Mix and Match Meet, Grange Old School – 2015

After several successful meets at Helyg it was nice to head to the Lakes for a change. There were the usual number of dropouts in the preceding week, but for once it was not on the basis of a poor forecast. The only drawback of the Borrowdale crags is that they come late into the sun, so we had a few hours of autumnal morning chill to contend with before we could take the thermals off and enjoy the glorious sunshine in the afternoon.

Peri and Robert made an early getaway on Friday and fitted in 3 routes on Shepherds; Adele and I, somewhat later, managed just 1; while Mick arrived in time to tag on with Peri and Robert for their final climb. We then all piled into Mick’s van to repair to the hut and enjoyed a sociable evening with the honourable Meet Secretary and Marushka.

Astrid arrived on the Saturday morning and joined Robert, Peri and Steve for an outing to Fat Charlie’s Buttress and Sergeant Crag Slabs; Mick and I headed for Lower Falcon; Adele and Marushka sought the earlier sunshine on Castle Rock South. We all had a great day, followed by a big feast in the evening, joined by Val (en route to Scotland), Barbara and Morris.

How often do you get 3 days sunshine in a row in the Lakes? [Pete Sterling assured us it was always so!] Robert and Astrid, seeking an early departure, set off early (not long after dawn, it seemed) to thrutch their way up Sinister Grooves on Buckstone How; Marushka and Barbara headed for Blencathra and Sharp Edge; the remaining team of Mick, Peri, Steve, Robert, Adele and myself were joined by Pete and Laetita on a sociable foray to the very pleasant Goats Crag near Watendlath. The photo says it all – the sun still shone!

Thanks to everyone for coming and sharing such a great weekend.

Present: Hilary Lawrenson (Co-ordinator – with badge to prove it), Adele Long, Peri Stracchino, Robert Dufton, Mick Green, Steve Crossley, Marushka, Astrid Saxby, Val Hennelly, Barbara and Morris Charlton, Pete and Laetitia Sterling

Hilary Lawrenson