The last weekend....

3rd October 2010
Feeling excited and nervous.
I have malaria tablets, diamox, painkillers. 
My spare room looks like a bomb has hit it.  I have managed to fit everything into bag so far..  toiletries to fit in next weds.
Dollars purchased.  Camera batteries charged.  Visa with passport arrived on Wednesday - thank god.
I've made and packaged up 225 cards over the last few weekends using any free time to take mind off this trip.  So cancer research will also benefit.
Finish work on Weds ready to prepare, pack again (and put poles in first this time), and check list again and again.  All exciting stuff.

New Bike

Today I purchased a 2nd hand mountain bike in the hope I might actually use it in Crewe to pootle around on.  We shall see...  I did manage to cycle it up the big hill to my digs though which I didn't think I'd be able to do the first time.  I have some good ideas, but struggle to stick to the plans associated with them.

Last Training Walking Weekend

Date: 24th September - 26th September
Location: The Peak District (for a change)
Campsite: Rivendale Caravan Park
Team: The Grainger Family, Di, Sylv, Penny, Tanya
Weather:  Cold but bright and dry on the Saturday.  Dark, gloomy and rainy on Sunday.

Walked 13.9 miles
sunburn
sis did tissington trail the same day

Cycled 12 miles (rained off)

Walking trip to Ireland to be sure, to be sure

Date:  4th to 7th September
Location:  Staying in the Glencarr Hotel
Nearest Airport: Cork
Weather:  Predicted light showers.  Actually horrendous on the first walking day
Team:  Liz, Lynne, John, Nick, Allen, Martin, Rob, Kirsty and Me.
Drivers: Rob and Allen
Navigators: Rob, Allen and Martin

Packing
What a trauma - trying to pack a suitcase and leave space for Kirsty's stuff and still not go over the weight.  Well we did it.  We were spot on the 15Kg.

Flight
What is the point in pre booking in online if you still have to check in.....
Anyway, it was all on time and went to plan.  The picking up of the minibus was a bit of a problem in that it seemed we were mis sold some of the cover.

Dinner in Killarney
On our way to the hotel, we stopped off for dinner.  X factor on in the background as all 9 of us virtually took up their back room.

Arrival at hotel
Thank god for sat nav.  I really don't think we would have found it in the dark down all the winding lanes.  Shown to our rooms and welcomed with open arms.  Night in the bar with the locals, though couldn't understand why anyone would walk the 50 billion miles up the lanes to the hotel just for a drink in the bar.

Massive brekkie
As has become the custom, I ordered a full Irish and then the gannetts delved n.
Breakfast was generous and delicious.

Set off up Carroutounhill
We had checked the weather reports and it was looking like the Sunday was the best day for conquering this little hill.  Packed up and ready to go, we set off to the carpark just down the road.
Out of the minibus, waterproofs on as the drizzle set in.
The weather didn't dry up and just rained on and off.
As I climbed the Devil's Ladder the wind started to pick up and I had to keep stopping so I could duck down and avoid being blown off my feet.  John did drag me up bits of the mountain so help speed me up.
We met one family coming down the mountain with a very small child - I do wonder why people would want to do that with a 2 year old.  They told us that the route we planned to go down, might be difficult to follow in bad weather and also was harder than the Devil's Ladder that just come up.
At the top of this section, the wind had really picked up and I needed help to put my fleece on without losing my coat.  Kirsty was nearly blown over. 
The rain was getting heavier, but it wasn't far to the top. 
We got to the cross at the top and the weather was so horrendous that the decision was made not to stop for lunch and also to return down the path we'd come up.
Looking back, this was totally the right decision as the weather just got more worse.
I was actually feeling quite good at my performance so far.  There were bits I found difficult due to the height, but also as the ground was so slippy.  I was being blown around so much by the wind that I couldn't focus on where I was stepping.
The trickle of a waterfall we had climbed up was now a full on river down and every step dislodged mud, stones and rocks.  There were several calls of 'avalanche'.  At one point, Martin dislodged a rock that came flying down and whacked the back of my calf as I didn't move out of the way quick enough.  I had a massive bruise to show for it.
Although I was finding the descent difficult I was trying to build my confidence and take bigger steps down and not cling to everything possible.  Then I fell.  I stepped onto a rock, my foot went from under me and I tumbled.  The next thing I know, I'm on my back (on rucksack), sliding head first down the waterfall and I stopped when my head hit a rock.  Due to the angle I had stopped at, I was struggling to keep legs from going over my head, which would have caused me to fall further.  Rob was in front of me and Martin had been behind me.  It seemed forever before they got to me.  Flipping head hurt.  I was drenched thoroughly.  Water had gone up my trousers and in my boots.  I'd ripped my gloves (good job I was wearing some).  Other than a few bruises, I think I was lucky.  Due to the amount of mud, I did have a soft landing.  Rob and Martin got me on my feet and we made our way to the bottom where the rest of the team were too busy eating to notice the event.
Kirsty did laugh at me when I told her I'd fell and landed on my head.
It was a quick way to get down a few metres though!
Next was the drudge back to the minibus.  The gusts of wind were so strong we were literally being blown off our feet.  Rob went down, Lynne went down and everyone else stumbled.  
My waterproofs had done well but eventually had given up.  I was soaked to the skin.  The last mile as always was hard work.

