tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808197531427064272024-02-19T03:35:20.631+00:00The Dog's Outdoor BlogThe Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03844441802818406043noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-72966181449121808912012-06-14T09:27:00.000+01:002012-06-14T09:27:56.186+01:00NeglectDear Blog<br />
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Sorry for the awful neglect you are going through. I just don't find the time to update as often as I would like. I'm busy running, getting injured whilst running, recuperating, running, working the allotment, drawing, spending time with Isaac and Claire, running, getting injured, etc. <br />
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Last sunday I passed 500 miles running for the year but have some hamstring problems (possibly hamstring tendonitis) that are bugging me only 2 weeks before the Trail MArathon Wales. Hopefully, with my regime of ice, ibuprofen, foam rolling and stretching, I will be on the start line in good shape to attempt to break 4 hours. <br />
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In prep for the Trail Marathon Wales we've (JAsper and I) been hitting the trails every saturday morning, both locally and further afield (The Beacons). As difficult as it sometimes is to drag yer arse outta bed at 6:30 on a saturday, by the time we've run a mile and started to warm up, I'm thinking there's not many places I'd rather be.<br />
The last three saturdays have seen us tackle the Cwmcarn Scenic Drive from Henllys, Mynydd Machen from Alt-yr-yn and a 16 mile loop from Talybont. Running through the old disused Hendre Quarry in swirling mist is an experience everyone should try, providing you like running, and quarries....and mist.<br />
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You can read about Luca on Facebook and Twitter and his awareness campaign has reached far and wide and many celebrities have kindly got involved. People are asked to write 'For Luca' on their palms and take a photo to raise awareness. <br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/ForLuca1">http://www.facebook.com/#!/ForLuca1</a><br />
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My little contribution is to attempt the Trailmarathon Wales for Luca in June. 26.2 miles around the Coed Y Brenin Country Park in Snowdonia. A friend, Jason White, and I are collecting sponsorship on this just giving link. Any donations are very gratefully received.<br />
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<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/trailmarathonforluca">http://www.justgiving.com/trailmarathonforluca</a><br />
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Thanks.<br />The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03844441802818406043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-34880455468894590322012-04-29T13:05:00.000+01:002012-04-29T13:05:24.216+01:00Twunts<div style="text-align: justify;">
A Twunt, if you didn't know, is apparently a small bird that only inhabits parts of Snowdonia...Iolo told us on the telly. And with this word in mind, myself and 8 fellow 'Twunt Spotters' set off for a couple of days clambering over the rocky crags of the Glyders and Moel Siabod in late March.</div>
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I booked wall to wall sunshine for the weekend (only £9..99 at <a href="http://www.michaelfish.co.uk/">http://www.michaelfish.co.uk/</a>) and it made for great walking weather. We arrived at the Ogwen Valley around 10am on Sat March 24th. Tryfan was our first stop and it was inevitably busy. See if you can spot all 87 people on this photo at the base of the north ridge.</div>
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But, I've no problem with crowds, and to be honest, the North Ridge of Tryfan is pretty vast and until you reach the narrower section higher up, you can lose most of the crowds. Some of the lads struggled a bit, even though the pace was slow. But they were there having a go and didn't give up.</div>
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It probably took two hours to reach the summit after many breaks. The Summit WAS busy. But Adam and 'Steve', the two famous boulders at the very highest point, were not attracting many 'jumpers'. So, Ian, myself and Beggy all took the plunge and did the jump between the two for the freedom of Tryfan. This now means we can go to Tryfan and climb it anytime we want. Of course, so can anybody else.</div>
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Without wanting to name any of the others who bottl..., I mean, didnt fancy doing the jump, I'll just say that it was Chopper, Nicholls, Gapper, Klampitt and Manley. Cowardly Twunts.</div>
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Down into the bwlch and then to Bristly Ridge, a first time scramble for all of us. Sinister Gully looked awesome from the bottom! After 10 metres or so Klampitt decided it wasn't for him and he was going to turn back and amble down past Llyn Bochlwyd. Gapper decided to join him, so the rest of us pushed on.</div>
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I have to say that Bristly Ridge is a fantastic scramble. Slightly more technical than Tryfan's North Ridge, but still within many people's capabilities. the gully is the hardest bit, get through that and it's easier towards the top.</div>
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We stopped at the top of Glyder Fach and did the touristy photos on the cantilever and we also did our first 'For Luca' shot near the summit. More on this later if you are confused.</div>
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A quick descent of Y Gribin (without spotting a single Twunt) and we were back at the car and ready to head into Betws-Y-Coed for grub and beer. We stayed at the Vagabond Bunkhouse which is reasonably priced, clean, and recommended. As is the wonderful Bochlwyd Horseshoe.</div>
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Day two to follow.</div>
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<br /></div>The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03844441802818406043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-6373814207483067122012-04-28T18:59:00.001+01:002012-04-28T18:59:28.558+01:00A lot of catching up to do.Two months since a blog entry. A combination of being busy, and being lazy. I hope to catch up with what I've been up to over the next few days, but don't quote me on that!<br />
