Some Alpine preparation

My body was not in the shape I had hoped but despite my fall things seemed to be healing and although my left leg was weird it did not hurt. I skipped the Tour of Skiddaw and we drove out to the Alps.

 After a gentle via feratta and walk en route we arrived via Martigny Switzerland.

The evening at Col do Forclaz was chilly and damp- perhaps I would need my primaloft after all. I took a photo ans admired the view as in the race I would be here in the dark!

Fortunately the morning dawned brighter and we drove down to Trient to park. I was keen to suss out some of the UTMB route and checkpoints. The race does not follow the TMB walkers route entirely but we did our best. The climb out of town was steep but we managed the 800m climb in about 50 minutes. It was a reasonably graded track and nav seemed straight forward.

 We opted to stay above the shepherds huts at Catogne- but I noted the route. Instead we climbed to the col near Croix de Fer before a nice little scramble up to it's summit. This was an out and back before heading over Tete de Balme.

 It was chilly but sunny and dry. We headed cross country to the Col de Balme hut but it was crowded and in full blast from the wind so we continued on our way down the 'true' TMB route. I experimented with running down the wide stony mule track. My calf felt very odd and a bit uncomfortable as the bulge of fluid bounced up and down but it didn't hurt.

We had lunch at the shepherds huts that are being renovated for the use of walkers and then carried on down to the forest. This path was much wider than our way up and had picnic tables, fire pits and even a lean to shelter. The path zig zagged quite steeply and close to the valley it was now hot. We arrived in the village just above Trient to find another huge covered picnic area and toilets. We were soon back at the van and I sat in the sun reading with my leg elevated in the vain hope of dispersing some of the fluid. A shorter day than we had intended but never mind.
It gave us time to drive round and into France and plan the next days walk. We found easy parking at Le Buet and went for a late afternoon stroll up through le Couteray and then back along the river. Monday started fair and warm but our walk was curtailed by the weather.

We climbed to the Refuge de Loria (Loriaz) and found a huge party about to depart. Our path soon steepened dramatically and changed from wide track to grassy path, to boulder path and then to steep scree. We stopped for breathers and admired the view.

 It was hot work despite the cloud cover. Close to the top two inquisitive Ibex came to investigate. By the Col de Terrasse the cloud had descended and a fine rain had started. As I gained the high point this turned to light sleet! I sheltered in a huge boulder hollow and put on cag and over trousers.

We dropped to the dinosaur track path and finding all the footprints made Bob's day.

 I had seen them about 30 years ago when I worked in Switzerland. At this point we decided there was little point continuing over le Cheval Blanc and Le Buet as this would commit us to a high route and the weather did not look like improving. After a bit of doubt we found a tiny path to the Col de Corbeaux and dropped off the old snow onto more sheltered ground.

A huge Ibex appeared as we headed to the Val de Tre les Eaux. The head of this valley with cirque, head-wall and remains of glacier etc was intimidating with steep cliffs and very black rock.

 After a short section on the valley floor we found the protected path and a series of chains and bits of metal guided us over the steep rock out of the hidden valley. Give the recent rain this gave some important security.

 This added another interesting little twist to the walk. We contoured over the shoulder and past a tiny hamlet on the spur before dropping into Val  Berard. We should study the map more carefully- this path had a cafe complete with metal stair way that allowed you get right up close and almost under the very impressive waterfall.

So instead of feeling annoyed that our original walk had been curtailed we instead had chains, a waterfall and a coffee stop!
That night we moved closer to Chamonix and camped wild near Montroc. I went on a very short exploration to suss out the path we would need. That night it rained... and rained and rained. The river just below us started to sound awesome and very unusually I got a damp pillow. The poor PTL runners had started last evening- what a horrid first night they must be having. The rain continued all morning and the river was moving such huge boulders it sounded like a giant steam roller.

By lunch time the rain lessened and we moved onto the Greppon car park in Chamonix. This was free to all runners and was already getting crowded with motorhomes/campervans. We explored the town and got our free train and bus card.

 I also bought a very trendy pair of calf guards to hide my injury and stop the fluid bouncing around. We also had loads of time to wander round the 'salon' - a little village of wooden chalets selling and advertising all things running.
Wednesday was bright and sunny so we took the train to Montroc and then found the path to the Col de Montets. I would probably be here in the dark of my second night awake so thought it would be well worth seeing what this section was like.

The camaraderie of all runners was already starting and several runners said Hi. Initially the climb is brutal and steep but once up on the balcony it was great. We found officials marking off a SSSI area and the undulating ground was a joy to run across.