Kirsty had phoned the hotel, so we had dinner booked.  Hot shower and beef dinner - perfect.  The food was spot on and I managed to eat 2 puddings and finish off 2 others. 
We had hung up all our clothes and stuffed our boots with newspaper but nothing was drying.  I couldn't believe that my fleece wouldn't dry quicker. My boots took about 3 days to dry.
My phone had got drenched but worked just fine.  My camera died and I later took it part to dry it and still cannot get it working.  I will now be borrowing Mum's for Kili.  Not happy.  It was in a case in rucksack under rain cover - I didn't get it out once when it was raining.

The next days walking was altered to suit the fact we didn't have boots to walk in.  Valencia Island, cliff tops and dinner whilst out worked out to be a lovely relaxing day.

The last day we managed to get extension on minibus, so took a leisurely coastal drive back to the airport near Cork.
Flight back to Liverpool went well and actually landed a bit earlier than expected.

Home and straight to bed.  I didn't realise my bruises until the next day.  I was covered head to toe in bruises.  Kirsty however had picked up a tick which was a bit scary.

Kinder Scout revisited

Kinder Scout
Date: Saturday 21st August
Distance: 13.2 miles.
Team: Allen, Kirsty, Martin, Liz, Lynne (Liz’s sister) and Me
Allen Morris rating: 6 – due to lack of snow

Weather forecast: cloudy, 17°C.

Weather actual: baking hot, sunny and odd shower

Calories burned: 3700

Time Taken:



We set off from Crewe at 8am. I was all set. I’d checked the forecast and due to the fact it tipped it down during my journey up from Brum that morning, I decided to leave the suntan lotion behind.



The drive to the start (base of Jacobs ladder plus a few miles) was good, though now there are average speed cameras along the stretch near the Cat & Fiddle, which prompted hours of discussions about how to beat them.



Parked up and set off.



At the start I felt OK. The legs were working. I’m still the slowest in the group, but I do feel I’m improving slightly. This route was to be the same as the last time we did it, but last time the conditions were icy and snowy. I was hoping to beat the time taken.



About 3 miles in (top of Jacobs ladder) I had to take the bottom of my trousers off. I was sweltering. I was only wearing a t shirt on top, and now I was in shorts I felt a bit better, but it was very stuffy hot. I just had to keep an eye on the skin colour.



We set off again and made good progress. I was struggling with my knee on longer downhill bits. I found the downhill bit to the bottom of the reservoir quite painful.

I had jarred my knee coming down Ben Nevis, but the next day my knee had been fine, so I just assumed it was all healed and I wouldn’t have the issue again. Clearly I was wrong.

I bent down to stretch it out and fell backwards into the poo. Not good. It did amuse Kirsty though.



We had on the previous Kinder Scout trek stopped at the bottom of the reservoir for lunch. We were making good time today so we kept on going up the path around the reservoir noting how low it looked.



We climbed up the muddy path following the stream and past the skeleton of the sheep (that we think was the carcass we saw last time) and found a ledge of grass overlooking the path for lunch.

Liz and Lynne were on the Red Bull.



It started to drizzle as we finished lunch which was good timing, so we just put on the jackets and set off again. It soon stopped and the sun came out. My skin wasn’t hot so I thought I was OK sunburn wise.



My knee hadn’t hurt for a while as it was mostly up or flat and any down bits were short. My hands were sore from the poles though. I do grip hold more tightly than required.



