Kinder

As we usually do, we go to Upper Booth for one of the practice weekends. The campsite there is great, and there is easy access onto Kinder Scout. Like last weekend, this one wasn't without it's dramas - several students missed the train. They waited for the next one, which then broke down!

This year, we decided to introduce some training on the practices, so instead of the groups walking a long way, we tested their navigation and 1st aid skills. And, surprisingly, they were all brilliant! Maybe there is hope after all :)

Bleaklow

It's that time of year again....I'm out supervising D of E groups on practice expeditions. This weekend the groups were up on Kinder/Bleaklow, and the first group I went to see were walking across Bleaklow from Alport Castles. They were late, but turned up okay (one lad was missing the sole of a shoe, and another lost his sleeping bag!). The second group, that I shouldn't have had anything to do with, phoned up to say that they had a medical issue, and the third group where nowhere to be found! They did eventually turn up, having had a really tough day. It was cold, very cold.

Today was better - two groups made it to the end okay. The other one had more medical issues, but finally got to the bus stop just in time! And to think, this is supposed to be fun!

Zell am See......again!

I'm getting to know Zell quite well now!

You never know quite what snow conditions are going to be like later on in the season, but we couldn't have asked for better. It just kept snowing! I'd originally gone for a week, but decided that I couldn't go home and leave snow like that, so I booked myself into a B&B, sorted out a flight, and stayed an extra 5 days.

The best thing about skiing at this time of year, is that the clocks have changed, giving you some light into the evening. I'd always fancied walking round the lake, so gave it a go one evening - it took about 3 hours, but that was at a fairly leisurely pace.

I'd skied in Zell a number of times, but never skied Kaprun Maiskogel, so I made that one of my aims. I think I was the only person out skiing, as I can't recall seeing more than 3 other people all day. A nice little area that I hope to get to return to at some point.