Meet Report: Space Oddity 2001 or How to Avoid Lockwood's Chimney for the Next 100 Years

Star Date: 13/14 January 2001

Space (between his ears) Leader: Chris Thickett

Mission Control: Ty Powdyr

Members: Iain McCallum; Keith Williams; Chris Thickett*; Bob Anderson*; Phil Ramsbottom; John and Virginia Castick; Dave Wylie*; Sheena Hendrie*; John Evans*; Dave Garland*; Kevin Anderson*; Al Metelko*; Mark Wiltshire*; Dave Whittingham*; Vanessa Addison*; Andrew Croughton; Christine Beeston.

Guests: Bob Champion; Jane Hayes; Tim Clancey; Mike and Zoe; Pete Bannister*; Kate Sparks; Kirsteen Young.

Twenty six members and guests turned up for part or all of the weekend. And what was in store? Well! Anything you could want: Snow and ice climbs in condition; Warm rock in the sun; or Walking in perfect conditions on Snowdon. We had it all! And stars were awarded to the twelve people (see above) who attempted a climb of some sort during the meet.

Bob and I had a rece on Friday afternoon, climbing the PYG path on Snowdon to find ice and hard snow in condition although not in any great depth in upper Cwm Dyli.

So on Saturday, those armed with suitable sharp weapons shot off to Black Ladders in search of the hard white stuff. Now, Dave Whittingham decided to climb the Eastern Gully only to find the others crowding his scene by following him up. We don't know what made Vanessa scream but we do know that the successive groups all disturbed the climb's resident vole - you could get as angry as a dormouse, couldn't you?

John Evans and Dave Garland went off to Tremadoc to climb and enjoy Creag Ddu Wall in the warm sunshine. They were still radiating when they got back to the hut.

The main event of Saturday was the walk over Snowdon. This attracted fourteen in all. We assembled at the carpark at Rhyd Ddu and then, conveniently, strode off up the Rhyd Ddu path in the direction of the summit of Snowdon. Above Llechog, we met the snow which proved quite hard in places and formed a fine mantle on the final ridge up to the summit. There were few people on our side of the mountain in contrast to the multitudes queuing on the PYG track zigzags. A suitable pleasant return was made by the Snowdon Ranger Track and the Cwellyn Arms in Rhyd Ddu village. On returning to the hut, we were welcomed by John's (Evans) cake which was duly scoffed and swilled down with cups of tea. Saturday evening was graced by the appearance of Kevin's boxes of 'out-of-date' chocolates which were demolished by the hut's residents although there was some concern displayed over the green ones.

Anarchy broke out on Sunday. Well! It was planned.

Back at sunny Tremadoc, John and Dave climbed Poor Man's Peutrey whilst Dave and Dave managed the first pitch of Craig Ddu Wall.

Andrew, Christine, Kate and Kirsteen tempted Kevin onto the Moel Eilio hills where there was no snow but fine views. Phil and Iain enjoyed walks on the Elidir Fawr side of the valley.

Al and Vanessa headed off to Gogarth where they completed four routes: two on Holyhead Mountain, Gruvers and Tension; then Lighthouse Arête Direct followed by the harder Aardvark. Not bad for early January!

Meanwhile, John and Midge were seen on 'Skid Row' in Shrewsbury. Are things really so bad?

The meet leader was able to award himself a star as he climbed Parsley Fern Gully in the company of Uncle Bob and Sheena. A few patches of ice spiced up the gentle snow plod. After gaining the ridge of Crib y Ddysgl, we traversed along to Crib Goch and then down the North Ridge. The strong wind was the only negative aspect during a wonderful mountain day in the prevailing winter conditions.

In fact, no clouds were to be seen in the sky on either Saturday or Sunday! And nobody went anywhere near Lockwood's Chimney!

Star Date: 13th - 14th January 2001

Meet, full title: Space Oddity 2001 or How to Avoid Lockwood's Chimney for the Next 100 Years

Space (between his ears) Leader: Chris Thickett

Mission Control: Ty Powdwr

This is a meet for astronauts or climbers or both or neither.

I shall be attempting to walk, scramble and climb during the weekend so put on your best silver suit and join me down at Ty Powdyr for the weekend soon after the beginning of the New Millenium - the second in as many years!.

Following a recent trend, I will lead a sort-of-organised walk or scramble on the Saturday. One idea is to ascend the Rhyd Ddu route up Snowdon and return via the Lone Ranger path - so bring your own oxygen. Join the group or fly your own spaceship.

Stars will be awarded to anyone completing a climb or two.

However, if you intend to blast up the 'L' word climb then count me down and out.

Definitely no mooning about or even mooning.