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Firstly, without any link to the outdoors, here's a finished piece of artwork I've been working on since last August. 8 months of gruelling concentration, but a pleasing result. It's imaginatively entitled, 'An Interesting Face'.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvQP8crSFcFp1vKyR4WKbYkThzeftxsx9RfZ84OYK141KLJlH8p8KPchd3TWOLZa614m-2NgHLh-tGw710-QZg7r3jTc-cHfK7V8dWbaietOlegqEZDeWDLbPJw-vvJ3y2Xo2hfGRw48/s1600/april2nd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvQP8crSFcFp1vKyR4WKbYkThzeftxsx9RfZ84OYK141KLJlH8p8KPchd3TWOLZa614m-2NgHLh-tGw710-QZg7r3jTc-cHfK7V8dWbaietOlegqEZDeWDLbPJw-vvJ3y2Xo2hfGRw48/s320/april2nd.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03844441802818406043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-15225761224123624582012-02-28T21:57:00.001+00:002012-02-28T21:57:18.383+00:00Paramo Fuera Ascent<div style="text-align: justify;">
I just acquired my ever bit of Paramo Kit. A Fuera Ascent windproof jacket. It was free too! I resubscribed to Trail magazine and it came as a free gift. Now I would pretty much buy Trail magazine each month anyway, so this was a no brainer...I pay £49 for £51 worth of magazines, delivered to my door and I get a £65 jacket thrown in. Brilliant! </div>
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First impressions are good. It's light, has a decent hood and pockets and long pitzips. And it just has a quality feel to it. It will get a testing in Snowdonia in 3 weeks time. I might even report back about it. I think the offer might still be on if anyone reading this is interested.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47OIRRQU_C6_ABX1YFPcv03mJUYXQd54XoJLBPlx_YWBNQjIpz2_Casz7hqqQHL7K0spK6RqO0ybGw56D3sdv0X93urWIdXm4mBPt4FKJIWF2zRmuEj8w0LU0PVNLZr9yh9rWGQpbysk/s1600/paramo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47OIRRQU_C6_ABX1YFPcv03mJUYXQd54XoJLBPlx_YWBNQjIpz2_Casz7hqqQHL7K0spK6RqO0ybGw56D3sdv0X93urWIdXm4mBPt4FKJIWF2zRmuEj8w0LU0PVNLZr9yh9rWGQpbysk/s320/paramo.jpg" uda="true" width="300" /></a></div>The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03844441802818406043noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-72842860685595898512012-02-19T22:18:00.000+00:002012-02-19T22:18:48.194+00:00A tale of two hills.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today was spent on two different local hills. Firstly, a tough 11 mile trail run around the Cwmcarn Scenic Drive, taking in my favourite hill in the whole wide world, Twmbarlwm! It really did feel great to be out in the morning sun, listening to some inspiring, and some not so inspiring, tunes on the ipod whilst churning out the miles. My legs felt pretty tired as this was the 2nd 11 mile (and the 2nd visit to the top of Twmbarlwm) in 3 days.</div>
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Then, following a swift bite to eat (beans on toast, you cannot beat beans on toast for some post run protein and all round general, tasty, quick fix!) and 30 minutes of fence panel fixing fun in the garden, my son and I headed off to the east of Newport to Wentwood, to meet my Sis and Oliver, for a walk with the dogs.</div>
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The highest point in Wentwood is Grey Hill and it has tremendous views of the Bristol Channel. Devon, Somerset, Twmbarlwm (yes, you can see it clearly to the West) and the weather was nice and clear today.</div>
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The Second Severn Crossing to the East, where it costs at least £6 to get into our wonderful country.</div>
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The sky was really picturesque today</div>
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Some of our ensemble enjoyed the puddles. Note the rope connected to the go-kart, the other end of which is looped around my waist in an arctic explorer-pulling-a-sled type arrangement, that my 4 year old son thinks is great because pedalling is much easier!</div>
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Twmbarlwm, just visible, top centre.</div>
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After 16 miles of playing in the hills, my legs were shot, but my head was happy. Who needs mountains!?</div>
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</div>The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03844441802818406043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-45367243772016540862012-02-05T11:48:00.001+00:002012-02-05T21:25:35.390+00:00Down Down, deeper and down.<div style="text-align: justify;">
200 feet down to be precise. Beneath the anicent woodland of the Forest of Dean, at Clearwell Caves. Not being a lover of confined spaces, I was apprehensive about joining a couple of my batrunning friends and their spouses on a 3 hour caving adventure on a cold saturday morning. But seeing as Jasper was bringing his 12 year old lad along, I reckoned that I should 'Man up' and tag along.</div>
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It costs £20 for a 'deep caving session' which lasts approximately 3 hours and is led by an experienced guide. The weather was absolutely brassic - minus 7 or so early morning, but the beauty of caving is that it's the same constant 10 degrees underground all year round.</div>
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They provide Guantanamo bay type caving overalls and helmets with headtorches, plus wellies are available if required. As this cave system is pretty dry until you get 600feet down (!!) most of us just wore walking boots.</div>
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Our guide was Mike, a really laid back and thoroughly nice guy, who really knew his subject. </div>
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The entrance is through a small hole beneath an old tree. One of those 'you'd never know it was there unless you knew it was there' type of cave entrances. This small gated entrance is no clue to the many miles of tunnels and caverns lurking below.</div>
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In the first small cave where the above ground temperature was able to penetrate, strange ice formations had risen from the rock surface, where water was dripping from above.</div>
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And there were big Cave Spiders!</div>
