Well, Sheffield finally brought the snow that I’ve missed for over two years now, and what a sudden downfall it was. From a lovely sunny day to 3 inches of snow in just 10 hours. Obviously, I got the big things out the way quick – throwing snowballs and building a snowman, then a more leisurely hike through Rivelin Valley on Sunday afternoon. With my slippy slidey shoes, I had all the sure-footedness of a newly-born giraffe, sliding up the hills, then skating down the other side on my ski-like shoes. Eventually, I figured that the best way of doing it was to stay low, and just allow myself to zoom down the sides of the hills – it was a little unnerving when I had the river beside me though!
I learnt a little of Sheffield’s milling history, their corn grinding and wheel turning, and walked past plenty of other walkers who were far better prepared than I was. By the time I reached Morrisons, I had to take a break to buy a blister plaster for my increasingly fally-apart heel. My casual shoes are certainly not walkers – I would have done better in football boots! From studying the footprints everyone was so kindly leaving, my favourite was definitely the person who had seemingly tied chains round their shoes for grip.
My battery made a bit of a bid for freedom at this point, before deciding it was far too cold to work anyway, so I got a few funny looks from passers by as I breathed on my camera to coerce it into taking a few snaps. Thankfully there was no-one watching me make my snow angel (coincidentally, just down the path from a FOUR star public toilet, honoured in the 2009 UK Public Toilet Awards).
The walk into university is remaining treacherous, I managed to slide down to lectures in just three minutes this morning, but it did take me 4 hours and 3 pick axes to get back home. At least it’s starting to show signs of clearing. Disappointingly though, Sammy the Snowman hasn’t lasted long either.
Enjoy it while it lasts, my best pics are here.
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2 comments
dad says:
February 8, 2012 at 2:45 am (UTC 10 )
This is a very happy blog and you do make us laugh with these observations such as 4 star toilets and snow angels.
My Saturday night in Sheffield was also very giraffe like and your blog has failed to explain that it was me you were throwing snowballs at! it does not take much to knock me over with my slippy boots.
Loved the photos and I must get some chains for my feet, you do seem to be high up on the hills of the Peak District.
Did not see you stood beside Sammy the snowman at first, you are kind of hidden in the dark.
Beware the local cats/dogs, you know how cat/dog-law works and I think some cats and dogs may own that snowman now.
Thanks for the laffs.
mam says:
February 8, 2012 at 4:56 am (UTC 10 )
Excellent pics in the snow. I really love Sammy the snowman. Shame he didnt last long
Enjoyed a fab weekend in Sheffield in the snow. Made for an interesting taxi ride, slipping and sliding on the hills and the views from our hotel are a winter wonderland.
I’m off to get some chains for dad’s shoes now as keeping him upright on Saturday was a challenge, to say the least.