Eight Ibexers arrived in Ribblehead ready for a cold weekend and a woodburning stove at Gauber bunkhouse. Anyone who made it before dark could see snow-covered Pen-y-Ghent reflecting pink in the setting sun. After supper at the Station Inn we walked back under a starry clear sky and almost full moon.
On Saturday Yvonne led us, most shod with microspikes, past the iconic viaduct and up Whernside through powdery snow, in places knee-deep, in the crisp cold air under bright sun and blue skies. The uphill was strenuous enough to keep us warm, but lunch at the trig point was just a quick pit stop for refuelling before moving off again downhill back to the viaduct. Definitely a QMD. At the bunkhouse we warmed ourselves in front of the stove, skilfully managed by Ann, before devouring Julie’s spinach and ricotta starter, Catriona’s leek, cheese and potato pie, and Judith’s legendary chocolate brownie dessert.
Sunday was mistier and hovering just above freezing. Jo-Lorraine, Ann and Julie headed off in the morning for the long drive back, and the remaining five, led by Cathy, took a lowland five-mile route through the dampening snow before catching the train back in the early afternoon.
A perfect Ibex weekend – the pictures say it better. Thanks to Yvonne and Cathy for the walks; to Catriona, Julie and Judith for the supper; to the bunkhouse for a warm and comfortable place to stay; and to whoever was in charge of the weather.
Maggie
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