• Sunset Hike 30th Mar 2011

  On Monday evening there we were, on top of a fell, gazing down on the town of  Keswick, Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake and sipping champagne. Not bad for a Monday.

  But when one of your pals turns 50, what better way to celebrate?

  

  Jude and Harry

  To mark Jude’s big day, Nicky, Kiah (our daughter) and I joined the happy throng of 40 friends on an evening jaunt up Catbells, a popular fell just down the road from Millican HQ. Jude is one of Nicky’s great friends and the better half of Harry (of Gladstone bag fame).

  We’ve spent many a romp out on the fells with the family and a pile of dogs in tow, so it was extremely fitting to sing that famous tribute at the summit and chomp homemade cake (thanks Jude).

  And just a day after the official start of British Summertime was the perfect start to “getting out there” more often.

  

  Jude and friends with view over Derwent Water

  The extra hour of sunlight made all the difference, as we watched the sun disappear behind the Western felltops, shadowing Newlands Valley. We sauntered back in the dusk light for homemade sandwiches and cumberland sausage back at base camp.

  

  A few beers in The George topped off a great evening, with all the kids in bed. A select few managed to extend the celebrations with a gathering in the snug. Jude was enjoying some Dutch courage before her tandem jump of Jenkin’s Hill the following day with local paragliding God – Jockey Sanderson. Weather stopped play unfortunately, but it’s going to happen soon, ticking another box on Jude’s ”Must Do This Year” list.

  Funny how we so rarely decide to grab the last few hours of the day and go out for a hike. Yet, its got to be the best way to clear the cobwebs of the day, see the bigger picture (literally) and collapse in bed with a certain degree of self-satisfaction of a day well lived.

  

  Here’s to many more, with summer round the corner – and who needs a birthday to be out with your friends?

  Thanks again Jude.

  PS: What are we doing for Harry’s 50th?
  By Jorrit
  
  

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