Present Michelle Harvie, Mark Garrod, Pete Leeson, Midge & John Castick.

Not present: The rest of the KMC who had seen the weather forecast. (Believe me, I was eager to climb there but was still waiting for Spring! Ed.)

Mark & I arrived on Saturday morning just in time for the rain to stop & the clouds to lift from the Buttermere Crags. Recent heavy rains dampened our climbing & gill scrambling aspirations, but we enjoyed a lovely circuit of Crummock Water, taking in Low bank, the arrestingly beautiful bluebell fields of Rannerdale & an ascent of Mellbreak. The weather improving as the day went on.

Socialite Pete had engagements in Keswick on Saturday night, while the rest of us enjoyed the warmth & hospitality of the Fish Inn.

Sunday started with sunshine & shorts but we knew it was not set to last. Mark & I headed off over Whiteless Pike, Wandope, Grasmoor, Crag Hill, and back over Knott Rigg and Newland's Hause in time for the rain to return while Midge & John fitted in an ascent of Knott Rigg and an apparently tedious traverse back to Newland's Hause.

Thanks to Pete, Midge John & Mark for your company and enjoying a great window of weather with me. We will have to return on a sunny weekend to get on those crags.

(The stand in leader, Dave Bish and other KMC climbers were met on the Manchester Climbing Wall on Sunday by the Ed, forming the alternative meet. All had given up on the idea of going to the Lakes, and judging by the wall being more crowded than I've seen it in Winter, most of Manchester had given up on outdoor climbing for the time being!)

Meet leader Dave Bish kindly standing in for Michelle (who will sadly most likely be in London / Berkshire, to attend her book launch, which seems a fair excuse, though she professes to rather be in the Lakes. Hope the book goes well - signed copies for the KMC? Ed)

The plan is to camp at Syke Farm (Tel. Mrs. Anne Kyle 017687 70222) located behind the Fish Hotel in Buttermere (G 173 170 OS 89 West Cumbria). Cost is £5.00 per person /night. The campsite does not take advance bookings but on arrival you need to book in at Syke Farm, on the left just down from the church.

The site is conveniently 2 minutes from the nearest pub and bar meal (Fish hotel /Bridge Hotel).

Buttermere has plenty for everyone, scrambling on Honister Crag, climbing on Grey crag, Eagle Crag, High crag, amongst others. Great walking over Haystacks, High Crag, High Style and Red Pike, Grasmoor. There is always the chance to dip in Crummock Water or Buttermere (someone has to pick up Michelle's mantle after all). For more information or to book in please contact Dave Bish.