A long weekend in the Pyrenees

Three years on, I returned to the Pyrenees, this time accompanied by Julie. We were only there for three   nights, taking a leisurely route down via Versailles and Le Puy-en-Velay in the Auvergne and then returning via a night in the DOrdogne and then three nights at Ouistreham near Caen. I'll post some photos of the rest of the trip on facebook. Weather throughout was hot but at least in the Pyrenees  the altitude made it much more comfortable. We also made the very good decision to pack a full size fan which was used in most hotel rooms. I didn't manage a run until the day before we returned to England and that was only a 40 minute run on the flat - the first two miles of the GR36 then back : maybe one day I'll return to complete the rest of the GR36 through to its terminus at Bourg-Madame on the Spanish border, nearly 1000km away. I could only manage 10 minute miling for the first two miles : I'd probably not woken up as it was 7.30a.m. and about 26ªC. Later in the day it hit 40ªC on the way back from a beach.

I didn't manage to make it back for Saturday UTUP. The anticipated horrors of Friday afternoon traffic from Portsmouth meant we'd arranged to stay with Julie's sister in Staffordshire overnight.

Congrats to the great turnout for Coope's Dozen - looks like 14 starters, 12 full completions? to add to Ed, SN an yours truly a few weeks earlier. And congrats to our internationally renowned photographer, following her front page of the Runaround with the cover of the Fellrunner.

The first photo is from our walk from Le Puy-en-Velay in the Auvergne - to give TLoB some inspiration. The rest from the Pyrenees where we covered some of the GR10 on the first day and headed up and out of the valley towards Spain on the second day.

Our walk from Le Puy-en-Velay included some of the Camino Santiago (Chemin de St. Jacques).

Le Puy is one of the four starting locations, finishing at Santiago de Compostella.

 Julie relaxing with a glass at our campsite at Estaing.

 On the road approaching Lac d'Estaing.

No wind at Lac d'Estaing

 One of the views

  Interesting artwork on rocks along the way

  Warming up as the cloud lifts

 Just before lunch approaching the Lac du Plaa de Prat

Borrowdale Fell Race

Great day on the fells supporting those racing – more pics of the race at Out and About.  Perfect conditions for the runners with good visibility and a light breeze.

From the footpath to Seathwaite

Identification Parade – Issue 2

At a chat prior to our Saturday morning run it turned out that some revisions and additions are required to my previous Coope’s Dozen blog posting. With apologies to Tony Marlow and to Andy ? they are as follows:

 

From left to right: Andy ?, Christa Whatmough, Fran Walker, Mick Murphy, John Swift, Graeme Smith, Tony Marlow, Alastair Murray, Suzanne Budgett, Albert Sunter, Mark Sammon, Josie Greenhalgh and Andy Ford. 

I hope I have now given the correct information. Please tell me if otherwise.

Responses

Thanks EtU – I was thrilled when Britta asked to use my snap for the front cover, having seen it on my blog.  The condition was that it would be a secret especially from Ian!  You can imagine how difficult that was, needless to say he was delighted when he received his copy of Fellrunner.  I had to tell someone as I was so excited and so SN was my only confidant and she kept the secret perfectly – thank you!

JtE the runner in the centre of the line up – grey shirt is Tony Marlow.  No idea who the fella on the left is.

Off to watch Borrowdale tomorrow – have fun on Winter Hill : )

Dig this

That Walter Raleigh chap has a lot to answer to.  Having just started the mammoth task of digging up a years supply of potatoes on our allotment I shall need to finish early on Saturday in order to do an afternoon's shift with the spade.  I shall arrive at UTUP on foot and will accompany whoever turns up for another hour or so, hopefully.

Identification Parade

Thanks to EtU and TYC I can now identify all but one in the picture previously posted showing the start of Coope’s Dozen. I don’t have first and second names in all cases. For ease of reference I am posting the picture again.

From left to right they are Tony Marlow, Christa, Fran, Mick, John Swift, Graeme Smith, Unknown, Alastair Murray, Suzanne Budgett, Albert Sunter, Mark Sammon, Josie and Andy Ford.

If anyone has any further information please let me know.

Wow! or Rather Double Wow!

