We are finally coming to the end of the longest coldest spell in spring on record! We have had night temperatures down to -3C and day temperatures struggle to get to over 5 C. This has gone on for weeks. The river is very low and the growth in the garden non-existent. Its all about to change tonight – strange we welcome the wet south westerly winds!

We were 25 years married this week – and did what people always do when they reach such a milestone – they take time out and have a nice easy time – no? Instead we climbed Carrantoohill. it was my second time but a first for Deirdre.

There was a lot of ice and some snow and despite the clear skies not too many climbers. We ascended through O’Shea’s gully and returned through the ‘Heavenly Gates’ – a good achievement in our books!