The last words of Pete, Toby and James as they left the campsite on Sunday were that I shouldn't go chatting up local lads in the pub so they will be pleased to know that I sat in my tent and wrote the trip report instead.
The five old duffers who had felt fit enough for an energetic weekend in the Yorkshire Dales met on Friday evening in the carefully chosen campsite in Appletreewick which turned out to be a muddy field, and mud wasn't the only thing we trod in. After pitching the tents and the inevitable rude comments about my wendy house we persuaded Pete to drive us to the pub and get another layer of manure on his car by driving through the farmyard (it's a pity about the car washing ban in Sheffield).
Saturday was cold but quite fine so Simon and Toby went to Brimham Rocks for some climbing. I think they had a good time though Simon's gritstone technique left a little to be desired. He may have looked like a beached sea lion but he did reach the top. James, Pete and I decided to climb Great Whernside from Kettlewell. From the summit of Great Whernside, which was freezing cold but gave us a good view of the hills and dales including the Three Peaks, we descended to the road and up Buckden Pike which was just one massive peat bog. Remarkably all three of us escaped sinking in very far, but it was a pity Pete Nellist was not there to appreciate it more than we did. The walk down the grassy ridge to Starbotton and along the River Wharf back to Kettlewell was extremely pleasant.
Pete rushed off to Bradford for a show to celebrate his birthday and Simon went home while James, Toby and I did the Varsity crossword and were ripped off by the local landlord.
At 7.00 on Sunday it was beautiful and sunny with a blue sky - unfortunately the others weren't up to enjoy it! By the time they got up it was raining, by the time Toby was ready it was fine again. Our walk went from the campsite up Simon's Seat (which he had left behind). After enjoying the sunshine on the top we walked down the Valley of Desolation (which wasn't desolate) to the Pavilion where we joined the trippers with an ice-cream. Our speed of movement along the river was somewhat hampered by Pete's botanical interests. At the Strid, James said he could easily jump it but for some reason was reluctant to demonstrate (perhaps the warning signs put him off). We wandered slowly back to the campsite from where Toby, James and Pete wended their way home.
I won't bother with any quotes since it will only lead to retaliation and unfortunately there is plenty of ammunition that could be used against me. Now you know why I'm writing this report!
It was a very enjoyable weekend and I'm looking forward to the next one.
Last modified: Wednesday, 25 April 2007, at 19:59 (BST)