Skiddaw House Weekend

I did wonder, as leader, whether some of us would get there. My car
developed a fault soon after picking Martyn up in Preston and about a mile
before we got onto the motorway. Luckily I had just 2 weeks left on the 3
year warranty!! Sod's law did not operate on this occasion -normally it
would be 2 weeks after expiry! Went to the local Skoda dealer, left my car
and was supplied with a brand new VW Passat! So, delayed by only a couple of
hours we continued.
We enjoyed the walk in in fine conditions which continued over the weekend.
It was good to return to this remote and relaxing hostel after our first
visit there last year and we were again warmly welcomed by the managers,
Martin and Marie.

Most of us joined Chris on a long, but fairly easy walk around the range of
hills in front of the hostel on the Saturday. In the evening we enjoyed a

communal meal, a darts competition (using a board which Martyn H donated -he
lugged it all the way up there!, a sing song and lively conversation, not to
mention the wide selection of beers and wines from Martin's stock.


Sunday morning found us doing the good old tradional hostel duty, in keeping
with the "step back in time" feeling that this hostel confers, and carted
logs from the wilderness at the back of the hostel to the wood store.
We said our farewlls at 10 and made our way in various groups back to the
cars. The more adventurous went off to climb Blencathra, whilst others opted
for gentler activities. Another most enjoyable weekend.


(Postscript: I had a call from Skoda at 10.30 on Monday morning. My car was
ready! I collected it in the afternoon and found that besides being
repaired, it had been washed and valleted!! Pretty good service eh!?!)