New Year's Eve 2001
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New Year's Eve 2001

What must class as one of our best New Year's Eve days ever . . . . .

An early start, a late finish, great weather,

a planned objective finally achieved - Wainwright's 214 Fells climbed - for both of us.

The day included excitement, drama, international goodwill,

several bottles of bubbly, fireworks to end,

and all in the company of good friends.

An early start was called for. Up before sunrise ( 8am - wow! ) and before the beautiful moon, seen here from our Oak Cottage bedroom, set behind the woods of Low Fell, .

A frosty drive over Whinlatter gave us a panoramic view of the day ahead. Lonscale is on the extreme right and Little Man just right of centre.

The team met up at Latrigg Car Park 10.30 am. (left to right . . .)

Ann &, Andrew (Leaney), Roger, Ann, Ann (Bowker), Hilton (Quigley).

The ascent of Lonscale was steeper than we thought . . . . .

but the views were worth it.

(Here looking east over the Glenderaterra valley and the back of Blencathra)

The penultimate summit Lonscale Fell (No.213)

Time to wrap up, due to the strong breeze.

The views from here were exceptional.

Below us was Derwent Water, compete with patches of surface ice.

Then a ridge walk towards Skiddaw.

Showing great self restraint, and helped by the consistent weather, we decided to delay our ascent of Little Man, by first climbing the summit of Skiddaw itself.

The top was almost a continuous stream of people, all with one aim in mind, to enjoy the unique winter conditions.

Everyman and his dog was there . . . .

to enjoy the panorama of the Lakes, Scotland, and behind us the Pennines.

From here it was plain sailing across to Little Man summit (No.214)

Here we found fame, photos and a bottle of bubbly - already on ice ! ! !

This completed our final ascents of Wainwright's 214 fells of the Lake District.

. .

Time for both of us to celebrate the event, in the traditional manner,

with real bubbles, in real glasses.

Lunch was delayed however, till a quieter spot was found below the summit of Lesser Man, overlooking the Blencathra ridge.

Homeward bound, about 3.30 pm in the late afternoon sun.

The dogs had been great company, and coped well with the conditions, apart from clearing packed snow from between their pads on one or two occasions.

Here Layla enjoying the sun. At twelve years old, Little Man was her 208th Wainwright.

Sunset over the Western Fells, even the clouds had a golden lining.

Later we adjourned to the Kirkstile Pub in Loweswater, for a New Years Eve Buffet, with Champagne and fireworks to round the evening off in style.

. .

 

Then it was back to the cottage, having seen the moon both set and rise again on the same day . . . . .

New Year's Eve 2001

Many thanks to our friends, including Liz and John (above) who joined us for the evening celebrations, and to Ann and Andrew, who also offered some of their pictures for this page.

 Ann Bowker Mad about Mountains

Andrew Leaney

 The Kirkstile Loweswater, Cumbria.

 

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