The last 4 miles coming down towards Jacobs ladder were tough. Partly due to my knee hurting, but I was also so very hot. It wasn’t as bad as Ben Nevis, but the down hill bits weren’t as constant as Ben Nevis.

Walking back down the paths past the farm I really slowed down again. I was just knackered. Knee was just aching a bit, but soles of feet hurt as well.

The rain started coming in and we had been very lucky with the weather considering the forecast.



Back at the car I noticed my skin colour had changed slightly. I was now looking a bit pink on my arms. I wasn’t sure if I was pink because I was hot or whether I’d caught the sun.

The drive home was interesting as I then noticed the backs of my legs heating up. I had clearly defined marks around my watchstrap. The back of my neck was throbbing. By the time we got back to Crewe, I was bright red. Not good.

3 days later of aloe vera application and it’s now bearable. I was now wondering what to wear for the next day’s walking.

Hollinsclough

Hollinsclough


Date: Sunday 22nd August

Distance: planned 7 miles, actual 9.2 miles

Team: Allen, Kirsty, Martin, Liz, Lynne, John, Lindsay, Des and Zep.

Allen Morris rating: was –2, adjusted to 4.5

Calories burned: 3400

Time Taken:

The Fort William Extravaganza

Date: 31st July to 3rd August
The Plan:
Set off from Crewe 9am 31st July
Walk 1st August
Walk 2nd August
Travel back to Crewe 3rd August

Actual:
Set off from Crewe 9am 31st July
Walk the West Highland Way 1st August
Walk Ben Nevis 2nd August
Travel back to Crewe 3rd August
Weather: Rain and Rain, but luckily was dry on 2nd of August - perfect planning courtesy of Martin's IPhone.
Team:  Rob, Allen, Kirsty, Martin and Me

Rob came and picked us up on 31st July bang on time.  We loaded up the Corsa to the roof and were most glad we'd decided to take 2 cars for the 5 of us, rather than trying to squash into one car.
We met Martin at Lymm services where Kirsty and I moved into Martin's car (with baggage) and the convoy set off.
The planned journey was to have 2 stops on the way up to Fort William.  The first stop was meant to be at Tebay services (as recommended by Rob).  We missed them, so ended up at the next one along which quite frankly was stinky, but had a burger king.
The next stop was Loch Lomond visitor centre.  Very nice, but blinkin cold.
Then we found the B&B.  Myrtle Bank guest house.  It overlooked Lake Linnhe and the Sat Nav took us straight there.  We checked in, argued over the rooms - the girls winning the bigger room, and relaxed a bit.

That evening, we wandered into Fort William and met up with Carol (Kirsty's mum) and Kevin, who had scouted the area for suitable nosh establishment.  Food consumed, concerns over people going to the toilet for too long and a few drinks later and we're back in the B&B playing cards.  Allen has grasped the idea of Cheat and actually won a game. 

Rob had received a GPS (ETrek I think) for his birthday, so there was endless checking and comparing to Allen's.
The next day we had planned to do Ben Nevis, but after checking the weather, it was decided to delay Ben Nevis to the drier of the 2 walking days.  Rob had come prepared with one of the long distance walks he wants to do.  The last section of the West Highland Way finishes in Fort William and we had seen the sign for the finish point as we walked from our B&B into Fort William.  Rob informed us during the planning stages that it was 9 miles.  At breakfast, this increased to 14 miles. 

The walk started a bit of a drive away, so Martin found his way to the 'Aluminium Story' and left his car as we all followed the signs back to Fort William.  Rob managed to have his photo taken in front of a boat called 'Bobby's Girl'.
The weather was a bit drizzly and as per usual I was debating whether to go for full on waterproofs or not.  We were lucky as most of the walk was dry ish - but when it rained, it properly tipped it down.  The waterproofs held out, but I got so hot wearing them.

The walk was undulating and although there were steep bits, they didn't seem to last for long.  The views were stunning and the path was very open causing me concern over where I would be able to relieve myself.

Kirsty and I found a spot (suitable for a comfort break) a few hours in and we weren't quite quick enough making the decision as 2 girls came around the corner.  I swear they stood there pretending to look at a map just to be annoying.  They could clearly see what we were doing at enough distance to stop and wait, but no, they had to come to within 4 feet and stop to look.  I have now given in with trying to be dignified and subtle.