The rocks were dry and grippy. In retrospect we should have made the detour up to Lac Blanc but as it was we stuck to the UTMB route and were soon at the first ski slope terrace of La Chavanne. The views across the valley into the glaciers on the Mont Blanc massif were superb.

We climbed to the main left station at La Flegere and as we would clearly have time in hand we stopped for our food and a beer. We were still idling time away in the sun when Mandy and Martin arrived. Eventually we acknowledged that it was time to move and I tried out the compression guards. I flew downhill chasing some Spannish guys and kept hoping I was making the correct turns. Suddenly I arrived at a tiny cottage totally covered in hanging baskets and flowers - La Floria buvette.

I stopped and waited for Bob and chatted to a Czech couple and a French runner. We refreshed with a wonderful citron presse before continuing our way back to Chamonix. Time for an enormous ice cream! We finished early enough for me to register.

So now I could walk the town with my smart red wrist band which announced to all those in the know that I was doing the UTMB.

Escape to Scotland

One of Bob's wishes for his big birthday year was some sea kayaking. We had booked 5 days near Ballachulish and hoped to sandwich this between many Munroes. So much for planning.... still we were determined to fit the kayak days in the best we could. Even arriving in Scotland in time did not guarantee a completely straightforward week. The remnants of a hurricane caused very strong winds and waves which combined with extreme tides forced day 1 to be cancelled. It was disappointing but we headed of to Kinlochleven and a day climbing at the Ice Factor. In retrospect it probably wasn't what my beaten up body needed but we had over 4 hours fun climbing and I did get some ice from the bar for my leg.

Tuesday was calmer and we arrived in Ballachulish to be kitted out and to meet our instructor/guide and the other two booked on the holiday. Mark from Paddle Lochaber was great and keen to get us out on the water. There was still a stiff wind so it was choppy and this combined with extreme tides. We headed west along to the Ballachulish bridge before crossing to the north shore and finding a sheltered bay for lunch. We had seen seals and there were sea birds a plenty on every day plus a variety of jellyfish which are more plentiful than ever apparently.We were all getting the hang of how the kayaks handled, when to use the skeg etc.

I preferred these kayaks to the ones we used on Ullswater as the knee braces and foot stops made me sit taller and use my core rather than just my shoulders to paddle. The four of us were fairly evenly matched and so gelled quite well as a group. We spent the afternoon exploring the north shore of Loch Leven including the fish farms.

Once beyond the Pap of Glencoe it was time to turn back towards home past our campsite at Invercoe. The chop made it interesting as we headed back to the Isles of Glencoe Hotel harbour. A shorter day than we are used to but good fun. We helped load the kayaks on a very nifty roof rack ready for the next day.
Wednesday was still stormy and it was good to be down on the water and not on the tops which were covered in cloud and getting rain. We headed south west in the van to Loch Creran and after some slick team work we were soon launched.

We paddled west under the road bridge making the most of the tides and then continued in that direction past the yachts in the harbour and the quarry boats taking crews across to Glensanda. A whole load of seals took fright and slid off their rock into the water despite our distance and us being down wind. A brief leg stretch in a bay after the sea life centre and then on to a beach near South Shian for lunch. We paddled north for a short way to Sgier Caillch and then headed back along the north shore of the loch.

We had the wind on our backs but arrived at the bridge to find that despite the tide tables suggesting we would have help instead the tide was still going out.  We were learning lots about wind, tides, shelter etc.

 Parts of the day had been fairly flat and easy paddling so we clocked up a few km today.
Thursday saw us and kayaks in the van and heading south west again but this time only as far as the layby near Shuna.

The weather was slowly improving, especially down at water level, so it was warmer, dry and less windy. Paddling SW we were soon at a big sheltered bay with Castle Stalker on an island at the entrance to the bay.

 The castle has been done up with new windows etc and is lived in. We waved and carried on to Port Appin and then across to Lismore for lunch.

It would have been good to explore the whole coast of this island but we only had time to head east and then north to peer round to the northern coast before we kayaked past smaller islands and back along the northern side of Shuna and then to the shore and the van.

New lessons today, including looking out for faster boats.
Mark had saved the best til last. Friday started with a longer drive, through Fort William and out on the Mallaig road to Glenuig and then a dead end road to a beautiful bay near Samalaman Island.

 It was wilder and more remote but the views were what really made it.As we headed out of the bay we could make out Muick and then the hills of Eigg and the even bigger peaks of Rum. It was stunning and as we looked north even the peaks on Skye were visible.

