I recently had the pleasure of working with a really nice group of people from 'fluid Architecture'. They had challenged themselves to complete the National Three Peaks in one go. I met them in a lay-by in Dyffryn Mymbyr, Snowdonia and jumped on their mini bus for the lift up to the car park at the top of the Llanberis pass where the P-Y-G track starts, our chosen path for the ascent of Snowdon.
No sooner had we arrived in the car park and we were off. It was a perfect morning weather wise, not to hot and no strong winds. I understood that these guys had been on the go for almost twenty hours with two big mountains in their legs, cramped seating conditions on the mini bus as well as the sleep deprivation and the likelihood of copious amounts of sickly sweets and motorway service station sandwiches. So the pace was set to 'steady as we go' to ensure the top was reached in good time with their enjoyment of the hill firmly in mind. Despite their physical exertion they were soon up to speed and their was no stopping them. Great conversation and wonderful views took the sting out of it and the mood was really up beat as we got higher. It was almost as though they were being pulled along the path as we gained height. On the summit we were met with cool winds, a bit of low cloud and a fantastic musical presentation by around twenty people whom had carried loads of different kinds of drums all the way to the top for the sole purpose of just playing to the crowd. They were fantastic and it was a fitting climax for 'fluid' as we went to the summit cairn. On the way down, the sun came out and really put the icing on the cake as we descended via the Llanberis path. On the final slope they were greeted by their support team who were waiting with thoroughly chilled bottles champagne, tea coffee and biscuits. Well done 'fluid' I really enjoyed the day! Twice in one night!!!
11.30pm Saturday 23rd August, Wasdale Head, Lake District, setting off for the top of Scafell Pike. Six challengers aching and tired having finished Ben Nevis some six to seven hours earlier. Step after step followed by some more tiring upward steps. Relentlessly uphill into the high mountain night with stunning views across the sea to the Isle of Man, over the Solway Firth to Scotland, Lancashires coast line and the distant glow of Blackpool. A stunning view from the summit at 3am before reluctantly beating a retreat for the valley, conscious of time slipping away as tired legs pounded the track to the bottom. 5.30am, safely down and goodbyes all round. 6.30am, no rest for the wicked............another group of 10, same path, same challenge, same tactics, up, up, up as quick as you can, then down, down, down as fast as the legs would stride out ahead. STUNNING VIEWS in every direction, the Lakes laid out before us with no time to stop at the top and draw it all in. Photo, biscuit, quick drink, then hammer it down with no thoughts at all other than the clock waiting for no one. We were down in time for an early lunch! Well done to Team Britta Water Filters and Team Parker who completed the National Three Peaks Challenge, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon. Both groups were great company and worked really hard to get their result. |
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This is a general blog of the things I've been up to either on a personal basis or with clients. Archives
April 2015
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