Its minus 2 at Ninebanks Youth hostel this morning.... well not in the hostel - that, fortunately is a very toasty place, but outside its frosty with fabulous blue skies stretching as far as you can see across the valley. Its that time of year again and we are mid star weekend at Orchard house, Ninebanks, tucked away in a most beautiful, empty, open part in the wilds of Northumberland. This hostel is really good, lots of space, comfy beds, ensuite bathrooms, well equipped kitchen and a roaring fire!!! We have the usual crowd of curious and enthusiastic people taking part and the talks are very varied to be inclusive and informative without being too difficult to follow - after all this is supposed to be a fun weekend and bend brains a little but not too hard!!! It was a fantastically clear night last night, affording the opportunity to be out observing the night skies from 5.00 through until past midnight.... it was cold - the temperature dropping to well below freezing....