The paddling was good today but it was also a day of exploring, history and soaking in the views.  We headed east along the coast and then north to Eilean nan Gobhar or Goat Island.

It is only a small lump but famous for two vitrified forts. We left the kayaks on the shore and fought our way up the path through the bracken to the tops.

Alan, Phil and Mark from Paddle Lochaber

We admired the fused rocks but like many before us could not decide whether it was natural and made use of by ancient people or actually caused deliberately by them. More paddling brought us to a shoreline with wonderful sandy beaches and the cleared village and Bothy at Peanmenach.

We had lunch on the rocks and then explored again. The tide meanwhile had retreated leaving our kayaks high and dry.

The return route took us north of Goat Island to keep the interest the swell was giving us, plus the fantastic views out to the islands again. I dared to take a couple of pictures but was slightly anxious about dunking the camera.

 The tide was out in our bay so we had the longest carry so far but nothing could detract from such a wonderful final day.

Some gentle training?

With no opportunity for long runs I made the most of the sunshine and the time that I did have. Two sessions on the Quantocks was better than nothing. I love those hills- they have lots of family memories and many tracks that just let you run and explore. The first session saw me head north from Crowcombe Park Gate and then drop sharply to Bicknoller and back up again. I then did the same towards Kilve on the eastern side of the hills. The views were excellent to Exmoor, the north Somerset coast and even to South Wales. The Quantocks are mostly moorland with a good cover of gorse and heather, so very pretty at this time of year. It is almost impossible to get lost even if you do not use a map so I just ran where the mood took me. Not very fast but it was good to be out on the hills for a couple of hours.

The next visit saw me parking at the same place but running south to Triscombe Stone taking in every top that I could fins along the way. I then continued  out over Aisholt Common and all the ponies that graze the moor and on to Lydeard Hill. I added some good climbs on the return leg by dropping into the woods to the east and then out to the Beacon on the west. Not quite so sunny this time and the views were hazy.

Amusing to watch a bellowing match and eyeballing between a herd of highland cattle and some heifers that had escaped their field.Again I was only out for 2 1/2 hours but enjoyed my little jaunt.

Back home for a day or so I decided I needed a longer run and bigger climbs. Despite the cloud and heavy showers I parked at Fell foot before 10 and headed up Parlic. I spotted Pete's car but not him. It is easy to get big climbs here so after two ascents of Parlic I carried on to Fairsnape and dropped off the northern side.

Once I was at the top again I had a rest and ran out to Saddle Fell and got another climb. Then came my mistake... to follow the old Fiensdale route.

 The path is badly eroded by heavy rain in places and today it was getting a bit muddy. One moment of lost concentration and suddenly I was falling. I had time to know it would end badly as the slope below was littered with nasty looking rocks. Having smacked both shins I bounced head first down slope to the next rocks and with no time to protect my face. When I stopped and collected myself I was relieved to be in one piece. Big lump and gash on a cheekbone, fat and split lip, golf ball size lump on my forehead and what I suspected was a broken nose given the pain and blood. One elbow had a lump and hole, one shin had what appeared to be quite a bad cut and although the other leg just had a huge grazed area it was already stiff and swollen.

 At least I was now next to the river. I spent a few minutes washing off the worst and trying to use the cold water to reduce some swelling. Then the next heavy shower arrived and I knew I had to move before I stiffened up or decided I felt iffy. I hobbled down to Langden Castle, sheltered until the rain abated and then decided I needed to jog back the best I could. The walkers I met going up Fiensdale Head were a bit concerned so I guessed I still looked a mess. The ups and flat were not too bad and I made reasonable time.

Descending off Parlic was the worst with both shins screaming protests. Fortunately it didn't rain again and the sun even came out.  Not ideal preparation for the UTMB but at least no broken bones, except perhaps my nose, and no loose teeth despite the damage to my face. It is not turning out to be my summer.

A day of recovery, but not from running

Sadly we returned home from the SLMM to bad news. We had been home less than an hour when a policeman arrived at the door. One look at his face told me it was bad. Mum had suffered a stroke and was in hospital and dad had suffered a heart attack and died.  Today was to be a day of relaxation and time for myself after a fortnight of funeral arrangements, wills and constant visits to check on mum.

