Hoardes of Hikers

Superb!!! That was the president’s word to describe the hiking club’s first weekend away this term to Braithwaite in the Lake District. An unexpected treasure hunt competition between the 3 minibuses kicked off the weekend and led to a set of road works on the A66 suddenly looking sparse! That was after our first lock-in- the pub kindly(?) contributing ash trays, beer mats,toilet rolls and a dodgy rendition of American Pie. Arrival promised the joy of pitching tents, those members that put their poles up inside out will be spared public humiliation (for now!) Fortunately we had the campsite to ourselves and awaiting old members ensured a traditional late night drinking session followed! Saturday morning and to the unexpecting, “Wake up Boo” provided an unusual alarm clock, though the smell of bacon seemed a more effective method of dragging people out into the cold. The slightly madder amongst us volunteered to go off with the fast group for the day, while everyone else clustered together to form an unnaturally large herd of hikers. The late night soon started to show, though minor blisters were all that dappened the day. Obviously all routes lead to the pub and the evening’s drinking session began early, except for those in the fast group who were taking their time arriving. Whilst the more dedicated took a trip to Keswick to stock up for the night ahead, the more hygienic of us took the more relaxing option of a shower. Giant size meals in our private bar ensured energy levels were sufficiently restored, so that everyone was able to join in with another band’s version of American Pie (even though we did have to teach them most of the words!). After our second lock-in of the weekend it was back to party in the minibus where Richard (President), under the influence of an excess of Famous Grouse, revealed his concerns to Dr Marcus our doctor in residence. His questions about the female anatomy revealed a distinct lack of use for the hoards of condoms certain members deemed necessary to bring, but his questions about size were slightly more concerning. We think Big Dick must need a biology lesson! Sunday’s alarm call was “what a beautiful day”, a fitting choice me thinks, though some members seemed slightly worse for wear to appreciate it. With everyone tired, a relaxing day was thrown together involving shopping, eating and a short walk for those with the energy to spare. Aira Force waterfalls provided the perfect backdrop for group photos until a certain member decided to spoil the tranquility by hanging a Scotland flag above it! The riverbanks were the setting for an iniative test for the newer members who having worked out how to put up a group shelter failed to work out where the rest of us had hidden. The goings on inside that shelter probably should remain a msytery! Following a quick shop and meal in Ambleside, one final tired gathering at a pub in Kendal and it was back to Nottingham, where the opportunity for sleep was too much for many to resist. All that remains to say is thank you to everyone that went for a great weekend- you’re all stars! See you in Snowdon......

Becky & Matt (Secretary & Treasurer)

Suprisingly we’re not going to thank the drivers (again!) they’ll be big headed enough after all the emails they’ve recieved this week!