Great Lakeland 3 Day - no mis-adventures this year.

This story starts in May last year.  I titled my blog then, Lakes Mis-adventure, and in it I wrote about my rather ill fated attempt at something far too far out of my comfort zone to be,well, comfortable. However as fate would have it I was given an opportunity to team up with a buddy from the Lakeland 50 - Kim, to give it another shot   We both attended another navigation and mountain running skills day lead by Stuart Smith and run by Nav4, I've already blogged about that, so won't bore readers with details here.  I managed to get myself out and about with my map and compass, in fact I have become rather attached to them and don't go many places without them now.

In the run up to the event I was rather busy at work so didn't have much time to fret and worry.  I've also found that because I've now done several adventurous things I have the necessary equipment and am getting rather good at putting it all together rather quickly.
 So on the Friday of the event I had everything ready just to pick up and leave when OH came home from work.

Oh and I did invest in a Rab down jacket which was a godsend at the campsites and well worth the money.

Very good journey down to Pooley Bridge and effortless registration. First person I bumped into was the lovely and very bearded Stuart Smith, navigation Guru number 1.  OH deposited me and my gear and decided to head off back home.  Kim and I set up our respective little homes for the night and took off to find sustenance, which we did, in fact an over abundance of sustenance really, at the Sun Inn, Pooley Bridge.   Stuffed completely we then headed to settle down for the night.  However a couple of chaps decided that they really really had to chat before they finally managed to turn in for the night.  I must admit it is quite funny lying in your sleeping bag listening to people you can't see discussing their newly discovered male problem of thinking you need to pee and then not managing to pee, or how having a mass start had interfered with their supping time. Gosh men have it soooo hard.  They did not remain in ignorance, Bev. left them in no doubt that we had all been privvy to their chatter.

Twas a tad chilly at Pooley I must admit and I resorted to sleeping with my nice new jacket on.  Soon morning dawned, not quite bright and early but early.  Cooked up the first of my porridge brekkies and scoffed down an almond bar thingy, had coffee (necessary) and then de-camped.  Kim's BF Beverley was one of the marshals for the event and came over for a chat before we set off, she was going to be one of the lead people showing the competitors down to the Ferry Landings, ssshhh she even managed to get slightly lost on her recce of that particular route.

Day One

All competitors disembarked at Howtown and were set off in a sort of organized staggered start, with all the classes Elite, A,B and C being set off in little mixed groups.  Kim and I knew only to well what was coming and took a sneaky little route which cut of much of the road at the start.  Then it was up flaming Fusedale.  Fed up with Fusedale when we got to what will now forever be known as Groovy Gill we decided to cut straight up and onto High Street, which I loved as it got rid of nasty second false summit and was completely new to me.  At the point where the Lakeland 100/50 turns to head down to Haweswater we saw a shape through the mist and a plaintive exclamation  of "thank goodness, I'm saved" when we got closer we saw a chap, and by the way he was dressed we just knew he was on the GL3D too. We did think he was being funny and joking around, but no he wasn't.  He explained he was on the C class too but instead of heading up Fusedale he had headed up Martindale (he was not alone in that though) and he had, had to climb out of that valley and over into this.  His name was Ian, Kim showed him where he now was and where he was going and he decided to tag along for a while as the extra climb had killed his legs a bit.  I said he would be better recovering with us and then going on because I was a slow poke on the hills, and might hold him back, he declined and stayed with us throughout the rest of the event, which was brilliant.  I've got to admit that both Ian and I sort of just let Kim navigate, she was so good at it. We did pay attention and attempt wee bits in turn, and I know that I for one learned such a lot from her.
Our route took us along High Street, onto High Raise to the first checkpoint at Riggindale Heights, there we meet some Australian Ladies who needed Kim to set them on the right road, then over High Street Fell onto Mardale Ill Bell, across Nan Bield Pass and Harter Fell (a teeny bit knackering and slightly scary lol) to the second checkpoint at Kentmere Pike.  From there we headed down to the road, strangely familiar again - ah yes back onto the 50 route again.  It was just a short hop now to the overnight campsite nr. Staveley.   Dibbed in to words which sounded a bit like "well Susan at least it's light this time".  Not sure it's altogether a good sign when the course planner knows your name and face and you're not one of the fit and able ones 

Kim and Ian course planning whilst I dick about with the camera.

 A recurring theme.

