Weather early 2009

[Anthony Darby]

There are no accidents in mountaineering, only mistakes.

David & I were pretty serious mountaineers for years and personally I would say there are accidents and mistakes. The people who were avalanched yesterday on the Buchaille should not, IMHP, have been on the mountain there was a clear warning of a very high risk of avalanche... but at the end of the day it was their choice. However, we have set off in good weather in winter on a mountain to have the temperature suddenly rise by several degrees part way up a route - in those circumstances there is not a lot you can do. David has always said if he had started climbing when he was younger, and living near Sheffield, he would undoubtedly have killed himself!
Now we are older, probably no wiser, but not fit to do some of the things we used to... in fact our interest in the wee small flowers stems from our days on the mountains; needing an excuse to pause for breath I would say what's that flower to David... we got more and more interested and now we walk to be able to see the plants

Heading out on to the mountain even when the risk of avalanche is low is dangerous, as you say, the conditions can change. This is a judgement thing. Buchaile Etive Mor is a magnificent mountain, but, like all mountains, needs to be treated with respect and warnings heeded. It is really sad when fatalities occur.
 
When you ask David "what's that flower?" does he reply "eh?"

[David Shaw]

I 'eard that, pardon

[Anthony Darby]

Crumbs. I can remember that TV programme too!

[Carol Shaw]

When you ask David "what's that flower?" does he reply "eh?"

More like 'what?' Followed by one of the plant book appearing... thankfully he carries the sack for both of us these days

We had a great wee walk this afternoon across the fields around us, only a short bit on the road (at one time walking on our wee lane was safe - not any more to many incomers who do not understand the rules of a single track road). Nothing to look at in the way of plant life but jsut a joy to be out in the open air 

[Maggi Young]

Just reading about ten killed in an avalanche in Turkey and many killed as a result of the storms in France and Spain ......some truly badweather around .... I hope all forumists are safe.

[mark smyth]

Two brothers from County Antrim died in an avalanche in Glen Coe at the weekend

[mark smyth]

Today was a brilliant 'spring' day. In the car and van no heat on and no need for an over coat. 11c and from mid morning all Galanthus and Crocus wide open. No need for windowsill forcing.

[David Shaw]

A great day here, too. Weeding and digging in the garden in shirt sleeves (over a thermal vest!) in the sun. And we have our first Crocus (chrysanthus Romance) out in the open garden. If I didn't know better I would think that winter was over. It is days like this that make the winter feel shorter and should be savoured.

[Tony Willis]

two days on the run with no rain during daylight hours and a bit of sun for a few moments.It has been so exciting but back to normal tomorrow and the rest of the week heavy rain and gales.

[David Nicholson]

Dull, with periods of light drizzle for most of today, until around 1630 (knocking off time!) when the sun came out.

[Maggi Young]

Two brothers from County Antrim died in an avalanche in Glen Coe at the weekend

I saw that they were brothers from Irleand when the names were released of the 3 dead climbers...... horrible coincidence that  they're from near you ....... the third chap was also called Murphy, I think, but he cannot have been related.... bad enough for someone to  have lost two sons at once...

[mark smyth]

One was from Carrickfergus and one from Portrush

[mark smyth]

not weather but it's 16.10 and the sun is still sunny outside who-hoo. We have gained almost an hour since December 21st.  My greenhouse now gets an hour of sun from 3pm.

[art600]

Have you seen what is in store for next week? 

[mark smyth]

Not yet. What is about to hit us?