Am I right in thinking that, not to be outdone by her better (?) half, NLN has followed up FSS's excellent photo on the cover of the previous Fellrunner, with one of her own on the current issue? This must be a first.

This Week

Planning UTUP Thursday 1st and Saturday 3rd.

OCR photos

After a further look at those photos (link at end of last post) I'm on more than I realised. Blue top & pink buff. None after page 2 though.

Apparently we should have had some beer on top of Knott, but the quad bike giving it a lift met with a bit of an accident. Driver ok, bike a right-off. So there could be a keg of beer out there for the supping!

TF

Old Crown Round Sat 27th July (24m/7400ft)

What a gem!

Ever since nearly being swept away by the River Caldew on the LDMT in 2011 (bad weather courses in operation) I've wanted to return to explore the area of fells north of Keswick under kinder conditions. The Old Crown Round gave me a chance to do this with an added incentive of some alcohol to help me on my way round.

With the walkers setting off first and us runners picking a start time after 8.30am things were very relaxed from the off. The first beer was being sampled at 10.00am, Old Carrock Bitter - A smooth blend of crystal, chocolate and pale ale malts modestly bittered with East Kent Goldings and First Gold hops, then finished with a late addition of Styrian Goldings to give that classic liquid Christmas pudding flavour. With a further 20m to go it was a only a brief tasting, definitely a 'winter' beer.

Downwards and upwards to Blencathra. With low water levels, I nearly managed to get across the Caldew without getting my feet wet. The ale on the summit turned out to be the summer version called 'Sharp Edge'. Not listed on the brewery website, all I can say is that it was a different taste to the first, and given the hot thirsty work climbing to the summit I helped myself to few gulps more. Well it was just past midday!

Next stop was Skiddaw House YH. Here we were refuelled with a choice of soup.

 Attacking the Skiddaw summit from this side seemed infinitely more pleasurable than the usual tourist route up. Could have got quite carried away with the beverage on the top as suggested by the website - A true session bitter; largely Maris Otter pale ale malt with just enough crystal malt to round the flavour. A classic combination of Goldings, Fuggles and Hallertau Hersbrucker provides the bitterness, finished with a hint of Styrian Goldings.

 

Rain on it's way?

 

I had to reach the next two summits (Great Calva and Knott) without the promise of any beer. But the final goal was High Pike - Deep amber colour and a full nutty malt character are complemented by a complex hop bitterness derived from a subtle blend of Kent Goldings, Fuggles and Hallertau Hersbrucker copper hops finished with aromatic Styrian Goldings. Sampled a full plastic cup of this one, well it was only 3m to the finish and some of that on the same route we'd set out on.

Well it just goes to show that with beer and map I revert to type, went tottering past my turn off and once corrected stood for a long time looking down at some disused mine workings trying to fathom a good way through. Mind you with a load of 'Dutch Courage' on board, the cows in the last field before the final road section proved a doddle to negotiate.

The rain finally caught me up, and the finish line had moved to inside the pub. 8hrs16mins after I started, a good 4hrs2mins after the winner, but then he didn't stop for the beer!

A few more pics taken by Adrian Nicholls (I'm on 2 of them, 24, 25) can be found here http://3294602.tifmember.com/?Action=_VC&id=133293202&ppwd=ocr

TF

Coope’s Dozen–Today

I few pictures taken during the day

At the start

 

These three finished the lot.

 

And all but Healey Nab.

I hear that Albert, Suzanne and one other formed a super quick group finishing well ahead of the quick group. I’m interested to know if Suzanne is now the quickest lady beating Caroline Wright’s record. Can someone let me know please either by posting on this blog or by e-mailing me on sjohncoope@tiscali.co.uk Also, can someone either post a blog or e-mail to me a report on the activities of both groups.

I followed the slower fast group as far as possible being the only member of the slow group after YJ dropped out at Rivington Pike. My route from there was Two Lads and to the far end of Smithills Reservoir where I turned left to “the wall” and up to Counting Hill and Winter Hill where the group caught me up. Then down to Hordern Stoops where YJ kindly provided some refreshments. Then forward to Great Hill missing out Old Adam Hill hoping that I would be caught again near Great Hill. However I saw nobody from thereon and carried on to White Coppice, missing out Round Loaf, and to the finish. A Coope’s Eight so to speak. 15.19 miles.