 

Day two

Following a much warmer night in my wee tent I awoke bright and early and once again got the stove on and my porridge made.  I then headed along to the communal tent  had coffee and filled my flask with more.  Had a wee chuckle as a very bearded Andrew greeted me in  a very complementary manner(what is it with all these really wild and amazing beards by the way).  His beard may have got in the way of his eyesight methinks.Bid farewell to our ( almost) Ian number 2, a runner from up my way who was suffering with foot pain and had asked if he could join us for a while on leg 2, his foot pain was proving too much and he decided to withdraw and head home.  We had looked at the map the previous evening and decided on the route for today.  This was a relatively simple choice for us as Kim knew the first third, we both knew the second third so well we could of done it in the dark.  Well actually we have both done the Troutbeck to Ambleside several times in the dark. I discovered that the last leg was also on familiar territory for me, being partly the route of the Grasmere Gallop.  We set off in very murky weather which only just began to clear when we were nearly at Troutbeck so I missed the views on this section. Apparently there are a couple of hills to be seen, just not today.  Troutbeck to Ambleside was spent extolling the virtues of the Lakeland 50 to Ian (think we've got him persuaded).  The checkpoint today was at Bilbo's cafe' Ambleside and in Kim's words It would have been rude not to partake of luncheon.  Now there is a bit on the next section I'm convinced that we could of taken a short cut on, but as I couldn't be a hundred percent sure I decided to shut up.  Might just have to do the Gallop again just to see.  Campsite two was situated in THE most beautiful spot in Easedale, once again we made it, to dib in, in a respectable time, which would of been less but lunch was so good it was worth it - who was racing anyway. On the way and prompted by the Coast to Coast route being nearby we were well entertained by Ian with the sorry tale of his abortive attempt at doing his dream adventure.  Just shows you how quickly things can turn sour just because of a misplaced foot.  I'm sure he will return and complete it some day.    During the evening we spent some time in the communal tent and partook of the free liquid refreshments.  I wandered about and took some photos, and we all spent some time chatting to other contestants etc.,  Nice to meet up with Jean (one of the marshals from last  year who came to "rescue" me at yon time at night, a fact she managed to jokingly (hopefully) remind me of.   Jean was competing this year, which she seemed to be thoroughly enjoying).
Good night's sleep and same routine of breakfast and breaking camp as before.  I met Shane on my trip for coffee and he laughingly let me know someone had beaten my record for lateness (a proper runner too).  I've got to say that I loved this camp and remembered my walk through Easedale last year and how I have always planned to go back and show it to Billy, must get on with that soon.

Day Three

We three intrepid 3 day'rs had now come to the last day of our adventure and we set off in the morning sunshine to tales from Kim of the Keswick to Barrow event that she would be undertaking the following week. We made our way up Tongue Gill force and headed straight up this big hill skirting up and round and up and over Grisedale Hause.  Whilst having one of my many heart attacks on that section Kim and I watched this little orange dot coming steadily up towards us, growing all the time into a bigger, man shaped orange dot.  Whoever it was, was fairly tramping and was soon past us, then past nearly everyone else and disappearing over the hill out of sight.  Kim was to learn later that this was the eventual male winner.   We stopped for a few minutes at the tarn for photocall and then started to make our way down to Patterdale. It was on this descent I suffered the first and only fall of the weekend, now this is a miracle for those who know me well.   I caught the edge of my shoe on a slippery rock and more or less sat down in a small waterfall, unfortunately I slapped a rock with my left hand and fairly cracked a knuckle   Apart from that I really enjoyed my jaunt and marveled at the magnificence of St. Sunday Crag.   We reached Patterdale within time and decided to stop at Side Farm checkpoint for refreshment and also to give Ian a chance to check out his blister.  On my part this stop may have been a mistake as I found it really hard to get going again and found the route round the lake to Howtown difficult and arduous, it probably isn't normally that bad, it's just that my body suddenly decided it was knackered and I was feeling increasingly that I was holding Kim and Ian back, kept telling them to go on without me as I was aware the time for the last ferry for us was drawing near.  Kim however totally ignored me and kept tramping on not oblivious but giving no quarter or sympathy as she knew instinctively that this would be fatal.  It was also very, very hot and by the time we arrived at Howtown (with half an hour to spare) I was done in.  I've never been so pleased to see a destination in my life.   However it only took some coffee to revive me, that and the knowledge that I had made it, finished the Great Lakeland Three Day.

Knackered.com

I was so chuffed I could of cried, I probably did.  On the ferry back to Pooley Bridge to where it all began Kim got mugged by a toddler for sweeties.

