Saturday 16th February 2013
Not a great forecast but need to get out today as am on family duties tomorrow. I decide on Fairfield from Grasmere via Stone Arthur and see how it goes from there. Quite wet underfoot to start with but then things became gradually more frozen. The summit of Great Rigg Man was bleak. From there the snow became more crusty and icy. The breeze picked on Fairfield, not a place to hang around today.
The descent to Grisdale Hause is not great in summer. Today decidedly unpleasant. As height was lost the snow became softer and rocks more prominent. Care needed. Once down it was a relief to be out of the wind. Most of the ascent of Seat Sandal was in deep snow and very hard going. I can only gain comfort from the fact that this must be good training.
From the summit I take a bearing and head off into the whiteness. However I find myself heading too far right. The snow drifts have a crusty surface as my shins can testify. After correcting my line I am soon at the pointy rock spike. Although below the snow now the steep and rocky ground is tricky. I am careful.
At Dunmail I consider Steel Fell, wanting to recce an alternative line. Conditions are against me on this so part way up I contour to the ridge and head back down to Town Head. Only 2 and a half hours but very hard work at times.
Always try to take a positive.
Russell
Saturday, 16 February 2013
Sunday, 10 February 2013
Langdale
Saturday 9th February 2013
The plan was to do more recceing for the JNC but the weather was not playing ball. Snow and low cloud. Still it was a good opportunity to try alternative lines in poor visibility. Langdale was the chosen venue and DW and I head up Stickle Gill and Blea Rigg to Sargeant Man. From there we dropped to below Calf Crag. The line I wanted to try follows Birks Gill then continues almost directly to High Raise. This worked well. The snow made for hard going but I think it could the way to go. Just one more alternative to try and of course do again it better conditions when I can check it against the schedule.
From High Raise we pick up the snow covered trod to the top of Stake Pass. This line will need a bit more attention. Stick to the path or take more direct but on potentially poorer ground. Now we follow the OCT route for a while then try a line to Rossett Pike that I had used last summer. In the poor visibility we cut up too soon and after orientating ourselves head along the ridge to the summit. Then down the main path and along the valley to the NDG.
Finishing of with a pint of Winter Warmer in the Hawkshead Brewery.
A very good training run and a couple of things learned. A good day.
Russell
The plan was to do more recceing for the JNC but the weather was not playing ball. Snow and low cloud. Still it was a good opportunity to try alternative lines in poor visibility. Langdale was the chosen venue and DW and I head up Stickle Gill and Blea Rigg to Sargeant Man. From there we dropped to below Calf Crag. The line I wanted to try follows Birks Gill then continues almost directly to High Raise. This worked well. The snow made for hard going but I think it could the way to go. Just one more alternative to try and of course do again it better conditions when I can check it against the schedule.
From High Raise we pick up the snow covered trod to the top of Stake Pass. This line will need a bit more attention. Stick to the path or take more direct but on potentially poorer ground. Now we follow the OCT route for a while then try a line to Rossett Pike that I had used last summer. In the poor visibility we cut up too soon and after orientating ourselves head along the ridge to the summit. Then down the main path and along the valley to the NDG.
Finishing of with a pint of Winter Warmer in the Hawkshead Brewery.
A very good training run and a couple of things learned. A good day.
Russell
Saturday, 2 February 2013
Leg 1 JNLC recce
Saturday 2nd February 2013
I have been planning this run for a while but never had the chance due to time and weather. The forecast was very good if a little breezy (it was) so no excuse. The scariest moment of the day came on the drive over. A patch of ice by Brotherswater momentarily took my destiny out of my own hands.
Parking no problem today and I am soon off up the road and track to Hayeswater. A little more height gained and I am into the sunshine. But also to wind. Hat and gloves on. It was to be this way all day. At The Knott I am onto snow. It is frozen but just enough give to allow safe passage without need for crampons. Just as well as I had decided to leave my Kahtoolas behind. After reaching Rampsgill Head I follow to ridge all the way back to Loadpot Hill.
Now the fun begins. Time to set the watch and see if I can keep to the schedule. I drop the odd minute and the going is variable. The wind cannot decide if it wants to help or hinder. The snow mostly firm but occasionally the frozen drifts give way. I am also constantly distracted by the view west. Probably as good as it gets. I had no camera so you'll have to take my word for it. They will live in the memory. I suspect on the day I won't have the time for such luxuries. If you had the good fortune to be out this day you will know what I mean.
I descend happily back to Hartsop and warmer temperatures. The car park is now chocker! The drive home is a pleasure. I always know I have had a good run when driving back my mind wanders over the days events, I am smiling and nothing bothers me. Not even news about idiot politicians, football fixing and the price of petrol on Radio4.
Russell
I have been planning this run for a while but never had the chance due to time and weather. The forecast was very good if a little breezy (it was) so no excuse. The scariest moment of the day came on the drive over. A patch of ice by Brotherswater momentarily took my destiny out of my own hands.
Parking no problem today and I am soon off up the road and track to Hayeswater. A little more height gained and I am into the sunshine. But also to wind. Hat and gloves on. It was to be this way all day. At The Knott I am onto snow. It is frozen but just enough give to allow safe passage without need for crampons. Just as well as I had decided to leave my Kahtoolas behind. After reaching Rampsgill Head I follow to ridge all the way back to Loadpot Hill.
Now the fun begins. Time to set the watch and see if I can keep to the schedule. I drop the odd minute and the going is variable. The wind cannot decide if it wants to help or hinder. The snow mostly firm but occasionally the frozen drifts give way. I am also constantly distracted by the view west. Probably as good as it gets. I had no camera so you'll have to take my word for it. They will live in the memory. I suspect on the day I won't have the time for such luxuries. If you had the good fortune to be out this day you will know what I mean.
I descend happily back to Hartsop and warmer temperatures. The car park is now chocker! The drive home is a pleasure. I always know I have had a good run when driving back my mind wanders over the days events, I am smiling and nothing bothers me. Not even news about idiot politicians, football fixing and the price of petrol on Radio4.
Russell
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