Its always good to meet up with friends, especially close friends, they are always very pleased to see you and are quick to ask what you have been up to and eager to share their stories and gossip.
Of course all I want to talk about is Antarctica but for some this isn't on their agenda so care is needed not to overwhelm or bore them; I quickly learnt to allow them to lead the conversation. Not having seen them for such a long time, they too had their stories and gossip they wanted to share with me.
The weather was reasonable to us whilst out walking, Friday we summited Skiddaw in the North part of the Lake District, a tall hulk of a mountain over looking the popular town of Keswick. In terms of mountaineering Skiddaw isn't technical, there are no scrambles or climbs to reach the summit and it has a well defined path. Though some navigation skills are required it is most accessible. Having said that you need to be determined to reach the summit, it takes some effort, it has a moderate/steep incline which is long and arduous, not to be attempted lightly and weather conditions always have to be taken into account.
Our group have a good level of fitness and some have extensive mountaineering experience so our assault on the slopes of Skiddaw were well planned, well equipped and well within our capabilities however the weather played a major part in the day. Forecast for the day was low cloud, high winds gusting 65mph! but thankfully there was no rain forecast, this element was the saving grace as if it had rained it would have completely changed the whole day.
Take a look !!
I'm so lucky to have such good friends, they were excited and very helpful with good sound advice for the Antarctic Expedition. Thanks to all who took the time to talk to me and listen to me, I am very grateful as time is the most precious of gifts.
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