We have now had a total thaw after a month of ice and snow. We have been virtually hibernating, going out only when necessary. However, we did go out to Keswick last Saturday, to see the unusual phenomenon of Derwentwater frozen over completely. It was like a scene painted by Breughel. The ice was solid and clearly many inches thick, and was able to support dozens of people, walking, sliding and even cycling. It was such a joy to see so much innocent fun, and so many adults recalling their childhood. As for the kids- it was as if all their birthdays and Christmases had come at once.
Where there was a rift and a thin place in the ice, between the shore and Belle Isle, everybody stopped, assessed and went a different way round or turned back. We had intended to walk all the way to Friar's Crag on the ice, but this stopped us.
We have got unused to using our initiative and judgment these days: rarely are we faced with situations of personal danger in our absurdly risk-averse and litigious society. It was heart-warming to have proved what I have always believed: that most people are mature and sensible enough to conduct their own lives reasonably, and we do not need the infantilizing rules, notices and warnings that plague our society.
What did next day's newspapers bleat on about? You've gussed it- how irresponsible it was for people to endanger their lives by walking on the frozen lake!
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