Back at base we dibbed out for the final time and collected our belongings, said our farewells and all went our separate ways. Kim and I will face our mutual nemesis again in July though.  I couldn't of done this without her, as she basically did the hard part of navigating whilst I traipsed along.

Ian I'm sure will be returning next year to compete in the B class. I hope to be keeping in touch with him through facebook.

As for these guys, well they are the best.

Shane - race director.

Charlie - course planner.

and not to forget the marshals and helpers who helped make it a really special event.  I was going to upload some pictures here but can't for some reason. Sorry Andrew your beard will have to remain hidden from the wider community at present.

I don't know what the future will bring all I know is that I was part of this and I loved every moment, thank you for creating C class for the likes of me.

I'm shutting up now.  Well done if you've made it this far.  Hope you enjoyed it and that it has inspired you to think about being a bit more adventurous.

Goodbye 2013 hello 2014

Well it's out with the old and in with the new.  Well not quite, I thought about changing my picture of Fusedale but have changed my mind because Fusedale has such a pull on me for many reasons.
I have a love hate relationship with it.  On one hand there's no denying its beauty but on the other hand it makes me feel inadquate, it hurts me trudging up there more than any other ascents do.  I do realise that this is almost purely psychological now, so the picture will stay for another year as a constant reminder that I have demons to conquer.

There seemed to me to be a catalogue of failures and non starters in 2013, by the end of the year everything seemed to be crushing in on top of me, this did have a lot to do with work, but I have now entered 2014 determined to be much more positive and organised.   It wasn't all negativity of course and when I think back there were several highlights one of which came off the back of perhaps by biggest disappointment - not completing my Lakeland 50.  I featured in a magazine article for a women's walking magazine.  It came about because of a lady I met at one my navigation courses, she and I just happened to be in the same B & B at the 50 and when a friend of hers was writing an article she remembered and forwarded my details and the rest is history.

Another highlight was the Coniston Trail Challenge a brilliant day out with very cheery and good company friends, Kerry and Tracy who are also doing Lakeland 50 this year.  It was the event of the year really for me.  I cursed my way through about 3 miles of uphill, and inwardly laughed for the rest of the journey, revelling in the scenery and the sheer joy of being in the Lakes once again.  Much as I like company I do so enjoy being out in the countryside on my own with my own thoughts and what better way to do so than in one of the Lakeland Trails events, a nice safe way of being out there.

Another really good day was spent with more friends both running club ones and ones from the wee local trail running group, The Leverets, at the Drumlanrig Demon. This is a 10k race staged right on my doorstep in another of my favourite places Drumlanrig Country Park

2013 also saw me dipping my toe into structured training by going to the track for track sessions, very scary stuff but seems to be doing me good.

Also attended another navigation and mountain running skills courses held in the Lakes,  same instructor the ever patient Stuart Smith.  My buddy Kim and I are in for the GL3 Day Cafe' class in May so much navigation practice is needed.  We also climbed Blea Fell that day catching the view before the light started to really go.

So what's afoot for 2014. Well I'm starting off with positivity in all aspects of my life, I will not let negative people bring me down and I will "own" my work giving it my best shot.  If it's not going to work for me then it's time to re-evaluate and move on.  In running I'm going to knuckle down to training in a sensible way.  I'm way too old to kill myself chasing impossible dreams, but I do still want to do this thing, specially the trails and hills and the lonely places.  I want to continue adventuring with Kona and enjoying my nice friendly dog walks on a Sunday with the good friends I've made there.  I want to continue at track at least attempting to improve.  I'm not making any silly resolutions about losing weight, but I will now shop as ethically and locally as possible.  I will continue to be horrified about and sign petitions about animal cruelty.  I will keep raising funds for Guide Dogs. 
I also want to learn to climb and learn more about being in the great outdoors, I think it's time I knew how to use an ice axe and crampons just in case.  Oh and there's the little climb up Snowdon to get underway before Laura ties the knot.
So there we are, of course I want to enjoy being with my loved ones, but know that they don't necessarily share my passions but bless them they are always prepared to support me for which I am grateful.
So here we are Hello 2014 and in the words of my friend Maggie when she posts on facebook any runs she is planning for folk "bring it on".

Scary Trackwork.

For a while earlier on in the year I took a young friend to the club trackwork session. The first night I went in my running gear, thinking I could sort of join in around the edges or maybe do a couple of laps round the track while he did the group session. Epic fail, got there saw that the youth athletics club also use the track, and completely wimped out. I thought that they would fall about laughing at a wee fat and old (I am aware that to youngsters even twenty five is ancient) me wobbling along, and anyway it's mainly a lot of the fast racing snakes from club who attend track sessions. So what did I do, I lent a hand with timing for a few weeks, getting an insight into what was going on and what the coach was doing with each group of runners.

