirt.
Late afternoon found us back at the "Armpit" and rest. We went to Craig y Castell. We climbed Mensor VS and Tantalus VS (Sir John now wishes it to be known that his earlier entry was incorrect and in fact the top pitch of Tantalus is the hardest in the Universe).
Friday - we may go to Tremadoc today - anyway Ashman's returning to the fold this afternoon to leave me partnerless. Of course some people, ie Manchester teachers have got another full week of holidays so I may be back to darken your doorstep with Geordie panache and wit. You'll come back now!
Love & kisses
Les A and Mal A
April 1983
The weekends of 7th April
14th April
22nd April
The reconstituted 4D Team has been out every weekend - although we must be honest we have stayed at the North London Club Hut near Capel.
(By the way 4D stands for Fourth Decade)
Anyway we graunched our way up:-
It's good to see the old folks getting out so regularly.
Les Anderson
Ray Duffy
30th April
You would have thought that at least one person from the club would be here on Bank Holiday. Anyway I'm here with Doc Andy and his young lady (wife-to-be actually) We are really impressed with the hard work done by the meet team. The hut looks better than I've ever seen it.
You may find this difficult to believe but it's raining this morning so we've no idea what we're going to get up to!!
June 1983
Friday 10th June
Mike Lewis & Alison Pearson (guest)
Set off from Warrington in beautiful summer sunshine to arrive at Caer Fran in grim summer grot. Tea, bakewell creams and a bottle of wine. Hope it's better in the morning!!
Saturday 11th June
Horrible weather!! cleared up about 6-ish and went over the rocks to the radio mast, and then for drinks in the POW.
Sunday 12th June
Well at least it's not raining! Off to Ogwen after breakfast to try something nice and easy.
Monday 13th June.
Pete, Hazel and Jenny arrived armed with bikinis trunks and sun oil only to find it raining and gale force winds. We got soaked just coming down to the hut. Just when we needed a few days in the sun to shake away all the pre-exam nerves. We have never seen the rivers and streams so full even in the winter. We hope tomorrow brings some sunshine.
45 milk bottles disposed of.
Tuesday - it did! Trip to Holyhead. Evening spent playing with hair gel - the punks have arrived. Pictures to follow. Question to El Presidente, why are we not putting present newsletters in the folder provided?
Wednesday - woke to clouds but clear skies over Anglesey (once again). We decided to walk up at the back of the hut onto Moel Eilio then onto Foel Goch and Moel Cynghorion and back. It remained cloudy but blue sky appeared now and then. Back for tea and a shower then we went to Caernarfon for a drink and a walk. It turned out to be a nicer evening than day, blue light sky until gone 9.
Home tomorrow so we will wait to see what the weather brings.
By the way, the bikinis never made it out.
Hazel
Thursday - 9am Stop Press!!
Toilets blocked. Once again acute blockage caused by used johnies and Panty Pads & Tampax. Why do people keep flushing these things down the loo when they know it blocks it.
Pete cleared it.
Good luck on your meet Pam.
Hazel x.
(P.S. We also found Baby buddies - tar cleaners too)
19th June 83
Pam's Meet
Present - The President - Pam, Spike, Dave, Dave Drod John Tony Bill Brian Barb Fiona Jeanette Marion Martin Chris Michael Katherine.
Sat - Telegraph Col - Snowdon - east ridge - hut - phew! Pam, Brian, Drod, Jeanette, Fiona. Brian wouldn't be sack monitor.
Sun - Dave Barbara, Drod and Jeanette. Gribin Ridge, Glyder Fach, Bristly Ridge - got burnt so went skinny dipping! (Barbara did)
Direct Route }
Diagonal } Simon & Bill
Western Slabs }
Lorraine } Jan & Tony
Cracks }
Rumour has it that Martin Lacey won't buy the lads EB's because they can already burn him off in pumps! - well he is 30 now.
Quote - to be minuted:
"You won't catch me ski-ing - there's no point in it!" Dave Kelly
19/6/83
Loverly wever.....
We went to the Pass, phew it was hot. Pam sunbathed.
"Kaiser" Simon "I am doing a bomber" Lewis and Bill S.
Ribstone Crack - Bill & Simon
Brant - Mike & Dave
Crackstone
A superb day.
John and Martin went to Cloggy. Marion, Christopher, Michael and Cath (age 8?) followed with the picnic.
We did Slanting Slab and Troach.
John Peake.
