Members Present: Duncan Lee, Sabina Cosulich, Sheena Hendrie, Neville McMillan, Pat Holt, Virginia Castick, John Castick, Andrew Croughton, Dave Dillon, Margaret Baldock, Dave Garland, John Evans, Vanessa Addison

Guests: Matt Cox, Steve Swygart, Shane Storbeck, Jackie Storbeck, Richard Holt, Paul Hough

OK well I sort of fixed the weather - we did get sun but I forgot to decline the side order of wind, so we got that as well. Weather notwithstanding, a total of 19 people turned up to assist in climbing Bowden's routes on Cader Idris. Obsession was duly assaulted by a team of 6 (Matt, Duncan, Steve, Neville, Sabina and myself) all but Matt fortified by red wine before the ascent. Matt missed out because we opened the first bottle after he was on the route - pretty mean really. Thanks to Dave D and Andrew who ferried up the wine and glasses to the foot of the route - we reckon Bowden would have approved.

Meanwhile Table Direct was experiencing more mass ascents by Dave D, Margaret, Dave G, Vanessa and Paul. Shane and Jackie, not impressed by this British summer, decided that discretion was the better part of valour and retreated before experiencing frostbite on route. Other routes completed included Gwydrin (Duncan and Matt), Steric Slab (Steve and myself), Cyfrwy Arête (Dave G, Vanessa and Paul). Neville and Sabina, who drew the short straw by being last in the queue on Obsession, were rewarded only by a jammed abseil rope - retrieved by Duncan who hence prevented an epic. However Dave G tried to compensate by coming close to being blown off Cwyfry Arête - luckily his imitation of a limpet worked, and the missing Eagle Owl failed to spot a tasty morsel ripe for dinner.

On Sunday Virginia and John, who had completed Precipice walk on the Saturday, were last seen heading for Cyfrwy Arête. Pat and Richard were trying their hands at mountain biking, while everyone else disappeared in various directions vainly seeking shelter from a strengthening wind.

Thanks to all who came - but not the sheep which tried to invade my tent on Friday night and only succeeded in unsuccessfully trampolining on the flysheet. Thanks to Duncan, supplier of gaffa tape for the subsequent emergency repairs. When I find the sheep with the correct hoof profile, we can have a barbecue.

This is a repeat of the meet two years ago when the aim was to repeat two of Bowden Black's routes. Apart from Duncan and Sabina, the rest of us failed due to the weather. I've fixed the weather this time so Obsession (VS ***) here we come. (Duncan has promised to lead Bowden's grandson up the route.) Guide book is the CC one for Mid-Wales.

Apart from climbing on a mountain crag, there is scope for mountain biking and walking.

This will be a camping meet based at the site immediately adjacent to the car park at GR 698152 (Sheet 124). From the centre of Dolgellau head west on a minor road for 200 meters then branch left onto another minor road. Pass the Gwernan Lake Hotel to car park ½ mile further on. Camp on field immediately behind the car park. Facilities are basic - cold water only and no showers but nice and quiet field, with beer and food in the hotel.

Hope to see you there.