Period 1 February to 28 March 2004 (actual reports are missing but rosters were as follows)
Sunday 1 February 2004= 9 did Roy’s walk over Chrome Hill, 16 did Liz’s walk to Hampsfell and Humphrey Head and 20 did Rosie’s Gentle Walk at Littleborough.
Sunday 8 February 2004= 13 did Joe’s Mountain Mystery Tour and 33 did Jimmy’s Ribble Valley quagmires and nettlebeds!
Sunday 15 February 2004 = 48 did Harry’s harry over Longridge Fell and 30 went on Pam’s Ramsbottom romp.
Sunday 22 February2004 = 6 climbed Sharp Edge with Pauline, 34 did Clougha Pike with GT and 28 went with Wilf on an Irwell Valley forage.
Sunday 29 February 2004 = 35 were in Silverdale with Peter and Sue whilst 34 scrambled over the Roofs of Todmorden with Mark.
Sunday 7 March2004= 40 did Roy’s walk in the Forest of Rossendale and 15 were with Kelvin in the Forest of Bowland.
Sunday 14 March 2004 = 18 went into the Trough of Bowland with Mark, 30 climbed Simo’s Seat with Harry and 4 were in the Bollin Valley with Cakewalk John.
Sunday 21 March 2004 = 7 scaled the Easdedale mountain round with Peter whilst 8 accompanied Lynn in Saddleworth.
Sunday 28 March 2004 = 3 braved 16 miles of Rossendale Fells with Chris Greene, 31 did Dot’s traipse round Ogden Reservoir and 13 managed Frank’s foray over Pendle.
Sunday 4 April 2004 Heavy rain overnight but Sunday morning was bright and dry. The forecast was showers, some heavy in the afternoon.
The Admiral's long run of dry walks did not survive this test!
Stephen's walk at Lamaload Reservoir began in promising sunshine albeit with a chill breeze. Morning coffee and lunch stops were enjoyed in comfort at selected beauty spots but then things went downhill. The route turned into a fearsome cow poo traipse and unrelenting rain set in. 14 sodden and dejected walkers returned to the car park but spirits were soon lifted by an open fire and Thwaites Lancaster Bomber in the Highwayman!
Peter and Sue report- "15 of us in total on the Trail with Ale. The weather was not too kind but everyone came prepared and the rain didn't dampen the gossip en route. As planned there was a lunch stop at the Church Inn Saddleworth to sample the local brew and sneak our sandwiches. The return route was lovely and muddy and we managed to get back to the cars just before the serious rain started."
Sadly, the not so John Shorthouse was still in a bad way so his walk at Alderley Edge was taken by Lesley and Dave. They reported that 15 enjoyed a lovely walk.
Easter 2004 Link Land was in the grip of a cloudy anti-cyclone.
Good Friday 9 April Harry's walk in the Yorkshire Dales was threatened by a band of light rain moving southwards. Nevertheless nearly 50 members gathered in the gloom at Threshfield and were rewarded for their optimism by the weather staying dry even though quite dull and misty.
Easter Sunday 11 April Today started dull and misty everywhere with some hope of brightness developing.
Roy's walk "New Angles" in the Lake District drew 9 and Bob's Forest of Bowland tramp sported 35. The sun came out to tan everyone!
Easter Monday 12 April The 33 went who went on Jimmy's Ribble Valley jaunt were sadly disappointed to find no quagmires! The "lovely stuff" had all dried up and they had to put up with strange things like firm lawny fields and bright sunrays!
The Spring conditions lasted into the evening to allow another 23 members to enjoy "Gently Bentley," Roy's hour long stroll around Hapton before returning to the Bentley Wood Farm for Christine's "Nuts and Bolts" dine in style.
Sunday 18 April 2004 It had rained continuously for 24 hours but Sunday was supposed to clear to sunshine and showers.
It was not bucking up very quickly when 16 arrived at Thirlmere for Lord Peter's Central Tarns hike to Watendlath Tea Room but no sooner had they set off in moist-proof layers than they had to take them off. It turned out a good day with clear visibility and spectacular waterfalls although the conditions underfoot were very sloshy particularly across the notorious Armboth wetlands!
Dennis reports from Lyme Park - "the south spurned again". Only 3 of us but we enjoyed it and a pint at the end. Only one shower of any significance (not drenching strength) in a day which had some sunny spells as well. Don't know whether the weather forecast might have deterred one or two, or is there something my best friend isn't telling me? (joke).
Peter and Sue report from Barnoldswick - "Rain, rain go away - come again another day" goes the old rhyme and it just about managed it for our walk although the early morning deluge in some areas may have kept some members away. 16 of us set off attired in full gear on the climb up to Weets Hill but half way up there was a co-ordinated strip-tease because the sun shone briefly. At the top it it was quite breezy but, fortunately, the rain held off while we had lunch. The return route via White Moor was muddy underfoot but with good timing we reached the Anchor Inn at Salterforth and were warm and cosy inside before the next shower.
Sunday 25 April 2004 The barometer was set fair.
Perfect fell walking conditions greeted 21 members who patronised Lesley's maiden leadership up Helm Crag, Gibson Knott and Calf Crag. Most kept to the modest agenda of returning via Far Easedale but 8 broke away with Lesley's blessing to be steered by Chris R and George to the lofty vantage point of Sergeant Man and back via Easedale Tarn. A great day out for all, well done "Lady of the Lakes."
GT reports from the Delamere Forest Sandstone Trail - "It was great day weather wise and there was 22 of us. The Forest was lovely and the Birds were singing."