July 1983
9/7/83
Arrived at 2am. Several cars in car park. Wonder who's here? Heard them go out in the morning. We woke up late, headed to the Mot. Climbed Plexus and Nexus. Called in the Vaynol for a drink. Arrived back at the hut 12 mn. Everybody in bed (who are they?) Heard them go out in the morning (who were they?). We woke up late. heading to...
John and Sara Peake
P.S. Could it have been Andy Stewart? Own up!
*See 29.8.83
16/7/83
Arrived Friday weather superb!
Sat - Tryfan - Bristly Ridge - Glyder Fach - Gribin Ridge. Can't believe the place isn't packed out (where are all our members?). Will have to drink several pints to replace all the sweat.
Sun - Gone for a swim!
Drod Tunstall and Kurt Whelan
10/7/83
The boys out for the day. Man it was hot. Went up to Cwm Glas and Clogwyn y Ddysgl. Stewart, Simon L, Simon H, Pete, Bill S. The Ring confused description in guide but made it in the end.
14.7.83
Arrived! On bike from home - no problems.
15.7.83
Bangor and back via Capel Curig and Bethesda, no problems.
16.7.83
Snowdon Race start to summit with knapsack 1hr 15 mins no sweat - well about 2 litres. Electric storm tonight. (this morning) after big buffet & summer disco at Victoria.
17.7.83
Thunder and mist, no running water - might get wet going for a paper - must be a rest day - washed dishes. ??? it's tough on the Dale-Ashton.
14.7.83
Arrived out - Sheila, Phil & kids plus Nancy Craddock from Saskatoon. Beautiful weather - three weeks of heatwave.
15.7.83
All went round the Kitchen - kids managed well, Paul walked the whole way. Swam in Idwal - warm and very sunny.
16.7.83
Went to Rhoscolyn to see Ian & Maggie - Ian away with Nick - all went down to the beach. Canoed round the islands and out to the beacon - brilliant weather.
17.7.83
Greg McLennen and Suzanne Battleday arrived out. Suzanne is two weeks at Ogwen Cottage - and Greg is off to Aber to walk to Ogwen via all 7 3000ft. The family are off in search of a good walk and a cool llyn!! Probably Lloer. See you... Soon...
17/7/83
Boys out for the day again.
Cwm Glas again.
Main Wall - Simon H Dave Kelly
Subsidiary Groove - Martin, Spike & Bill
Brant Direct - Spike & Bill - Dave K & Martin
Spike and Ned's first HVS lead.
Stewart's meet next weekend - let's hope the weather's good.
23.7.83
Sara and John Peake arrived late Sat night, all the meet at the Vic (we were at POW).
Been to Gogarth - The Strand
Park Lane/Doomsville Connection.
29.7.83
Mal & Pete
Cloggy - White Slab
- Cloggy Corner
- Vember
30.7.83
Carnedd Dafydd - good scrambling and walk - very secluded and excellent skinny dipping, highly recommended - parking for three cars only.
Drod & Jeanette Tunstall
30.7.83
Late start on Sat 4pm up to the Cromlech.
Left Wall
Cenotaph Corner (in the dark, bitten to death)
John & Sara Peake
29/31 July
The Laceys, Simon Lewis and Pamela.
Saturday: Up to Cloggy for a picnic, Vember and Mostest.
Sunday: Up to Dinas Mot with a view to Ten Degrees North/ Nexus and another picnic.
29.7.83
Rode out on our machines with very large and unpleasant headwind, but lots of sun. Arrived at about 8pm and had to sleep in itchy blankets as our sleeping bags had not yet arrived.
30.7.83
Late start as we had to wait for the gear to be brought by mother and father. In the end we ended up on the Mot and I led Lorraine VS, and Tremolite E1 and then it was down for a swim by the Cromy boulders and better to come as we had real sleeping bags this time.
31.7.83
An earlier start this time with a lift up the Pass in the Lacey car to Craig Ddu and a quick ascent of Yellow Groove VS and then apathy set in and after another swim we returned to the hut for a rest and tea which was 1lb of rice between us (before water).
32.7.83
Off home today
Bernard Hinault And Sean Kelly
(Dave Harrison, Alan Flood)
It's raining, boy we're going to get wet.
Is it true that Martin Lacey is being interviewed by "The Great Wallenda" for a part in his high wire extravaganza?
August 1983
7.8.83
Rode out on my bike , on my own, no less, due to a slight lack of communication. 6½ hours from Hunts Cross, is this a record? That evening Spike arrived (by car of course).
