Summer Mountains

Last month Harriet and I finally got round to getting our fix of mountains in the summer.

Just after moving house we took a week's holiday and treated ourselves to visiting the mountains in the Lake District. We started our stay on the shores of Buttermere, and then we went across to the Langdale valley and had a couple of days based in Elterwater.

The weather was as expected in the Lakes, very wet and windy, but as one of our hosts said to us "we wouldn't have these gorgeous lakes if it didn't rain". Sadly no high level walks were possible due to 'extreme wind buffeting', however we squeezed in a few low level walks, and some cycling too. The pink dot on the road in this photo is Harriet making her way up a mountain pass.

In fact we set ourselves some challenges with our cycling, we aimed for a few high mountain passes. Not only to see stunning views, but also to give our thighs a right old work out, and our lungs a serious blow out. At the top of Honister Pass, which is England's fourth steepest mountain pass, it was soo cold we had to pop into the cafe at the Honister Slate Mine. We swigged two hot chocolates each, with marshmallows sprinkled on top, to help us warm up. It was very reminiscent of being in the Alps whilst skiing, and having a hot chocolate when it's freezing outside. Speaking of skiing, guess who has just booked his Channel Tunnel crossing?

I'll be heading across to France on November 18th, with work starting soon afterwards in Tignes on Nov 30th. That means fitness is even more important. This summer for me has been a funny one. I love running and mountain biking, but this year has been affected by an annoying foot injury, which meant careful cycling and no running. With that in mind I joined a gym last month to help with this season's preparation. I haven't been a member of a gym for about eight years, since I passed my Euro Speed Test (giant slalom ski instructors exam). To be honest I've always found them dull as dishwater, but needs must and all that. This morning I woke up with really heavy legs, just like after a day's skiing in deep powder, so I must be doing something right. So off to the gym I'll go again tomorrow, at least these cooler dark mornings are a nice reminder of how close we are to the ski season. YIPPEE.Big news very soon about mh2's website - both Mike and I are very excited about the next few weeks. In the meantime here are a few more photos from our recent holiday in The Lakes. Live with passion everyone.

Martin