Cornwall
Those people who like to be right will be delighted to know that it rained for the long Cornish weekend. But a hardy, although reduced, crew did brave a campsite well beyond the shelter of "Count" Metelko's abode above Bosigran for some pretty windy and wet weather. OK so Roger and Annie did make a slight retreat after the tent some nice people had lent them turned out to have tinfoil poles, but they got extra points for arriving a night early with Wavey and Trish for one of the best days of the four.
Friday saw them exploring the John Wayne memorial crag and an area just below the airport where several aeronautically named lines were climbed by all and heckler started to earn a reputation as a good "crag dog".
Following a moonlit drive and roadside bivvy Al and I met up with the others on Saturday morning at Bosigran. Still a fairly good day - our main objective, Commando ridge was somewhat besieged with other parties and rather than swim the first pitch we decided to get a bit more done on the landward cliff. Again Heckler did his thing while Annie and Roger climbed above along with Wavey and Trish on a ledge route type climb. Al and I ticked Doorway and something hideous with a mantel cum bellyflop cum handjam in it that left a fair amount of my skin on "the devil's rock" before we wound up the day on the rather glorious Ding to retreat from the rain to a splendid cream tea (fortunately Trish had money - Al and I just couldn't find our wallets - sorry Trish). Even after a jammy scone the count was not sated however and flew down to the base of the cliffs for a solo escapade up the ramparts of the watery ridge in the dying moments of the day (anyone noticed how Al climbs really well in the dark - spooky).
Despite a small downpour the traditional barbecue was observed (inside a tent!) with Wavey getting very inventive with umbrellas.
Sunday wasn't quite a washout due to the pasty crawl in St Ives for the heathens amongst us, and I am sorry to say that after all our exhaustive research I still can't remember but if you want to know ask Trish, as last time I saw her, she still had some in her pocket. After a good beverage at sundown the count tried to lure us to the comforts of his lair once more but three remained at the campsite for a final night.
Monday began windy but clear and while the mud maiden of Helegan lured two of our number Northward, Roger, Annie and doggie did get to chair ladder and explore the cliffs while Al and I got a couple of ticks on Diocese and Bishops rib (minus the wet pitch). Once again we stayed rather late and made it back to Manchester just in time to get to work the next day.
David Bish