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As we descended a bit more, the temperature increased until it was no longer cold and a few layers had to come off. There was plenty of stooping and clambering and scrambling and kneeling and shuffling to be done. It's not just a stroll around some caverns, it's proper full on caving. </div>
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Clearwell is apparently the country's only working Ochre mine. Ochre is used mainly as a pigment for painters. Being the bunch of jovial pranksters that we are (rolls eyes) we decided to apply some of the ochre as Joe Montana eye make up.</div>
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Very fetching, eh?? The overalls do come in very handy, because the red dust from the rocks gets on everything. One of the highlights of the visit was the bats - Lesser Horseshoe Bats, smaller than mice, were hibernating in the caves and they literally just hang off the rocks enclosing their whole bodies with their wings. You're not permitted to even take photos of them, because they are so protected, and the heat from a flashlight may disturb them if up close. But I snuck a quick photo in from a distance - hope the Bat Police don't come knocking...</div>
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After descending to nearly 200feet, we had to go through a couple of crawls - the first called the Rabbit Hole, the second called The Mousehole. The Rabbithole wasn't too bad, although it looked a tight squeeze from the start point. Here's Screech going in...</div>
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And here's me emerging with a look of terror/relief/concern/whythef***didIcome on my face.</div>
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The Mousehole was worse, or better if you're an avid caver. It was about 8" high and maybe 4 feet wide. It was only around 3 metres long (I know, I know, mixing metric and imperial measurements) and then turned a corner for another metre before emerging into a cavern. I got a minor feeling of panic as soon asI crawled in, but I managed to quickly drag myself through and wait for the others with camera poised.</div>
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After that we got to a large cavern with an old railway track, that apparently runs for a quarter of a mile! This was at 200feet below the surface and as deep as we would be going. Years ago, children woul d be sent to work down here for 10 hour days by light of candle for a pittence. Think of that when you're sat there on your PS3. The route back was a bit easier than the descent, avoiding the Mousehole! Some clambering and stooping was still essential.</div>
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All in all, a really enjoyable and well priced mornings fun in the Forest of Dean. Highly recommended, providing you're not claustrophobic, or don't like spiders. Or bats. Or Ochre.</div>
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<br /></div>The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03844441802818406043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-44705417102316358722012-02-02T10:29:00.003+00:002012-02-02T10:29:37.093+00:00Facebook PageUnashamed advertising...<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mark-Everson-Pencil-Art/244795982261142" target="_blank">Mark Everson Pencil Art</a>The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03844441802818406043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-16608156126649730492012-02-01T13:49:00.000+00:002012-02-01T13:49:04.545+00:00Another Outdoorsy Caricature<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just wanted to share this caricature I drew of a friend - he enjoys coming walking with us but lets us do all the planning and just tags along at the back, whinging! Don't you, Chopski?!</div>
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Anyway, he liked it. Excuse the poor quality phone pic. Email me for commissions (perfect unique pressie....)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEEiT_CkNhGNt6h2UtwtX18_pjTRoETtu0yPaUGhsfXwNLYWM8AsHzoVOcDGAdB-fq3oN1tpYbgaIGnWWxZ_Xzc__CNuXVEhWPGiI8vgmrTrDHSe-7392D3ollIbNEhshNtnWUVwymaY/s1600/IMG_0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEEiT_CkNhGNt6h2UtwtX18_pjTRoETtu0yPaUGhsfXwNLYWM8AsHzoVOcDGAdB-fq3oN1tpYbgaIGnWWxZ_Xzc__CNuXVEhWPGiI8vgmrTrDHSe-7392D3ollIbNEhshNtnWUVwymaY/s320/IMG_0021.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03844441802818406043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-88076465319849330462012-01-29T21:45:00.003+00:002012-01-29T21:45:48.102+00:00Peeeee Beeeeeee!<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of my favourite races of the year today, the good old Lliswerry 8! 8 Miles of flat tarmac - always cold, always tough, always well organised. I did a personal best by over 2 minutes, - 52:58! Well chuffed with that, especially as I went off way too fast and was hanging on for dear life in the last mile. Well worth the £12 entry and things bode well for the years running ahead.</div>The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03844441802818406043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-24142687849213261782012-01-26T13:48:00.001+00:002012-01-26T13:48:13.297+00:00Bewildering artworkAs well as a love for the outdoors I have a liking for pencil art - I've shared a few of my own pieces earlier on this blog.<br />
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So I just had to post a link to an artist I found whilst browsing deviant art. A chap called Dirk Dzimi<span style="font-family: inherit;">rs<span style="color: #444444;">ky from Germany. His charcoal and graphite portraits are incredible. Photorealism is not for everyone, but I love it, perhaps because I'm fairly good at it. But this is another league. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://www.dzimirsky.com/works/works-overview.html">The work of Dirk Dzimirsky</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm not sure if it's okay to link to my favourite piece of his work here, but hopefully it is as I'm only showcasing him. If not I will remove it if requested.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.dzimirsky.com/works/images/Frozen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://www.dzimirsky.com/works/images/Frozen2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I cant quite fathom that this is done with charcoal! It's stunning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03844441802818406043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-21047370869078988532012-01-16T13:50:00.000+00:002012-01-16T13:50:32.809+00:00Twmbarlwm TrekTwmbarlwm is a cracking little hill (my favourite in fact) that is right on my doorstep and offers easy access to some great walking and running. A friend of mine, Beggy, who works for Caerphilly council is organising a Twmbarlwm Trek on May 12th this year. Entry in advance is a paltry £4 and there are 3 routes of varying length to choose from. I hope to run the 23 miler as a training run with a few mates.<br />
