Winter Weekend
Christchurch lies at sea level, but sometimes in winter it snows here. It wasn't the nicest day to be out yesterday, but a long walk home was unavoidable when the buses stopped running up the hill where I live. This morning the skies cleared and I could only sigh as I viewed the glistening distant alps on my way to work. 
posted by Kea | 7:39 PM
3 Comments:
Well, isn't it safer to not go climbing hills when they are covered in frozen water?
Doesn't the coefficient of friction between your boot and the hill diminish when the hill is covered in snow? Isn't that likely to make the hill more slippery, and less desirable to climb at such times?
Also, isn't there an increased risk of frostbite, hypothermia, and freezing solid? As a kid, we used to play on frozen ponds and lakes in the winter. Generally, ice would only form in the relatively still water around the edges so there wasn't too much risk of getting totally immersed in freezing water. When occasionally the ice broke, you'd at worst only be up to your knees in freezing water, but it still holds unpleasant memories of long treks home in freezing wet sneakers.
The idea of climbing frozen mountains is not too appealing. However, I've not been to New Zealand and I suppose that nature more charming there even in the snow.
Dear anonymous, the hills around here really are quite tame, and walking up a steep hill keeps me warm even in a freezing gale force wind.
Beautiful photo! It makes one want to visit soon, before the snow melts.
Post a Comment
<< Home