Ben Nevis
After having swum through Thursday afternoon, we were delighted to see the sun out on Friday morning. However our delight was short-lived as we were battered by heavy winds all day which really slowed us down and forced us to fall behind our mileage, covering 80 of the 110 we aimed for.
A huge thank you to Andy Parrini for all his help and incredibly kind hospitality in Carlisle – thank you Andy!
Another youth hotel in Glasgow Friday night before a big cycle to Fort William on Saturday. We cycled through some stunning valleys and beautiful lochs (Loch Lomond where the Scottish Open is being played this month – Tom)
Today was Ben Nevis. Initially weather was lovely. However soon enough our constant companion the rain came and attire turned from t-shirts to full weather proof. We were treated to rain, sleet and even snow on the ground as we made our climb, reaching the summit in about 4.5 hours. We exchanged the finest English brew for a tot of Glenmorangie from some fellow hikers as a celebration and skipped our way down in half the time.
Tomorrow we are off back down to Glasgow before our final leg over in Northern Ireland where we climb Sleive Donard.
Injury Update: Tom has been suffering from a poorly Achilles tendon throughout the trip. All four of our knees are shot to bits and Helen has just got over her chest cold which began the day before departure. She is now able to breathe almost freely. We both have saddle sores of the highest order. Both have continuous unsettled stomachs due to strange combination of rations – dried fruits, flapjacks, peanut butter and jam sandwiches, Eat Natural bars, bananas, dextrose tablets, Tunnock caramel bars, and anything else we can get in!!
Environmental Observations and Wildlife
Throughout our trip we have observed the following:
- “Snowdon can be a killer” (woman in climbing shop in Wales)
- Tarmac – varying quality of this either impedes or improves greatly the comfort and speed of ones ride.
- Youth hostels – consider your options before utilising these as a choice of accommodation
- Road kill observed:
Hedgehogs (27)
Rabbits (19)
Birds (various) – too many to count
Badger (1)
- Attempts of road kills by us:
0 out of 2
- Punctures to date – 1
- Tantrums – 1 (massive one)
- Near death experiences – 2
- Dry days – 1
- Favourite day time food –
Aunty Jane’s home made flapjacks (Tom)
Jonny’s car made peanut butter and jam sandwiches (Helen)
- Eye traumas – one each
Hope all is well at home, from Helen, Tom and Jon (driver)