KMC: Robert Clark, Bob Kelly, Dave Wylie, Christine Beeston, Cathy Gordon, Andy and Jo Stratford.

FRCC: Ron and Ruth Chambers, Bryon West, Peter Hingley, Les Meer, Hazel and Steve Jonas.

KMC/FRCC: Chris Thickett

As the meet approached, a stream of excuses filled my inbox, the strangest being from the President (FRCC) that claimed he was seeing flashing lights every time he tried to drive his car. In the end, a comfortable fifteen turned up at the hut for a weekend of splendid weather.

Well! If they expected splendid weather, then they did not get it. If they preferred challenging weather, then they did.

On Friday, Dave knocked off a load of northern fells although even then he endured a couple of 'Cockups'. The meet leader himself had a frustrating afternoon on an icy and very foggy Helvellyn.

Saturday saw ambitions dissolve in the polar miasma. People set with great plans only to return to report that conditions had forced changes. However, Christine and Cathy climbed Great Gable. Bob completed a long day's walk, as did Hazel and Steve, and Les with his Worcester chums. So there was not too much disappointment round the cosy fireside during the evening.

Sunday and more of the same. Some headed off home. Some for a moderate day on the fells.

For some reason, I agreed to go with Dave on a circuit of Eagle Crag, Sargeant's Crag and Ullscarf in unpleasant conditions both underfoot and atmospheric. Still, at least, Dave was able to keep up! Or was it me!

Joint Meet with FRCC, Salving House, Borrowdale 9/10 March 2013

The joint meet with the FRCC this year will be at the Salving House hut in Rosthwaite, Borrowdale, Grid Reference NY 258148. I have booked 7 male and 5 female places for KMC members. The fee is £7 per night for members, £8 guests.

This is a great centre for all mountain activities.

Choice of this hut was influenced by the proximity of many low lying crags in the valley (e.g. Shepherds) and beyond (e.g. Castle Crag). Conditions may also allow for climbing on higher crags such as the Napes and Gillercomb.

There are any number of scrambling routes in the area - consult the guidebook - and easy access to many of the central and north west fells for walking.

You'll find mountain biking on the fells or on the Bike Trail at Whinlatter – bike shed at Salving House. And if there are good winter conditions then there is scope for routes on traditional crags such as Great End or more challenging modern climbs.

The car park is quite small but with careful stacking we can get all the cars behind the barrier.

It is also only one minute twenty seconds from the front door to the bar of the Scafell pub where the seats are marginally more comfortable than those in the hut.

Book your place directly with me in good time and pay me during the weekend.

Chris Thickett