8.8.83
After getting food from CRS we hitched up the Pass to Craig Ddu and I led Canol at E1. "That was only VS" Spike told me. He then moaned and groaned his way up Rift Wall - a real VS this time. Then after a swim it was back to the hut for too much food and an early night.
9.8.83
Spike decided we would go off to Cloggy to do Vember (guess who was to lead). So after much grip and sweat Vember was led FREE no pulling on slings, runners or rope. As Spike will no doubt tell you I used all my Pinklies on the second pitch and ended up with no gear and the sticht plate in the chalk bag (the crab being many feet below in the peg). Spike this time agreed that it might have been E1.
Simon H arrived without incident bringing "the instrument of noise"* under Dave's frantic request the previous evening. (Will these two ever stop skitting each other?).
* Cassette player.
10.8.83
The three of us got the bus up to the Mot. Spike was persuaded to lead Diagonal. We managed to fit all of us onto the second belay stance. Our intrepid hero finished the route bringing up Dave on a very painful hanging belay. After lunch Simon led Direct Route - Spike following solo and Dave in bare feet. The final pitch (5b?) was taken seriously. Gary Glitter Hill, with chalk spraying everywhere, was followed by Dave (in pumps) and Spike - who received most of the blame for several dislodged stones. Then off to Pete's for real food and a swift ¼ gallon in the Pad.
11.8.83
Simon arose early and went down the hill to get provisions. On his return he found Spike and myself still in bed and in his absence we had decided to have "a day off". After toast for breakfast we waved a sad farewell to Biggles and Co (David Bailey and Davey Crocket). All day we lazed about. I finished Bonington's life story to find out it was only the first volume (when's the second being bought). Someone who has not owned up burnt the chip pan oil and for a matter of fact the chip pan as well so we had mash for dinner. Another large tea. Spike tore the jelly with his bare hands.. The evening shall be spent cleaning up our mess as the meet arrives tomorrow. P.S. anyone who would like to lead The Skull (E4 6a for anyone in doubt) please contact Mike Hall (hard man) as he wishes to second it. It seems because I declined the offer I'm a wimp, can't win them all can we.
12.8.83
An early start today and off to the Groch. First I led Hangover E1, and when Spike and Simon went to do Spectre I seconded some wiz kid up Quasar (slight pull on rope). Simon then did Brant Direct HVS and then left for the hut. Me and Spike then did Kaisergebirge Wall and then took an hour to hitch to Llanberis. P.S. I wore my EB's for nine hours non stop is this a record?
Dave Harrison, Mike Hall, Simon Hill.
13.8.83
Kate Jones' Meet
A late start and a large breakfast and five of the party headed off to sun-kissed Idwal. Simon, Tony & Terry did Tennis Shoe while Dave & Mike did Suicide Groove and Suicide Wall. Kate and Lin went walking with Lin going to the top of Snowdon. Bill and Simon arrived in time for tea.
14.8.83
21.8.83
After merrily mounting Snowdon by morris dancing to the summit in aid of Cancer Research in July, we have come back for a weekend of relaxation. So far this has entailed a visit to the beach at Trevor and a gentle walk up the Knife Edge
Nonesuch.
22/8/83
We arrived here at 7.30pm having set out from Waterloo nearly 12 hours ago. We had a pleasant ride, apart from a strong headwind from Capel Curig onwards, and no mechanical failures.
(Simon Hill, Richard Walker)
24/8/83
Off home today! Going along coast road as neither of us are able to face the climb onto the Moors! (got home in seven hours)
29/8/83
After a month training in the Alps we decided to come "back home to Wales" for some proper climbing. At least it has to be cheaper having had £2000 worth of gear ripped off in Italy - although having seen the prices to park at Pen y Pass which is the bigger rip-off? Our Alpine training took in the Bregaglia Bernina and Chamonix (not for long - there was hardly any ice and the rock routes were falling down. ¼ million tons off the top of the Drus! we had to give it a miss again this year!). Despite some "iffy" weather while Britain basked in the best summer since '76 we managed a couple of good routes - Cassin Route on the Piz Badile, and Bumilergrate on the Piz Palu, Gervasutti Route on the Punte Allieri (where's that you may ask - so did we but the hut warden's daughter is beautiful and makes it worth a visit....!) In Chamonix Voie Des Dalles on the Pouce before the proverbial blues brought on by the Meteo man sent us scampering home. The reward has been a few days in Wales of wonderful weather until today in which the monsoon hit (2nd Sept). Routes this week include Great Slab/ Bow Shaped on Cloggy - yes the weather was good enough to make the walk - Kaisergebirge and Spectre (not top pitch) the Mole and to satisfy a dream "Dream of White Horses" in perfect sun while it rained in Snowdonia - wonderful few days.