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<br />The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03844441802818406043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-74393860138701343292012-01-14T16:51:00.000+00:002012-01-14T18:09:08.970+00:00Grwyne Fawr..or is it Grywne Fawr?!<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love it when you plan a walk and the weather just happens to play ball on the day. Today was one of those occasions. Cold, crisp, clear. Perfect for a 9 mile loop around the Grwyne Fawr Valley, deep in the Black Mountains.</div>
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Jasper, Chopper and I did the usual early start (Chopper was even ready on time when I pulled up at his place?!) and we were parked in the layby in the Grwyne Fawr Valley by 8am. Easily confused, Jasper was dressed for ballet lessons and I had my concerns that he might be a bit cold in the conditions, but he assured me he would be fine. I gave him my spare insulated jacket as soon as we got out of the car!</div>
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First stop, the old Grwyne Fawr Reservoir dam. Years ago I'd abseiled from this dam a few times with a friend. He actually went down naked, but that's a different story. There were never any signs telling you it was prohibited back then - there are now. That's abseiling down the dam in general that's banned, and not specifically abseiling down naked! No ropes today so no abseiling.</div>
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The water was like a millpond and the sky was clear.</div>
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It was only 9am and felt great being out in the fresh air rather than being slouched on a sofa or still in bed. </div>
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Next destination was the Grywne Fawr Bothy at the Northern end of the reservoir. I wanted to see if it was in better shape inside than it was a few years back when it looked like some w*nkers had trashed the place.</div>
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As we approached we saw smoke coming from the chimney.</div>
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When I knocked the door it opened to reveal 3 lads from somewhere over the bridge (judging by the accents) cooking 8 rashers of bacon on a small gas stove. Jealousy overcame us! All we had were malt loaves and macaroons, plus a few cereal bars. The Bothy did look pretty tidy inside which is nice to see. I opted not to ask if I could take a picture of them cooking brekky! </div>
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We headed up to the top of the valley to pick up the path up and over Waun Fach and Pen Y Gadair Fawr. At the head of the valley we were greeted by a fairly impressive inversion hanging over Talgarth and the surrounding countryside! Although I managed to take some fairly unimpressive shots of it. </div>
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The wind picked up as we headed up onto Waun Fach past the Dragons Back. What an impressive looking ridge this is from certain angles, with an equally impressive name. I must remember to walk it sometime this year from Pengenfford.</div>
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The main advantage of the subzero temps up on Waun Fach's 800m summit plateau, is the frozen ground. It means that the usually boggy chocolate cake underfoot, is like a nice crispy cereal bar, and your feet don't get wet! It was cold though, and the wind had picked up a lot. Macaroon and Malt Loaf time (main reason for bringing Chopper on these walks). The Summit Team shot was a disaster! :( I checked the test shot I did from atop my rucksack, but it must have sagged slightly when I pushed the auto-timer button for the team shot. My ugly mug was then chopped off just like poor old Louis 14th, or one of those other handlebar moustached French monarchs. Not a bad thing I suppose. I guess it pays to be short at times, eh Chops?</div>
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A trundle over to Pen Y Gadair Fawr next. Blah blah always looks higher than Waun Fach blah etc.</div>
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Then it was a mile or so downhill alongside the forestry back to the valley and the carpark. 9 miles in under 4 hours was satisfying, especially as Mr Japanese tourist (moi) slows us down by taking a photo, on average, every 8 metres.</div>
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Really enjoyable morning's walk, even if some of my friend's oudoor fashion sense leaves something to be desired.</div>
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<br /></div>The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03844441802818406043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-81017560068606958572012-01-12T13:19:00.002+00:002012-01-12T13:20:59.735+00:00Saturdays Plans<div style="text-align: justify;">
Off to the Black Mountains this Saturday for a 9 mile loop from the Grwyne Fawr Valley up onto Waun Fach and Pen Y Gadair Fawr. Gaiters at the ready! I love this quiet part of the Eastern Beacons as I did quite a lot of walking there when I was in my late teens and early twenties with, the now defunct, Newport Mountaineering Club (good memories). The forecast is quite good, with possible lingering valley fog which may mean we get an inversion to drool over. The Grwyne Fawr Reservoir dam is pretty impressive - I recall Princes William and Harry abseiling from it many years ago with their bodyguards and making the front page of some tabloid. I also recall a good friend of mine abseiling naked from it around the same period. Why? Because he could I guess! I want to pop into the Bothy as well to see if it's in a better state than my last visit a couple of years back.</div>
