This morning

Wendy S said:

Some interesting shots there Mike, we used to have to travel to the Lakes or further North to Scotland for even half decent snow/ice climbing unless the Dales waterfalls froze up then we had some interesting climbing fairly close. Travel was often a bit of a problem sometimes though as I used motor bike most of the time

It was a fabulous day, the first proper winter climb very soon after completing my winter skills course.

Back then I was pretty fit, and even my legs ached for the next couple of days! But it was worth it.

I know some folk who have had perfect winter mountaineering days in the Lakes. For me, the lakes and Yorkshire are at least a four hour drive each way, so for a days climbing, its not ideal, whereas Snowdonia is generally around a three hour drive each way.

A lot of folk can't grasp how primitive cars, and two wheeled transport was back then, when they get in their cosy luxurious cabin today..... Sometimes having to scrape ice from the inside as well as the outside!

Michael B said:

Sometimes having to scrape ice from the inside

We used to have an old Morris Traveller (wooden framed windows etc) and there used to be mushrooms growing from where the moss(!!) grew from the wood!

And I had an old Peugeot (forget the model now) that had rusted through the floor, so it was a bit like the Flintstones (until the MOT was due lol)

PimperneBloke said:

Michael B said:

Sometimes having to scrape ice from the inside

We used to have an old Morris Traveller (wooden framed windows etc) and there used to be mushrooms growing from where the moss(!!) grew from the wood!

And I had an old Peugeot (forget the model now) that had rusted through the floor, so it was a bit like the Flintstones (until the MOT was due lol)

There was something ornate about the old Morris Minor, and Travelers. The old pre-80's Peugeot's (before they took over the Rootes car lines in the UK) were renowned for rust, among many other problems.

Wendy S said:

Three hour each way is still a bit of a drag after a day on the hill Mike. I still get a touch of frostbite on my thumbs caused by using wet leather gloves in freezing weather on my little bike. I remember helping folk on their winter skills course back in the '60's loved those nights in snow holes !!

Where I live that is about the shortest journey time to the nearest mountain, plus I was in full time work, so it had to be within the day and get back home. So I've become used to the three hour drive and become accustomed to the roads, particularly the dreaded M6.

The Peak District is two hours drive each way, but no mountains and to be fair, the Dark Peak does offer some very good winter conditions, and some very good hills and moors.

gaynorsl said:

What fabulous memories you mountaineers have to recall, all I have is the wish I had climbed all those years ago, and luckily the ability to just glance out of my window and see the beauty all seasons through the window :-)

You're never too old to start, and you don't have to get too technical, that is using ice axe and crampons, though it was fun, a dream come true and an experience I will cherish. Just good clothing, boots and a pack to carry food and waterproofs in, and I always advise trekking poles, they are a bonus, not baggage as many would have you believe.

And of course, a pair of binoculars and a camera.....

gaynorsl said:

Thanks for the advice Mike, though after falling off a ladder just climbing up the back garden hedge last year - ouch - I think mountains are out for me!!!! I will stick to hikes with the walking group and the odd birding session for now.

There's a lot of lovely places, and nice easy hills to walk up around you, which I guess the walking group will accommodate.