Present : John and Liz Hyde, Ian Bennett, A. Metelko, John McDonald, Chris Williamson, Andy Croughton, Brian Street, Dave Dillon, Mary Stuart, Anne Woolley, Vinny Goodwin, Lorna Marsland.

The weather was better than we had been led to expect. It was cold and dry with varying localised cloud cover and the snow condition in the gullies was very good. Unfortunately the piste was sparsely covered with snow of an icy consistency which no appeal for anyone, so the skis were left behind. There were many solo ascents of routes in the Northern Corries, but only one protected route ( I use the term advisedly) done by Al, Mary and myself. This was Crotched Gully, an interesting distraction forcing some rather innovative rope work and snappy rejoinders as another party attempted to overtake us - unsuccessfully! No doubt you've seen the pictures as it was much photographed by David Bailey-Stuart!

Others indulged themselves to the full by building igloos, kamakazying round the countryside on mountain bikes, sauntering round wee Scottish lochan and taking full advantage of the abundance of tea and craft shops so temptingly convenient. Alcohol was consumed to excess by those who normally display some semblance of control and also by those from whom we expect no better. I blame the location of these delightful Scottish huts. Far removed from hostelries, they force people to load the car with alcohol in England, thus forcing the to drink it to avoid having to take it back again. Life is tough at "The Happy Corkscrew"!

Seriously, the hut was very warm and comfortable and the setting is idyllic - well worth a visit. It was a very enjoyable meet despite being unable to ski. Perhaps next year...