I continued to take J along and then he had a break, preferring for a while to join in with the speedplay sessions instead. Now I can't actually remember at what point I finally gave in to this strangely masochistic desire to at least try a session, but anyway I dragged J back to track for moral support. The first night passed in a blur of fright and fear but as I lumbered around the track for the warm up, puffed my way through the drills and then heaved my poor body through the actual session I learned something. Those youngsters I'd been so scared of were so busy doing their own thing to even appear to notice me, or that they are just too polite to make it obvious. No, I really think they are just focused on their own training to bother what anyone else is doing. Oh Lord and some of them are really fast.

It's been a couple of months now and I've been attending regularly. It's still scary and tonight I honestly thought I was going to be sick, but the sessions are getting, well not easier, but they feel more fluid if that makes sense. I can feel improvement and I feel I can understand the point of each session and I feel I've achieved something at the end of it. The coach takes the normal session and then tailors my session to be almost the same, but with perhaps shorter distance, or time intervals. Sometimes one or two of the not so fast members of club turn up and I have company, which is nice, but mostly it's my friend M who times me and "encourages" me to keep going. She is going to be doing her coach qualification soon and I suppose I'm good practice for her LOL.

I do still have to have that talk with myself on Thursday nights, you know the one, the one that goes "I could just stay at home" "no you will not you wimp, you'll go and get on with it" blah blah, but I am really pleased that I overcame my initial fear as feel gained so much by doing so.

Roll on next session.

Bye for now.

Coincidence, camaraderie and conflicting emotions....

This weekend has been a learning curve in more ways than one. I rather think that I suffered my first DNF, I've had a few DNS's in my running life, where I've decided for various reasons not to start but I feel that this is my first DNF and it hurts like hell, more of that later and I promise there isn't a whine or moan in sight. (On re-reading there might be one or two).

The Lakeland 50 has been part of my life now for 3 years and before this year's event I said this would be the last, now I'm not so sure LOL. Actual running training hasn't been going so well but walking and hill training has been as per schedule so I wasn't worried on that part. So off we went, very organised this year, lovely B & B for Billy to have comfort. Bag packed to perfection with all the mandatory requirements, didn't manage due to work commitments to get down in time to see the 100's off but did see the kids start their mile, wow so many kids with big big smiles. Got registered, meet the girls and guys I've become friendly with over the three years. Coincidence number 1, the guy who kit checked me was Andrew whom I'd sat next to on the bus to the start last year. Then coincidence number two came when walking to the B & B Billy says to me, that woman there passing us couldn't keep her eyes off you. Well I am used to this at these events as I'm not built like a person who does this sort of thing LOL. Anyway saw her later through a cafe' window and thought mmmm she's familiar. Next morning we are sat in the breakfast room reminiscing about the Nav event last year, yes we had been in the same B & B then and had walked to the Nav event together - small world. (She went on to do very well this year at Lakeland btw).

Start of event to start of trudge round to Mardale Head.
After a hearty breakfast of porridge and toast it was down for the briefing and onto to the coach for the journey to Dalemain. Spent the next half hour in the toilet queue, yattering to various people. In no time we were in the start pen, initial dib done and away. The race as always starts with a trawl round Dalemain for 4 miles, mostly done through the fields. I hate this bit but it does give you a chance to get the limbs and lungs moving. Ran down through the fields towards Pooley Bridge but got caught in a single file of walkers. I had initially had an idea I could run the downs and walk the ups (so much for plans in the end). Was caught by the event photographer, I might buy it, it's actually a good photo and I look happy and relaxed in it - which reflects how I felt at the start of the event. Caught up with internet friend Kim on the downhill into Howtown, we stayed together after that. She picked me up when I fell whilst simultaneously trying to take a drink from my bottle and read a sign at the side of the track. Lovely bruise on elbow for my trouble. It was extremely hot and I was drinking because I felt thirsty but feeling too bagged up with fluid not a nice feeling. Pulled into the checkpoint in Howtown and perhaps not such a co-incidence my other internet friend Jessica was there squealing my name.... she's been off the radar lately so we had a bit of a catch up. It was here we met Peter who was gutted to be pulling out as he had a chest infection thing going on and had found Fusedale was killing him. Kim thought she might just sack it here but I bullied her into getting up (not really but you know what I mean) we needed each other to get up, excuse my french "the Bastard" yes Fusedale, we both hate it with a passion. So she left first but somehow ended up behind me until the climb. It look us quite a while, we huffed and puffed and swore all the way to about three quarters of the way up. It was here that we met Angela who was on her way back down, we persuaded her to go on and quit at Mardale Head rather than Howtown. We thought she would perhaps get to the end once the worst bit was out of the way - little did we know what was to come.

