Fierce winds which gust and swirl propel the rain,
now driving hard and straight across the ridge,
reducing visibility to nil.
Then clouds break up and sunshine flickers through
revealing unexpected beauty near.
Galena sparkles from volcanic rock,
ring ouzels flash their chalky coloured breasts.
Waves dance across Ullswater's distant lake.
Red Tarn, below, is host to schelly fish,
competing with brown trout for surface prey.
The plateau at the top reflects the shafts
of golden light which animate its pools
containing sticky mud and recent rain.
To either side a sheer arete extends
seducing those who seek to leave their mark.
If Swirral Edge be shorter it beguiles,
encompassing so many tricks and traps.
But seasoned walkers turn the other way,
confronting Striding Edge which lures them in,
defying Death Who wields His silver scythe.
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Author Notes
Helvellyn: the third highest peak in the UK*s Lake District.
Galena: an ore of lead to be found in Helvellyn*s volcanic rock.
Ring ouzel: a bird commonly encountered on Helvellyn.
Schelly fish: a rare white fish sharing the magical habitat of Red Tarn with the more populous brown trout.
Arete: a mountaineer*s name for ridge.
Two aretes extend to either side of Helvellyn*s summit plateau; the shorter, but still very trappy, Swirral Edge is rejected by many climbers who choose to pit their skills, and their luck, against the legendary Striding Edge, the demands of which have claimed many lives over many years. (I*ve done it twice, and, with the Good Lord*s indulgence, have lived to tell the tale.)
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