At peace

Thank you for all the kindness shown to yesterday's moment.

With the best weather forecast in a long time I knew I had to be out today. I thought I had a plan, but I guess my subconscious had things it's wanted to say...
Last night I packed for Helvellyn, but kissing Mrs IttH goodbye before it was light I heard a voice remarkably like mine say "I'm going to Pinnacle Ridge" - I was smiling wistfully by the time the van had defrosted.

It's not a big day, but it is a hard day, one I've tested myself on many times - one I seem to return to when I need. I was both pleased and disappointed to see people ahead of me, but I'd overtaken them by the time the climb up the zigzags was finished - this is a notorious route to find the start of- so my familiarity worked to both our favours. I didn't really drop any pace when I hit the climb - its one of the few things that doesn't hurt nowadays, so I was simply pleased to slip into a more vertical plane, as ever grateful to feel a connection with the rock.
But my subconscious hadn't finished yet, cresting the pinnacles I found myself tucked into a little hollow in the cliff opposite, flask and snack to hand, a smile of recognition dawning. Long term followers may recognise this vista, it was here that I climbed to when Mum passed, and it was here today that I made my own peace with dear Little Old Lady's departure.

So...
Following on from the success of Philosophy Friday (as many as 5 blippers may have taken part) I'm launching my own...
Top Tips Tuesday
Crossing from St Sunday Crag to Dollywagon today the wind was bitter and gusting to around 30mph. I find when I'm instructing that many novices struggle to interpret wind information. They forget about wind sheer, venturi or route choice, they don't overlay that aspect of the forecast onto their plan.
So I have a simple system to share. But for it to work you have to understand that Mountaineering is the most honest of endeavours, machismo, bravado and dishonesty simply won't work - you must be true to yourself...
So how does the wind affect you walking in the hills? Think of it like pints - 1 pint for every 10mph;
1 will have little effect, heck it will be quite refreshing.
3 will be OK - but now you'll need to pay attention, watch where you're going.
5 and it'll take some effort not to fall over, you'll have moments when you seem ok, but...
7 will reduce you to crawling, it'll be difficult to make yourself understood.
Any more? Well you might as well just lie down and let the world spin around you, all hope is lost until another day.

Extras;
One of the team behind me reaching the last of the pinnacles, for scale.
There's beauty to be found in the little and the large world.