Pike UTUP

Todays UTUP was attended by TF & NLN both with their O'Rocs expecting the worse.  Also in attendance EtU with the same intention as myself; to recce the conditions underfoot for the descent from the Pike.
NLN decided to take us via the picturesque waterfall on our way through the Gardens for a few piccys, where EtU's and my footwear proved to be somewhat lacking for the conditions. I must admit the waterfall did look rather nice but EtU felt it could have benefitted from the presence of more diverse flora.
At the top of the Pike it was a wee bit nippy but the views still look glorious.  The route down off the Pike seemed perfect even for a poor descender like me. Once on Georges Lane the rest of the route down looked as clear except for the accumulation of snow by the farm drive.  So trail shoes were to be the choice for this event!  EtU's instruction for those taking part on the Pike race was initially very confusing "take your time at the top", which I like others took to mean slow down, probably to allow him to catch up!  What he meant was record your time at the top as well as the finish for comparison purposes, which became clearer later in the day.
A unanimous decision had us heading back along Georges Lane towards the Dove Tower with the eventual target of viewing the drifts on Sheep House lane.  A pleasant interception was made with Colin on one of his 'Come back' outings with a promise of joining us in the not too distant future.
Once on Rivington Lane the toughies (TF & NLN) turned and headed for the trig, whereas EtU and myself in a bid to conserve energy for the Pike race later in the day, plodded off down to Sheep House Lane.  Initially disappointed to find the road had been cleared we found it still to be covered in deep drifts further down.  The photos do not do the scene justice as it is something I have not experienced in this country.
EtU will probably do a Pike report later.

KLM

EtU as Height guage

Further down Sheep House Lane

EtU refusing to move!

Even further down the Lane