Friday
There was a consistent flow of MMC members on Friday night and the flow was a logical one. Into Tom's Field, erect tent, then down to the King's Head pub, where beer was consumed copiously. Meanwhile John Hilary was enduring an enforced bivi after realising that he'd forgotten his sleeping bag. Luckily, he was able to borrow a bivi bag and some thermals - hope you washed them after John!

Saturday
Members awoke on Saturday morning to the sight of John Hilary and John Nolan's family sized tent that held the dimensions of a small house. Those on the meet looked on enviously as John lounged in a deck chair in the massive porch and waxed lyrical about the strong winds that their abode had withstood in North Wales. Meanwhile, Russ, who had been up since 7am, frowned deeply as his climbing partner for the day, Robin, delayed climbing and walked around the campsite sipping coffee and chatting to any that would listen! As Robin confessed himself, "Well, it was my first meet, I had to be sociable didn't I?"

David, Simon, Robin and Russ headed for Subliminal. Here Robin, who was recovering from a motorcycling accident, and still had an injured ankle, redeemed himself by climbing with Russ on Double Chockstone (VD), First Corner (S 4b), and Bypass (S). Despite being determined not to lead anything, as he hadn't climbed for sometime, Robin went on to consume a lead up High Street (D) with no problem at all. Meanwhile, at the top, having pencilled in High Street for his first lead, David abseiled down the cliff. At the bottom, looking up at the steep blocks on High Street he was heard to say, "That's not it, is it?" He went on to make an excellent lead up High Street - well done David.

Feeling that the climbers that had driven to Subliminal were 'lightweights' Rob, John, Hilary, Kate and Chris decided to walk in to Cattle Trough. Chris admits to having wished that he'd gone by car but said that it was worth the effort because of the sighting of a freshly born calf. Kate then led Consolidation (S) but couldn't find many opportunities to place gear, which always makes it more exciting. Their second climb was not in the guidebook but Chris estimates it at least HS 4b. They had decided to attempt what may have been a new route, a variant running up the side of the Pulpit! Chris says, "Looked easy-peasy from the ground, couldn't understand why it wasn't mentioned in the guide book…" That was until he made a delicate and irreversible move out onto the wall and found that there was nowhere to place gear! He managed to top out without coming off though. Also at Cattle Trough Jules was at work climbing The Puplit (D) and Chockney (VD) with Lucy. Close by Paul Grinnell lead Inspiration (S) and Resurrection (HS), and Zoë, John Hilary and John Nolan climbed Isis (VS 4c). John Nolan then soloed a few easy routes before disappearing with John Hilary to go mountain biking in Perbeck Ridge forest. The pair returned sometime later for barbecue steaks and beer!

After initially arriving at Cattle Trough with some of the climbers Hilary left them to rendezvous with a friend and do something in a category all of its own - Zorbing….yes Zorbing! This is best described in Hilary's own words, "This [Zorbing] involved being strapped inside a huge, inflatable plastic ball which then rolled and bounced its way down a hillside. Think of a slow rinse (minus the water) in a washing machine and you're quite close." She immediately followed this event with some alcoholic beverages, which she claimed, was "…crucial for a fast recovery." Let no-one say that MMC members aren't adventurous and mad! Er…anyone for 'Zorbing' next meet!?

Sunday
Everyone awoke on Sunday to face cloud and drizzle coming in from the sea. Steve Melvin who had got up very early that morning to drive down and climb with Russ, revved his engine at the campsite entrance in anticipation. The weather continued to close in and breakfast in a local café was called for, and with so many MMC members the café was swamped.

After breakfast, most dispersed deciding not to climb, but Steve and Russ headed for Guillemot. Paul Grinnell, Zoë, Ed and Hilary went off for a relaxing day scrambling and paddling at Lulworth Cove and Durdle D'Or. Jules, who was having a family weekend, headed off with her relatives to spend a relaxing day at a beach near to Lulworth and John Hilary and John Nolan mountain biked at Portland.

At Guillemot Russ confirmed his theory that abbing down an overhanging cliff on a single 9mm rope could be a mistake, when his prussik bit deep into the rope and jammed hard. After forty minutes of struggling, he freed himself by hauling up a jumar on the loose end of the rope. They then climbed out on The Spook (HVS 5a) where Steve redefined the term 'Rocketman' by cleanly leading the steep layback crack and overhang at great speed. The pair then walked to Hedbury quarry where Steve led Ammonitemare (6a+), Of Mice and Men (6a+) and dogged his way up Hangs Like a Dead Man (6c).