Participants: Natan Cointet, Kathy Kelly (2 nights), Dave
(Shooting Stick) Leishman (1 night), Mike (Mad) and Verena (Müesli) Petzold,
Sally and Rupert (West Face) Roschnik, and non-member Mike Sutter (2
nights)(=8).
Sunday 15th
We all met at the Fountain Hotel between lunch
time and mid afternoon, in rainy weather.
Those coming from Bassenthwaite experienced torrential rain on the
M6. Shooting Stick came only to see us
and to have dinner: he had to leave
early the next day for personal reasons (does this count as participation at a
meet?) Later while we were lining the
bar before dinner, Mike Suttie appeared, an old friend of Mike Petzold's, whom
he hadn't seen for 50 years! He'd driven
up especially from London and the surprise was complete. Only Shooting Stick had been forewarned.
Monday 16th
In spite of the bad weather forecast, we left
at 10.20 to go up Pennine Way to the south.
Rain and wind started at aptly named Gayle. On past Gaudy farm, battling with the elements
and fields oozing with water. Several in
the party discovered that their rain gear could not withstand horizontal rain
(or even any sort of rain). Sally and
Natan turned back after about 1˝ miles; the other five preferred to get
completely wet before giving up ˝ mile further on. Apart from the rain, progress on the sodden
ground was too slow.
Tuesday 17th
Kathy and Mike Suttie left for home. The forecast was again bad, so Sally and the
Petzolds opted for hanging out in Hawes.
Rupert and Natan went up to Roman road from Buttersett, then along this
to the southwest and back along Pennine Way, a circuit of 12 miles, but not
more than 1200 ft going uphill, done in 4hrs 10 minutes, without a break, in
high, buffeting wind, but hardly any rain.
Wednesday 18th
Dawned clear and sunny! Ah well . . .