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Swaledale Outdoor Club |
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Swaledale Outdoor Club |
| > Home > Newsletter > Social > Club Camp 2000 |
Club Camp 2000Friday 7th July and the weather forecaster is revelling in his miserable description of the outlook for the weekend. The dismal conditions would not be unexpected in February, but not during the S.O.C summer camp !!! This was probably the reason for a relatively low turnout of high quality socialites at this year’s camp. Not the brainiest or knowledgeable bunch ( only one non-member could answer the question "What is Wainwrights first name? " ), but definitely very experienced in making the most of a non-too perfect outdoor activities situation. We managed to keep our insides wet and outsides dry, but only just on Friday. Four main events for Saturday were mulled over and wined about (pun intended). Two high level route marches were to be undertaken, subject to the clouds showing the slightest hint of rising. A tall jovial chap, with a reputation for striding out, led a motley bunch upto Squirrels pass etc; the rest of us gave a sigh of relief as they set off. An adventurous couple, combined car driving and walking, on the next route march somewhere above and beyond Patterdale. Even more relief back at base camp, from the 50 % or so remaining. Two gentlemen, possible contestants for Men behaving nicely, set off on a Swallows and Amazons expedition, exploring the shoreline of Ullswater in their canoes. That left the real S.O.C stalwarts to take the Early, 10:15, ferry from Glenridding to Howtown. On arrival at Howtown the youngest member present this weekend insisted that her parents took her back to Glenridding via the roads. Luckily they had their cycles with them and so parted from us, with the younger member sat astern pop, cracking the whip (If only). The S.O.C strollers, talked, jibed, cajoled and rambled (literally) back to Glenridding. Managing two stops, lots of laughter and much enjoyment. Everyone returning to base camp just before the rain threatened. Major decisions to be made about the bar-b-que, should we shouldn't we, in the field or in the barn. Runners were sent out here, there and everywhere, by which time it was fine. Start the bar-b-ques under a caravan awning, just succeed in getting them lit and you guessed it, the heavens opened. Quick witted individuals used to dealing with crises situations, uncorked many wine bottles and passed them round to the fast drowning participants. This immediately put a silver lining onto the deteriorating conditions. Three out of the five fires remained alight, and one space age contraption purred quietly in the rain. Undeterred and spurred on by hunger and alcohol, there is lots of organised chaos, cooking, eating and drinking. The awning fills with water, and is regularly tipped up, drenching the cooks below, the rest of us being soaked outside, despite a varied selection of umbrellas, see this as rough justice, (the cooks are at least warm beside the fires). More booze and banter in the dryish retreats, unfortunately though we had to split into several groups for the rest of the evening. A plea for a central S.O.C shelter, basic design for such occasions, any constructive suggestions to the committee. A very wet and windy night tested the campers resolve and equipment. Sunday morning dawned looking non-too promising, weather wise, and the campsite was clearing rapidly. Wet clothes, wet matches and midges were the main niggles, but a good proportion of us managed a brisk walk or cycle ride to round off the weekend. Certainly a weekend to remember, we all wish Val a speedy recovery and thanks for helping to co-ordinate the campsite. We missed all of you who couldn't make it this year, (especially the red card brigade), make an effort for Club Camp 2001. Paul Smith |