We should have taken crampons

Gavin let me know last night that Lynne’s op had gone to plan and she was in ICU on a ventilator last night. This morning she was off the ventilator and awake though feeling nauseous. It’s such a relief.

It was a beautiful day so we decided to do the South Middleton round after Mr C had picked up the pheasants etc. They were frozen solid so I hope it all thaws out by tomorrow when we have our belated family Christmas at Whitley Bay.

We didn’t set off walking till 11.30 but it was a bright day. However once we got higher into the Cheviots we found that under the thin layer of snow on the track was sheet ice. That’s not so bad on the steep uphill but going down was difficult. After berating Mr C for needing physio after skiing I didn’t want either of us falling down and having to cancel another trip. We should have thought to take the crampons. It was great to get out and I did over 17,500 steps (some were tooty wee steps due to the ice!) and 7.5 miles.

We feel weary but pleased we went out. Now I have to wrap presents for tomorrow and prep food. But first - a hot scented bath with my book.