John & Les
29/8/83
Dear Committee,
The mysterious visitors on 9/7/83 were myself and a couple of guests. We left our fees in an envelope but had no pen so could not complete the hut book or the outside of the envelope.
Honest!
Les A.
September 1983
25-9-83
G Bowden's Meet
Arrived Friday Bill Drod Jeanette Alan Ian Simon Steve & Self.
Saturday
Drod and Jeanette went for a little walk GB went for a little fall off Stromboli then did Merlin with Bill. Ian Barrett and Alan did Olympic Slab, Helsinki Wall and Jungle Walk. Simon and Steve did Christmas Curry with variation. That evening all retired to the Vic where we gate crashed a wedding party, and we were given a lesson in how to pull birds by Snake Hips Ian Barrett before the riot started. Finished the evening with a discussion of various people's most irritating habits at 2am in the morning.
P.S. Ask Bill Sutherland how he can get 25% off at Brown's.
Sunday
Climbed and went home.
Insufficient data to evaluate.
October 1983
7/10/83
Bill, S Hill, P Smith, Ned Kelly arrived in hut after a "semi-lock-in" at the Vic.
Saturday very wet. Went to Gogarth and watched two heros doing Dream of White Horses in a force 10 gale. Spent a hour on the Llangefni wall and then went to Pete's Eats. Gate crashed the Chester M.C's disco - no fighting - very civilised!!!
Sunday very wet - Pete feeling "poisoned", sat around, drank tea and read the Sunday Bilge. Went home early.
22/10/83
Simon H, his dad and Stephen Mc arrived last night after a 37 point turn in the car park and a swift half in the Vic. ¼ of an hour the Warwick Uni M.C. arrived - all 35 of them. Were woken by a stupid boy with a ladle and a pan. Having tip toed over a mass of bodies over the floor, we set off for Cwm Glas. We were forced to abb off the Main Wall due to danger of dislodged rocks from inconsiderate queue jumpers who started messing about above us. The older members of our team scrambled up Clogwyn y Ddysgl and had a nap by the railway.
23/10/83
Messed around by the Cromlech Boulders, then off home.
October half-term
Bl--d- teachers! - on holiday again! Well as we tried to explain before the thirteen weeks each year is so the youngsters can rest their little brains from the mind stretching, cranium expanding work we set them as we lead them down the path to intellectual enlightenment.
[My mate did not see the Warwick entry over - excuse him!]
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22.10.83
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Carried on from over page.
- John and Les came down for a weeks canoeing - "It always rains this time of year" - but not this year! Two weeks previously it rained non-stop when I was climbing with some children. Perfect canoeing weather - this week only marginal drizzle to wet the rock and rivers dry. However, had a day on the Swellies and a day on the surf at Anglesey before being forced back on the rock. (Had stashed rock gear with ski season approaching - ski-ing could catch on in this club). Climbed Oxine in cold grey conditions - only crowded crag in N Wales, I M Marsh course there - then went to Carreg Hyll Drem to climb Girdle the day after in perfect warm sunshine. Such a shock to Les that he had to throw up after the second pitch - or perhaps it was because we had been "locked in" down in the village - they wouldn't let us out until 1am - guess the pub - we are not going to tell and get our Welsh friends into trouble.
Mc Bean left for London but "Jones the ledger" arrived. Glorious day so we went to Carreg Alltrem, climbed Lightning Visit and Lavaredo both VS.
Foulish day on Sunday - probably off home via La Maison Ashman.
P.S. Not too impressed by dirty grill pan, old bananas under chair and broken door panel (ladies room) left by previous occupants?!?
30/10/83
Neil Davies, Armanda Bradbeer and Elfreda arrived after an expensive stop off at John Hargreaves in Capel. A quick scrabble up the track was the energetic epoch of the day.
31/10/83
Woke very late, far too late for any serious walking so walked up to Cwm Idwal, couldn't just walk past the Slabs so I soloed Tennis Shoe, VS start, and down Charity. At last back on Welsh rock after 6 month's absence!!!!
29/10/83
A party from St Kaths College arrived at 3.00 in glorious sunshine. After dumping our luggage off for walks up Dinorwic.
30/10/83
Thought it was too good to be true. Our four brave heros trotted off in force 27 gale wind and quite a lot of rain up Carnedd Dafydd. Group morale was low and the ham sandwiches were soggy. Back to camp and delicious St Katherine beefburgers eeyok.