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Reports and pics to follow.</div>
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<br />The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03844441802818406043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-70980010835728862282012-01-08T19:45:00.001+00:002012-01-09T21:25:10.400+00:00Tired TyresThis afternoon was meant to be spent at Kenfig Dunes nature reserve on the Glamorgan coast with my sis and bro-in-law and their dogs. But a puncture on the M4 enroute put paid to that. The AA came and changed it (yes I can change a puncture but I wouldn't risk it on the side of a motorway, especially when it's just my little 4 year old lad and I) and then pointed out the state of the punctured and opposite front tyres. The inside edges were worn right through to the metal. I had no idea and was shocked at how dangerous they were. I even avoided a fine when the Traffic Officers stopped behind us on the hard shoulder. They were very helpful indeed and didn't even bother looking at the punctured tyre. If they had, I could have been fined up to £1000 apparently. Mores the point, it could have caused a nasty accident.<br />
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A quick trip to KwikFit and a back up plan of Roath Park solved the issue. I won't forget to check my tyres more regularly in future and I'll make sure I get them changed as soon as needed. So, Kenfig Dunes will have to wait until another day...The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03844441802818406043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-20540581262396354042012-01-07T12:21:00.004+00:002012-01-14T18:09:29.137+00:00Salomon Speedcross 2 GTX<div style="text-align: justify;">
I broke 31 miles for the week this morning with a great leisurely run over the Scenic Drive from Henllys with Jasper. As I parked up at the Dorallt Pub at 7am, I had a real 'I wanna be back in frigging bed' feeling. But we of course cracked on and got up onto the ridge by 7:30 with great views over the streetlit towns below. It was only just getting light as we passed across the summit of Twmbarlwm. Next time I hope to take a compact camera.</div>
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Both of us had Salomon Speedcross 2 Gtx trail shoes on. Mine in a stupid light green colour (only colour on offer when I plucked them from an online bargain site) and Jasper in his usual gothic-themed black model. For the conditions we had this morning, I found this shoe pretty ideal. It has enough grip on wet grass and mud to avoid any serious slippage - The 'Man Down' cry was only uttered once by Jasper on the whole run! They also kept my feet dry for a full 2 hours in very wet conditions. The only time they seem less than ideal is when we hit a section of tarmac for a while. They just feel a little too cushioned on hard surfaces. That's such a minor criticism though, and on the whole I love them. Jasper has not got on with his pair as much, but seemed to cope fine today. To show how leisurely the run actually was, we did 8.4 miles in 2 hours and 29 seconds! I hope to at least halve that pace in the Lliswerry 8 in 3 weeks. But what a great way to start a Saturday.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4fsfVD7dLrq7ZFYAasnPVzGj7eTg2JnSM3w-du0D7oNSqw9txJrJg5S25rt8fugapEOrBO6HQOnbdqIG8DQ1H5WskZAm-pNe7L4G0LG-TWVadreobcbpnUKpzwAmZW51AwDYXI-vuLA/s1600/salomon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4fsfVD7dLrq7ZFYAasnPVzGj7eTg2JnSM3w-du0D7oNSqw9txJrJg5S25rt8fugapEOrBO6HQOnbdqIG8DQ1H5WskZAm-pNe7L4G0LG-TWVadreobcbpnUKpzwAmZW51AwDYXI-vuLA/s320/salomon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03844441802818406043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-88806544737397933512012-01-03T22:08:00.000+00:002012-01-03T22:08:51.592+00:00Mileage Log SuccessI managed to suss out the automatic mileage log thing myself using the website runningAHEAD. 17 miles and counting....The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145590728102970071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-75474593501853064002012-01-03T19:40:00.000+00:002012-01-03T19:40:08.086+00:00Ultra Plans<div style="text-align: justify;">
With my fellow Batrunners, we plan to train for and enter the Brecon Beacons Ultra in November. This is a 45 mile race across some beautiful, but gruelling scenery, in South Wales' rugged National Park. With this lunacy in mind, I am going to keep a log of my training mileage here on the blog. This will hopefully give me inspiration, incentive and a sense of achievement, as well as giving the blog more use. I've added it manually for now to the top right, but I'm hoping to be able to use a gadget that automatically updates from a third party site! Midlife Crisis anyone....?</div>
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Wish me luck!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIFMAh3Y5oBBJB2RgVP8raOHDiGYFi4-hDFFvprw8Aa1G1wuBnMtriRhCkzWcqOnDiU5FYlvufZM11LzvZlDZ3EonYJ8zBm4teMhz7vg_l2Ug73Od-fJ9syQIF5nO_AXEJghTVydpIW0/s1600/P8271212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIFMAh3Y5oBBJB2RgVP8raOHDiGYFi4-hDFFvprw8Aa1G1wuBnMtriRhCkzWcqOnDiU5FYlvufZM11LzvZlDZ3EonYJ8zBm4teMhz7vg_l2Ug73Od-fJ9syQIF5nO_AXEJghTVydpIW0/s320/P8271212.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145590728102970071noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-29486287775217787362011-12-31T16:18:00.002+00:002011-12-31T16:18:40.538+00:00Achievements?This time 12 months ago, I did a post on this very Blog, with a list I wanted to achieve through 2011. Here it is again for reference.<br />