The paths carried on up through woodland, following a river, and along a military road.  Lunch was taken at the half way point, where a suitable log was found for perching.  Our B&B had provided packed lunches (at a cost of £5) and these were consumed.  I think they were worth around £2.50, but it had saved us some time and hassle that morning and worth a try.

The last 2 miles of the route were tough for me.  My feet started hurting.  I'd decided to not put any plasters on the feet this time to see if I still get blisters.  I had checked my feet at lunchtime and had no issues. I didn't think I had any blisters (turns out I didn't either), but my feet were just aching from pounding along the road.
The last section was along the road and I think I'd started to wind down thinking I was close to the end.

At 14 miles, we reached a sign post informing us that the end had been moved.  I was set up that the 14 miles was to the point we'd seen the previous night in Fort William.  The 14 miles was to this point, 2 miles from the end and more to the point, 2 miles and a bit from our B&B.  That last stretch dragged.  I wasn't drying out from the rain either.

I'd tried sterilising my bladder pack as it looked like it was going a bit murky, and still could taste the Milton.  Amazing since it claims you can't.

Not a happy bunny.  We got back to the B&B, had a rest, showered and off out for dinner.  We ate at the Ben Nevis.  I had sausage and mash and it wasn't the best, but I was starving.

The plan for the next day was Ben Nevis.  Breakfast for 8, out for 9 to Morrison's to purchase lunch for under a fiver.  We all achieved this.

Carol and Kevin met us in the car park at the bottom of Ben Nevis and walked with us over the wobbly bridge up a section of the path.  We parted at a stile and headed off.  I had this time put one Compeed over my usual blister spot just in case as was a bit pink from the previous day.

The route up seemed to go OK for me.  I felt I was still slower than the others, but there were only a few bits near edges and the path was quite even.  We had a few rest stops on the way (which gave me a chance to catch up) and made it to the summit in 4 hours.

Photos, and lunch and toilet time was dealt with and we set off down the hill.  I slipped and jarred my knee about half an hour down and it didn't hurt at that point, but just seemed to gradually get worse.  This slowed me down even more than usual.

I had hoped to keep to the timing estimated by Allen, but I just couldn't go any faster.  My left leg hurt when I tried to bend it, and my feet had swollen up so my toes felt like they were being crushed.  I didn't have any blisters but my middle (and longer) toe was sore at the end.  My knee ached a bit later that evening, but recovered fully by the next morning, so I hadn't done any real damage.

We did get to the bottom just before the rain set in and dark fell.  The rush to get to the B&B, showered and out for dinner was on.  We managed it in the time slot planned and were in the pub for 8.30pm. 

One day I hope to be able to keep up.  I just keep wondering how many years of walking will it take...

The meal at the Crofters (I think) was so much better.  I couldn't manage my chips as the combo starter was sooo good and soooo generous.

Bed that night was heaven. I slept soundly.  The next morning was the travel home day. 

We got up, wandered around Fort William a bit.  I purchased T-Shirt and a fleece (I had dodgy Scottish money to dispose of) and then we set off home. 

We managed to hit Tebay services this time.  Flipping expensive - no burger king either, but very pretty.

I slept most of the way home, and still managed to sleep soundly that night.

The Yorkshire 3 Peaks

The Plan:
Walkers: Allen, Kirsty, Martin, Rose, Rob, Matthew

Rating: 8/10

Weather: Cloudy but not wet at the moment
Distance: 26 Miles (Disputed)

Travelling distance is approx 100 miles taking just over two hours.

We need to leave at 5.00am to start walking at no later than 7.30am, providing we complete in the 12 hours we should finish at 7.30pm and be home by 10.00pm.

Actual:
Walkers: Allen, Kirsty, Martin, Rose, Rob,


Rating: 8/10 - felt like it

Weather: Cloudy, bit drizzly, warm
Distance: I managed 17, the lads managed 24 and all 3 peaks

Travelling distance is approx 100 miles taking just over two hours.

We need to leave at 5.00am to start walking at no later than 7.30am, providing we complete in the 12 hours we should finish at 7.30pm and be home by 10.00pm

Scafell Pike & Helvellyn Weekend

Date: 16th to 18th July 2010 inc
Location: Gillside Campsite in Glennridding - very good
Weather:  Forecast pants, actual - not so pants but still very wet and windy.
Team: Allen, Kirsty, Martin, Rob, Paul and Moi
Camp set up:  3 tents & 3 cars
Plan of action:  Scafell on Saturday, Helvellyn on Sunday.

