Two Saturdays - Two different Worlds!



What a difference a week makes. Last Saturday we stayed at High Moss on a Rucksack Meet. Paul Murray had set up what should have been a jolly and fun 'Fell Race' with 12 controls to find in 4 hours. The weather was so bad that Ian, Keith and I could not stand up on Brown Pike (below Caw), one control had been swept away and a further one we couldn't locate as we couldn't stand up when we left the path - you get the picture. After 2 and a half hours we were psychologically and physically battered and headed back to the hut and a cup of hot chocolate - even FSS was glad to pack it in! You may know that conditions were so bad that the Ian Hodgson Relay race and the Coniston Trail race were both cancelled. Later that afternoon, the streams were so high that we couldn't leave the cottage by car, and no-one fancied a walk to the pub. Luckily we were well provisioned with sufficient wine etc to accompany the wonderful meal prepared by Paul and his daughter Ros. This was followed by prizes for the winners of the event (which were further consumed by all present). Sunday dawned, bright and sunny and gave us excellent conditions for parties to depart to collect in all of the controls.



This Saturday saw heavenly conditions for Autumn in Lakeland (LDWA), leaving home just after six, prospects didn't look too hopeful, but on arriving at Keswick a little after eight, the sun was up and remained shining for the whole of the day. Great route out over Cat Bells, down and out to Rosthwaite, big climb up the stepped path to Watendlath (very slippy and slow over this part), up and over Walla Crag with fabulous views over Keswick. Delightful run off down through Great Wood and past Surprise View back to the church at Crosthwaite. 21m just under 5,000ft of ascent in 4hr 57min.

This is what you need Ed - kick start your Joss training with some good LDWA events, you don't need to carry much just enjoy the miles and the climbs!


STOP PRESS

FSS is booking me in on an FRA navigation course - and he won't come with me because he says he would end up helping me!

PS

Nicole and I are out Sat 18th UTUP - anyone else or are you all tapering for the big one?