I still think it’s one of the greatest songs ever written. I know there are many people that would disagree, but it always brings a smile to my face and in these most peculiar times what could be better for your sanity. There are also a couple of lines in the song which, particularly resonate.

I mean, what have you got to lose?
You know, you come from nothing
You’re going back to nothing
What have you lost? Nothing

Death has never struck me as something to fear…just something that’s inevitable.

Incidentally this record’s available in the foyer, Some of us got to live, you know.

I do wonder whether this 100 days of captivity has made many people forget how ‘to live’. As the politicians of our four nations jostle for political superiority, instead of working as one. Europe’s borders clamp shut as individual countries unilaterally decide that the European Union is no longer a true union. Again, instead of working as one, to fight this pandemic. Hindsight journalists criticise every decision, constantly aiming for anyone’s throat, that dares to stick their neck out and make a decision…it all becomes just a little wearing and most of all emphasises the imbecilic nature of the individuals involved, although that’s probably not fair on the genuinely stupid!

Fortunately, away from the politicians and hindsight journalists there have been some real positives, all of those that are involved in the NHS, the transport industry, key services and retailer shop workers. Some of them, are badly paid, but have carried on during this pandemic, mostly unseen and always uncomplaining. Neighbours have come together to help neighbours, families have made the effort to talk to each other. Many children have realised that school’s are not such a bad place after all and that the countryside around us is a place to cherish. I hope that the people in Westminster of all political parties, can learn from the vast majority who would like to see us come out of this pandemic as a better and more tolerant unified country and world. Maybe, they’ll be able to ‘look on the bright side of life’ after all!

I didn’t really start this blog to rant, but one of the reasons that I’m sat at my computer, rather than getting ready for another mountaineering trip is because of the pandemic. I’m writing this because on 4th July, James and I should have been on our way to the Alps. To climb an iconic mountain that most people would recognise. It’s the mountain that every child draws, probably, unknowingly and looks the same from nearly every angle…steep and unyielding. Yep, The Matterhorn. It’s been planned since we came back from Mount Blanc in 2018. It’s a mountain that I have considerable respect for, especially the narrow summit ridge. The fear of the summits, apparent knife edge ridge is something that I’m going to have to conquer…I know it’s all in the mind and Like all fear is irrational….I’ll face it and conquer it. The ‘litany against fear’, from the book Dune, springs to mind.

A week before the lockdown I was in Scotland with my usual guide, John Lyall. I was there once again to make an attempt on the An Teallach ridge, this time in true winter conditions. I completed the ridge last year in February, so I can honestly say that I’ve done it in winter. However, the week I was there was one of the warmest weeks in February ever recorded and there was hardly a snowflake to be seen. This year was very different, An Teallach’s majestic ridge was covered in snow and ice, so much snow and ice, in fact, that John decided that the risk of avalanche from the overnight snowfall was too great.

We started up at 3am to catch the sunrise, but the heavy snowfall and the need to break trail meant we took longer to reach the ridge than anticipated, missing the sunrise completely, as it rose on the other side of the ridge. Next time I’ll camp on the ridge that I took the above photograph from to be sure of being there at the right time. The weather was reasonably kind this time and two other mountains I’ve looked at and admired over the years, were conquered! Sullivan, a mountain many dismiss because it’s not high enough to be classed as a Munro, their loss. It’s a beautiful walk with a view from the summit that some would say is unrivaled in Scotland. And listening to John’s tales of his climbing and guiding years, made it all the more enjoyable.

The other, Slioch which, when viewed from certain angles looks like an impenetrable bastion of rock, has been on my list for many years. The weather was, typically Scottish and on the summit I was forced to use map and compass to navigate off. Although not a true ‘whiteout’ it was difficult to disguise between ground and sky and those ‘bastions’ of rock surround the summit on two sides, were a little too close for comfort. A good reminder that map and compass are still required in certain situations.

I look on this postponement as an extra year to train before attempting the Matterhorn next July. In the meantime I’ve asked John if he’ll guide James and me on a two/three day winter climb of the Cullian Ridge on the Isle of Skye, next March. The 12km Cuillin Ridge has been described as the ‘holy grail’ of British scrambling and the ‘jewel in the crown of Scottish Mountaineering’, with the famous Inaccessible Pinnacle. Preparation, as always, is key. Hopefully, it will prove to be good training for the Hörnligrat route up the Matterhorn, later in the year.

Looking out into our back garden at the sign post Carolynn had Uncle Les make for me a couple of years ago for my birthday, with the names and heights of the more notable summits I’ve reached. Daydreaming (something every teacher I’ve ever had, says I’m very good at) of being back in the mountains, watching nature’s light and smiling at its ever changing beauty.

Let’s all be as one.