A very impressive turn out in the hot and humid conditions.

Coope's Dozen

Good luck to all taking part - enjoy your day.

Coopes Dozen Sat 27th July 9am start @ Top Barn car park

For our newer readership a reminder of the route summits
Noon Hill
Rivington Pike
Two Lads
Whimberry Hill
Egg Hillock
Counting Hill
Winter Hill
Old Adam's Hill
Spitlers Edge (spot height)
Great Hill
Round Loaf and
Healey Nab.

Optional route choice, but you won't be climbing any fences without the presence of a stile, will you?! (For the benefit of United Utilities - the Land Owner) The distance is in the region of 18 miles. The individual men's record of 2:25:30 was set in April 2002 by Kev Gaskell, then aged 40. The ladies' record of 3:33 is held by Carolyn Wright. Any one got a garmin trace of the route that they can post and then our 'non-running' readership can get an idea of where you're all heading? Can someone remember a camera?

Have a good run everyone. I've been lured north with the promise of beer on some of the summits on my route on Saturday. The beer is kindly being supplied by the Hesket Newmarket Brewery (www.hesketbrewery.co.uk), so I believe we'll get to sample 'Old Carrock', 'Blencathra Bitter', 'Skiddaw Special' and 'High Pike' (in that order). I like the sound of Old Carrock the best, apparently brewed to give a 'classic liquid Christmas Pudding flavour'. Details of the route can be found on www.wanderingaengustreks.com/Old-Crown-Round most impressed with the superb route cards produced by the organiser.

TF

Coope’s Coope’s Dozen

Yes, I’ll be there. Sorry it’s not been arranged more formally. I understood that it had been run at the end of June when I was on holiday. Not sure I’ll be up to doing the full course.

Coope's Doz

It looks as though by default we have a Coope's Doz on the usual date and I fully intend to be there for a 9 am start from the Top Barn.  Having had a number of unsuccessful attempts this year I can only hope for a better showing on my part. A lot will depend on the weather  -- or whether the weather will be kind to the wethers.

Apologies for causing confusion over last Saturday's UTUP.  Having concluded that I would be on my own I awoke with the alarm after a terrible night's sleep and feeling exhausted from the intense heat even at that unearthly time I decided to reset the alarm and run later in the day. As far as I can recall  that is first time I have failed to UTUP due to inertia.

Congratulations to TF on her Kentmere debut. Heatwave conditions have not always applied to this event as EtU will testify to having  completed with snow on the ground and finishing with a group of competitors sticking together for survival.

To Coopes or not to Coopes

On chatting to the Horwich contingent at Kentmere today interest in doing Coopes Dozen next Saturday was expressed, to the point of 'what time does it start?'

So I have given them a start time of 9am at the Top Barn car park, in essence a Coopes Dozen UTUP. I have advised them that it's likely to be a self-supported round this year.

Can anyone who intends to do all or some of the route make themselves known before the end of the week? I'm away doing the Old Crown Round so won't be able to make it.

I'm sure offers of road support would be gratefully received, the usual parking up places are at Horden Stoops and Watermans Cottage.

TF

Kentmere Horseshoe Sun 21st July (19.8k/1006m)

Despite doing fell races for quite a few years now, this was my first go at this race. So I was assured a PB however slowly I ran, although I gave myself a tentative target of 3hrs.

I avoided last weeks problem and arrived with plenty of time to apply a generous dollop of suncream to all exposed skin and just as importantly start at the same time as everyone else.

I set off from the back and slowly picked my way past about 5/6 runners by the time we reached the main ridge. A nice cooling headwind stayed with us until we reached the half way point at High Street.

Fabulous views today, in between concentrating logging all the best lines for a day when the clag is down. Was loving the last descent until last bit of stoney path before Hallowbank, can imagine that being a bit lethal on a wet day.

Nice to be back at the finish and see there was some water left by the fast-uns. Just under the 3 hrs. Job done. Some good runs from the Horwich crew, including a spectacular debut by Christa. Results will be on Fellrunner website at some point this week.

I'm sure I'll be back to try and improve on my time. It's tempting to compare with Fairfield, but I'll leave that until I've done it in normal summer weather!

