England Weather

It's snowing!! - and there is an excitement in the air as Britain copes with the toughest winter in living memory for many. It falls silently and caps trees and covers fields. It is deep, and crisp and even ... for a while. Then it turns to slush and is ... um ... slushy.

One learns very quickly to do as the locals do, who say that this is such a rare event over recent years. Walking in white snow is OK, but don't walk on the clear patches if you wish to avoid a fall,and take short steps. Dark patches are OK too, because they have a salty grit to give traction.

Cars slide easily in snowy sidestreets and braking, accelerating and turning are all hazardous. In fact, driving is hazardous.

The news has concentrated on three topics so far this winter:
1. Weather
2. Football
3. The effects of weather on football.

Some matches are cancelled, and the bitterly cold weather prevents players preparing for important games.

The snowfalls have had a significant effect on all of Britain. News stories vary around themes relating to snowfalls.

Engineering - 'dry' snow has stopped the Eurostar in its tunnel.
Geography - snowfalls are described in great detail, as part of a great lesson on the counties and regions of Britain.
Politics - The Tories are blaming Labour for not having sufficient stockpiles of salt to remove the snow. Some things never change!
Human interest - A woman was saved from lying under a blanket of snow by a kind passer-by.
Education - Much discussion abounds on whether or not to close schools and parents worry about students travelling long distances in foul weather, while others lament the lost days.
The Economy - there is lost productivity through workers unable to attend work.
Agriculture - farmers are hand feeding and struggling to get running water to their animals.

But, for we tourists, it is one great adventure with many picture-card photo opportunities.

By the way, the photos are of Cameron and Elise, and our new car ... a Vauxhall Vectra diesel. It will take us afar.