Saturday 19 July 2008

55 Days to go… Craig is introduced to Mountain Climbing


With less than two months to go until our challenge, Claire, Craig and I headed to Wales for a weekend of serious hill walking.

This was the first time that Craig had tackled any slopes, so it was a sort of baptism by fire for him, with a 21km walk in the Black Mountains on Saturday and a shorter, but definitely steeper 11kms up Pen Y Fan and the surrounding peaks in the Brecon Beacons on Sunday. He still seems to be in a state of shock that he actually survived, as I think he was actually expecting a lot worse. He did however exclaim that fresh air and amazing views are a great cure for after effects of over indulgence, but also that going down hill kills the toes, and if given the choice he would just stick to the up hills!

Carrie discovered that being the navigator, figuring out where you are on the map, and where you want to be seriously slows you down. Her two quotes of the weekend will be remembered as ‘Well, we are meant to be here….’ And ‘Almost there!’ I don’t think the others will ever trust her saying that phrase again – it’s all relative though isn’t it, and when you have already walked 20kms, what’s one more?!…

Claire’s finally agreed that she needs a bigger day pack, as her nifty little orange one is great, on a summer’s day when there’s no threat of four seasons in one day, but if as soon as you need to start adding waterproof jacket, trousers, glove, hat, food, water, more food and emergency kit the zip does start to protest a little! Carrie’s also finally admitted that her beloved boots no longer love her feet so will be replaced very very soon. So, add those to all the kit Craig needs and it looks like a shopping spree is soon to be on the agenda…ouch!

Take a look at our photos here of the weekend.

Overall it was a great weekend – Thanks to Pash, David and Kirsti who came along and allowed themselves to be lead around the welsh countryside for the weekend.

Our next big weekend trip will be to attempt the Yorkshire 3 Peaks at the end of August, so if anyone is keen give us a shout!

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