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Easter in Eskdale (See our Photos of Eskdale)The forward party arrived on Wednesday to settle themselves into the old school. The centre was charmingly located just ½ a mile from the pub in one of the few Lake District Valleys with no lake (although it made up for that with bogs). Thursday was a gorgeous day, if rather hazy. Neil plumped for Scafell and Steve made an ambitious attempt on both Scafell and Scafell Pike. The rest of us had a much easier day, riding out on the Ratty (Ravenglass-Eskdale railway) and walking back over Muncaster fell. I cussed when I got a boot full of bog, but that was nothing to Steve’s trials! Poor Steve went in over his knees twice and was so late back to the centre that we’d called out Mountain Rescue! Friday was not such a nice day. One car full had failed to make it to the hostel and snatched a few zeds in a layby - but still joined Lorna on Whin Rigg, in spite of the grey weather. After the tribulations of the previous day Steve chose the comforts of the Ratty, whilst the rest of us walked around Stanley Gill (a good place to go in the rain). Sarah revisited the bridge she had jumped off into the freezing river many years ago whilst at the Outward Bound Centre down the road. The rest of us agreed that we would need to be pushed! Saturday exceeded all expectations and dawned bright and sunny! One party headed up Scafell, including Steve who wanted to tick off the bump he’d missed out on Thursday. Lorna lead a group up Scafell Pike and was rewarded with the superb views you’d like to expect from the highest point in England! The rest of us did a delightful walk up Mosedale and down Eskdale, joined by Neil for part of the way before he headed off to Bow Fell and Cringle Crags. Sunday was horribly grey and wet and the majority decided that the Ratty/Muncaster or Stanley Force options were the best bet. Dave, Sarah, Robert and Paula did Whin Rigg and got superb views of the inside of a cloud. Trudi and Alison walked over Blea Tor, behind the hostel, which was at least below cloud level! Thank you to Lorna for her traditional Easter gift (Cadbury’s Crème Eggs) - very cheering. 
Monday wasn’t much better and duly those who weren’t due home resorted to the railway again. The raptor display at Muncaster castle is well recommended! Not to be defeated by the weather Lorna and Tim attempted to conquer Scafell, but it was so wet and miserable they turned back at Slightside. The weather improved very slightly on Tuesday, but not enough to tempt most people onto the hills. Dave, Trudi and Alison climbed Hartley Crag, the rocky lump opposite the centre. At first glance it did not look impressive, but there were excellent views from the top and a gorgeous waterfall freefalling down the north facing side. As you can see from the above, there is loads to do in Eskdale. We hope to rebook it for Easter 2001! The Wanderer Returns  My last trip two years ago with CYHA, I went on a trek to Dingle Bay. The trip was fine, A good time we had. The weather was good, company - not bad. My life took a change, soon after that. Became the owner of a dog, not a cat. He kept me at home more often than not. To the theatre I went to give acting a shot. Weeks went by, then months then years. Returning to YHA I had a few fears. Would people have changed, or be mega fit? One phone call to Dave, I packed all my kit. To Eskdale I went for a week of walking. I arrived at the centre, we all started talking, Of long drives and snoring and dangerous feats. Talk of sausages for breakfast and chocolate treats. Nothing much changes I thought for a minute, But hang on - my sandwich has no ham in it! As we walked along I noticed a few alterations With waist band expanding and reduced expectations. The weather never used to stop the plan, We would walk rain or shine whenever we can. Now a rain cloud is spotted it’s off to the pub! What ever happened to the outdoor adventure club? It’s grown up a bit and changed just a touch. But it’s cheap and it’s cheerful and gives us so much. For the leaders and followers, the ailing and fit, CYHA offers holidays and wit. Some want it to offer dare-devil deeds, But a good group to walk with is all that I need. I won’t leave it two years ever again, Unless of course the forecast is rain! Sarah Thank You! Sally and I would like to say a big thank you for the brilliant weekend away in the Lake District. It was especially exciting for Sally as it was her first time to Cumbria, and she was not disappointed. We thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the weekend. The hikes and the company and were great. I am really pleased that I managed to conquer Scafell Pike. The first leg of the hike was pretty tough going, but very much worth it. What a sense of achievement when you reach the top. Another really good thing that happened on this hike is that we did not descend on a marked footpath but down the most beautiful gully (disturbing the wildlife on the way). I would like to say thank you to Lorna for her initiative and inspiration on this day. Sally really enjoyed the last day when we took the narrow gauge steam train out to the coast and hiked back across the fell. On this day we all really worked as a team practising our map reading and leading skills. (Or trying to)!! And of course we both enjoyed the company of you all in the evenings. It was really good fun finding out and getting to know you all. We thank all those that shared their funny stories and jokes with us! We were both rather nervous about going, as the only person we knew was Andy. But we need not have worried. The whole group made us feel very welcome. We both feel that the whole weekend was organised very well, and hope we will have the opportunity to join you all again. Maggie See the latest news and pictures of our project to transform the garden at Saffron Walden Youth Hostel Fire Station Visit Many thanks to Lynn for organising a splendid evening in the company of Green Watch. We were told all about call out times and introduced to the three fire engines held at Chelmsford. We were shown lots of equipment regularly used by the firemen, including the portable light pump (which is neither portable nor light). We saw the "Alp" which is used to access up to the fifth floor (woe betide you if you’re stuck on the sixth) and the massive hydraulic cutters which can be used to cut you out from any crushed vehicle except a Volvo. Having seen all the heavy equipment they carry and having heard details of some of the gory scenes they’ve attended, I don’t envy them at all! Lorna was taken the slidey poles however and Dave was fascinated by the big button that changes all the traffic lights to green for you. It was a very interesting evening. Lorna who? After much deliberation Lorna has decided to confuse everyone by reverting to her maiden name of Benson. It’s official, it’s even on her passport, so do take note. |