A snowy reminder...

Caught up in the round of endless work meetings, sometimes it’s easy to forget that the opportunity to visit interesting places is actually a real privilege. Yesterday, I posted pictures on Facebook of snowy landscapes taken from the train during a routine journey on the Carlisle-Settle line on my way to Leeds. Immediately, several of my friends said how much they wanted to travel on that line too but the opportunity hadn’t arisen.  I try not to take the beauty and history of where I live and work for granted but their comments reminded me of how lucky I am.

Snow in the South

Although we'd enjoyed a snowy walk up Skiddaw last weekend, we didn't expect to be walking in icy conditions on our visit to Coombe Hill in Buckinghamshire, yesterday. We were trialling the route directions for a circular walk that Richard has devised for inclusion in a walking book celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Chiltern Society later this year. We set off from Little Hampden and before long were above the snow line! By the time we reached the high point at Coombe Hill Monument, the mist was down and conditions underfoot were treacherous. Luckily, they improved along the  Ridgeway!

Snowy Skiddaw

We had a superb walk up Skiddaw yesterday.  Along with Robin and Cathryn, we set off from Mirehouse, climbing steeply  through Dodd Wood, reaching snow towards the top of the track. The climb up to Carlside was bathed in sunshine and although the wind was our constant companion, the sun reflecting off the snow provided unexpected warmth.  At Carlside, we said a temporary farewell to R and C who decided to forego the summit. Breaking out one set of crampons (and another bag with computer leads!), we made our way up through the snow to the summit and stunning views!

Another snowy day!

It’s an understatement to say that it was bedlam on the snow covered roads this morning.  Two colleagues had rear end shunts and several others took 2 or 3 hours to make journeys of 3 or 4 miles. There were so many prangs simply because cars were driving too close to the vehicle in front and then finding themselves unable to stop safely when a problem arose.  I cycled in as usual and as I passed two minor accidents on Scotland Road, I wondered how drivers in other countries manage to cope with snow so much better than we do.

The First Snow of Winter

The first “proper” winter hill walk is always special and yesterday’s walk up Great Dodd delivered an unexpected bonus, for as we approached Troutbeck, we saw several fell tops covered in a dusting of snow. Once we were above the bog hop that was Bruts Moss, we hit the snow line and revelled in that unique, squeak of boot sole on snow.  Molly, as always, was highly excited, racing round on the sparkling, icy carpet in exuberant fashion as we trekked to the summit.  The absence of wind was uncanny, creating a feeling of deep peace in the beautiful stillness.

 

Windy walking

It was a beautiful but bleak day in the hills yesterday. The rapid overnight thaw was a surprise but there was enough snow to leave us with the exhilarating thrill that comes from crossing virgin snow, the icy crust breaking with a satisfying crunch underfoot.  The light was ethereal at times as the clouds scudded across the sky at an alarming rate, evidence of a powerful jet-stream high above us, orchestrating the weather. High on the fell we fought against its destructive power, the wind whipping our faces and tearing relentlessly at our clothes as we returned from the summit.

Snowy memories

Is it so wrong for me to be a little disappointed that we are without snow when the rest of the country is blanketed in a duvet of white?

I know wintry weather can bring misery to those who travel, work outside or become housebound but my inner-self dreams of snowmen and sledging.  I suspect it’s because some of my happiest memories involve snow: wonderful ski-ing holidays with family and friends, the musical laughter of children making snow angels, ably assisted by over-excited dogs and once, an unforgettable, moonlit bonfire when we were serenaded by a haunting chorus of wolf-song.

Dashing through the snow......

Although it’s a challenge in the snowy weather we’ve had recently, I have been pedalling to work as usual.  Because we’ve not had any partial thaws, the snow along the river path has remained “squeaky” and relatively easy to cycle on.  But, closer to town, the salt gritted areas on the shared pavement don’t feel as safe as ice forms once the temperature drops and the melt water re-freezes.  Pavement conditions were so bad under-wheel today that I decided to brave the road and negotiate the 3 lane roundabout.  Happily, I was only tooted at once by an impatient motorist!

Snow

We have snow!  Despite an extended cold spell at the beginning of the year, it's still not a regular winter experience to have snow that lasts for days and so consequently, there is (dare I say it), an element of hysteria whenever the cold white stuff lies. Schools close as the first flakes fall, health and safety issues uppermost in the minds of "the authorities", the media urges travellers to stop at home, avoiding difficult road conditions and public transport all but grinds to a halt.  Our inability to cope amazes me; other cold countries manage without all this fuss!

Climate Change

At last the snow is melting here in Carlisle, the thaw bringing the damp coldness that penetrates into your very bones. Here, dull, dank, grey days typify our dreary winter so I long for a return of the bright crispness of drier, wintry days where snow squeaks underfoot and my nose drips with cold rather than rain run off! But ironically, global warming may makes my dream a reality. Continuing disruption to the North Atlantic Drift could see winter temperatures plummet in Britain, possibly bringing about the colder drier winters I crave. Is this a price I’m prepared to pay?