From Stickle Tarn

This winter has been a disappointment. I should not complain. My home is not under water after all. But as for snow, and those winter high pressure systems giving cold, crisp days in the hills. Well, they have been conspicuous by their absence. I took the opportunity today for a quick dash up Stickle ghyll (well, as quick as I can now dash with a 13-month-old on my back). Beautiful, though the hills are largely shades of dun - even the highest tops are only patchily white. The slushy snow lying around Stickle Tarn sitting on soggy unfrozen ground.
Still, the freedom of the hills - that I have been missing badly this winter - was around me. This image, though unremarkable, says something to me about that feeling today at the drawing in of the afternoon, with a decided feel of a new year in the air.