To Mardale Head.
We were all feeling brilliant at the bottom of the hill and were just through the deer fence gate when the sky almost instantly went dark and the heavens opened, we thought the first downpour was hail, later we learned it was! So on went the waterproofs top and bottoms. No sooner had I done this when the first rumble of thunder came followed by lightening, into the bag went to poles. So started the trudge to Mardale Head, torrential rain, thunder, forked and sheet lightening which I don't care what anyone says is scary, it terrifies me. The path disappeared and became a stream, the streams which normally cross the paths were beginning to get rather gurgly. Then nearing the turn we watched the mountain rescue helicopter land near the car park and just knew this was for a competitor. By this time it was obvious Angela was not going any further she was knackered. Kim and I were fine just getting more and more worried about the underfoot conditions. Much debate ensued as to what to do. In my heart I knew (especially after putting my foot through the edge of the path and nearly ending up in Haweswater) we really should pull out. Kim was talking sense but I have a certain mind set which makes me want to go on. She made the point that we couldn't see, hear or keep our feet in the light, what would the dark be like. So like teenagers we all made a pinky swear to end it at the checkpoint. Which we did.

At Mardale Head.
Once we had finally dibbed out and ate our soup and changed into our spare kit ( yes Marc you are vindicated). Both Kim and I were bouncing about trying to be cheerful and helpful. Angela was not really in a good way she couldn't get warm and ended up in a bivvy bag, shivering. I don't think we did the right thing for her by getting her to come on with us, but she said was pleased to have conquered the hardest bit and been almost forced to quit rather than just give up. It was very soon dark and as we waited to leave in the sweeper mini bus (the previous bus took away 35 runners, unprecedented in history of the checkpoint) we watched the beam of a headtorch coming along the other side of the water, then it suddenly turned and started going in the opposite direction. We knew it was a 100 runner because of the excellent system of tracking the event, we even knew who it was. This was very worrying for the checkpoint staff (The Delamere Spartans) so they sent out two runners to find out what was heppening. Bus driver drove along the road with Kim shining a high powered torch to the other side of the water. It took over an hour for them to locate the gentleman and turn in and bring him in. He had become disoriented and just turned round. Apart from that he was generally fine, but had timed out. So he was loaded into the mini bus and off we went to fill it up with stragglers at Kentmere.
Billy came to collect me and take me back to the B & B.

Conflicting Emotions.
Back at the B & B I couldn't sleep. Mostly I just wanted to cry but couldn't. I knew in my heart we'd made the right decision. I was gutted, completely gutted and couldn't focus at the time, all I saw was failure. However a good nights rest, listening to the pouring rain started to put it into some sort of perspective. I was pleased to go to the presentation and was very emotional when the young couple who had been in front of me until Howtown came in at the very end, they were elated and she was in floods of tears. I spoke to them, they were shattered but happy, he said it hadn't let up the whole night. That couple had real guts. I could cry now thinking about that. We have discussed it Kim and I and know we could of ran the risk of injury or worse and having completed it twice we felt it wasn't worth the risk to either us or anyone else to carry on. Angela said she slept in her car inside her bivvy bag and sleeping bag. She feels she may go back to being a marshal again next year, but this event gets into your blood. Still feeling conflicted but Billy was very happy that someone had sense and could help me see some for a change. He is however getting well used to my ever spiraling sense of adventure. I have been on facebook and so many of the stalwarts of this event pulled out either voluntarily or on a non voluntary basis and I think all are similarly gutted. The airlifted chap was injured but was recovering well after treatment. Lessons learned- not the least of which was humility and how much we are at the mercy of the awesome power of the natural world. It's much bigger us puny humans. Also carry that kit, people and never underestimate how it feels to be completely cold and miserable. I saw at first hand the debilitating affect it had on Angela's morale.

