David had already mentioned to me a few weeks ago that he was approaching an important milestone but as this milestone was some weeks away David couldn't confirm a day when this special date might occur but he was confident it would be sometime early December but before I continue Id like to add that today is David's 2000th walk since he started keeping track of his walking, before that there are twelve years of untracked walking which could possibly double todays milestone.

Last week while walking Heughscar Hill David confirmed given the forecast he reckoned his 2000th walk would be on Sunday after walking Saturday with Rod from Four Stones Hill to Kidsty Pike, a walk undertaken in similar weather conditions as we had today, lets call them perfect. David had already mentioned the Four Stones Hill to Kidsty Pike walk as being a contender for his 2000th so just to confuse things a little I mentioned Middle Fell which I know David has a special bond with it being his 'go to' fell after work during those long Summer evenings "Actually that's not a bad suggestion" David replied adding that "we should include Buckbarrow and Seatallan too" and that was it, we had our walk in what can only be described as perfect walking conditions, what more could we have asked for.

Although the sun had been up a for few minutes the valley was still very much in the shade but in saying that, coupled with the chilled morning temperature wasn't enough to put off half a dozen wild swimmers (all ladies) who, as I was taking this photo were wading into Wast Water for an early morning swim while soft lad here blew warm air into cupped hands.

Ok it's time I wasn't here so I return to my car and take the short drive over to Greendale Farm to meet David and Jennifer.

I arrived at Greendale Farm but instantly second guessed had we arranged to meet here or was it Harrow Head further up the road, blimey I couldn't remember so with time ticking on I left and drove the short distance soon noticing David and Jennifer driving towards me so I stopped and wound my window down "is it Greendale or Harrow Head I laughed" "it's Greendale" David smiled" Blimey I don't know what made me think it was here but never mind and with that I followed David back to Greendale where we parked our cars alongside one another.

We of course commented on what a great forecast we had ahead of us to a point where it felt the forecast knew what a momentous day this was and so paved the way for a cloudless sky day but I guess it didn't matter what we were celebrating today, anyone on the Lakeland fells would experience clear views for miles with only a light breeze and a strong sun for company, that's what us fell walkers refer to as perfect conditions.

Jennifer was raring to go and I wasn't far behind her as I made last adjustments before locking our cars and heading out towards Harrow Head from where we will start the steep ascent alongside Gill Beck bound for Buckbarrow.

It was a steep ascent which crosses Gill Beck somewhere close to the shoulder of the fell but there was still some considerable up hill walking to be had before the summit is reached which is where we crossed paths with April from Walkingforum who had wild camped on Buckbarrow with her partner. After chatting about their wild camp April went on to thank David and myself for our websites and David's contribution to walking the Lakeland fells which for me added to todays occasion and the very reason why we are here celebrating David's 2000th walk.

With a strong sun overhead we began our descent still not quite believing the day we had been blessed with and it was spoke about during most of the descent and when we weren't talking about it I'm sure we were all thinking it. We had left the cool breeze behind and I took off my hat and gloves for the descent, my hair flattened by my beanie, our faces slightly scorched by a combination of windchill and Winter sun. We soon reached the grassy slopes of Middle Fell which lead us back to Greendale Farm and although it wasn't spoken of, I reckon there was a tad bit of sadness inside knowing this grand day had come to an end while wondering how long we would have to wait until the next, not too long I hope.

David and I shook hands then I threw my arms around Jennifer and gave her a bear hug, David thanks me for coming so far out to join him on his 2000th walk but how could I have missed this?!?! It's very sad that we have lost Walkthefells but what is done is done, but just because David's passion has left our screens that doesn't mean the passion has left the man.