![And the answer to Joe's Pub Quiz Question is that the pretty little pink flower is Butterbur [Petasites Hybridus] and is indeed responsible for the metre-wide rhubarb leaves later in the year. (Roger Dyke)](/gallery/pictures/m15823/thumbs/P4221594r.jpg "And the answer to Joe's Pub Quiz Question is that the pretty little pink flower is Butterbur [Petasites Hybridus] and is indeed responsible for the metre-wide rhubarb leaves later in the year. (Roger Dyke)")
Ravensdale
Members present: Joe Flynn, Roger Dyke, John Evans, Sheena Hendrie, Neville McMillan, Sabina Cosulich, Duncan Lee, Mike Hall.
Guests. Jeff and Teresa Seneviratnes and Ian?
The KMC was back in action. My first climbing meet of the real millennium thanks to lifting of Foot and Mouth restrictions at Ravensdale only a few days earlier.
In spite of a dreadful forecast heavy skies, clouds and drizzle in Manchester the enthusiastic bunch of dedicated/frustrated/desperate climbers set off despite the gloom. We were rewarded with an empty crag reserved for the KMC. The meet leader was an example arriving first and leaving last. It might have something to do with my climbing speed. As well as a deserted crag we were rewarded with the spring flora wild garlic, cow parsley, primula and some strange purple flowers that no one recognised. (What do triffids look like?). Roger arrived early and took a few photographs with his digital camera of climbers in action (or was that inaction).
John Evans and his friend Ian arrived walked up to the crag and then remembered a previous appointment in Sheffield. They left but promised to return later - yeah I'm still waiting.
The rest of the brave band followed soon after. There was some discussion as to the temperature of the rock and fingers and although there was no consensus on the issue Neville and Roger voted with their feet and went for a walk on the only legal path in the area the Tissington Trail. (Well that is what they told me your honour)
The usual favourites were climbed Medusa, Gymnic, Amain, Ash Crack and Rockbiter(soft touch HVS according she who will remain nameless).
The weather remained kind the rain that threatened did not arrive until we were leaving the Red Lion in Litton at 6:00.
You climbers who took one look at the Manchester weather and turned over went back to sleep missed a classic day in the peak. A rare opportunity to climb without crowds and have your choice of routes. Climbing restrictions have been lifted on several peak district crags so check the meets list and get active.
Joe Flynn
