Cae'r-frân: Classic Climbs/ Walks 14/04/2023 - 16/04/2023

Theme:

Walk & Climb

Description:

Cae’r-fran Classic Meet 14-16 April 2023
Meet Organiser: Mary Kirwan
Participants: David Radcliffe, John Blakeborough, Kate Hare, Margie Rayner, Martin Williams, Laura Glascott, Liz Kay, Lorna Kelly & Steve Graham
After purposeful pre-prepping, the meet began with pipe-laden poses classic style, i.e. in black and white.
The following day [Saturday], participants grouped before departing the hut for jolly japes and mountain adventures.
Liz, Margie, Laura, Steve, Martin and John ascended from Tryfan Bach to Bwlch Tryfan, enjoying fine, airy scrambling to the Glyders’ ridge before descending via the Gribin Ridge [dictated word for word by JB- I would’ve provided more description but John is a man of action with few words to spare]. They all had a spiffingly good day thanks to the expert route finding knowledge and skill base of our Liz.
Lorna and David headed for Lion Rock to practise rope skills a-plenty with the latter later completing his first trad lead Hollt [possibly by making use of slings and cunningly placed pebbles of various sizes jammed into rock fissures, socks over boots on the slippery sections?]. At the end of their day, they unexpectedly came across some swag; a whole rack left by a climber. They will try their best to reunite it with their owner who surely missed the goods when noticing a considerable weight loss to their load?
The organiser herself and I, meanwhile, decided on a local walk choosing to ascend Moel Elio via Telegraph Col.
However, after soon returning to the hut to retrieve something left behind, we discovered that the door wouldn’t open and after trying to input the key pad code umpteen times, we realised that there was a problem.
Who to call for advice? Trusty Brian Newton and Bill Helsby of course.
Both advised that the only way in would be to break the upstairs members’ room window.
We pondered this then decided to go in search of WD 40 as this may encourage the key pad’s innards to loosen.
The mission met with success at farmer Joe’s and the lubricating fluid was attempted…disappointingly without success.
We procrastinated then decided to distance ourselves from the rather alarming prospect of breaking and entering by embarking on our planned walk returning the WD to Joe’s farm on route.
On our return, and after further attempts to break the code, we armed ourselves with a pick axe discovered in the out of bounds barn and, taking Steve G’s advice to hit a corner, climbed onto the toilet block roof and made a few well-aimed swings at the pane but it proved to be tougher than we thought [maybe toughened glass?].
To cut a long story short, we eventually managed to break in via the ladies’ toilet using a Swiss army knife then forced a random small child from the village to squirm in through the window to save the day. The tyke was rewarded with a lump of coal- small-for their efforts and was understandably chuffed to bits [we aim to please but don’t like to boast about our boundless generosity and goodwill towards our fellow men…and women and children of course].
So, we were now able to prepare the three-course classic meal: a choice of beef, lamb or veggie stew [or a combination] followed by a cheesy choice with crunchy crackers [and grapes- washed] then fresh fruit pie and creamy custard- wonderful stuff wolfed down by the appreciative, moustachioed throng of hungry munchers. Huge thanks to chef Mary!
Sunday involved the usual scrabbling around breakfasting, packing and clearing up.
Lorna and David, flushed from Saturday’s success, left to climb Ricks & Racks and more. Martin would accompany them before heading home to enjoy some quality family time.
Like Martin, Liz and Laura also left for home-based quality time and celebratory meals.
The remaining participants undertook clearing up tasks including key pad removal and window repair; as she was forced through the cramped void, the tyke’s bulbous backside resulted in window warp.
Unfortunately, the damage was too great and so the window is, for the time being, out of action [ I hope that coal hasn’t been fired yet; we’ll be asking for that back!].
In summary, a pipe-tastic, moustachioed, congenial, classic of a meet! Capital stuff!
Thanks to Mary the meet organiser and to all participants for making this a fun, adventurous and enjoyable weekend [as usual!]

Please contact the organiser to book on this meet.

Follow in the footsteps of those of climbers of bygone days, by completing classic routes (in like regalia?).

There are so many pioneering routes to choose from including those on the east face of Tryfan: Gashed Crag, First Pinnacle Rib & Grooved Arete, Idwal Slabs: Hope, Lazarus, The Arete & Grey Slab or one of the many other climbs and walking/ scrambling routes in the area categorised as 'classic'- we really are spoilt for choice!

Don't forget to get into the spirit by donning your breeches, curling your moustaches, real or otherwise, & prepping your pipes.

Catered Saturday & Sunday.
Both days-self-service breakfast; a selection of items will be provided.
A selection of lunch items for both days will also be provided.
There will be a Saturday evening meal with vegetarian option (vegan).
Real coffee & a selection of teas will also be provided from Friday evening, but, alcohol will not be provided.

Grid Ref:

Map OL17 570596

Places:

8 remaining

Organiser:

Tel:

E-mail: