The big freeze has finally loosened its grip this morning and most of the snow and ice that's hung around for the past fortnight has gone.  It will take a while for the Tarn to thaw completely and working up there this morning I saw little open water.
The swans are mooching about on the ice and providing moments which really should be caught on camera.  I threw some bread out for them yesterday across the ice.  This prompted the usual mad dash with wings and legs flailing.  It wasn't until they got to the bread that they both discovered that their brakes don't work on ice and I was treated to an impromptu display of formation ice skating as both birds sailed merrily across the icy surface of the Tarn on their feet.  They returned a lot slower looking a tad sheepish.

Friday evening found me amongst splendid company as a guest of the Settle Anglers at their annual club dinner.  This was hugely enjoyable with great company, excellent food, a very good speaker and much stimulating crack.  It was nice to meet some old contacts and to make some new ones including Phil who will be supplying our Tarn rainbows this year.  I am deeply indebted to Mike H for inviting me.

The hut comes on steadily and three quarters of the laminate is now up.  I have reached the 'jigsaw' stage now which involves cutting the stuff round the windows so progress will be a little slower this week.  The old place is not looking too bad and will certainly be much brighter with the light coloured laminate lining the walls.

Ian