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<li><span style="color: red;"><em>"Spend loads of quality time with my family, especially my little 3 year old lad!! </em></span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><em>Climb Kilimanjaro (I'm 40 in October and the plan is to do so around that time). </em></span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><em>Submit a script to the BBC writers room. From my blog, you wouldn't guess that I dabble with comedy - I know, it's not funny at all is it? For 9 years or so I've written a successful adults pantomime at my local rugby club - so successful that we've raised over £35000 for worthy causes and given nights of hilarity to more than 3000 people. So, encouraged by comments from many, I plan to write a sitcom script using an idea I've had in my head for a number of years. If it comes to nothing, I won't be too bothered, as long as I've given it my best shot. </em></span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><em>More artwork. Those pencils of mine are going to be put to use. Maybe some outdoor themed pieces. Watch this space. </em></span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><em>Tidy up my allotment and grow some bloody veg - rather than using it as an overflow dumping ground for my garden junk. </em></span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><em>Get a 2nd hand mountain bike a ride a few trails. </em></span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><em>Keep up my jogging regime. </em></span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><em>Visit Scotland. I've a mate who I haven't seen for many years and I've always promised him I will visit him up in Bonnie Findochty. He also likes running so entry into a local 10k or something, followed by a wee (read enormous) swallie! Then there;s the highlands. I want to see the highlands. </em></span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><em>See a cloud/temperature inversion! </em></span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;"><em>Blog more. </em></span></li>
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I did fairly well. Only two of the above are still outstanding. I climbed Kili (I can call it that now without fear of being struck down or spontaneously combusting), Drew a few decent sketches, grew some spuds and onions, got a bike, rode a trail or two, jogged a lot, saw an inversion (well, I saw the clouds from above on Uhuru Peak) and I Blogged quite a bit. Pretty pleased with that. It was always going to be difficult to get to Scotland in such a busy, and expensive year. And the script?! Just not had time. Still on my to-do list for the moment.</div>
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I will do the same for 2012 shortly. An Ultra is definitely on the cards, and who knows what else. More to follow. For now, I'll leave you with a 40th birthday caricature I did of a good outdoors friend of mine. Mr Mark Tony BatGoss Nicholls!</div>
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A Happy New Year to All. Have a prosperous and healthy and fresh air fuelled 2012.</div>
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</div>The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145590728102970071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-9653793554452929112011-12-28T11:15:00.000+00:002011-12-28T12:11:29.115+00:00Groundhog..., I mean, Boxing Day!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Each boxing day we do the same walk - Pen Y Fan from the Storey Arms. Why? Dunno. Nicholls calls it tradition, though he's only been doing it for 5 years!! Still, it's a great cobweb remover, and no two days are ever the same with the changeable British weather. </div>
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This year it was wet. Persistent light drizzle coupled with gale force winds meant moisture found its way into every nook and cranny. Still, the temperature was mild, so it was bearable. Enjoyable even.</div>
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Rather than just walk to the top and back down, we took an interesting detour down to the saddle between Cribyn and Pen Y Fan and then we skirted across the face of Pen Y Fan and ascended back up in the large gully to the far right. This was pretty much full on scrambling, although a lot of it is quite loose. With the cloud and the mist it felt pretty hardcore!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1xqFmaqm2K7HUCsgoAXQ3nDTl-uykGWd-PQISxF9UOEfOTU-Dc3tsu2jNSr_QZJcV3vshGKKvaNtQJgQDjC6o_VJCWLB3L9saLwi6pvDuYvgQH4hC1il8SdD0Pmkl5MAl_VXmKQn4x4/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1xqFmaqm2K7HUCsgoAXQ3nDTl-uykGWd-PQISxF9UOEfOTU-Dc3tsu2jNSr_QZJcV3vshGKKvaNtQJgQDjC6o_VJCWLB3L9saLwi6pvDuYvgQH4hC1il8SdD0Pmkl5MAl_VXmKQn4x4/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145590728102970071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-49840687692163317522011-12-25T20:27:00.002+00:002011-12-27T14:29:03.939+00:00Merry Christmas<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've had a brilliant Christmas day with with my family and I want to wish Merry Xmas to anyone who reads this. My little 4 year old was spoilt rotten again but, as is customary, spent more time playing with the box the toy came in, than the toy itself.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVTFlo1i7hhlfAxUbcxyhCDgGbFFCNyMNpR86pv3hBQ5mzSSGhgB6iPdlbWd6jar-cVCMWBlfbXADbWW-hlD79XxAO6uP0g3rN1PkycGyVf5PCcnkL_kdTbVWMZ6osL99Pl3p9EdwzvI/s1600/boxingday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVTFlo1i7hhlfAxUbcxyhCDgGbFFCNyMNpR86pv3hBQ5mzSSGhgB6iPdlbWd6jar-cVCMWBlfbXADbWW-hlD79XxAO6uP0g3rN1PkycGyVf5PCcnkL_kdTbVWMZ6osL99Pl3p9EdwzvI/s320/boxingday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145590728102970071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-87245222133274418952011-12-10T20:58:00.001+00:002011-12-27T14:29:14.996+00:0015 rounds with Kilimanjaro<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Warning - Mountain Climbing can Severely damage your face!</div>The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145590728102970071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-17358941610823198772011-12-04T13:59:00.001+00:002011-12-04T19:58:00.971+00:00Kili - Day 6<div style="text-align: justify;">
The day after sumitting could be described as an anti-climax, but we were looking forward to another day in the rainforest zone, with the enormous amount of incredible plants. I wish Dave wasn't such a plant-geek, but everyone has their faults.</div>
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We were awake early (as usual) and felt pretty refreshed after what was probably the best nights sleep we'd had on the mountain. The sky was clear and we had our final views of the snow capped volcanic cone of Kibo.</div>
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The effects of yesterday were pretty clear to see on my very swollen, sunburned face. The one thing I had forgotten in preparation for the summit was my suncream. </div>
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Dave and I with Jeremy, our waiter for the trek. What a nice guy, very little English, but easy to get along with. He thought Dave was 'very strong, very, verrry strong'. </div>
