Lake District,
England. 4 – 6 September 1991
The Mad Axeman (meet
leader) was the first to arrive at the pub, where two postcards awaited him but
no participants. Thanks, Daphne and Bruce, for your cards of good wishes. Doubt
as to who would pitch up was a feature of this meet. In the end 16 showed up
out of 22.
Brian "Air
Malawi's Last Hope" Sayers pitched up first complete with wife and
mother-in-law who soon departed for the peace and serenity of Windermere. By
Wednesday evening a fair number had rocked up and demonstrated that they were
in good shape by drinking the pub dry of certain lines.
News reached us that Petzold
was late. Is this really news? However, the stout effort award must go to him.
He made it for the start of the proceedings on Thursday morning despite the
flight from Salisbury being 15 hours late and after only three hours' sleep and
a hair-raising four-hour journey up the motorway from London. If that were not
enough he was suffering from a broken rib and a straight through exhaust (much
worse than his usual and defying medical treatment).
The start to the first
day's walk began well in bright sunshine up the Catbells. As things progressed
it got cloudier and hazier and looked like rain to break the long dry spell.
High Spy and Dalehead were conquered at a cracking pace. Mike
"Harpic" Mossford tried to improve the water supply at Dalehead Tarn.
Lunch was taken on top of Dalehead looking at what there was of the view and
swatting the flies. Some ale was drunk but most had not availed themselves of
Mason's traditional fare, which subsequently was downed at his brother's 50th.
The route continued to Hindscarth and then on to Robinson. Visibility had then
deteriorated to the extent that Grasmoor could not be seen only some 4/5 miles
away. It was then down to Newlands Church and into the pub as quickly as legs
and other means of transport would carry members. Another convivial evening
ensued and it must be said that behaviour was of a high standard.
Before the start of
the second day's walk Suswa washes were administered
to Mossford and Leslie to the merriment of those already initiated and
trepidation of those lurking in various places who had not.
The second day's walk
was absolutely magnificent. The haze had completely gone as if by magic because
there had been no wind even from certain well known members or otherwise to
dispel it. A brisk start up Cawsey Pike took its toll on the Mad Axeman's
blisters. The view became more breathtaking the higher one climbed. Over Scar
Crags, Sail, Crag Hill and on to Grasmoor — the highest point on the walk
— and as part of the official programme (2,791ft). The whole party took
in Grisedale Pike on the longer alternative descent — some even visiting
Hopegill Head on the way. Well done, Jim Gibson. Then it was down to
Braithwaite for some refreshment before making the return by various means to the
pub.
The AGM took place
that evening and in view of the controversy growing up with the landlord over
the 'no shows' it was resolved that in future people must put their money where
their mouth was to avoid future disputes. After all, the date of this year's
meet had been specifically arranged to accommodate no less than four members
who did not turn up at all. Later in the evening the party was joined by the
Mad Axeman's cousin Jean to whom a 'big thank you' was accorded for making the
'on the spot' arrangements with the pub. From then on this writer's
recollection of the evening became as hazy as the weather had been.
In the end it was
possible to part on amicable terms from the pub, thanks to Verena's diplomatic
efforts with the landlord. She is not Swiss consul for nothing. Before we went
our various ways the leader was able to shove a few members up Skiddaw
(3,054ft) just to knock off one of the Lakeland Threes. Leslie wisely viewed it
from the car park.
Participants: Walkers: Ian "Mad Axeman"
Mason (leader), Mike Pardoe, David Pardoe, Jim Gibson, Mike "Mad"
Petzold, Verena "Muesli" Petzold, Simon "Gasbag" Le
Gassicke, Brian "AMLH" Sayers, Mike "Harpic" Mossford and
Stuart "Socks" Leslie. Spouses and sprogs: Rhoda Leslie, Sadie Mason,
Anne Le Gassicke and two youngsters Davina Mossford and June Sayers.
National Park Website:
www.lake-district.gov.uk
©
WDYFO, 1991