Members: John Castick, Midge Castick, Jim Gregson, Sandy Gregson, Sheena Hendrie, Dave Bone, Wavy, Al Metelko, Lester Payne, John Evans, Fiona Roy.

Guests: Jo Farrington, Alex Dobson, Julie O'Regan, Barnaby, Martin.

*some of this weekend has been blotted from my memory due to Post-Tramatic Stress caused by ridiculous overpopulation of the male shower area. Not a pretty sight even without my glasses on.

A goodly turnout appeared at the heavily populated Fisherground Farm campsite, again there was smoke from various unnecessary fires and plenty of empty Stells Artois cans and the ever-present trailer-tents... The weather was reasonable and various things were done. Saturday was Esk Buttress day for the meet leader, who in cooperation with Alex climbed the excellent Square Chimney/Medusa wall combination, the crag is in a fine setting, the rock was superb and two of the guests (Barnaby & Martin, who were met later at the pub) also had route-finding issues!

More people appeared on Sunday morning, and I'm informed that during the course of the weekend, Lester explored Scafell, Julie and probably Mr Metelko also assaulted the mighty Esk Buttress, the Casticks traversed Bowfell and Black Combe, Fiona & Jo searched uncomfortably through the bracken. Jo & Al went to look at Heron Crag, the Gregsons also visited Scafell and Sheena and the Bone machine probably climbed at Bell Stand. For my next Lakes meet, a different venue I think, not least because the free-for-all of the mens showers is highly traumatic for a weak mind, such as my own. As for Esk Buttress, it's a long walk-in whichever way you go, but the scenery's rather pleasant!

Ok folks, another chance (hopefully) to explore some of the classic climbing on the Lakeland crags. After last year's campsite debacle, I've opted for the Fisherground Farm campsite near Eskdale Green, there was plenty of room and offered a fairly useful location (one day I'll actually come here on the train!). The grid ref. is 154003. The plan is to get high up in Wasdale or Eskdale for some mountain routes, although places such as Buckbarrow might also be useful. For non-climbers (or those stymied by the dreaded Lake District weather) there are very good and relatively quiet fell-walks close at hand.

More detailed plans will become clear nearer (very near, I expect!) the time of the meet, and hopefully a healthy condition will materialise to enjoy some sun-warmed rock or scramble somewhere in the mist!