England. Skiddaw Peak

Yes, I am back in the land of Aus! I thought I would start my trip notes with fantastic walk I did in the Lakes district with two mates Ken and Jim. Skiddaw peak is in Keswick- perhaps the most beautiful part of the lakes area and, at only just over 900 metres, seemed to be an "easy " climb. Rather than write too much I have posted some photos and videos of the walk. Needless to say, towards the summit it was a bit more difficult.


Jim and Ken preparing for the walk. A pleasant start to the day.


Stunning views towards Keswick. The walk is very different to the Blue Mountains. Very open, with a broad, easy path and a steady climb.


As we climb- snow! At an altitude where snow does not fall in the Blue Mountains and a dramatic shift in the wind and a sudden temperature drop make it interesting.


Jim and Ken disappear into the howling wind and sleet. The terrain shifts from heath to just slate underfoot...


He's alive! Scott of the Antarctic!!


Nah.. It's Simon of Skiddaw! By this point it is as cold as the Snowy Mountains in a storm.


The peak!


Here is a little video of the peak. That noise is the wind. Very very strong and cold. The only respite was to sit behind some rocks. After a quick lunch of banana, and a mint cake ( sugar covered in chocolate basically) we began to descend the steep but faster route. This proved difficult for me as my old Scarpa boots are almost out of tread and I spent a great deal of time sliding instead of stepping.


Ken looking at the descent below the cloud cover.


A beautiful view again as we descend.

This is one of the best walks I have done. Tremendous variation in terrain and weather plus a couple of pints in a Lakes disctrict pub with frinds made this the perfect day.

More posts on England to come!

Another flight cancelled

Well, even with flights resuming I have had another flight cancelled, and am awaiting for some communication with the airline this morning.
,
I have moved from the lakes district to the south towards Portsmouth, staying with friends, as their home is closer to the aiport. They have been wonderful.

I dont' mind confessing I am frustrated. Its not so much the delay, as the uncertainty combined with my daughters 21st which i will miss, work responsabilities, and the fact that I am relying on others (something i find difficult).

See you all soon.

Stuck!

Just a quick update:- I was due to depart England tomorrow but all planes have been grounded in the U.K. due to a volcanic eruption in Iceland. The bottom line is, that it could be days before I get a flight. Fortunatly I am still in the Lakes district, so I can stay here until the dust settles,(forgive the pun).

Basically- the volcano is covered by 200metres of ice. As the lava pushes upward the molten rock is quickly cooled and is reduceed to tiny shards of glass. This is pushed up to 30,000ft into the atmosphere. If a jet engine flies through the "dust" the particles reduce the engine/s to nothing, with obvious results. Just like a massive sand blaster.

Anyhow, I have some great photos, 113 birds species spotted, helped with bird ringing, and done a couple of tetrads ( more on that later). Even a mountain climb to brag about. Sorry no photos yet, as I am writing this on a small computer.

See you all soon!

England here we come!

In a few days I shall be in the air and on my way to England, specifically the Lakes district for a well earned holiday.



So, I shall be gone for a few weeks enjoying the sights and sounds, catching up with friends, having a few beers and a laugh but I will drop in from time to time. You all be good whilst I am away!

Striated Thornbill

( not my photo)

Whilst in the National park having breakfast yesterday we spotted a Striated Thornbill. They are about 100mm in length, with buff grey to yellow on the outer feathers. A busy little bird with a cheerful note, it spends its time darting amongest the leaves and flowers of the gum trees, speeding from one tree to another. Their nest is a globe of grasses, leaves and twigs, positioned towards the end of a branch.

It was quite pleasurable to have a billy tea and watch them at work

Asgard Swamp

Asgard Swamp


The walking track with its distinct gentle curve of a rail line.

A short 7km walk that takes us through a variety of terrain. Whilst not the most spectacular, it nevertheless had a number of very interesting features and surprises.
The track is clearly defined and is situated along the Victoria Falls road. The track was a former rail/tram line that was used to pull the shale oil from the mines that dotted the cliff line. Shale oil was mined here in the late 1800's. In fact many of the walking track in the mountains are as a result of mining activity.


Dave crossing the creek

I did this walk a number of years ago and took a wrong turn missing a couple of great features- the mine itself and a coking oven. Another interesting feature was the pagoda, set next to the swamp it makes and ideal place to camp. On this walk we saw masked lapwing, grey fantail, red robin, Lyre bird and currawong. The bird life was a bit dissapointing, but it is autumn and the day was cloudy. We also spotted a large bird of preys nest, set in the cliff face.


The Pagoda

The walk has a gentle rise and fall, and its only as you approach the mine and oven that care must be taken. I am always disapointed when National Parks do not maintain tracks. Steel spikes protruded out of the ground where steps once had been, potential hazards to make you trip or worse still to cut your leg on.

The mine shaft

Lunch at the mine and a drink before the climb back out was in order and we vowed that we would come back and explore the mine and the surrounds.

New Family Member

It was with sadness that I bid the Subaru wrx Sti goodbye ( the best car I have ever had) and welcomed this!
"This" is a Mitsubishi Evolution 9.. All wheel drive, fitted with a turbo 2.0 litre engine and six speed gearbox, and a wonderful computer that allows it to be all wheel drive, rear wheel drive, front wheel drive or even just a one wheel drive. This one is fitted with the optional race brakes.. which pull it up on a sixpence.

Its quick. I mean very... make no mistake it can keep up with a Lamborghini . and is a delight to drive.

I shall miss the Subaru. Amazing car, but I am looking forward to getting to know this one... yea, I know......small things amuse... but hey.. I am not shy (smile)