Lakes Backpacking / Bivi

Present: Katharine Bagshaw, Dave Dillon, Gavin Kaps (guest), Bob Kelly, Emily Pitts (guest), Andy Stratford, Gareth Williams.

 

FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER: KATHARINE DOES THE TIME-WARP.

The early birds set off first thing: Andy driving, Katharine navigating, Gareth sleeping. Fantasies of Dow Crag dashed by forecasts of early evening rain, but the more-accessible Wallabarrow Crag is by no means second best.

The two pitches of West Wall (MVS) run nicely as one. Good job, it's only on the second pitch that there's decent gear to be found -- with exposure to match.

Upon return to the crag foot, Katharine remarks it's twenty to four, and it will be dark before long. Consultation of three independent chronometers confirms it's only 13:20, and Katharine realises she's been reading her compass, not her watch.

Time enough for an ascent of Thomas (S). Beautiful rock, good gear, great climbing. If only it wasn't over so fast! By then it really is going to get dark soon, so back to the car just before the rain arrives. The night is spent in a little known, discreet campsite.

 

SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER: THE KMC'S ONE NIGHT STAND

The full team assembles as scheduled. As boots are donned at Jubilee Bridge, locals shoot grouse and Bob utters "the sound of gunshot makes me want to return fire"! About to depart, the team is amazed when a car pulls up, driver jumps out and shouts "I'm looking for the KMC". Brave newcomer Gavin Kaps arrives at his first meet without knowing any of us in advance, and with none of us knowing to expect him.

The team sets off in high spirits, and the sunshine doesn't disappoint. No ice-cream vans within detouring distance, but the team is rewarded instead with spectacular views as we follow the River Esk.

Reaching Esk Hause, still no ice-cream van, but the mist is down and it's much cooler anyway. It's time for lunch: Dave pulls out a whole malt-loaf. Katharine asks in disbelief: how can you eat all that and maintain your figure? Squash it flat, says Dave, and that squeezes out all the calories.

Esk Pike, Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags succumb to our boots, but darkness is falling as we descend the bad step. Red Tarn looks an attractive overnight spot, at least on paper. The meet leader puts compass to map, and the bearing is good: a brisk walk in the dark brings us to the tarn.

Bob scouts the area, his efforts rewarded with the soggy trophy of a chest-deep bog. His clothes are soaked, but no trouble, says Bob, I'll sleep in 'em to dry 'em. The rest of us decide to sleep close to the path.

Emily erects a small marquee. Bob constructs his drying-room. Katharine and Andy have half a tent each: the halves match and they're in business.

Purists Dave and Gavin lay out their bivvy bags. Gareth does the same but his bivvy bag has a hoop. The team votes: this constitutes a tent, the meet leader is disgraced!

Stoves a-plenty firing, all are replenished with hot food and drink.

Whisky is passed around, folk drift off to sleep as moon and stars peep into view.

 

SUNDAY 13 NOVEMBER: BOB HITS THE (TOE) NAIL ON THE HEAD

The team rises, followed moments later by the sun. The night was uneventful, and all have survived -- though Bob's clothes remain wet.

Spirits are anything but damp as roaring stoves provide a hearty breakfast. Rucsacs shouldered, the team is ready for off.

Descent to Wrynose is swift, no time to rest before striking up Hell Gill Pike. 300 vertical metres later, plenty of time to rest! Onwards over Little and Great Carrs before a decision is needed: how to descend to Seathwaite Tarn? Short and steep wins over mild and meandering. An attempt is made to employ tactics and style, until eventually no option but just go for it!

Safely down, it's flat but boggy ground, basked in sunshine, for a few kilometres to the road. The team finds itself on one side of a barbed wire fence; Emily's hat, unaccountably, on the other! Ever resourceful, Dave fashions jumbo chopsticks and hat is reunited with head.

Over Birk's Bridge, Harter Fell looms: hearts fell. A quick decision, and the team goes around. The summit lives for another day. A break for food, but all the meet leader has left are the holes from a pack of bagels. Not far to go now, a descent on a good path brings us right back to the cars, the sun still shining.

Boots are shed, feet are steaming and Bob discovers what was giving him a bit of jip: his big-toe nail now in his hand, not on his toe! Clothes are changed, hands shaken, and the team departs, the sun shining still.

Thank you to all who made this meet so enjoyable. See photos and video on the club website. If it sounds like fun to you, keep a look out for my

2012 bivvy meets: bigger, better and sunshine guaranteed!

Gareth Williams