August 2003 Newsletter

An Evening Walk

On behalf of some of the committee members I would like to apologies to those who turned up for a pleasant evening stroll on 19 th June, that the event was changed without our knowledge to a ‘night time map and compass exercise’. Any claims for misrepresentation should therefore be forwarded to the event organisers.

A dozen or so members and three dogs turned up for an evening stroll through the countryside totally unaware of what the organisers had in store. Our first problem was a footpath diversion. Consequently a confrontation with an irate property owner concerning trespass. Having placated the irate lady we all carried on and with a refreshment stop at the smugglers things were looking good.Unfortunately when we left it was obvious with overcast skies darkness would soon be upon us.It was only when darkness fell that members realised they had been mislead only the ‘leader’ had a map and compass but no means of seeing, it fortunately one member had sense to anticipate there might be a problem and produced a head torch. It then transpired the ‘leader’ hadn’t walked this part of the route before and after much consultation with the map and his second in command had to admit he was lost. Map and compass abandoned the night walk expert took the lead.With his amazing sense of direction Kevin lead the party onwards. Through the woods in complete darkness bumping into trees falling down badgers holes a yell of delight and he’d lead us straight to the road.After scaling the triple barbwire fence the leaders confidence suddenly returned he lead on along the road back to the starting point.I would mention on the road we covered three times the distance than had our leader stuck to the planned route I did hear him say to his second in command I think we need to walk the last part in daylight to see where we went wrong. Thanks Nick and Kim for an interesting evening.

Mike Peak

The Tale of Two Robins

Now you might think that it’s a strange title for a report on a weekends climbing in the Peaks but bear with me and all will be revealed

As I am not a camper, I traveled to Hathersage two days earlier than the rest of the club to allow time to settle into the comfortable B and B and have a look around.

Knowing that the rest of the gang was travelling up early Friday morning, I got a head start and hired an instructor for the day, so by the time I met up with the boys Friday afternoon, at the popular part of Stanage edge, I was well into grit stone climbing, what a joy!! your feet seem to stay where you put them and you hands gripped on anything.

Now for the first Robin, towards the end of the day the call went out, “got your first aid kit Tony” There stood Robin hopping on one foot. “he fell” said one “on his first climb” shouted another, whatever happen, Robin was in pain, so a cold pack and a bandage later on a swollen ankle bought him some relief Apart from that everyone had a good afternoon climbing with Kevin trying for the record number of climbs completed, he managed six in a very short pace of time. Fit sod!!

Saturday morning saw most of the group in a Hathersage tea-rooms for a full English Breakfast and this is where the second Robin appeared, there we all were having ordered a variety of food from an harassed waitress when a Robin flew into the room and tried to fly out again via a closed window, Ouch !! that must have hurt. It flew from one end of the room to the other trying to get out. A cunning plan was hatched, the curtains were closed at one end of the room forcing the Robin to the window at the other, Paul and I crept up on the poor bird with shouts of “mind its legs we don’t want another crocked Robin” and I managed to grab it, but it wriggled free, Paul then made a grab for it and caught hold of its tail feathers, pulling three out before the window was finally opened and it flew out somewhat angry and lop sided.

The waitress when told was in some distress, the Robin it seems was a tame one, that came in every day to be fed on scone crumbs for it young family and now roughly tuffty climbers had thrown it out, minus its tail or most of it.

After a hearty breakfast the group split up. some stayed at the popular part of Stanage edge, some went to High Neb, others went walking and Robin, (the first one not the second one) stayed in the campsite with his leg up, sketching. How many times can you draw a swollen foot!! Answers on a postcard please.

A good day climbing was had by all, with plenty of different grades to try. Kevin managed to “whizz up” even more climbs, Nigel’s forearm and wrist went limp interesting, Ruth and Co walked 17 miles and Paul who had covered himself in anti - midge cream, was bitten on the face so many times he looked like an adolescent teenager.

A cream tea at the tea-rooms late in the afternoon, revealed that the Robin (the second one not the first) had returned later that day to be fed and all was well, although it wasn’t flying very straight!! The day ended with a large Indian - meal that is!

After another “full English” on the Sunday morning the full group went climbing for a few hours in Burbage North. Even Robin (the first one not the second) managed to hobble to the crag and take the pi** out of us all.

Around lunchtime we packed up for the last time and headed for home, Nick nearly leaving his one and only “friend” behind.

The journey home was uneventful, but for future information I noticed that a large number of new speed cameras had been placed along the M25, so take care the next time you head for the Peaks. Thank you all for a good weekend, I’m sure the Robin’s won’t forget it!

Tony R