So to the future - I have an entry into Glen Ogle, so will train and give that my best shot. I have also been thinking of marshaling at an event n December. As for next year,I plan to enter the GL3D cafe' class, Kim and I may do the first day together and then decide if she wants to up the ante on her own for the other two. I'll take it as it comes and I have been offered the chance to think about marshaling at Lakeland, which I will seriously think about. I won't enter, I have asked Billy to hide my cards, when I say I won't enter I don't mean ever again but .......

Sorry if this has been a long blog but if you've made it to the end I thank you for listening to my head spill, I'm still way to emotional................................ Thanks to all the brilliant people on this journey, each and everyone who wished me well, helped me along... I didn't want to let anyone down, perhaps that's the bit that hurts the most.

Down, but not defeated LOL

Bye for now  

What I've been up to lately....

Well what exactly have I been up to lately, mmmm.  Okay perhaps not a great deal of actual running, but I am glad to report that I have now recovered from whatever it was that was affecting my legs.  The pins and needles have gone and so has the constant ache when attempting to run.  Not sure if thas anything to do with my new liking for lemon and ginger tea. ginger is apparantly meant to be good for your circulation.  I am also back on the vitamins and cod liver oil.

Kona and I have been out adventuring with map and compass, basically exploring the area where we live in greater detail than ever we've done before.  Kona is becoming an excellent map reader LOL.

Here are a selection of photos from our days out.  Terrain training, mainly off road and up and over hills.

I love Drumlanrig Woods, for some reason I always feel that I am in some sort of fairy tale while there. I was half expecting the big bad wolf and the woodsman to appear along this track.







I have this wee problem that means for some reason I can never just
stick to the path, I've got to go see what's round the next bend, or
I'll see a path meandering off the main path and I've just got to
check it out.  Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn't but it nearly
always  results in me getting wet,muddy and attacked by the
undergrowth in some way.  On this day it was brambles and
even now weeks later my legs can still testify to the awesome
destructiveness of the mighty bramble bush.






My next day off saw Kona and I heading for a little village called Tynron,  I missed the turn off I originally meant to take onto the hill because believe it or not I was concentrating on running, yes running up a hilly trail and missed the little arrow on a post.  This proved lucky as this route took me onto the hill past a lovely house with a beautiful garden which I would never have seen otherwise and I'm nothing if not nosy.

 Kona managed to bag another trig point for her Album,

This deer was completely oblivious to our presence, unfortunately her companion in the bushes was not and soon alerted her.  They both bounded away within seconds and were gone from sight, but I did manage to get a quick snap.  I was really pleased to have been able just to watch them for a few moments.
I rather think that may have been summer though, the weather changed next day and has not been as nice since.

Not quite so much  "The Mountains are calling me and I must Go"  more of time to get some hills in the legs again and these are the closest and most easily accessible.  Plus I rather love them.

 Had rather a good afternoon out exploring what should be a fairly straightforward route up through the Glen to the tops and over, but hey this is me and I never seem to end up taking the easy way.

My chosen route was very overgrown,

and after attempting a scramble up some wet rocks, 

I opted for the safer option of going straight upwards instead.

Black Hill's trig point shrouded in cloud.  Kona "bagged" that one last year.  

So I'm not really sure If I've done enough for Lakeland, time will tell.  It's been a funny year, somethings have not gone according to plan, but on the whole I've done a lot of terrain, and I feel strong in myself, my legs have improved and my ability to go uphill is getting better.  It still takes a while but I'm not quite so knackered at the end of it, and once up I'm raring to go.

Here's one or two pictures taken on one of my favourite days of the week "Dog Walk Sunday"

Powillimont

Mabie Forest

Swan Family at Dalwsinton

I am making plans for next year and the year after, there are several things I need to and want to do which although are goals themselves will all hopefully prepare me for what I now feel may be my end goal.  Not completely sure yet, will make up my mind later on in this year, and once my mind is made up I will commit myself body and soul.

A little gentle ramble in the hills.

No, not a cryptic, sarcastic or ironic title, just a truthful one.  A little gentle ramble in the hills, the hills in question being the smaller siblings to the mighty Lowthers at Wanlockhead.

This is the second year I have taken part in the Moffat Mountain Rescue Charity Challenge to help raise funds for MMRT.  Unlike last year I had company all the way round, daughter and Laura (surrogate daughter) didn't pull out within the first mile and I managed to bully husband into coming too.  I deliberately chose this walk (10 Miles) because it was a medium ability level walk which was suitable for daughter and OH.  I'd also been to Green Lowther and fancied seeing different scenery.

