The Peaks, July 04

I have been volunteered by Dick to write the account of this trip, as I have been with the club a few years and have never written about one yet. After this I probably will not be asked again!

I apologise for it being so long, but so much happened I can leave nothing out. And I just want those who were unable to come on the trip to experience it as we did. So, here goes

Well, what can I say, but another great trip with HRFC and friends. This time up to Hathersage in the Derbyshire Peak District for climbing, walking and read on to find out what other exciting things the group got up to…..

It started with Kev, Paul and Tony so eager, they went up early on Thursday morning. They had good weather and managed to tick off all the climbs they had on their tick list. By the time the rest of the club joined them on Friday they were absolutely shattered, almost burnt out, but luckily had enough energy to still climb, and we had the pleasure of their company the next day.

The rest of the club members arrived at varying times on Friday. Amazingly Monty and Jeannie managed to arrive at the correct destination. Not sure how, as Monty supplied Jeannie firstly with a map of Budapest to get to the Peaks, and then gave her an ‘upside down map’ which was even more confusing as the roads were in totally the wrong place which was very confusing to say the least! Anyway they did get there in time for two evening climbs on Stannage,

Jean, Ruth and Jenny had arrived earlier and went for a long walk along Stannage Edge. Not sure what Steve got up to, but read on and you will find out.

Eventually all arrived from various corners of the UK for the gathering. Including a surprise visit from Charles, Jane and Hamish Johnson from Loch Lomond.

The party Friday night consisted of 16 members plus one friend of Jeannie’s, who lives six miles from Stannage but does not climb! An excellent turn out. The evening was spent sitting around in chairs, having a few drinks and generally catching up. A comment from another camper/colleague Jenny bumped into on the rocks the next day (but didn’t introduce us as she couldn’t remember his name!) was ‘Oh, you are with the people who were all sitting in a row in chairs last night. We thought you were a university group’. He obviously did not come near enough to see that most of us were a bit older than the average university student, but there again, at least we are mature, I might add ‘like a fine Rioja’ which has been matured in oak.

Saturday morning after various people breakfasted at campsite or café, most of us headed up to Stannage. Jeannie’s friend had left and Jenny’s friend Dave arrived. Jean and John sensibly left the rabble and went out for a long walk. They came back with amazing stories and have apparently discovered a gorge. They’ll be doing ‘stage three’ for those who went to the Pyrenees. Book now as places are going fast.

So, back to Stannage. A few little rain drops did not hinder the intrepid climbers. The rain stopped, the sun came out and we climbed all day. Impressive first leads were done by Eastbourne Nigel and Bedgebury John. Nick and Monty weren’t seen for dust, though we heard later that they recovered some gear belonging to another climber, but unfortunately had to give it back. Dick led Ruth up countless climbs, then he let her go and she kindly looked after young Hamish so Jane could do her first climb in a long time, which she thoroughly enjoyed. The girls team consisting of the two J’s, Jenny and Jeannie (who incidentally both have to answer to each others name as everybody calls then the wrong one!) And of course I have to mention the amazing lead by Kevin of Flying Butress Direct. But he had to do it, as the boys had been admiring an impressive young lady who managed to lead the same climb previously with no effort at all, and he couldn’t be out climbed by a female! He was followed admirably by Policeman Tony and Builder Paul. Well done boys!

Meanwhile out on the bike solo, Steve (Jenny’s husband) was out buying – not the latest out door climbing clothes, nor some climbing gear, not even a map – he came back and told his wife he had bought a car! He also kindly bought BBQ food and six bottles of the best Shiraz – asked for by Monty I might add! We are looking forward to having a drive in the new car Steve!

So – the evening was spent BBQing and drinking. Hamish did a wonderful job offering crisps to everyone. He did very well especially as he is only four. Dick managed to cook the sausages to perfection, whilst Paul did a great job guarding the wine with his life and disposing of the empties in a certain place….. I won’t tell you where just yet, but does the camera ever lie? Keep an eye on the website and all will be revealed!

Charles kept us entertained with stories of his mountain rescue exploits, whereas Jane protected us from the biting midges with her ‘ Skin so Soft’. An Avon product that when sprayed on skin drowns the midges in the oil, and they don’t bite! This ended up with everybody smelling the same, at least it was a pleasant smell! Jane is going to become an Avon lady, selling this product. Hopefully she and Charles will retire on the profits. Any orders to Jane please. I can assure you it works better than Jungle Juice and is kind to the skin. A must on any trip up North where the midges roam.

Whilst a few of us (the quiet ones) stayed sedately around the dying embers of the BBQ, drinking tea, and hearing about Monty’s amazing psychedelic dreams he had experienced in the Himalayas. A group consisting of Nick, Charles, Bedgebury John, SMF John, Ruth, Jenny, Dave and Steve (the rowdy group) decided to go to the Pub. Charles stated he did not like Scottish beer and wanted an English pint – or so we were led to believe.

Meanwhile, back at camp with the quiet group, Hamish was not too keen to go to bed. To try and encourage him Monty told Hamish what he used to do when he was a little boy like Hamish. Apparently he used to take a torch to bed, and go under the duvet and read a book. Now this posed two problems

1. No book - Hamish had plenty of books, but they were in the car and daddy Charles had the car keys. At this point we were not sure what daddy was up to (we would soon find out).
2. No torch -So Monty went to his tent to get his magic torch. He then proceeded to demonstrate to Hamish . What you have to do is shake this torch quite a few times, and then, would you believe it, it begins to glow. (No, Nigel from Brighton, I know you weren’t there, but it is not a glow worm – please see Dick’s comment at the end of Augusts news letter).

Amazingly it worked and Hamish went soundly off to sleep.

Late into the night, long after the quiet group had gone to bed and were sleeping peacefully in their tents (some dreaming of leading Flying Buttress). The rowdy group returned. There was a rough awakening for Kevin. His tent was shaken and a very loud comment was made by Charles that I cannot repeat. They were quickly shushed by some lady, who asked them ‘to kindly be quiet as it was after 11pm’. The camp was then peaceful apart from the snores and fidgets of various people whose names I shall not mention but I think you must all be aware whom I mean!

So- Sunday morning the camp gradually stirred. Those who had stayed behind drinking tea got up first. The others, the rowdy ones, eventually stirred a little worse for wear, and various shades of grey, to tell tales of many rounds of whisky that suspiciously turned up on their table. Lock-ins at the pub, people falling over, and almost ending up at a local rave on the way back! We were questioned about the noise by the little man when he came to collect the tent money, but Monty managed to evade the situation, by saying convincingly he did not here a thing last night! But then he also stated he would sleep through anything!

So, always a sad time. The camp was dissembled and off we set for Curbar. Kevin and Paul left after breakfast. Because it takes them a while to get anywhere by car they thought they had better set off in good time!

The sun came out, and more good climbs, and walks were done by all including an impressive lead by Nick. Then, after lunch all set off to both ends of England. The Johnsons to Scotland, HRFC down South, and a few others in between..

I would like to say thank you to Dick for booking the campsite and to the committee for arranging the weekend. As usual a fantastic weekend full of climbing, fun and laughter.

Thanks to Monty for getting me safely back to Hastings and not racing that fire engine on the M11 at 80 mph like that other car did, and for not driving like those men in Toulouse airport car park, when we went to the Pyrenees. (As referred to in Dick’s comment of August news letter).

And thanks to everyone for a great weekend as always.

PS. If anyone wants to go to Budapest – Monty has a good map!

PPS has anyone seen a T reg. mini with a slightly pale faced driver last seen heading south on the M1?

Jeannie Van der Weyden