TF

Yesterday

Firstly, apologies on behalf of yesterday’s team for the misunderstanding concerning YJ’s blog postings. The group, comprising TF, TLoB, Mick and myself had generally seen the posting confirming a UTUP but nobody had seen the later posting suggesting an earlier start. We waited until 8.40 am. Sorry for all this YJ.

The four of us set off for the Pike and then Two Lads from where TF and TLoB returned to their cars, TF being involved in the Kentmere Horseshoe today and TLoB nursing an injury. Mick and I carried on to Winter Hill then via the wooden bridge and the sheep’s back back to the start. Only 6.33 miles but it was enough in the heat.

No UTUP for me

Got a busy weekend with my grandson's naming Day (Christening in old money) followed by hols so went out this morning, quite early, 9am start on my regular 7.5 mile route to Smithills Res and Winter Hill. Seven minutes slower than Monday and then it took me until afternoon to recover,

It was already 23ª at 9am so I do recommend an early start and an easy run tomorrow for anyone venturing out.

Wednesday's Jubilee was quite encouraging for me - a little over 39 minutes for a 5 mile hilly race which was still quite warm. I lost a few places on the run-in, just didn't seem to have anything left.
I think YJ should be happy with his return even though the last time I ran it, he was well in front of me :   the recovery is well on the way. I was amazed to find the last time I had raced the Jubilee was 2009, so pleased to be 1:40 quicker.

Last Saturday's run was interesting. I was a few minutes late but noticed a distinct absence of familiar vehicles, so after waiting a couple of minutes, headed off to Two Lads. A pause there and I recognised the style of Ed approaching from the Wilderswood direction. He was not alone, but accompanied by another runner who I hope will join us on future runs. His name is Os, or Osimon (spelling may be incorrect) and is training for some long distance stuff so could well turn out at UTUPs. Look out for him : he knows that both Ed and I are away for a few weeks.

Mad dogs...

Further to my posting regarding tomorrow's run I note there has been no response from anybody so it looks as though I shall be on my own.

Having spent the afternoon in a darkened room recovering from  lively six mile run in the midday sun I think a change of plan may be advisable, incorporating an earlier start.  Is anybody interested?

Saturday plans

I will be UTUPping on Saturday 20th July, route and distance will depend on heat and level of stamina -- mine -- and any plans others may have.

Glasson Dock

A night out with the camera club with a pint at the Stork after the photo frenzy –                           highly recommended : )  A few more here if you like this sort of thing.

Wasdale Fell Race

T’was hot!  A couple more pics here : )

Saw these two likely lads at the start!

The crowds on Scafell Pike

Lingmell Fell

Tal Y Fan - update Results now out http://www.eryriharriers.org.uk/tal-y-fan/ So it would appear that the benefit to being short on this race is nearly 3 mins! Wasn't sure how long behind me my 'shadow' finished as I was making my selection at the ice cream van. TF

Tal Y Fan Sat 13th July (12.8k/786m)

Thought I'd dip my toes back in the racing scene this weekend. The original plan was for Holme Moss on the Sunday, but given the forecast decided against an AL in the heat.

Tal Y Fan fit the bill - half the distance and feet of climb.

Nearly thwarted by the bucket'n'spade brigade travelling along the A55, I arrived in the little village of Rowen with just 10mins to the off. No worries, all ready to run except putting on a bit of sun cream ( it doesn't mix well with leather car seats). Slight problem though, all the parking spaces already bagged. 8 mins later after a tour round the valley and a desparate look on face the local bobbie let me in past the 'road closed' sign.

A quick cursory slap of sun cream, grabbed my bum bag, buff, map and fiver and dashed to the start. Lots of applause heralded my arrival, and the departure of all the others! Grabbed a number off the registration team and started to put together my 'fell runner' look on the run.

In the process of securing on the number (always have pins on my club vest) and bum bag I managed to drop the buff without realising. I'd got the last runner in sight by the time I had realised, so wasn't going back for it.

A lovely route, with some good views out to the Gt Orme. I'd caught 2 runners by the summit of Tal Y Fan and a 3rd by about 2/3rds round. He was I observant enough to note I had a map and I gained a 'shadow'. I managed to shake him off when I disappeared into the bracken as we descended the last hill back to the village. Some kind soul had placed my buff on a wall waiting for my return, so grabbed it on my run in to the finish.