We parked at Elterwater and Bob and I set off on our separate challenges. I was keen for a day of adventure on my own and getting some climb in my legs for the UTMB. Bob had his eye on a number of Wainrights. Running through the village there seemed to be many tourists about but after 20 minutes of running  I was alone and I did not see many people until much later in the day. This might have had something to do with the low cloud, breeze and constant misting drizzle. I stayed sort of dry over Lingmoor and down to Blea Tarn but by Hollin Crag I was getting so wet I had to stop and put my cag on. Pike O Blisco was misty and at first I could not see Red tarn. Climbing towards Crinkle Crags the rain got worse and it was chilly in the breeze. I was trying to factor in extra climbing so earlier I had dropped almost to Little Langdale and now I dropped down Long Top and climbed back up near Rest Gill. This confused the old guy wandering along the tops but never-mind. By Bowfell the cloud was lifting a little and at Ore Gap I decided on an excursion to the Gerry Charnley cairn. Bob had failed to find it so I was keen to see if I could find it easily and what landmarks I could give him. From there I went over Esk Pike and down to a rather crowded Esk Hause.

I shared my map with some kids waiting for their parents and then did Great End as an out and back.  Scafell Pike would be too far and was more likely to be crowded. I ran down to Styhead tarn and then back up to Allen Crags. Now it was warm and I stopped to remove my cag. My phone rang... an update on mum.... so much for my day of solitude.

 Sat talking made me cold so I blasted to Angle tarn and then to Stake Pass. By now the sun was out and I was more relaxed about staying out on the tops. Leaving Pike O Stickle and running to Thunacar Knott my phone went again. I stopped to text my brother.

All the news and updates clearly distracted me as leaving Sergeant man running fairly fast down hill I suddenly realised I was heading NE and not SE. Oops. There followed a bit of off path running above Coledale Tarn to get back on route near Blea Rigg. The rest was simple going SE again and again until Silver Howe, or it would have been if I had stuck to the main paths and not tried to follow sheep trods that eventually led me through head high bracken.

I emerged at the van tired but happy after 8 hours. It has also reawakened my desire to the to GCWay again and to try it anticlockwise... and adventure for the autumn perhpas.

The SLMM

Trying to decide on a favourite MM is not easy. I love the LAMM for the Scottish wilderness and more extreme hills. I perversely like the OMM for the worst October can sometimes throw at us and I am growing to like the RAB as I try to get my head around score events and running solo. I like the SLMM for so many reasons: always an easy drive from home, usually fantastic weather, meeting up with so many friends as competitors and organisers.... and in recent years for daring to go solo and do the Klets. This responsibility and independence is a challenge, along with carrying all the gear. I am usually the only woman mad enough to try and this year was the second oldest person. At some stage I may have to give up, but not yet.

As usual we had agreed to help with parking and we were glad it was sunny and dry as we headed for Patterdale. The parking was split with cars for campers near the assembly and camper-vans and Saturday cars in a flatter field across the road. Being in charge of just the vans on Friday night meant a very relaxed evening, although we did not see as many people as usual. At 10.20 we turned off the radios with the final message from me being "Can we go to bed now David?"

With long hours of daylight in July the start time was a civilized 8.15. Plenty of time for breakfast, toilet and chatting. I actually set off with Bill J but knew I was unlikely to stay with him for long whereas Steve W and I played leapfrog all day. The first 5 CPs were in a logical order and apart from a bit of a blip at the first I was quite happy with my navigating. This lulled me into a sense of false security, especially as I was quite familiar with the area of mines at the top of Greenside.  I was so busy trying to decide which order to do the 4 controls on the western side of the ridge that I failed to notice how folded my map was. I knew how to get to the CP at the ski tow.....  and then it dawned on me that the runners ahead had disappeared. Oh ****. I had failed to see the CP on the dam below Catstycam.  Furious with myself I shot off to do the loop of controls as fast as I could knowing that I would have to re-climb the main ridge, drop to the control and climb out again. How could I have been so stupid? I was adding 700m of climb and about 40 mins but at no point did I consider just leaving it and being dnf. Once out of that control I was at least high on the main ridge with short grass and good running unlike the eventual winner who tried to traverse the western slopes lower down. The final descent to the woods on the A591 punished the quads but I made good time and overtook several people. I downloaded, laughed at my splits, collected the milk and went to put the tent up. Lots of chance to chat with Pete, Lins, Chris V and Chris BH, Roy, Jim plus so many more. Before I got very worried Bob arrived. A long day and cross with himself for a mp. By mid evening the rain arrived along with midges so we scuttled into the tents. Fortunately by morning the rain had stopped although the cloud level was very low. I lay in the tent and planned my day. Only one control was really odd and I decided it had to be done fairly early as an out and back. Missing the chasing start meant a big queue in a midgy valley but we soon spread out and by the first CP I was alone. I knew where the next two were as the routes crossed my path yesterday so that made for easy nav if not easy running. By the time I reached Grisedale tarn my legs were tired and I changed my plan. Why? Lesson- stick with the plan made after an hour of study. Do not change to one made in oxygen debt. Dropping to the stream below Ruthwaite Lodge and then climbing Deepdale Hause I added yet more distance and the need to cross close to the summit of Fairfield twice. My original plan was shorter and missed climbing Fairfield at all. As I left Deepdale Hause I found myself alone again and when I dropped to the deep deep valley south of Great Rigg the only people I met were coming the other way. I ran alone for the next section and only down in Sleet Cove did I have company again, this time with people on different courses going in all directions. The ridge on Hartsop Above How seemed to have more sub peaks then the map showed and I looked for the control too early. The last CP was cunningly hidden through some open woodland but not hard to find.

