Safe Return Doubtful

Minus 7 under the clear overnight skies was the precursor to perfect January day. One of the few people I saw, I exchanged a greeting with, and she made the point that it was the best weather of the year. I have to agree.

Our mission was to summit Mount San Giorgio, which may seem insignificant at 1097 metres, but something of a major task for me at the moment, with the left leg doing all the work. It was a 12 kilometre round trip, and with height gained around 700 metres, about on the limit of what I can take on at present.

Roja has no problem uphill, but is much more tentative descending, especially when it’s steep; he has some arthritis too, but it shows later in the evening after an active day, when he gets up. It’s the sign of a well led life I assure him. Unless it causes a limp, I think keeping active helps, though he, like me, will need to spread our bigger days on the hills out a bit more.

We were out for four hours today, ascending through the forest on what seemed a bit of a slog, until getting above 1,000 metres, when the view kicks in. And it really is an impressive one, looking out over Lugano and Maggiore Lakes to the Swiss snow covered Swiss Alps beyond.

Back at the van just before 3 pm, and by now, it’s out of the sun, and already minus 3. An indoor afternoon beckoned, with the return of the European rugby tonight, so plenty of choice.