YC spent New Years Eve in Keswick with friends. As it was NYE, YC deemed it appropriate to see in 2012 with the odd half of beer (how unusual! he hears readers cry). On New Years Day he dispelled any lingering 2011 hangover with the Nine Standards Fell Race. This 8 miler is an out and back route to Nine Standards Rigg from Kirkby Stephen. A torrential downpour passed over an hour before the start, and the race was run in good conditions - if very wet underfoot. It was an enjoyable blast which took YC 1 hours 8 mins. He finished in his customary place about one third of the way down the field. And of course after the race, YC first had his tea...
left - on the way up
right - and on the way down
photos thanks to Stu Stoddart
The next day YC climbed Catbells with the New Years Eve revellers. He then extended the walk with Coz Cummins to take in High Spy, Dale Head, and Hindscarth. It was distinctly chilly on the tops with a dusting of snow/hail, but the views were stunning.
left - Kelvin and Lorna prepare to tackle the North Face of The Eiger/Catbells
right - Coz on Dale Head
And finally, here is a joke for readers to chortle in the New Year, courtesy of Kelvin:
Qu - why did the scarecrow win an award?
Ans - because he was the best in his field.
