Members present: Duncan Lee, Vicky Alderton, Colin Maddison, Chris Thickett, Alan (L) Jones, Peter Walker, Dave Garland, Rob Clark, Dave Dillon, Trish Cranston, Lester Payne, Dave Wylie, Kevin Anderson, Mark Ashley, John Evans.

"If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all" - Albert King: 'Born Under a Bad Sign'

Ho hum, another summer meet, another series of downpours... Due to circumstances beyond my control, as a general rule many of the best crags in the UK are to be found in areas of high rainfall. This meet has further entrenched my scepticism regarding benevolent deities! there was certainly no sign of the July heatwave, or the warm & dry conditions which prevailed for much of September, but an encouragingly large KMC contingent descended on Brackenclose nevertheless. On Saturday morning there was no sign of Pikes Crag (or was that Clag?) either, in spite of the fact that Mr Garland and myself were standing directly beneath it! A little closer, and we bumped into a large, greasy arête - not very nice, so up we went to the summit of Scafell Pike. The ensuing navigational debacle was impressive even by my lowly standards, where South became North and then the little voices start... "the compass must be wrong..." ultimately we got across to Lingmell, and on the descent encountered the ascending Messrs Clark, Payne and Anderson, who were apparently walking off a hearty lunch from a generous Café in Gosforth. They had retreated from Buckbarrow, disillusioned by dampness. Dave W (who collected several new summits during his visit) and Chris also took in Lingmell, as well as Great Gable by the Climbers' Traverse and Kirk Fell to finish. As ever, Duncan (with Vicky & Colin) successfully sought out the available climbing on obscure but useful low level granite crags (rather than take on the Lingmell flog). Mr Walker was assisting in the rehabilitation of Mr Jones, who remained sceptical of the merits of the walking pole... Wavy's movements, as is so often the case, were wreathed in mystery: "up over there" he pointed, when asked where he and Trish had been; outside it was dark, we were indoors, and I followed the arm and finger towards one of the ceiling joists... His powers are strong.

Overnight the squalls of rain continued, but Sunday was dry (to begin with at least). Mr Clark and Mr Garland and I set forth along the Wasdale Screes, thence up onto Whin Rigg and across Illgill Head, a fine breezy stroll, but the clouds were gathering... We almost made it to the Wasdale Head Inn, but even 30 seconds of the deluge soaked us as we ran! Meanwhile, Duncan, Vicky, Kevin and Colin were enjoying the delights of Needle Ridge in howling wind and swirling rain - a most impressive ascent! The rain continued for most of the night, and due to the Old Peculier effect, I began to lose track of peoples' movements, even as they recounted them by the blazing fire... (by now the famous KMC charisma had emptied the hut of FRCC members entirely!). Better luck next time and thanks all who attended! On the way home Dave G and myself managed to sneak a VDiff in at Wallowbarrow, more as an act of defiance to the evil controller of the elements, the supposedly-retired Michael Fish...

This meet (fingers crossed) will hopefully offer the opportunity to get some climbing done on the fine cliffs of Scafell and Scafell Pike - a look through Classic or Hard Rock, or one the other relevant guidebooks will give an impression of the possibilities for routes to tackle through the range of grades. Needless to say the walking and scrambling potential is also excellent. The Brackenclose Hut is handily placed for the above-mentioned hills, but there are less frequented areas (for bank-holiday misanthropes such as myself) also reasonably near at hand. In the event of poor weather, apart from festering in the hut, I shall consider a walk around Wastwater and/or a scramble on one of the quieter hills. Approx. 12 places will be available at the "Kindred Club" rate of 4 pounds per night - roll up, roll up!