And from the official meet leader we have:

Attending - Many fine folk of all ages, gender, and cerebral function.

After recruiting a gaggle of enthusiastic supporters for the proposed trek up North, I was reluctantly obliged to make recourse to the meteorological rider (get-out clause) that had clearly accompanied the initial 'meet' outline. Unfortunately the fine weather that blessed the West coast of Scotland for much of the spring, and indeed the summer, gave way to a spell of inclement conditions over the relevant bank holiday. Recognising the potential problems of a meet being conducted simultaneously in two geographically separate locations, I dispatched my trusty emissary (Brummy Jon) to the frozen wastes of Torridon, whilst I braved the UV ray attack of the alternative venue at Gogarth and surrounds.

Anyway to cut a long story short, the twin location bank holiday was enjoyed by a significant proportion of KMC folk. Much walking, frolicking and a little hardy climbing was to be had in Scotland, whilst N. Wales provided the good walking and climbing we have come to expect.

When it comes to issuing gold stars, I think it only fair that the Scottish team receive additional recognition for their sterling mountain spirit, and hence I award them the maximum allocation of three stars each. Meanwhile, to the Welsh team I award a single star apiece, (it would have been two had they not opted for Ty Powders luxurious accommodation). And finally, the meet leader gets no stars as he not only opted for the Welsh option, but he also enjoyed the Hut's hospitality, and more to the point, his Northern weather arrangements were far from satisfactory - hopefully he'll do better next year!

Thanks to all who attended.

Members: Dave Bone, Andy Croughton, John Evans, Dave Garland, Sheena Hendrie, David Lydgate.

Guests: Steve Cardwell, Jackie Storbeck, Shane Storbeck.

Having ignored the protestations of Messrs. Fish and Kettley regarding rain & more rain, Myself, Steve and the Scumbag drove North on Thursday night. A long way. Arriving at Torridon at 3:00 am we were treated to a tranquil campsite and a warm welcome from the first wave of midges. Hilarious scenes of desperate, hurried tent pitching ensued, the trauma of which may have affected my ability to accurately remember names and events...

Friday's breeze blew the clouds away with the midges and a marvellous walk over Beinn Alligin and the Horns was done, just reward for the (over)enthusiasm of the KMC Associates' advance party. Rumours as to the whereabouts of the meet leader abounded during the following hours as the remaining KMC folk arrived on Friday evening (or was it midnight?). The most feasible explanation of the location of the "Macpac Tent" was that following an engineering experiment in a reputable institution of higher education in Manchester, our sadly missing leader misread 'N' for 'W' on the new prototype compass and appeared near a lighthouse in Wales...

Saturday featured a slightly reduced midge count, thick clag at 2000 feet and two parties:

1. Andy, Sheena, Dave L and John (Shane & Jackie having earlier rumbled us as the angle of the bogtrot approach reached 45 degrees) traversed Liathach & Fasarinen pinnacles; visibility impaired by 'heat haze' but nevertheless a fine leg-stretch.
    
2. Dave Bone & Scumbag, watched by artistic impression judge Steve experimented on the cliffs at Diabaig. After "taking their time" and being rained off a HVS, a "fine yet somehow leisurely ascent" took place on Diabaig Pillar E2. Respect to the Daves for getting some climbing done in spite of the forecasts etc. Exploits were discussed and the second wave of midges avoided at the Beinn Damph Hotel in the evening.

Sunday's morning's weather was not promising, but at least the second wave of midges held off. Dave Bone and Scumbag went in search of more climbing, but took plan B (Beinn Damph, rain, clag) instead. Dave L, John, Steve and Andy set off up Beinn Eighe; after a time Andy turned back, citing concerns about the worryingly low amount of photographic equipment of the expedition. The Tops of Beinn Eighe took a very long time to walk across (amazing atmosphere in Coire Mhic Fhearchair), the weather threw all sorts at us. Apart, however from one of Dave's walking poles and the bizarre "where are the car keys?" discussions, the windblown trio emerged successful. Meanwhile Sheena had departed in order to collect a sip of champgne on a "last munro" with someone thirsty she knew... The remainder again retreated to the Hotel for watering/sustenance/discussing slopes (and snow!). Monday saw the priming of the mighty, inexorable Dave Bone Corbett Machine once again, leaving folk of variable keenness; Dave L put into action his plot to reach two munros "by car more or less", John, Steve and Scumbag having eaten all available food drove to Safeway in Inverness. Thanks to those who made the trip for a top meet, hoping for more folk at future remote meets. O Yes.

Diabaig, -the KMC's alternative to Viagra

And where will you be?

Stranded in the Peak's bank holiday congestion, queuing with essex types for routes at Pembroke, sheltering beneath your brolley in Snowdonia, or savouring the romance, beauty, and tranquillity of Scotland's all too brief halcyon spring.

For those of us ground down by the purgatorial grime and greyness of a Mancunian winter, our bodies weary and our minds jaded, Diabaig is the elixir guaranteed to replenish our drained souls and reawaken us to life's "true" raison d'être.

So how do you get your prescription for Diabaig?

Well, as a special, once only, offer, Diabaig will be handed out free to those persons able to pass several relatively undemanding (for some!) tests:

• Demonstrate navigation skills by locating a Macpac tent at GR 905558 (Torridon campsite - near YHA).
• Demonstrate an understanding of the Julian calendar by arriving on or between 26-29 May.
• Demonstrate a tenuous link to the KMC - or any other similarly prestigious organisation.

And for whom is the Medicine suitable:

Those folk operating somewhere within the HS - E4 range, who like their Medicine rough, clean, near the sea and offering excellent protection. Note:

For those displaying adverse reactions or even mild side effects, several alternative options will be available - for example Seana Mheallan;Glac Dhorch (translates to "a fine sandstone crag"), Sgurr A' Chaorachain (translates to a grand sandstone bastion with a stupendous Cioch Nose [3* VD]), as well as old reliables such as Liathach and Beinn Eighe for those "old reliables" amongst us who prefer our rock underfoot rather than under finger tips.

NOTE: In the unlikely event that the forecast predicts inclement conditions for Diabaig, then the venue may be exchanged for Gogarth, Pembroke or Cornwall, depending on where is likely to receive the most favourable weather. So before venturing North, please contact the meet leader, Kevin Anderson on the 24-25 May.

PS: Diabaig is covered in the Northern Highlands Volume 1 guidebook - a inspiring guide whether or not you can make the meet.