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One of the tamest ravens we'd encountered came right up close whilst we ate breakfast outside the tent.</div>
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Before we commenced our final days walking, there was the small/big matter of the tip giving ceremony. Dave and I had had many discussions about tips on the trip, not all of them in a calm and friendly manner! We'd finally decided on what we thought was a fair amount for everyone. Without warning, the porters and guides had gathered near the tents and then the fun began...</div>
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Hopefully this video gives a good account of the singing. The 'Lead' singer was a porter called Felix, who reminded me very much of the little guy in Cool Runnings! Quite a character.</div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnwDqjqoWbY" target="_blank">The Porters Song</a> </div>
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Tips were then handed out to each member of the crew individually and most of them seemed pleased. We were told by the guides the following day that all the crew were very pleased with our tips, which was a nice feeling because they deserve every shilling they earn.</div>
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After that, the guides and I headed south through the remaining heather and moorland towards Mweka Hut, and then onwards to Mweka gate. </div>
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Mweka Hut Campsite appeared in no time at all. It was the best hut we'd seen. We signed in for the final time and took a photo each before cracking on.</div>
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Dave is actually half Hobbit and was the first mixed species climber to make it to the summit. We tried explaining this to the Ranger in an attempt to get it officially noted for the records,but we just received a vague look in response.</div>
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Note my severly swollen face!</div>
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The forest track down to Mweka Gate was so similar to the one leading up from Machame gate - no surprise there. The flora was similar as well but we did see some great stuff like this enormous Camphor tree</div>
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Large Cyathea manniana (treeferns to you and I)</div>
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Just before we got to the Mweka gate one of the guides pointed out monkeys in the trees above. Despite the guidebook mentioning this possibility, the guides insisted that we were lucky to see them. There was a blue monkey that was barely visible some way off, and a couple of Colobus Monkeys. The Colobus were closer yet very high up. They are arboreal and spend their whole lives in the treetops. </div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1POtAeNECzw" target="_blank">Click here for video footage.</a></div>
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Arriving at Mweka Gate, we were ensconced by two hungry hordes. The first being a crowd of German Tourists, not trekkers, who were filming us as if we were Stanley Livingstone and Ranulph Fiennes. The guy with the video camera eagerly showed Dave the footage of us walking down the track, and proclaimed us to be 'great adventurers'. Obviously mixed us up with someone else? The other horde were the locals who try to sel you anything and everything with a Kilimanjaro theme. Knives, spears, masks, books, maps. You name it. We signed the final register and made our way to the minibus where the porters had stowed the gear. One 'hawker' insisted on trying to part with a Kilimanjaro book that had caught my eye and my weakness had been revealed. In the end, just before the minibus door shut, as a final gambit, he offered to swap it for my watch, an £8.99 casio jobby for running. I immediately agreed and handed him the watch for the book. A great deal I thought, it just meant that Dave and I had no way of knowing the time for the next two days! Top tip - take as many watches as you can fit on your arm when travelling to Africa. Great bargaining tools.</div>The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145590728102970071noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380819753142706427.post-58233765738521764372011-12-02T21:32:00.001+00:002011-12-04T13:44:22.612+00:00Kili day 5 - Summit Day<div style="text-align: justify;">
After what seemed like months and months of waiting for this day, it was here. Prior to the trip, and even during the early days of the trip, I had some doubts about getting to the top. I'm fit, determined and stubborn :), yet there was still that very tiny nagging doubt that said, 'What if?'. What if the altitude sickness gets me? </div>
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Well, waking up at 3am on 17th November, after a really poor nights sleep due to the incredibly strong wind and usual uncomfortable ground beneath the sleeping mat, I was absolutely sure I would get to the top. Each day the guides had told Dave and I that we were among the strongest walkers they'd had. Our pace was always good without going too quick. We took very few breaks (apart from to drool over plants) and we showed very few effects of altitude.</div>
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So, at 4am, off we trudged in the cold night air, buffeted by a really strong Easterly wind and we commenced the long haul up the switchbacks to Stella Point. Daniel had informed us that the walk to the summit is usually 6-8 hours dependent on the fitness and strength of the group. At the time I remember that sounding like an incredibly long time to get to the top of a peak that we could almost see in front of us. It just didn't look that far away!</div>
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As we trudged upwards, the sky behind us began to brighten over the first two hours, until at around 6am, the sun rose.</div>
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And we could see a very long way.</div>
