Members present: Iain McCallum; Bob Anderson; Bob Haynes; Jim Gregson; Sandy Gregson; Sheena Hendrie; Scott Sadler; Shaun Kelly; Chris Thickett.

Guests: Ian Higginbotham; Carmel King; James (JR) Hartley.

There are advantages and disadvantages in arriving a day early on a meet. You could extend your weekend with another day on the hill as per Uncle Bob or you can end up helping to rescue self-skewering goats as per the meet convenor.

The unpromising weather of early Saturday morning meant that I needed to make a decision - something I try to avoid so early in the year. Should we go for the planned walk over the Glyders and Y Garn or for a tame walk though the woods of the Crafnant valley? The wind was against the former and the spirit of adventure against the latter. In the Ogwen car park I decided on neither but to do the Glyders in reverse although omitting Y Garn. I would risk a short quick shock on the tops. What I had forgotten was the uncompromising steep climb from the Idwal Slabs to the summit of Glyder Fawr. On arriving at the top we were rewarded for our efforts by the start of the rain, bourne horizontal by the strong wind although fortunately on our backs due to the change of plan in the car park. Anyway we all made it to the top except Shaun and his dog who must have found temptation of home fires too tempting when he arrived in sight of Nant Peris when above the Devil's Kitchen.

We then traversed acoss to Glyder Fach throught the damp murk and boulders and found the way down into upper Cwm Tryfan by way of the top of the Miners' track from Pen y Grwyd.

At last we had somewhere sheltered to relax and eat. Then a quick shuffle up onto Bwlch Tryfan and down into Cwm Bochclwd brought us back to the waiting cars at the road.

In the meantime Jim and Sandy hopped off to Angelsey to check on the bird life.

Scott and Ian had prepared for climbing in poor weather but when they arrived at Carreg Hylldrem it was fine. Luckily, it was still raining on the girdle traverse - their intended route. This rain came from a more-solid-than-usual cloud, the overhanging roof above the route. I was glad that they weren't disappointed.

Sunday was fine but there was a fierce bitter wind. Some headed for home, some for relations. Uncle Bob and Jim and Sandy headed into the hills. There was a rumour circulating that Shaun is heading for Devon! Scott and Ian headed for Australia where they climbed Looning the Tube and Gadaffi Duck. Later they put a rope on Donald Duck, Goose Creature and Swan Hunter - I hope it was all legal.

A do-it-yourself (but not DIY!) meet. However, as usual, I will be organising a walk on Saturday for anyone who is interested. This year, it will probably be on the Glyders - more details on the Thursday night beforehand. (Most likely, I will still be at the old address in Whitefield)