A big thank you to all the Marshalls out on the route, the supply of water was gratefully received. I'd love to go back and re-do it so that I can a) start at the same time as everyone else and b) take advantage of more usual summer weather - clag.

I now look a bit 'stripey' just to match my club vest, the perils of 'slap-dash' sun cream application!

TF

No run in the sun

I won't be UTUPing this Saturday (July 13th) as I have to be in Hampshire with the family this weekend but hope to be there the following Saturday. I do hate to miss a run in the sun.

Today and Saturday

I'm UTUPing today (11th) and Saturday 13th, then out of circulation for two weeks.

Last Night's Other Run on Winter Hill

Whilst the B team had driven most of the way up the hill, I had done it the big boy's way by running from home. Through Rivi village, up to Hordern Stoops and then across the 'flats' and up the dark side to the trig point.

Just starting across the flats I came across a young lady by name of Angela, with her friend. Angela very kindly took this photo and subsequently emailed it to me:-

Thank you Angela, but next time can you tell me to stand up straight.

Made the top in one hour 14, then home down the mast road and Foxholes in 62 minutes making 2:16 in total - I was ready for my tea.

With regard to the previous posting - love the shorts SN!

Tonight’s Run On Winter Hill

With…

A couple more pics at Out and About

 

Not many folk out but these fellas heading down from the Pike as we were going up

Mary Puts Her Foot in It...

...but more of that later.

Slight disappointment at the meagre gathering for the inaugural Tri Winter Hill, in that there was only Mary W, with her better half Andy in support, and YJ to support me:-

The contenders.

At just past 9:00, Mary and I set off for the res and she soon opened up a fine lead. However, on reaching res-side I was met by the disturbing spectacle of two middle aged men wrestling with a lady triathlete. It transpired that said lady triathlete had, in attempting to don her wetsuit, put her leg in an arm hole and having recognised her mistake, was having difficulty in extracating it. Disappointed that my second had joined the opposition, and not being able to afford a wetsuit, I plunged into the water and took the lead.

Mary, with her wetsuit suitably adjusted, soon passed me and subsequently emerged from the water well ahead:-

Anyone seen my contact lens?

By the time I was out of the water Mary was away, and was out of transition before I had arrived. When I did arrive my earlier disappointment at the lack of support evaporated as I was met by TF, Watters, my eldest daughter and her friend Zoe, all with bikes in the transition area.

(That's my stomach under Watters' right armpit)

We all set off for the anti-clockwise tour of the eponymous hill (look it up, Rachel) and I was soon at the back of the field again.

TF buzzed backwards and forwards with the camera:-

We had earlier passed YJ near Hordern Stoops, he having crossed the hill to intercept the 'event'.

Then it was off the bike and up to the trig on foot, to be met first by Mary:-

in full flight!

Then the youngsters:-

...on their way back from the trig.

Mary claims to have finished the route in about 2:40, but I have asked for a steward's enquiry. I finished in an undisputed 3:45!  Post Script:- Mary admits to a timing error (she blames Andy) and her time has been adjusted to 2:47.

Thank you to everyone who turned out, on what seemed to be a fun morning out, and congratulations to Mary who set a time which may never be beaten.

It wasn't until later that day that I was told that Mrs Watters had completed the bike circuit ahead of most of the field.

On Sunday morning I met Christa below the Pike and she aked what I had done on Saturday. On hearing my story she asked 'Was it a proper event, or one of your made-up ones?'!!!

This Week

UTUPing Thursday 4th July.

Saturday 6th July - having a look (more than a look) at the Tri Winter Hill route, starting from Horrocks Wood car park on Scout Rd at 9:00 a.m. Probably only the twins and me attempting all three disciplines, but plenty of scope for others to watch, jeer, move kit from one end of the res to the other, pacemake etc. The weather is predicted to be kind, so could be a good morning out.

Tri Winter Hill

Don't forget, Tri Winter Hill starts from Horrocks Wood car park, next Saturday - 6th July - at 9:00.

