Last week I was lucky enought to be asked to lead some students from
College of West Anglia on their Snowshoe course in a beautiful remote part of the French Pyrenees near to
St Giron. We had a mix of weather during the week meaning that Bruno Steve and I had to mix the course up somewhat so we could get to the venues safely.
We covered some basic Avalanche transceiver work and snow pit digging and anaylsis.
The group were very keen to explore this ancient method of alpine transport. They managed to climb some remote and snowy cols and peaks up to 1800mtrs.
The return travel was not without its eyebrow raising moments as we had to travel across country at 20mph due to the snow, then rediredt to another airport to fly out on our already delayed flight back to UK. I had beeen on the go for approx 19 hours when I finally got to bed.
If you ever though an alternative and cheaper means of Alpine Entertainment than Ski-ing get in touch to arrange a Snowshoe Holiday that all the family can take part in. Try it in the
Julian Alps of Slovenia and explore somewhere off the beaten track
Had a day out on my day off having a busman's holiday and going Gyhll Scrambling with Keela and Sarah.
This meant that the harder sections were made easier whilst moving Keela dog around. She is really getting very good. Having a Ruff Wear harness from Outdoor Warehouse in Windermere on helps with lifting and clipping onto if needed. Some sections are a bit loose with a tree down across the whole river bed.
Have been out and met some great folk. Worked with Mountain Guide Chris Ensoll on a MLTA workshop in the Lakes Teaching Movement on Steep Ground. Worked with Caroline and Paul Lewis, Pete Stacey in the Peak District assessing D of E assessors. Chris Ash and his mates in the Peak on an Adventure Race navigation course. Played on the Lakes Segways and worked with Proactive Development on their Lakes PDC. It seems a long time since Steve Hamer and the Bolton girls had a winter day on Helvellyn, but it was a great do. 
crystals twinking in the sunlight and fresh tracks in the powder snow along with long shadows as the daylight diminishes.
It was a little cold overnight on the expedition but everyone had a tremendous time and left smiling.
After a great cold day out with the dog on a low level walk around GlenRidding and Grisedale, Nordic and Celtic Names for the valleys, (Get in touch if you want to more about the Nordic names) .
Today I have been on a brilliant mini hill walk that has it all at a low altitude. Steep Climb craggy tops, mixed woodland and a river walk. Even has a historic church to have a look round. If you are interested get in touch. The thaw in the lakes continues but there have been reports of avalanches so please be careful, if in doubt get in touch and I will help with your adventure as much as I can.
walked up for 2 hours in 25mph winds only to find the tow on Raise had just derailed. Therefore only having one ski then back down to the valley. Testing conditions on the hill but still a great day out. If you want to sample the hills safely before the thaw continues in the Lakes don't hesitate to get in touch.
