Colin was tragically marooned in Amsterdam whereas those of us who turned up experienced a monsoon in Snowdonia. Saturday was moist to say the least. Al and I squeezed in a couple of slate routes in between downpours whilst Cathy and Sal went on a recognisance mission to Cloggy in thick mist.

The evening was a sociable affair fuelled by good cooking (and yes Jeremy, Cath did cook), lots of wine and a jumbo box of Maltessers with the added bonus of a 40th birthday. However, the person in question only owned up to this about a month after the event. Some people are so bashful.

Sunday dawned wet and stayed that way so Al and I opted for the all weather classic of Devil's Kitchen. A fine expedition; especially for the second . Al spent the entire traverse calculating his trajectory into the waterfall in case of a slip. No such luck despite the abundant slime. Cath and Sal being eminently more sensible went for a stroll around Cwm Idwal to guarantee there daily dose of liquid Welsh sunshine.

The big question therefore is who's 40th. birthday was it?

1. Tony Gask,
2. Al Metelko,
3. Sal,
4. Cathy Devine, or
5. Duncan Lee

Colin will be at Ty Powdwr for the weekend.