Carlisle & District Rambling & Fellwalking Club
Walk & Event Reports
Sunday 12th November 2017
B Walk
Castle Crag - Portinscale
8 Miles Grade 3
Leaders: Tom & Chris Fortune
Report by Tom Fortune
Photos by John McKay & Chris McKay
As always and as an ex vet of 38 years service, I anticipate this walk with a sense of pride and also a sense of honour that I have the opportunity to participate in this most meaningful act of remembrance.
This year's walk was memorable for a variety of reasons. Not least that the Weather Gods decided to give us the weather the day deserved. This was no doubt a contributing factor to one other achievement. The bus was full! the first time in ages. A testament to all the hard work put in by the chairman and his committee. However, sadly the chairman became a victim of his own success as he and his son were part of the over spill group of 5 for whom there were no seats. Undeterred they all joined the rest of the group in Keswick, coming down by car.
The service was as solemn and uplifting as always, discounting the plethora of dogs.
After this our intrepid group of 17 regathered to continue our planned ramble.
It is going to be difficult to write the next piece without sounding condescending or patronising but I put it down in all sincerity and honesty. One other highlight of the day was achieved by a member of our club who through sheer willpower, determination and no small amount of courage overcame his phobia of heights and particularly descents to get to the top of the Crag. I know he won't thank me for this but Stephen Parker epitomised the spirit of the day with his achievement.
It just remains for me to offer my personal and public vote of thanks to Ken Halliday for his continuing support in the role of Back Marker. A role to which he brings care , consideration and and a level of professionalism that takes away the majority of the concerns you have when attempting to lead from the front. Today he was exceptional.
I can even overlook some of his quiz questions!
Tom