Diamond encrusted Valentine walk

This ranks amongst one of the most spectacular and extraordinary winter days we've had. We have said that a few times, it's true, but at only an hour's drive from home and about an hour and a half walk uphill, it was a complete surprise to discover this ice fest, particularly with everything melting rapidly below. It felt like the aftermath of what I'd imagine an American ice storm to be like.

We drove to Kettlewell quite surprised at the lack of snow and with me concerned there would be just a few patches left at the top. Needn't have worried!

We walked a circular route of Great Whernside today. Expecting the wind to be ferocious on top, we had a plan of action for either retracing our steps or traversing lower down but, surprisingly, the top was less windy than half way up.

After walking about a kilometre with these snow and ice formations (check out the kilometre of fence that looked like this... extras), we descended into sunshine and traversed around to walk down the long track to Kettlewell.

A wonderful lady I once worked with could never understand why diamonds were never on my list of nice to haves. To me, to Rich, to Little Dog, outings where the world is topped with crusted diamonds are the true nice to haves.

We all loved today. We thought about how lucky we are. And we thought about when times are tough, these are the kinds of days we'll draw on.

(Can't resist extras today - from a distance we thought it was a new concrete wall!)