Following the theme of playing more than working at the moment, it wasn't a hard decision to plan a quick trip over to the Lakes to enjoy the ever improving ice conditions with this lovely cold spell we're experiencing. However, the problem was getting there due to the A66 being closed. My partner for the day was Tom who lives in Sunderland this meant I had to pick him up on the way and then use the A69 to get across the country. Four hours after I left the house (5.30am) we arrived in the Lakes to the most spectacular view of Blencathra. Our route choice today was Trough Gully on Carrock Fell. This route comes in when the temps drop. The short walk up the hill was welcomed and it wasn't long before I was scratching around looking for a suitable belay. . Apart from some ignorant sod who barged his way through, the route went without incident. Our timing was perfect as the last few people came through the gully, this then allowed us the opportunity to abseil back down the route. Tom having seconded the route was already set to be lowered down...When I abseiled down to him he had stopped at the first ice buldge which we had belayed off earlier...Above this belay an icicle had formed but looked a little thin. I told Tom I had looked at this as a possible route when we came through earlier....it wasn't long before I found myself committed well above the belay! The route (described in the other blog above) was quite exciting due to the nature of the ice found enroute...some strange hollow sounds didn't add to the already wavering nerve. After getting two screws in I felt more confident but this soon went as I entered the over hanging heather tussock section....Very Scary! What a relief to reach the dead tree belay! Tom having broken his ankle only 12 weeks ago was not feeling as strong as he should and it wasn't long before his disco leg (due to weak muscles/tendonds had him asking to be lowered off (shame). Unaware of his audience Tom found out later that one of them was no other than the world famous Doug Scott...oh we laughed! hahahaha. A beautiful sunset finished of a fantastic day. Thanks for your support Tom :-)