Snake County

A few days of sunshine and the County is alive with Adders again. There was a squashed one on the road at Langlee Ford as I headed for a beasting up Cheviot and Andy was attacked by one earlier today. It heard his mountain bike approaching and reared up to strike! Only a quick thinking swerve saved him from being bitten on the ankle - although they do have very small mouths so maybe the threat wasn't that big. But these adders look fierce!

My training is still on track - despite real dangers in those hills. The Cheviot is now much drier - only ankle deep bog. I was going to take a picture of the squashed adder but my batteries ran out - instead this is the descent off Cheviot.

Sun, Cycling and Sore Bums

Hurray for some sun! I discovered the cycle trails at Kielder Water on the bank holiday - fantastic place. I cycled with Andy and Conrad along the Lakeside Way. Described as flat! the hills were quite a challenge for a novice 7 year old cyclist and I could barely watch as Conrad negotiated the descents - 'don't forget your brakes!'. Still no long term injuries (apart from a sore bum) and Andy has already been back to try out the Dead Water red route (wicked). As a complete scaredy cat when it comes to the downhills I shall psyche myself up to try a blue trail sometime.

When will it stop raining?

Such a wet day here I have added a sunny picture as the header to remind you what the weather should be like at the moment. This is the Dove Holes - my favourite local spot and the climber is Audrey Seguy. This picture has been used in the new Northumberland Bouldering Guide Book which should be out soon.


Here's another pic taken at Bowden

Fontainebleau Magic

Fontainebleau is such a magical place and my favourite location to relax, chill out and concentrate on climbing. Last week I just got back from a two week trip - fresh and invigorated and full of plans to get fit again after climbing and running in the forest. This is Conrad vs a yellow problem in the enchanted forest.

First Fell race of the Year

Yesterday I took part in my first fell race of the year - a quick dash to the Cheviot summit and back. I had forgotten how much fun fell races can be. There was good quality mud to wade through on the ridge and with great cunning I managed to overtake two runners on the descent when they went the wrong way. I could have called them back a little louder - but hey its a race.

My new year's resolution was to get fit again but all great plans have their set backs and I have only just started training. I now have about 10 weeks to get fit for the Chevy Chase - a tough 20 mile local race here in Northumberland. Last year I ran the race without training - it seemed to go OK but the next day I could barely walk. I want to do the race again this year but with less pain - hence the plan to get fit. Watch this space!?!!

This is the winner Veronique Oldham