It's When You Switch to Crampons...

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Stephen Whiteside
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It's When You Switch to Crampons...

Post by Stephen Whiteside » Thu Aug 16, 2018 7:21 pm

It’s When You Switch to Crampons…

Oh, it’s wicked in the mountains when the winter’s at its height;
When the gales sweep the ridges with their fury and their might;
When the snow is deep and ruthless, and the wind chill’s off the chart,
But it’s when you switch to crampons that the troubles really start.

Oh, the track is quite relentless. It’s a soul-destroying grind,
And the fog is thick and soupy, so you might as well be blind.
There’s scarce an opportunity to pause and take a rest,
But it’s when you switch to crampons that you face the greatest test.

Oh, the skiing’s never easy with a pack upon your back,
And the mountain won’t submit, no matter how strong your attack.
You might believe this journey brings the greatest challenge yet,
But it’s when you switch to crampons that you really start to sweat.

It’s when you switch to crampons that you must remove your skis.
Just make sure that they’re not stolen by the bracing alpine breeze.
Next remove your mittens and, likewise, protect them well,
For frozen thumbs and fingers is a slow drop into hell.
Next attach your crampons (if your fingers still have strength),
Noting tension at the buckles, and the straps at proper length.
Now lastly, put your mittens on once more, and grab your pack.
Adjust the chest and waist straps so it’s snug upon your back.
Now gently rest your skis upon your shoulders. You are done,
And ready for that slope of ice, the final piece of fun.
The worst is now behind you. It’s a piece of cake from here.
It’s when you switch to crampons that you feel the greatest fear!

© Stephen Whiteside 14.08.2018
Stephen Whiteside, Australian Poet and Writer
http://www.stephenwhiteside.com.au

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Shelley Hansen
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Location: Maryborough, Queensland
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Re: It's When You Switch to Crampons...

Post by Shelley Hansen » Sat Aug 18, 2018 11:46 am

Remind me never to switch to crampons!!!

I thought these lines especially painted the wintry picture very well ...
When the gales sweep the ridges with their fury and their might;
When the snow is deep and ruthless, and the wind chill’s off the chart,
Makes me kinda glad I'm in Queensland!!

Cheers
Shelley
Shelley Hansen
Lady of Lines
http://www.shelleyhansen.com

"Look fer yer profits in the 'earts o' friends,
fer 'atin' never paid no dividends."
(CJ Dennis "The Mooch o' Life")

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Stephen Whiteside
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Re: It's When You Switch to Crampons...

Post by Stephen Whiteside » Sat Aug 18, 2018 2:56 pm

Well, Shelley, you might be even worse off if you don't!
Stephen Whiteside, Australian Poet and Writer
http://www.stephenwhiteside.com.au

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