Day 4 - Last Peak Done.... Challenge complete!

Up at 07.30hrs for early breakfast... long drive ahead of us today. We left Fort William just before 9am to ensure our 250 mile drive to Wasdale Head in the Lake District was completed in time to enable us to climb Scarfell Pike in daylight.

The drive was without drama and as soon as we arrived at Wasdale we used the facilities at the Inn, donned our walking boots, packed our rucksacks with waterproofs and warm clothes, reviewed the map and handheld gps and set off...

The climb was abrupt and direct and for the first mile or so followed Lingmell Gill. Then the path took a left and the easy part was over.... from here on the path was only apparent by searching for the next cairn. Then we needed to pick our way across a field of stones and boulders as best we could to identify the next cairn... This continued endlessly to the summit.


I don't mind admitting that I found this climb the most technical and the most tiring... it was difficult to find a rhythm and I knew that I had not fully recovered from yesterday's assault of Ben Nevis. Today climbing became a psychological as well as physical challenge and I have to thank Greg and Neil for their patience and encouragement as I dragged my 'sorry ass' up the mountain. As we reached our third waypoint on top of Pikes Crag the wind picked up as we entered the clouds... visibility was down to 20-30 feet as we agreed to keep each other in site as we picked our way precariously across what can only be described as a scree and rubble field to the summit. The summit was a 'white out' and was cold, windy & inhospitable... We sheltered as best we could to eat some high energy snacks and add layers of thermal clothing and waterproof jackets... the descent would be less physically demanding and our body temperatures would likely fall.



The descent was as technically demanding as the climb so our progress was slow as we picked our way tentatively from one secure foothold to the next. Once back to the path following Lingmell Gill it became clear that running down the mountain was actually more comfortable and arguably safer than walking. Certainly there was less load on our knees/legs and progress was immeasurably quicker....

We arrived back at the car in a surprisingly good time of 3.5 hrs... considering the conditions and my pitiful pace on the early ascent.

I had mixed feelings as we changed into dry clothes and bade farewell to Neil.... It was great to have completed the 3 Peaks Challenge, but sad to be saying 'good bye' to Neil and resigning ourselves to a further 5 hour drive back to North Wales....

Back at the boat now just after midnight... tired legs, very smelly and my brain is slowly shutting down for the night... one last thing to do - raise a glass and toast our success, whilst contemplating the impact our funds will have at Nongon School, Northern Thailand.

Tim & Greg signing off for the last time.....

Day 3 - What goes up must come down.....

Pheeww.... What a climb !!! Unforgettable in so many ways. The most beautiful day, most amazing scenery, and the most exhilarating but tiring of climbs.

We expected to be climbing for 7-8 hours... but with porridge & cooked breakfast we fairly blitzed the ascent and got the summit in just short of 3.5 hrs. The last 300m of vertical ascent were snow covered and difficult underfoot. My God - what a view from the top ! Visibility 40-50 miles and no cloud or haze to speak of.

After a 20 minute rest and a pot noodle we started our descent and spent the next hour or so refamiliarising ourselves with the people we had passed on the climb as they struggled to the summit.

£40 collected during the day made the pain of the descent worthwhile. Personally I found the descent harder than the climb and this feeling was reinforced when a blister on my right foot burst and made for an uncomfortable last 30 minutes. The pain was quelled with a medicinal pint of Guinness before heading back to the hotel for a relaxing sauna and soak in the hotel leisure suite.

This evening we walked into town and ate at the Grog & Gruel pub where the staff remembered us from our brief visit last year...

Top day, a fantastic climb and a real sense of achievement as we ready ourselves for our last climb tomorrow in the Lakes.... bring it on -Scarfell Pike.

Good night... same time tomorrow... Tim

Day 3 - This is your life.....

Ben Nevis was a great climb and the conditions were perfect... We had a cloudless blue sky and clear views across the snow-capped Monroe's. Having learnt our lesson from the hangover through which we were climbing Snowdon, our early night last night stood us in good stead for Ben Nevis. We left the hotel at 9am this morning and met with our additional team member Neil before embarking on the long walk at 9.20. The route to the summit begins steadily from the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre and develops into a zig-zag ascent to the snow line and summit beyond.

We climbed together at a steady pace to the top stopping only to admire the breathtaking view. At the top we paused for photos and a brief light lunch before descending. Tim and Neil were a little slower on the way down so I forged ahead at a pace my knees could cope with! More pace, less impact!


At the bottom I waited at the Ben Nevis Inn with a Guinness. By chance I met with Nicholas Parsons who had waited especially to present me with my 'This Is Your Life' red book (see picture).

We gratefully collected a generous donation from Nicholas himself and from his travelling companions Sue and Simon...

A quick spell in the sauna and spa were enough to revitalize us before heading off to Fort William for a few ales and some food. The 'Grog & Gruel' on the High Street in the town is worth a stop...
and have to thank Miss McLeod for unselfishly sharing a taxi with us and dropping us at our hotel...


