Weasdale Horseshoe

YC ran the Weasdale Horseshoe yesterday.  This 8.5 mile fell race is in the Howgills near Kirkby Stephen.  It's a beautiful grassy route that heads over the tops of Hooksey, Randy Gill Top and Green Bell, and packs in 2,000 ft of climbing.  The forecast rain did not arrive, and conditions were good with just a small amount of cloud on the tops.  YC made it round in 1 hour 14 mins to finish 17th out of 55 runners, and felt strong throughout.  He is clearly improving under the good influence of his new training coach (Mrs OC).

up the hill on the right, down the hill on the left....

a number to please all fans of Stella Genesta

Taxi to Poland, via The Broads!

YC has been sailing with Chris & Toby Smith on the fine craft Stella Genesta.   On a 3 day visit, they sailed around Oulton Broad and had a trip to Burgh St Peter.  Much fun was had by all, with Toby even finding time to fall in from the pontoons in Somerleyton marina once the boat was safely moored.    Here's a picture of Toby at the helm sailing down Oulton Dyke.

Over in Poland, James & co have been on a river taxi on the Wisla river.  Health and safety hasn't made it over there yet, so the children were let loose behind the wheel.  Here's Matthew charge taking charge.

wedding news

Are readers sitting down?  Because if they haven't heard the news, they had better be.

Your Correspondent is getting married.  He popped the question to Mrs OC (Emma B)  on holiday on the Isle of Man.  He is delighted to report that she said yes.  YC is moving to Durham to live with Emma.   The plan is for a small church wedding in the autumn.  As more than one reader has commented - how life changes in a short space of time.

Here's a photo of Emma on the Isle of Man, plus a photo from Finbarrs restaurant where we went out for a celebratory meal with Emma's son Cameron.

a priesting and a fellrace (not at the same time)

Congratulations to Emma Duff who was ordained a priest on Sunday at Newcastle Cathedral.  She was supported by folk from her parish of Willington plus family and friends from Holy Saviour's. Afterwards there was a jolly lunch at The Church of The Good Shepherd, Battle Hill.  Emma is pictured below with her parish priest Sue, with a gift of a communion set.  Also shown are some of the supporting cast, including Euan inconspicuously dressed in his diocesan chancellor robes.  Photos courtesy of Mrs OC.

In other news, YC ran the Chevy Chase on Saturday, and was delighted to finish 4th.  Some fitness courtesy of Mrs OC helped, as did many of the competitors getting lost in the mist.  YC had his tea afterwards, followed by a pleasant stroll on the beach with Mrs OC.  And when you've had your tea...

Scott Gibson Bob Graham Round success

Congratulations to Scott Gibson who successfully completed the Bob Graham Round on Saturday in the fantastic time of 19 hours and 25 minutes.  This epic 42 peak challenge starts and finishes at The Moot Hall in Keswick.   In between there is the minor matter of the equivalent of 2.5 marathons with an ascent of Mount Everest thrown in for good measure.    The round has to be completed in less than 24 hours.

Scott was blessed with good weather all day, with only a small amount of clag on leg 4. Your Correspondent, Phil Green & Paul Hainsworth supported Scott on leg 1, with a 4 am departure over Skiddaw, Great Calva and Blencathra.  After that NFR & friends plus Scott's family saw him round the next 4 legs in fine style.  There was no slacking at the end: NFR ladies Steph & Katherine cranked out the 7 minute miles on the road to push him under the 19:30 mark.  It all ended in celebratory style at 2325 in Keswick Market Place.  A grand day all round!

more photos here

Scott leads the way descending Great Calva

Scott & Sarah at the finish

fellrunning, with a catchy tune to keep you going

YC took advantage of a cool clear day in the Lakes to recce leg 1 of the Bob Graham Round.  This heads over Skiddaw, Great Calva, and Blencathra.   As an added bonus, he climbed Lonscale Fell (see photo below) via the NW ridge, disturbing a peregrine falcon in the process.   Running into Threlkeld at the end, he passed a garage decked out with a model railway.   Check it out below all you model railway enthusiasts.

On Sunday, Mr & Mrs OC attended mass at St Cuthbert's, Durham where they learned a new song - Bring Forth the Kingdom.  Check it out - it's a cracker.

Old County Tops 2015

It's been a while, but Old Cheviot finally felt fit enough to tackle this epic fellrace again.   It's a mere 37 miles, and takes in the high points of the old counties of Westmorland (Helvellyn), Cumberland (Scafell Pike), and Lancashire (Coniston Old Man).  OC ran round with Mrs OC who took all the climbing firmly in her stride, encouraging OC with offers of pints of Sam Smiths OBB.  The encouragement duly worked, and we finished in 9 hours 22 minutes before heading back to The Coplitts Hotel for a couple of pints of the necessary.

Here are some photos taken at the finish in Great Langdale, plus the newly acquired designer T-shirt.

Just a couple of miles to go.  Photo from Kevin Bray