Kirsty and I set off Friday afternoon to set up camp and start cooking.  That was the plan anyway.  The food had been purchased, the car packed and off we went.
A stop was required (for toilet break and choc stock up), but we still made OK time (despite roadworks or rather, random cones), and arrived at Gillside around 5 ish.  We scouted around the site, chose our spot and set to work.

The 6 man tent was our first priority.  It took a bit of adjustment and movement, but eventually we got it where we wanted it.   Next was my 2 man tent - fairly quick to put up.  Then Rob's which popped up in seconds.

Gazebo and windbreaker were next on the list, chairs, BBQ a going and await arrival of the others. 
Martin had arrived just in time to sort out the gazebo and windbreaker which was perfect as difficult with just the 2 of us.

BBQ looked a bit wussy, but Rob arrived and poured fuel on it which then caused it to explode into life.
The gazebo and windbreaker worked well, though I didn't expect to have to sit wearing full on jeans and a fleece during July.

Dinner went well and we collapsed the gazebo and windbreaker to retire inside the tent.  The wind was picking up and none of us were sure that the gazebo etc would survive, or worse, we would if it can crashing through the tents.

The pack of cards were dealt and the game of cheat was explained.  An amazing start by Allen putting down 4 ten's, followed by Martin declaring 2 ten's.  After a few games, it was clear that Martin is a compulsive cheat and that Allen is a terrible cheat and just doesn't know how to tell the truth. 

A few hours later and we gave up for the night.
My first night in my own tent - sooooo exciting.  I was woken around 5am to sound of dripping.  I had not pulled my porch tight enough and the water was collecting on a seam and dripping in.  That was soon corrected and no further issues were discovered.  Over the weekend, my little tent (Lichfield Ute) was subjected to horrendous rain and wind and survived, so all in all a good and successful test.

7am and I woke to go to loo and shower block.  8am was the rendevous time for breakfast.  Rob cooked up 'big breakfast in a can' along with beans, kirsty sorted out bacon butties and tea.  All worked out well. 
We sorted out sandwiches and set out in cars to the base of Scafell.

The walk started out mostly good.  There was an initial steep climb near a waterfall.  The water was pounding due to the amount of rain had, and looked amazing, but as I was climbing I just couldn't look.  Allen did take a picture for me though as I clinged onto a rock for dear life.  I found the climb difficult though finding ways up is getting easier, dealing with the height and fear doesn't seem to be easing.

The walk meandered on and then we had to climb down a sheer face (sheer to me).  I had no idea how to even tackle it.  Allen talked me down guiding my feet and hands every move of the way.  There were tears - through fear.  I found it so difficult.  It was turning into an emotionally draining day.

I did get to the bottom of this section and realised there was no going back for me now.
The last hour of Scarfell Pike was tough.  We just never seemed to get to the top. The mist made it difficult to see where the top was.  We did eventually get to the trig point and there was a view momentarily.

I was hot and sweaty but it was raining on and off and I kept the coat on not knowing really which was the best solution.

The downwards bit took the more popular route.  I was tired and emotional.  I know I was slow, but I just couldn't force my legs to go any faster.  I was dreading Helvellyn the next day wondering if my legs would recover over night.

We didn't get back to the car til really late and I know the others were worried about getting food, but I just couldn't go any faster.  We got to the chippie in Keswick and Kirsty persuaded them to serve us.  I took my fleece off and my 'wicking' top was soaking with sweat.  I stank and felt gross and was starving so really enjoyed the fish and chips.
I was dropped off at the campsite to have a shower and get to bed while the others went down the pub.


Scafell Pike

Sunday Morning

I managed to force self out of my cosy sleeping bag in my cute tent, and was up and about for 8am.  Breakfast was served as the morning before then came the job of packing the tents away.  It had rained heavily during the night so everything was damp.  We packed the cars and left the campsite.

The cars were parked at the bottom of the hill.  The path went through the campsite.  I would like to stay there and just do Helvellyn one weekend.

It started to drizzle so I decided to try and manage without waterproofs.  Going back and forth to toilet block on campsite, my knees and legs ached, but as we started walking, they eased off again.  The first part of the walk was on road and up a steep hill though and that seemed to wear me out quickly.

Then it started to rain.

Helvellyn