carpe diem

One of the joys of fell running, is that it works whatever the weather. No obsessing over whether the crags are dry, what condition the ice is in, no tidal planning or concern about rising winds. But still, having spent half a lifetime planning trips with all these things front of mind, it’s hard to shake the mindset. And when conditions are good, whatever the plan, there’s no denying the urge to go…carpe diem & all that.

It worked out pretty well for a one-day winter in Wasdale a few years back.

In fact we got it all: no wind, virgin snow, good névé, dry rock, blue skies and before the end, the alpenglow through which we returned to the darkening world below.

Approaching via Yewbarrow…

…to find an alternative line on Red Pike…

…before the arete on Steeple, possibly my favourite of all the Lakeland fells.

And last light on The Pikes.