Greg

Day 2 - Greg's Blog

Pwllheli to Fort William is a long way! A good night sleep last night set us up well for today's epic journey to the sunshine of the Highlands (leaving increasing winds and imminent heavy rain in Wales). I'm very disappointed to be leaving Stray Cat behind as the voyage by sea was to be a highlight of the challenge for me... Nonetheless, our spirits are still high and aside from the interruption by the North Wales Traffic Police our trip was pretty easy going.

I've been to Scotland only once before and this was for a flying visit of just two nights. I remember the road though, through the Highlands and passed Glencoe. This scenery is awesome... full of rugged majesty. It evokes a magical transportation of the mind to imagine a primitive and isolated life amongst the looming giants. When last I drove this road it was Winter and the landscape was harsh and bleak. In full May glory and radiating with green, life energy the Highlands are breathtaking.




Fort William is itself a confused place aesthetically with a mix of ill-matched architecture and poorly planned road systems. Little or nothing is made of the spectacular Loch Linnhe waterfront which is a shame. Our hotel is comfortable and has a pool, gym and spa which has been ideal this evening to ease the aches we're suffering from yesterday's climb, followed by today's lack of physical activity in the car.

We're both looking forward to the big climb tomorrow...

We must thank Bill and Katherine Cole who we met at the pub in Fort William earlier. They kindly donated generously to the school and we wish them well on their journey home tomorrow.

Greg

Day 2 - The long and winding road....

Up at 07.00 hrs to pack for the next few days, as we are leaving the comfort of Stray Cat for the long and winding road to Fort William & a date with Ben Nevis. We got a flyer out of Pwllheli... so much so I was asked to explain my haste to the North Wales Constabulary. Clearly my explanation fell short of what was required and a lengthy chat ensued which culminated in a fixed penalty notice (3 points & a fine)....



Unperturbed, we pressed on and covered the 428 miles in just short of 7.5 hours... Clearly the drive was long and tedious but with Greg as company and an endless supply of dance, trance, drum & bass and the obligatory Pink Floyd we arrived tired and stiff (from yesterday's exertion - not excitement)



We left Wales in sunshine and the sun followed us all the way and we have spent a warm sunny evening in Fort William fortifying ourselves for tomorrow's climb. Ben Nevis is by far our most challenging summit and we are hoping to complete it in 7-8 hours... a good night's sleep is required, so I will sign off now.... Until tomorrow....



Tim

Day 1 - Greg's Blog

With fellow crew members abandoning ship and venture, and with weather trapping us in Pwllheli, Captain Tim and I got drunk about town last night as preparation for today’s climb up Snowdon. Although conditions in the Irish Sea will prevent our passage on Stray Cat there was sunshine over Snowdonia for the first climb of our 3 Peaks Challenge. Sorely hung over Tim and I set out at 10am this morning from Pen-Y-Pass to walk the ‘Pyg Track’ some 1085m to the summit of Snowdon. This is a relatively easy climb [even with a hang over!] and gives one a chance to appreciate the awesome beauty of the mountain and beyond to the rest of the range. In today’s hazy sunshine the panorama of dramatic peaks, lakes and valleys stretching in darkening shades to the distance. The rich, deep greens of the trees and fields at this time of years are striking too; and the lowland air is fresh and fragrant.

At a gentle pace we quickly made good time to the path overlooking Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn lakes. The wind was fierce and gusting as we cleared the shelter of the mountain. Below, on the surface of the lakes, its shape can be seen in moving patterns of rippling waves and foam.

The climb to the intersection of the paths just below the summit is physical although beyond that point to the summit itself is an easy finish. There are many people on the mountain today and it’s very busy at the top. Tim and I stop only to take a few photos and then set off back down to the car. Our decent is rapid save for the pauses as we meet oncoming climbers in their endless procession.

I’d climbed Snowdon once before many years ago but had forgotten its magnificent beauty. I’d recommend it as an easy, yet exertive climb with some amazing views. Passage of Hope 2008: 3 Peaks Challenge is well and truly underway with a good warm up climb… we’re both looking forward to Ben Nevis next on Monday and then Scarfell Pike on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Day 1 - One down... two to go !

It would appear that our decision to remain in port and not to venture out into the Irish Sea was the right one... Force 6's and 7's were experienced there today with gust exceeding 40 knots.

To take full advantage of the dry weather and clear visibility we tackled Snowdon today. Clearly a popular past time on a Bank Holiday weekend as we joined a long line of climbers attemping the summit. We struggled to park at Pen-y-pass as the carpark was full, but did manage to find a piece of verge, just big enough for the Audi despite the 'Dim Parcio' signs... really must learn some Welsh !