Wanlockhead is a strange place, there are days like the day of the challenge where it is lovely and quite quaint but I've also been there on days when it felt like the ass end of the universe, bleak desolate and forbidding.  A place where you would just like to crawl into your house and hide under the duvet.  I've been going there for years as it was on the list of activities for the holiday kids at the stables, once a week I'd drive a mini bus full of them up to the Lead mining Museum, we went that often that my son could recite the guide's spiel off by heart.  How hard  life must of been for the lead miners and their families.

However Sunday started well with a burst of glorious sunshine, and we set off along the road which took us past a lot of the interesting industrial historical bits and pieces which one day I must go back and photograph properly.

The first four miles are flat along the valley floor, but soon the ground starts to slowly rise and once over the bridge you start heading upwards, not a huge incline but enough to know you are climbing, the next mile takes you though a forested area, this is being felled at the moment so next time I go up there it could look completely different.  Check point one came and went and soon it was time to have a spot of lunch.  The girls and I had our paltry picnic stuffed in our backpacks but Billy had a flask and a packed lunch box full of goodies (can you tell who takes a "piece" to work).  I even thought for a minute he might whip a table cloth from his backpack too.

The next few miles were delightful, Laura and I ran all the way down through the forest much to the amusement of the marshal who was hidden behind a gate, we didn't see him until we got to the gate. Chatted to him and some ladies for a while until the other pair caught up.

We were swiftly approaching the hardest part of the day, the bit I glossed over when daughter agreed to sign up.  Laura loved it, daughter however didn't and gave me "daggers" all the way up the long slog to the top of the hill.  The weather by this point was beginning to turn colder and duller and once down the hill we hit the valley floor at the same point as we started to climb earlier, and we followed the same route back in to the HQ.   It was about three in the afternoon but it felt and looked like about nine o clock.   The lovely people from the MRT had laid on burgers, biscuits, cake, tea etc  I was treated to one of the best burgers I've had for years, I'm not a great lover of burgers but this was a really tasty one.   Laura even had two!

I would really like to go back and do this route as a run, it has a bit of everything, dirt track, forest track, open hillside, a long slog up and swift canter down, and I would definitely  recommend it to anyone as a very do-able walk.  I would also recommend joining in with one of these events, they are very friendly and for a fantastic cause, as you never know when you may just be grateful to the Mountain Rescue Organization.

Lakes Mis-Adventuring.

My previous blog on Fetch was entitled Adventuring, so it is fitting to call this one Mis-Adventuring.  Whilst no-one was seriously injured or harmed in any way during the formation of this blog some lovely  people were put under a bit of stress.  More of that later.

Background.
At some point way in the dim and distant past while trawling through things to get my teeth into, things that would involve me getting away into the Lake District for a weekend I came across The Great Lakeland Three Day Event.  I read the information and saw that it was also open to walkers as the cut-offs were generous enough to accommodate them too.  So credit card in hand I duly signed up.  Now I didn't take this lightly I knew I had to learn to navigate so booked one course and then another with Nav4.  I also spent countless hours pouring over my maps, I downloaded old mountain marathon courses from the net and plotted the checkpoints, I got myself out and about with map and compass practising.  I felt I could cope with the terrain and manage at least two days.   So after my Oz trip I purchased the necessary equipment, tent, inflatable mat, dry bag  new sleeping bag, and gathered together everything else I would need.

Friday - spent the day getting ready for the off, dry bag packed and unpacked a dozen times until I was sure it weighed the correct amount.  Decided to travel down during the early hours as it was extremely wet and I wanted to start fresh and not bedraggled from packing up a wet camp.  Arrived at 0600hrs and the event centre was already buzzing, booked in, got my dibber thing and deposited my baggage for transport.  I explained that if I felt I couldn't do it I would withdraw.  Must admit to being scared at this point, everyone looked expert except me but I was determined to give it a go.  

Saturday - spent some time marking the checkpoints and figuring the possible routes for me, I understood that I didn't need to visit all the checkpoints I would do what I could.  Set off up the hill, it was soaking wet, my feet were wet within seconds, I trudged upwards for what seemed ages being passed by loads of people, nothing unusual there at the top of the rise came the first real direction decision which I made and was obviously correct.  The weather wasn't too good but it could have been worse, visibility wasn't great and it's a;ways worse for someone who wears glasses.

Carried on through a right misty part and came out looking down towards Glenridding. I decided at this point to press on for Helvellyn, missing out the first checkpoint, so I headed up to Red Tarn and then up towards Striding Edge (HUGE MISTAKE).

