Archie Vizsla R.I.P.

We had desperately sad news today that our dear friend Archie Vizsla has passed away. Archie and his "brother" Walter were some of the first dogs we got to know after Tussock came to us. Gone now,  but not forgotten. We'll be thinking about you old fella next time we are out and about on the moor

Sunday night run out

We left my car in Ilkley last night after beer in the Flying Duck and (excellent) food in the Thailand restaurant across the road. Tonight we ran over to fetch it and thankfully remembered both the car key and the key for the house

We dropped in town on a track I'd never even noticed never mind ran before. It took us into Middleton village, where the bluebells are coming out in the woods. More local exploration needed me thinks

Wintery walk on the Dales Way

Sam and I took Tussock out for a walk on the Dales Way to Ilkley this morning. We'd been to the Agraah and Flying Duck last night and I left my car in town. It was cold with the odd snow flurry but we all enjoyed the walking. There were some good birds around including heron and goosander on the river, and good numbers of goldfinch and redwing in the fields. We also spotted little owl apparently being mobbed by a blackbird. I think they are very territorial so it'll be worthwhile looking out again next time we're in that area

Jack Bloor fell race

It was the Jack Bloor fell race on Tuesday night. Conditions were about perfect for running again (apart from the wretched midges) and Stef was nearly five minutes faster than last year! I had Martyn just behind me for most of the race and a woman from Ilkley just head showing us some very nice lines across the moor including an alternative descent to the very wet rushy area. Results are here and some photos from Paul Wood here It was good to see Yiannis over for the evening (and a recce earlier in the day) and Phil Jones back on the hill after his appendix operation 

Ilkley Moor Vaults

A new pub for us last night (both for the club on a Wednesday night and also me): Ilkley Moor Vaults Our run was a bit different too because we went along the river for a while back towards Addingham then climbed up towards the Beacon along some really nice paths and tracks before descending past the Calvary through Middleton Woods and back along a short section of the river. It was very warm still after a broiling hot day and we all sat outside at the pub, which was okay but not brilliant. I still reckon Bar T'at takes some beating if you're in Ilkley