As we started our climb it became clear that we would be part of a human procession to the summit - Hundreds of people were strung out in front of us - in a spectacle not dissimilar to an ancient pilgrimage. Pen-y-pass is a popular starting point as it gives climbers the option of taking the easier route (Miners' track) or the more direct and challenging Pyg track, which was to be our route today...

The Pyg track climbs steadily, as it traverses the side of Crib Goch, and offers some stunning views of Llyn Llydaw (reservoir) and the smaller of the lakes - Glaslyn. We set off at a very steady pace as we were passed by many youthful and eager day climbers. Our pace was to reward us some 30-40 minutes later as we started to pass the 'pace setters' who had clearly underestimated the climb.

For most of the climb the summit of Snowdon is clearly visible ahead, which proved a great motivator as we picked up our pace and found our climbing rhythm. As we traversed the upper slopes of Crib y Ddysgl we were just in shirt sleeves due to the physical exertion, but the wind was now more prevalent. Our stops (for a breather) were kept short, as our body temperatures dropped quickly in the blustery conditions. The wind was extreme as we joined the Llanberis path for the final push to the summit. At an exposed part of the final ridge the wind was howling up the ravine below with such force that we struggled to stay on our feet as we pushed on through a maelstrom of dust and grit thrown up by the freshening easterly gale.

The final climb to the summit is easy (almost pedestrian) as it follows the path of the mountain railway. The excitement and feeling of achievement was diluted slightly as we jostled with perhaps 50 or 60 other people to stand on the summit itself. I have to say however that my hat comes off to the 8 or so wheelchair climbers who arrived at the summit as we did. The Snowdon Push in aid of the Backup Trust was clearly well planned and executed and hopefully raised substantial funds for this worthy cause. It's the first time I've put money in a collecting tin at the top of a mountain!!!

We took the same route down the mountain, as we needed to be reunited with my precariously parked car... the route down was straight forward enough but punctuated with periods of inactivity as we waited for the hordes of climbers still coming up the Pyg Track. As we lost altitude and neared the end of our descent there were still people starting their climb. I have to say that some of the people we passed on our way down were clearly not adequately equipped nor apparently physically capable of the climb - so we had to assume they were just out for a short walk...

We got back to the car at 1.35pm some 3.5 hrs after we had set off... a little out of breathe perhaps, very hot and a little wind & sunburnt. One down, two to go !!

We are staying aboard Stray Cat tonight and have a long drive to Fort William in the morning, ready to attempt Ben Nevis on Monday.

For those of you watching our progress.. good night and we'll blog tomorrow night.

Tim

Forecast winds & sea state scupper original plans...

Force 6 and Force 7 winds are forecast for the next few days in the Irish Sea.... We are due to depart tomorrow (Saturday) so we have agreed to change our plans to ensure we get all 3 Peaks completed this week. Clearly there is little point setting off by sea and getting holed up enroute for several days - this would jeopardise the trip and our team's safety !!

So we shall climb Snowdon tomorrow and review the forecast... if unchanged, we will drive to Scotland and complete Ben Nevis (Mon/Tuesday). If the weather sorts itself out then we are keen to travel by boat to Whitehaven to climb Scarfell Pike. If however the winds persist then we shall climb Scarfell Pike enroute back from Scotland !

Clearly the Team are HUGELY dissapointed that the weather has dealt us this blow... but the important things are that we climb the 3 Peaks in the next 7 days, the school benefits from the sponsorship money received (and promised) and importantly that we do not put the safety & welfare of our Team at risk!

Will keep you posted each evening.... keep watching the blog.

Departure date set - Royal Seal of Approval

HRH the Princess Royal was aboard Stray Cat last week and has wished us well in the upcoming A Passage of Hope - 3 Peaks Challenge.... Princess Anne was aboard Stray Cat for approx 2.5 hrs and chatted freely about the RYA National Trials and her own boating preferences and experiences. She listened with interest as I told her about this years' challenge.

The departure date for this years challenge is set - anytime after Friday 23rd May. If the weather is kind to us we may zip across to Ireland on the Friday evening. If the weather is not so good, then the first possible day after the 23rd.

Crew and climbers details are now much clearer and we are expecting a few well wishers and family members to meet us in North Wales on our return to climb Snowdon with us - Great !!!

Sponsorship has already started to arrive.... so please support us if you can.

A New Year - A New Challenge

This year's challenge combines 700 nautical miles of coastal navigation with climbing the 3 largest mountains in the UK - namely, Ben Nevis, Scotland followed by Scafell Pike, England and finally Snowdon in Wales.




This year's challenge combines many disciplines and is logistically challenging. Team members will need to safetly navigate the waters of the Irish Sea and the Northern Channel whilst coordinating a land based support vehicle to transport Team Members to and from the foot of the 3 Peaks.

It is our plan to complete the 3 Peaks Challenge in 7 days. It is likely to be at the end of May or the first week in June. Anyone interested in volunteering for the Challenge should contact me as soon as possible...

Time to get fit , me thinks !!!

Tim