Cornish Pursuits 2002

God only knows why I agreed to it. But I did; it sounded like a reasonable idea at the time, whenever that time actually was because you see, I can't remember. But the alarm did go off at 2.00am and I did get up, eventually, after some bribery in the form caffeine was offered.

I was reliably informed that it was a lovely morning. The roads were clear (the very reason why we set off at that unmentionable time) and we reached the Dewer Stone at 7.00am. Too tired to even think about lifting a limb, I nestled down in the front seat for an hour's kip whilst doggo and Bert skipped off into the woods for an early morning stick throwing frenzy (it's always frenzy). The Dewer Stone is a lovely venue, and one I shall return to. We managed the classic namesake, starting the ascent from a deserted crag and descending into a mass of ruck sacks, ropes, chat and sunshine. Rather than wait around for a free route (a few clubs had gathered), we decided to motor on down to Lands End. A taste of what was to come - it was great to climb on granite again, must be all of a year since my last sojourn incorporating scraped legs and cut fingers. The A38 was a nightmare, the A30 just ok, but by heck, I was glad to see the campsite sign. Phew. The coastal path from Sennen to Land's End is a well trodden favourite of mine so doggo thought Christmas had come when another walk was offered, an excuse to stretch my poor legs and gather some sanity after putting up the tent…

Sunday. An attack on Sennen carried out by myself, Bert and Bruce. We embarked upon a nameless route for a warm up, then proceeded onto The Quaker (E1 5b). Now this route, with its nearby neighbour The Sinner (Mod), have been recently upgraded in the new guide to E1 5c and Diff consecutively. Hmmmm. The start was precarious and we (Eddie, Mark, Laurie, Bruce and moi) spotted the brave Bert, all thinking he was a tad insane. The route redeemed itself with a fun and tricky finish rightwards around a massive flake – thought provoking and fun. Next, Bruce was up and he went in for the kill on Demo Route (HS). Guys, this is one of the best routes I have ever had the pleasure of climbing – a sincere recommendation to anyone of all grades, it will make you smile. Bruce made light work of it all including the chimney, completing in one pitch; I followed with my usual commentary then came Bert. The others (Eddie, Mark G, Darren, Sarah K, Mark H, Dave T and Roger the Dodger) were all fully occupied, doing a few classics such as Letterbox, Africa and Banana Flake. Jim, Martin and Jackie were lurking about too, doing another arête classic, the name escapes me but there seemed to be quite a bit of laughing going. A hive of EGCC activity!

We decided Zig Zag (HVS) deserved a look at next, the tide was out and our timing was perfect. Bert led this fantastic looking route and what can I say? It was a grand climb! A one pitch classic guaranteed to make those around 5' grunt and those above sweat. The thought of tea and scones was planted in our minds by er, who was it? I can't remember, Bruce? Bert? It wasn't me, honest. Nope, I was dragged off down to the cove and made to eat the last cream tea available at Billy's Café. Shocking behaviour. Bruce fought off the Germans who wanted to steal our chairs (he's very aggressive, you know) and we discussed our agenda for the evening – the BBQ; the decision being made not to climb anything further that day was really made when we sat down in the café. Bert decided to be a martyr and go snorkling, whereas, Bruce and I (being more sensible and civilised), went on a BBQ provisions expedition. This proved interesting as it was a Sunday and it was 6.00pm. However, meat was procured, and the fun for the evening started around 7.30ish pm and progressed till we were asked to be quiet by residents in the campsite, which was fair enough as Twister in the dark is really rather difficult. Thanks to Dave T and Mark H who gathered the paving stones for the feast, and well done Jo and Jenny for putting a brave face on, despite the lads locating the BBQ right outside their tents.

I have talked often enough about wanting try a bit of surfing, so it was with little persuasion that I gave into severe pressure to sample some body boarding instead of more climbing the next day. Fun is not the word here, the waves of Polzeath had me laughing and choking and whimpering in fear all in one go; it was a great way to finish off another grand trip away with EGCC.

Louise Mac