Grateful for contenders, relay teams, part participants (do any part) or supporters - folk needed at the res to move kit from one end to the other, about 9:10 onwards.

A Reet Good Day Out!

I was going to say a 'a reet good morning out' but on considering the times - depart 9:04 am, arrive back 3:24, it was obvious that the greater part of the outing was in the afternoon.

Recognising that I woud be out of the country for the usual CD date, I had declared that I would be attempting the round yesterday, so I was pleased to find that in addition to YJ, who had already declared his support, to find that t'Y and the ever trepid (my word) SN were at the Top Barn to keep me company.

SN had been assured by NLN that she was up to the task, and so she was.

We cruised up to Noon Hill and at that point split into two groups, YJ and t'Y took the George's Lane route to the Pike, and SN and I took the high level (SJC's) route, getting there in a fine 14 minutes.

WE waited there for the slow group who had at that point scooped up Christa, a relatively new Horwich recruit.

Christa stayed with us until just past the Shooting Hut then turned for home following t'Y's directions (have you got home yet, Christa?). At about that point we met EYJ who declined our invitation to join us, and we proceeded to the res.  YJ was running out of steam and turned for home, thank-you John, good to have you thus far.

At Egg Hillock the big decision was whether to follow the established due west route, or to proceed to Shaley Dingle, and then look for the FSSS west by south west route. t'Y assured us he could find the new route and we followed him, eventually homing in on the ridge, less that 100 yards from the ill-defined summit (I'm not convinced).

Then WHT and down to Hordern Stoops to retreive my stash, which we shared out then continued on to Old Adam's Hill, thence Spittlers then to Great Hill to retreive stash no. 2.

At that point I was flagging, but led by t'Y and supported by SN I struggled on through Round Loaf, Healey Nab and thence back to the barn. Three completers, with company along the way from other friends.

Not quite up to the Lakeland rounds, but this is what it''s all about, guys, thank you all.

Enjoy the official outing!

Early Coope's Dozen

See Ed's report above for full description of our early Coope's Dozen. My garmin clocked 19.27 miles with 4600ft of ascent. Using the direct route from Noon Hill to the Pike saves about half a mile and 200ft of climb. The route we took off Round Loaf is not the most direct of the three options but provides the clearest route and decent running underfoot for running.

The four of us at the start in the top barn car park

The first stop after less than 100 metres as the peacock greeted us

Ed and SN descending to Hordern Stoops

noticing the sign that now twins the locality with the North Pole

and the artistic poster to alert of us bikers trying to do the ton along the road?

crossing the beck on the new footbridge to take the right bank of the ravine down to White Coppice

where it was a lovely day for Cricket at what is probably the most picturesque ground in the country ... as I said to Ed at the time, so good you would think you were in Yorkshire!

Great Lakeland 3 Day

Entries have opened for next years event with an 'early bird' price of £100, represents a lot better value for money for carting your stuff about. Very tempted to sign up. There's a new 'C' course this year which the organisers have dubbed the 'cafe' class - a lot more relaxed, only one control to find and will probably allow a route via a good pub for lunch.

5 entries in already.

TF

(ps I've wimped out on the Buttermere race due to a bad cold, if feeling a bit better by tomorrow may join up for a trot from smithills res for a look at the new route from Shaly Dingle, had to leave EtU to his own devices last night so hope he found it ok)

Shaley Dingle

At last! reference to, and a picture of, the date stone:-

http://www.about-rivington.co.uk/acatalog/Shaly_Dingle.html

You need to read most of the way down - but unfortunately the writer has about as much idea of what it's about as we have.

The Woolpack Walk Challenge

Hands up those who knew about this? Bit of a discussion here http://forum.fellrunner.org.uk/showthread.php?19713-The-Woolpack-Walk-Challenge

In brief - Start at the Woolpack Inn Eskdale and visit Slight Side, Scafell, Scafell Pike, Esk Pike via Esk Hause, Bow Fell, Crinkles with Long Top as the summit, Hardknott and Harter. Clock wise or Anti Clockwise and a sub 12hr completion gets you a pint of beer and an entry in the log book.

My natural inclination would be Anti Clockwise as that means you climb up from Foxes Tarn, and I'm more familiar with the route from Bow Fell to Slight Side 'cos of the Great Lakes race. Just the thing for a wet bank holiday August weekend!