I finished in warm sun content that I had completed another Klets. Despite the foolish rethink I had moved up places today but failed to beat Steve W overall by seconds. As only female that was no challenge so I was pleased to be 9th overall and 3rd vet on handicap.

More Wainrights with Bob

Although the SLMM had moved we decided against the Tde F and headed for the lakes. By the time we reached Buttermere the weather was pretty dreadful. The waterfall at Newlands was most impressive and the road upto Honister was remarkably similar to the evening of the fated OMM! Bob had hoped to be dropped at the top of Honister, grab a couple of Wainrights and join me at the foot of Fleetwith Pike. I was quite relieved when he changed his mind- I would not have to worry about him nor would I have to drive the van back down the flooded road. Instead we moved just north of Buttermere and Bob did a quick ascent and back of Riggingdale Knott to test his new waterproof and to gain one Wainright. I sat and read, cosy in the van.

Luckily the weather moved through and Saturday was fine. We set off from Newlands Hause amazed at how the water level in the waterfall had dropped overnight. I used the opportunity to try out the poles I had acquired for the UTMB.

 I have some reservations as it means my hands are full so I may not eat, drink etc so easily but they do seem to keep me more upright on the uphills which should be good for keeping my diaphram open. We were soon on Knott Rigg and reminising about routes and CPs from the RAB last autumn. The run along this ridge and over Ard Crags was a joy with great views in all directions.

We then dropped inot the valley and crossed a couple of lanes and fields before climbing Cat Bells, start of a RAB and a LDMT. We continued over Maiden Moor, High Spy and on to Dale Head. It was cool and breezy on the tops but still sunny.

I met a DoE group that had camped out wild and took their photo for them. These hills have steep sides but are grassy and runnable, perhaps I should do the Anniversary Waltz again next year. From Dale Head we headed for Hindscarf and then Robinson.

The moss between there and the van at Newlands Hause was as wet as I expected but as we were going downhill it was less of a trial. We had considered adding in Grey Knotts and Fleetwith Pike after Dale Head and in retrospect we should have done.

It was only mid afternoon when we arrived back at the van. After chilling and refuelling I drove back to Honister and Bob set off to claim the other peaks. I parked near Gatesgarth farm and then powered up Fleetwith Pike.

It was steep but I set myself a target of 35 minutes. I hoped to meet Bob here but could not see him. I ran off down to the mine works and still no luck. I raced back to the top just in case to see him emerging along a trod.

Sundays adventure started from Loweswater and included some of the lower and more outlying fells. The scree path up melbreaks looked awful and the DH race avoided descending it so we set off along the bridleway and then just headed upwards after the crags.

It was a tough start to the day! There was no easy or logical way to include all the Wainrights we wanted today.

From Melbreaks we dropped to Scale Beck and then climbed up beside it to almost the top before breaking out towards Little Dood and Starling Dodd.

These tops were quiet and we had seen almost nobody today.  After Great Bourne we skirted Floutern Tarn and did Hen Cloud as an out and back. It was a joy to reach Gavel Fell and leave the boggy bottoms behind.

Heading for Blake Fell I started recognising the terrain from the FRA relays held there some years ago. Although it is not a Wainright we included the craggy edge out to Carling Knott before our final peak Burnbank Fell.

The run off this to the NE made us smile and we were soon down in Holme Wood and strolling back to the van. We decided trying to include Darling Fell etc could spoil the day.

Considering the rain on Friday evening it was a very successful weekend. The write up is a bit short and factual and I now see why I try to complete this task sooner after the event.