31/10/83
Unpleasant conditions once again so a party of 4 decided to 'do' the Snowdon horseshoe. Biggest horse I've ever seen. "Oh no not another mountain" "Don't blame me I didn't put it there". Started at Pen y Pass jogged along Crib Goch. Our "keep to the ridge" leader told us, on no uncertain terms to keep to the ridge. So keep to the ridge we kept and it was jolly uncomfortable. Off to Crib y Ddysgl, Snowdon and back to base via Y Lliwedd. Home to the hut where everybody fell on the floor and died.
November 1983
1.11.83
Home via Clog factory and diddy crags across the lake.
Thanks very much for letting us stay!
18.11.83 - 20.11.83
After an abortive attempt by the advance party to find the hut the M.M.C. party duly assembled in the Victoria!:-
Jenny's Meet
Jenny Wyatt, Fiona MacGillivray, Dave Stevenson, Rob Haine, Marie Crusson and Nadine Le Gall.
Cloud cover on Snowdon so opted for walk from the hut up Moel Eilio - Foel Gron - Foel Goch where lunch was had keeping off lost hunt dogs in search of a buttie or two. Continued on to Telegraph Col, Moel y Cynghorion and returned to hut to find it had rained more inside the hut than outside (it hadn't rained all day being somewhat unusual for November) - leaky pipes under sink. Nick arrived, predictably, just in time for tea.
Only room for a couple of drinks in the Vic after my tea, the gannets struggled...
Sunday - Leisurely start as always - cloud base low. Usual indecision as to what to do....and it even started to rain....
Decision - Moel Siabod and if nasty - tea in cafe.
December 1983
3/12/83
St Hill's Meet
After major transport problems Bill S, Ned Kelly, Dave Harrison, Allan Flood, Rob Haine, Dave Stevenson, Stephen Mc Ewan and Simon Hill managed to get out here. Having dragged Bill out of the Vic at 10.45, we donned our polar gear and set out for the summit of Snowdon at midnight, leaving Rob and Alan in the luxury of the hut.
The six intrepid adventurers strode forth into the unknown.... After battling our way as far as Cloggy Station the gale became ferocious (four of us were blown over), and considering Cwm Glas loomed below us, we decided to seek shelter behind the station hut.
The five pints that Bill had drunk several hours ago finally caught up with him. He threw caution and urine to the wind, hoping to irrigate the void below - instead he irrigated six sleeping bags, two rucsacs and a trangia stove.
We decided to bivvy in the lee of the hut as progress due to the wind had become somewhat impossible. A semi comfortable but windy night was spent.
13.12.83
We woke at 7.30 and the sky had descended. After a brew all the gear was left and the team walked the rest of the way up Snowdon. On the top the mist dropped below the top and a bit of a good view by all, even "spectres and glories" were had by all. We then all walked down to the gear and then on to the car. Once back at the hut the food was had and Ned dreaming of bare feet.
After catching up on lost sleep and a mega meal it was off to the pub to watch my hero Clint on the box.
Simon.
4/12/8316
Sara and John Peake's Christmas Meet
16/12/83
Neil and Dave arrived at the hut tired and wet after playing Centaurs on the Afon Glaslyn. After drying off they vacate in favour of the Vic. only to get stopped by a "boy in blue" for not having a front light and no back lights. Peter, Alison and Ian arrive at the Vic but no sign of the hosts or Bill. So back to the hut. The missing group eventually arrive with the provisions at 11.15.
17/12/83
Bill, Eric and "drink too much" Ian went off to Tremy climbing, while the boys went canoeing. The rest of the party went walking. In the evening 18 people were amassed for a mega meal. Slowly everybody wandered off to the pit at about 1 after eating far, far too much.
18/12/83
In the morning the mess was cleaned away. and the door replaced on the hinges. Everyone except the intrepid canoeists left for home in the early afternoon via Joe's and the slate quarries.
Those attending:- John Peake, Sara Peake, Jenny Wyatt, Bill Sutherland, Eric Roseberry, Sue Duxbury, Ian Barnett, Pete Hyde, Alyson Hyde, Dave Harrison, Neil Davies, Dave Graham, Simon Lewis, Pam Lewis, Nick Jones, Di Jones.
19/12/83
One of the water babies is ill (Neil) so we're going home - Happy Christmas and a Cool Yule to all.
Dave and Neil xxx
P.S. Big brother took some photographs - to be displayed.
30/12/83
Went to Tremadoc.
31/12/83
John and Sara
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