TF

CD Attempt Saturday 29th June

On my way to do my Pike Step Reps (to be truthful - rep - singular) this morning I heard this:-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b02x9f5t

I'm not sure if this link works, as the sound on my elderly PC has, like much of my my equipment, given up the ghost, please feed back.

Be that as it may, Tom inspired me to resolve to celebrate each midsumer's day with a CD, albeit this year a week late.

So Saturday 29th June is my own Solstice celebration - grateful for company.

Albert's Joss

YJ, TF, Botters and I went up to Kirkstone to support Albert as he passed through on his Joss Naylor Crossing attempt. Weather conditions conspired to thwart him, and he retired at Dunmail Raise after five and a half hours on the fell in atrocious conditions. Was he downhearted:-

http://www.blipfoto.com/entry/3196001 

read his words!

But don't view his blip for the 23rd!

What a Day!

Hard to believe that Saturday was the 22nd June.  The weather conspired against Albert in his JNLC attempt.  Great to see all the support out to see him at Kirkstone – more pics here.  I’m sure he’ll be back for more

River Eamont from Pooley Bridge

Rob, Albert and Pete

Waiting at Kirkstone

A few familiar faces sheltering from the torrential rain at Kirkstone

Threatening to brighten at Dunmail, shortly before the shelter was nearly blown away!

Darwen Tower (Saturday UTUP)

With apparently everyone except me heading to the Lakes to support or at least encourage Albert on his Joss, I expected to be the only one in the car park ready for a run. However, I was wrong as JR had also turned up. After waiting a couple of minutes in case Colin or TYC arrived, I suggested we head for Darwen Tower, with a positive response from JR. We set off in light drizzle which then dried off. Usual outward route via Ammunition Corner then Lower Hempshaw's then the diagonal path to Spittlers. We had no problem in finding he path off towards Piccadilly although it soon disappeared which left us wondering if it was the correct path - it soon reappeared as did the rain so we were quite cold and wet by the time we reached the road. The woodland track to Tockholes Road offered some respite before we were open to the elements on the climb up to Darwen Moor : at least that section is always runnable so you can get some speed for warmth.
Arriving at the tower after about 1hr 43, JR suggested an alternate route back which would likely give more protection from the elements. This involved continuing in the direction of Sunnyhurst then heading up Donkey Drop? picking up part of the Tockholes Fell Race route then crossing the road and running through Tockholes Plantation (as shown below) and up to Slipper Lowe then back to the road.

For variety, the return route came back via Great Hill. By now the weather had brightened up and we were running in a drying wind. The next route choice was to head for Round Loaf from which we took the path off hoping to arrive at the Bomber Memorial. I've only been on that route once before, walking it in the opposite direction a few months ago. At times I doubted whether I was navigating correctly but in fact it was perfect. Thence back by our usual route, which was new to JR.

Despite the weather, a cracking morning's run - 16 miles with close on 4000 feet of ascent in 3hrs 44, average speed 4.3mph - my longest run of the year by far with no after effects so looking forward to next weekend.

Right-click links to download gpx and tcx files of the garmin data.

Ed's Coopes Doz.

After a highly successful Urban Orienteering weekend in Salford and `horwich it was to be the Annual Harvester night relay event down south on the Longworth Army ranges.  However, raging apathy has crept into the bones of my fellow competitors, which free's me up nicely for a run out with Ed.  So, yes I'm up for it again!  It would be nice to do it in good weather for a change.

See you all on Friday.

Ian's Joss

What a party! Terrific pictures NLN, please pass my belated birthday wishes to FSS and congratulate him on adding to his tally of age group crossings.

Albert's Joss

On the assumption that Albert won't be put off by the weather from starting his JN Traverse, this Saturday 22nd June a car has been filled to meet and greet him at Kirkstone, whither we will proceed onto the fells for an, as yet undecided, outing.

Might make for a good day out if another car could join in the party.  Any takers?

I'm not out this Thursday.

Coope's doz

I will be accompanying EtU on his C Doz  run on June 29th but also intend to  do the regular annual run and will be available each Saturday in July except the 6th. That would make it four starts in one year -- a record for me.