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The going had been tough up until this point but both Dave and I walked with our heads down, silently following the feet in front, taking very few breaks. The tubes on our camelbaks had frozen so we had to stop now and again to sip water from a bottle. Ingeniously, I had covered my Sigg bottle with a spare thermal sock which made an ideal insulating layer and prevented it from freezing. It also made the water taste like my feet after 4 days of walking up an African mountain. Cheesey water anyone?</div>
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The frozen hydration tube showed just how cold it was. That had never happened to me before. Yet, strangely, I didn't feel cold at all. I actually stopped to remove my primaloft jacket from below my down jacket very early on. That left me wearing two baselayers, a thin fleece and my down jacket. This was absolutely plenty. Dave was the same, and he never once wore a pair of gloves, just relying on the pockets of his down jacket.</div>
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The sun rose further and the morning was beautiful. Every time we glanced up the steep slope in front of us, it seemed like the crater rim was still miles away. But slowly, we made progress until eventually, we could see a small rock marking Stella Point. We were nearly on the crater rim.</div>
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Up until this point I felt fine - my headache was gone - but I felt tired. The walk was tough. Really tough. It's hard to describe properly, but my legs felt okay, and my breathing was fine too, I was just drained of energy. Although there was no way in the world I was not getting to the top because of exhaustion, I felt like sitting down for a rest every ten steps or so. But we didn't, and we all made it to Stella Point after around 3 hours 55 minutes!</div>
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It's as strange name for this spot on the crater rim as there wasn't a single bottle of Belgian lager to be found. I could have murdered a pint or two. We stopped for some pictures and a 10 minute rest.</div>
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Then, the guides pointed out where Uhuru peak was. It looked so close, yet apparently took 45 minutes to get to. Dave and I were having none of that. Despite being exhausted, I had a real second wind, and the gradient was much easier from here to the summit. Plus, we had the amazing G=glaciers of the Southern Icefield to wonder at as we walked past. 30 metres of sheer ice cliff!</div>
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We walked along and became strung out. Daniel, followed by myself, and then Dave, Thomas and Aloyce. As we got closer, I slowed up as I wanted to get to the top with Dave, because we'd shared a lot over the past 5 days. Mainly leek soup and popcorn!</div>
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At 8:42am we arrived at Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro and Africa's highest point. I felt quite emotional and I shed a few tears beneath my macho wraparound shades. But then the elation set in. What a feeling. The wind was gusting, it was cold, but we had made it to the top, just like I knew we would.</div>
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Plenty of photos were taken by Daniel. I had a whole bag of things I wanted photographed at the summit...</div>
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My Pill Harriers Tour Flag (4 sheets of scribbled on A4 paper sellotaped together)...</div>
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My Welsh Flag!</div>
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A Specials Scarf - I'd seen them in Cardiff a month before and a close mate bought me a scarf and said he wanted it taken to the top of Kili. (The teeshirt I'm wearing is for the charity I walked for)</div>
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My Ieuan The Lion Fund teeshirt. Despite doing this trek for myself, for my 40th birthday, I also raised £1100+ sponsorship for a brilliant children's charity called Ieuan The Lion's Fund -<a href="http://www.ieuanthelion.com/"> http://www.ieuanthelion.com/</a> - in memory of my friend's little lad who tragically passed away at the age of 13. He loved Disney and The Lion King and I thought it was so appropriate for him to be here with me, on top of Africa, looking down over the plains below! One very special reason why I couldn't fail to get to the top.</div>
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Dave left the top first as he was feeling a bit odd and probably starting to get affected by the altitude. He literally jogged off towards stella Point with Aloyce and Thomas in pursuit. I followed minutes later with Daniel. The walk back down to Stella Point seemed easy now, despite weary limbs.</div>
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But the walk down from Stella Point to Barafu was hell. Really difficult terrain, legs that kept slipping from under us, and aching knees. The cheap poles I'd brought with me finally came into their own. This was the only time I used them on the whole trip. The views, as ever, were worth the grief.</div>
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After what seemed like an age, but was probably only a couple of hours since the summit, we arrived back at Barafu to rest for an hour, before continuing to Millenium camp.</div>
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After a short rest in the tent, we were up and about and watching a Lammergeyer soaring around the valley below, avoiding divebomb attacks by the ravens.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguT2rQSpVseDdLreeB5TvqFF5bHzO_OXUGc_AzX0-9UqoPKCpAF12qUBGUeXrK5QvbRmCqwFJrX1PX_EG45I9U5G8pnHZB9oFrJiz9RAYkDHI6ae6AChcb8aKsewl0ZG9m2Eb-0vK2JBw/s1600/DSC_0523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguT2rQSpVseDdLreeB5TvqFF5bHzO_OXUGc_AzX0-9UqoPKCpAF12qUBGUeXrK5QvbRmCqwFJrX1PX_EG45I9U5G8pnHZB9oFrJiz9RAYkDHI6ae6AChcb8aKsewl0ZG9m2Eb-0vK2JBw/s320/DSC_0523.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then, we stumbled the few miles downhill to Millenium camp where beer was on sale! Neither Dave nor I, could face one! How Ironic. Best we could manage was a can of Coke each for 3000 TShillings (about £1.20). Washing water was brought, dinner was served, and despite a large group of noisy French Canadians in the next clearing over, we both slept soundly that night after the incredible exertions of that memorable day.</div>
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</div>The Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145590728102970071noreply@blogger.com2