Aspirants Meet Report, Grange, 2014

6 aspirants and 6 members assembled for coffee and breakfast on Saturday morning. Friday had been really wet in the Lakes and there was no rush to leave the hut, although local man, Paul Ross was away quite early with two aspirants, as he knew where the dry rock would be.

Unsurprisingly Shepherd’s was the popular venue and Raven Crag, Coombe Ghyll the choice of the intrepid. A wet Little Chamonix, dry Derision Groove, Shepherd’s Chimney and Gully, Chamonix and Creeping Jesus were all climbed. Aspirant Chris wasn’t quite sandbagged on Finale.The mountain team climbed a dripping Corvus with water running down the crag and the climbers. The highlight of the day was Dave Myatt taking spectacularly to the air from the very damp and slippery finish to True Cross testing both his runners and my holding skills. We adjourned satisfied for food and drink.

Sunday was forecast to be better, but it was cloudier if a little drier. Most folk went back to Shepherd’s, with the early away team climbing on Castle Rock South. A damp Ardus, Fisher’s Folly, Kransic Crack Direct, CDM were enjoyed by the Shepherd’s teams.

It’s always worth trying despite the forecast and we had a successful weekend made more enjoyable by the good company of members and aspirants. Thanks to the hosts – Peter Carter, Rick Graham, Ted Rogers, Paul Ross, Laetitia and Peter Sterling and the Aspirants – Sharon, David, Mike, Chris, Ned and Phil.

And not forgetting the support team – Christine Rogers and Jenny Graham.

Steve Scott