CMC End of Year Social 2022
North Wales 25th - 27th November 2022
As 2022 draws to a close the CMC headed once more to North Wales for our end of year ‘social’. We’ve had a busy year with no less than 9 organised trips as well as club members organising their own. This trip proved to be a very fitting end to the year with a party atmosphere being apparent throughout the weekend.
A few of us ventured up on Thursday to take advantage of a dry(ish) weather window on Friday.
Friday saw a few of us head to the various outcrops that form The Moelwyns. Situated amongst a sea of discarded slate, the Rhyolite outcrop of Craig y Clipiau provided entertainment for myself, Jamie OC and Paula, along with Jamie G, Louis, Rob and Brad. Paula, Jamie OC and myself headed up the delightful Africa Rib (VD) whilst the others busied themselves on Aeshel (HS) and Ushers Dilemma (HS) and Double Criss (HVS). This was Rob and Jamie OC’s first club trip and Jamie’s first time climbing outdoors, and we were keen to ensure they had a memorable time.
Meanwhile Josh, Imogen, Hannah, Challum, Glen, JC and Dane were a short distance away on Clogwyn yr Oen with Hannah romping her first UK trad lead on Slick (VD) with Challum. The others, meanwhile, were making short work of Kirk’s Climb (S) and Slack (S) and Chic (VD).
Kev, Dane and Adrian climbed on the slate - Equinox (VS 4c), Fools Gold (E1 5c), The seamstress (VS 4c) and Seams the same (E1 5b)
The forecast for Saturday looked grim so that evening we indulged in a Single malt tasting session and it was clear no-one was worrying too much about missing a day climbing due to hangovers! Jamie OC made a great first impression with the club by bringing along a glittery cowboy hat – which made for some unusual photo opportunities, with yours truly. I may never live it down!
Saturday, as predicted, dawned wet and windy. A few of us went for a soggy walk (well most of us as it happens). I decided to join the walking group after a hearty breakfast of Mini Cheddars! Josh, Dane and Louis ticked off The Hyll Drem Girdle (HVS 5a) and hid as best they could from the rain as the route traversed mainly under a roof overhang. Others ventured into the storm and took on a very wet and windy scramble up the east face of Tryfan. Paula, Challum, Hannah and Imogen went for 2 x 5km walks, managed to void the rain and turned the walks into a photoshoot of sorts!
With everyone back at the hut, preparations were made for the evening’s entertainment. Myself, Lloyd and Tom got busy in the kitchen preparing the famous ‘Chairman’s Spag Bol’. As this was bubbling nicely I went about causing as many arguments as I could by way of the now infamous Quiz (apparently I uttered the phrase “You’re all a bunch of morons!”).
With the food polished off and proving, once again, to be a hit with everyone – the evening’s events led on to the annual prize presentation.
For me, this was the highlight of the weekend with new and improved club awards (Most improved and Club Member) being unveiled, along with a new award named L’alpinist. The latter was awarded by the committee to a club member(s) for a significant mountaineering/climbing achievement. The Most improved and Club Member awards are voted by fellow club members. Challum picked up the very well-deserved Club Member award, whilst Hannah picked up the equally well deserved Most Improved. Kev was awarded the inaugural L’alpinist for his successful ascent of Lenin Peak. In previous years, there has been an award named The Epic award. This is also voted by club members and awarded to a poor and unfortunate member who, as the name suggests, has had some ‘type II fun’. Sadly/thankfully no club member had qualified to be awarded The Epic Award this year, but the committee felt that Louis’ effort to win the award by falling off Flying Buttress Direct, was worthy of a mention… Louis was duly presented with a ‘Mr Bump T-shirt and a bandage!
I don’t mind being rather proud of the club at that point as I witnessed other club members congratulating all the winners.
Sunday dawned with a few more hangovers being felt amongst us. The hut was duly vacated, and we headed to Australia for some slate bolt clipping before the rain stopped play and we headed home.
This club goes from strength to strength and the party atmosphere that was very evident throughout the weekend is proof that we are much more than just a climbing club. We’ve had a great year and this weekend was a very fitting finale.
With the winter season almost upon us there promises to be more CMC adventures on the way…