Ascent of Great Gable from Honister 7.5 miles 2860 ft of ascent. Walkers Michael D and Danny K

Having got kitted up by 8 15 at Honister Slate Mine, with the sun not showing itself yet, We set off down the road towards the mine buildings. Danny is busy adjusting the length of his sticks as he walks along, not paying attention to the road ahead, and the sheet of ice across the road, resulting in him crashing down to earth on his back.

Like another member of our meanderthal group, he was saved from serious injury by the cushioning effect of the butty box in his rucksack. The butty box however was totally destroyed.

With no serious damage (except to Danny's pride), We set off on the steep climb up Grey Knott

Looking back to the slate mine.

Towards the top of Grey Knott the sun briefly shows itself, but
moving on, and we are again left in the shade.

Michael onGrey Knott with Fleetwith Pike to the right.

The winter sun is having little effect on the frozen heath.

Our first view of Great Gable looking somewhat diminished from this angle by Green Gable in front of it. If the former was able to give an opinion I'm sure it would object to this picture.

Now that's a bit more like it! Michael on the summit of Green Gable.

Danny on Green Gable.

On top of Great Gable.

Looking westward from the summit, Wastwater the Solway Firth and Galloway in the background.

On the way down, The Mosedale Valley comes into view.

The path down which initially was quite good, reverted to frozen scree, making progress slow. Looking west again, under the small cloud is Dodd, at the end of Crummock water.

We travelled back along a path with the unusual name of Moses Trod. Arriving back at the slate mine, some artistic sculptures provide interest to visitors.

This one is a miniature replica of the little house at Ambleside.
DK

Warton Cragg 4.8 miles. Walkers Anthony, Dave, Jim, Vic and Danny

Our walk began from the small Quarry behind the OSB Brewery.
There was a bit of rain in the air at the start of our walk, but not enough to deter this small group of Meanderthals.

We set off up the track leading uphill out of the car park, with a rocky wall on our right and the woodland on our left.

At the top of the first climb we took the path to the right. The village is just below us.

Our route took us along the outskirts of the wood, that covered the greater part of the cragg

The trees are looking rather bare, but the ground is carpeted in there former livery.

The beacon on top of the cragg.

Having lunch overlooking Morecambe Bay. Trains from Carnforth heading towards the Arnside Viaduct were making regular excursions along the edge of the marsh below us

Lunch over, we head back down to the Occupation Road.

This small tree is trying it's best to draw attention to itself.

At the end of Occupation Road we turned left, braving the traffic on the footpathless Cragg Road.

Back in Warton, we visit the church of St Oswald in which a family tree of George Washington is on display. It was Robert Washington who provided the money for the erection of the tower
In the 15th century.

Dave paying his respects at the war memorial in the churchyard.

The End DK

Caption Pic 30th Nov

"You can get 'high' on this stuff, you know!"
"Canna bi s'illy and ask what this is ?"
"Yes. So long as you don't make a h'Ash of it"
"Just the thing for Christmas ..... I'll not bother with a tree!"
"Christmas ! Is he one of the Tree wise men then 
"All together now kiddies "Tree blind Mike." "
" Look what I've done...... All by myself.
"Looks like he is canvassing for the Green Party!"

Spain for Some.

Meanderthals in Spain

The sun rises on a recent holiday in Spain where those of you who have been following the blog recently will be know  some of the Meanderthals were ..

 These four...…...

Anthony, Danny, John W , Martin

They stayed at the Ifach Hotel in Calpe

We were in the rooms right at. the top of the hotel. Oxygen was available,

Right next to the hotel was a large rock. Well over 1000ft.

Here's John W posing in front of it.
We all walked up at least part of it.

Some days it was sunny and warm.

Some days it was windy and cold.

During our stay entertainment  took many forms . Here is Martin taking part in the "Loud" shirt competition.

Peter, one of our travelling companions is an avid train-spotter.  Not sure about this one though.

On the 30th storey viewing platform of a neighbouring hotel. (JW refused to ascend to such dizzy heights.)

I think the legendary, dreamed of "Castles in Spain" were more sumptuous and magnificent than this one.

Two old "Geezers" plodding down a sunny promenade.

And finally JW stands in front of something even noisier than he is,

Here we see that there are things that make more noise than J W.

Thursday’s pics

A half day visit to to port of Dénia. Time for morning coffee.

Pauline and Anne

One the many super-yachts in the marina.

One of the

Back in Calpe. Looking across the seawater lake to the rock of Ifach.
Our hotel is the tall one to the left of centre.

Another view across the lake. The flamingos are still there in the centre of the picture.

Wednesday’s pics (captions to follow......)