I got right on to the start of the Edge and couldn't do it.  I just couldn't go forward, all I could see was me crashing downwards and being killed on an event, how would I ever live that one down.  So I headed straight down and up over Swirral Edge instead, I looked at it and thought what the hell have I let myself in for, but there was no going back this time, one failure is quite enough thank you.  So I gritted my teeth and went for it.  A lady stopped me just before the top and said "it's so worth it you know" and she was right in just a few seconds I'd topped and the view was magnificent so unfortunately was the wind.  Tried to find the checkpoint dibbery thing, even had a couple of chaps helping me but somehow managed to miss it completely.  Time to press on I knew I was way behind time now so my only thought was to get to the checkpoint at Mill Bridge and bib so they knew I was still moving.  Dropped down and dipped and gave the event centre a phone to say as I was behind time I would miss out Helm Crag and head up the Coast to Coast route which leads straight to Stonethwaite.  This was absolutely beautiful and brilliant walk, I will be going back.   I was making not too bad time, late but Stonethwaite was doable by about 1830 in my estimation, so at the top of valley I tried to phone the event centre again, no luck, no connection. so I pressed on.  Unfortunately this is where the wheels came off big time, I took a wrong turn and headed down the wrong way, I've tried to decided exactly where and I rather think I was headed back towards Thirlmere, I was following a quite wide stream downwards and it was obvious I shouldn't be. Anyway I just had a feeling it wasn't right, so I turned back the way I'd come and found the right route.  Thank goodness I thought, then I realised that I had quite a distance still to travel.  I was in a panic - not actually for me - more for the organisers who I knew would be pressing all sorts of alarm bells by now.  I knew I was OK but they didn't.  So all the way down I kept trying to phone no luck.    As the light started to really fade I saw the and heard the campsites at Stonethwaite and before I knew it I was in the village. A very nice lady asked her husband where the check point was and stayed with me when I phone the organisers from the phone box, she then showed me the checkpoint.  The very lovely marshals came and collected me, I was expecting a bollocking really but they were so nice to me, made me eat pasta and two of the chaps even erected my tent.

Shane the Director had phoned my family so he got them on the phone so I could re-assure them I was OK, which I was.  I've since seen the vid, that Shane made on the second day where he mentions the stressful situation and I am truly apologetic for causing him that stress.

Obviously I pulled out of the event, although I was told I could go on and do a much shortened course. but there was no way I would do that to them again, I couldn't take the chance. So next morning I packed up and headed into Keswick where I booked into a B & B.  Spent most of the day watching the Half Marathon finishers and then went for a lovely meal in The Oddfellows.

Monday - had originally organised with one of the marshals Caroline for her to pick me up in Keswick but she had to go to Wilfs in Stavely for supplies, so I caught a bus to Troutbeck and started walking back to Dowthwaitehead Farm for my car.  Was picked up by Andrew from Inov8 who brought me up to speed with the rest of the event.  I don't think I was the only late one, looking at the results a couple on Sunday were also late and it looks like quite a few people didn't finish either.  In fact Andrew said they shortened the course quite a lot for Monday.   Spent a short time at the event centre catching up and apologising. Spoke to Stuart the Navigation instructor, I hope he wasn't too embarrassed by my failure, because when all's said and done it wasn't really the navigation that was the problem it was my judgement in thinking I could do Striding Edge in the first place.   (I will someday).

So in conclusion - I did have a great weekend, I've met some truly lovely people and I've learnt such a lot about navigation, judgement and self reliance.  I also realise that entering in the first place was perhaps over ambitious, but I also know that if I hadn't lost so much time at Striding Edge I should have finished around the cut off time and given the next day a go. I never felt in any danger at any point, even when I took the wrong turn I was fine, it just added ages onto my time as I had to climb back up again.  So what would I do differently, well for a start I wouldn't try for a three day event, perhaps a two and I would definitely have better contingency plans made.  I need to hone the navigation skills, Jean (sort of chief marshal) suggested that I try some orienteering events which I will probably look into.

Look they even gave me this, I personally didn't think I deserved it but they insisted so what's a girl to do.


I don't regret entering but what I do regret is causing Shane and his team any problems because they really are top people who ran a brilliant event which I would recommend, but not for me next year.  Just don't tell them this but who knows what the future will bring

So it's a case of filing what I've gained from the experience and trying not to be too embarrassed it my failure.    Just to end on a comical note, Kona would not have anything to do with me when I came home, she hid in her cage and turned her face every time I spoke to her and when I brought my back pack in she snorted at it and walked away.  It took several hours and many biscuits before she would come near me.