Only 7 finely tuned athletes turned out for this “proper” warts run. The conditions were perfect, cold and clear with a few inches of snow on Kinder to add to the pleasure. The north wind on Kinder soon froze all extraneous appendages and spare clothing was utilised for a purpose which the manufacturer had never dreamt of but if it works, it could be a good selling point (keeps the head and knackers warm etc!) From Seal Stones we strayed onto a path but not for long as our gallant leader took us direct to Snake Bridge via just about everything. From here, we crossed the road and up to the end of Oyster Clough with a climb up the reverse of the Alport race route. We stuck to the southern edge and found a huge crevasse, where the hill is quickly detaching itself in what promises to be a monumental landslip. Unfortunately, Capt. Harmer found this too readily and fell into it with a cry of obvious agony! The problem was he was in pain but stuck fast and all our pulling and tugging couldn’t shift him. Eventually our gallant Pertex holder reached down and freed his foot but Capt. was now convinced that his leg was broken. After much lying down, heavy breathing and cursing (and offers of whisky), a recovery took place and he managed, despite near fatal injury, to guide us back direct to the cars, whereupon he expired gracefully, heroes are all too rare these days. We were so glad to have the Safety Officer with us, who at least managed to take some photographs but piteously, didn’t make us aware of the potential danger of this crevasse, well worth seeing incidentally, just don’t lose yourself or a dog in it, before it blocks the Snake for good.
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