Update - Summit Day! At 1.15pm on Saturday 20th September we reached the summit of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK and Ireland, in aid of Autism NI! Our group had intended taking a longer and more demanding route than most, approaching from the north and first climbing a mountain called Carn Mor Dearg(1220m/4012ft). However, this route involves crossing the narrow and exposed Carn Mor Dearg Arete. It is dangerous to attempt this ridge in either fog, high winds or heavy rain - and we had all three on the day! So we took the safe(r) track up the south side of the mountain - and returned to tell the tale! Any ascent of Ben Nevis is challenging and reaching the top was a great achievement for everyone, particularly in such bad conditions. The wind-chill meant that the temperature on the summit was well below zero, and afterwards we all looked like someone had been following us around with a pressure washer, but we all had an amazing time! Now that must be worth sponsoring us for!  We are funding all of the trip costs ourselves and are not using any external agency to organize the event, so all monies raised will go straight to Autism NI. Update: 31 August Our last practice hike before the big one today, when we returned to the misty Mournes and climbed Slieve Commedagh, Slieve Corragh, Slievenaglogh and returned via Hare's Gap and the Brandy Pad. We also found out why the Bog of Donard is called, well, the 'Bog' of Donard, as Susan almost disappeared in what looked like several feet deep of quick-sand. A brilliant, long day with amazing views (when the mist cleared). But if you find a Suunto Vector watch in the area, please let us know, as Simon can't do without knowing what altitude he is at every 10 minutes. Update: 9 August A really big thank you to everyone who gave us money when we collected in O'Neill's Costcutters in Portglenone today. We raised a massive £377! This will all go towards supporting the valuable work of Autism NI. Thanks again. Update: 28th July We had an excellent hike in the glorious sunshine of the Sperrin Mountains yesterday, a complete contrast with our last hike. We covered 20km, climbed 6 peaks and took just under 8.5 hours. Sawel (678m, the highest) was first and was a real slog. No-one fell victim to the rough terrain, shoulder-high rushes or bogs but the sun got anyone who wasn't wearing sunscreen or fake tan (the latter will remain anonymous). All in all, a tough day but the rough, boggy Sperrins will hopefully make the tracks of Ben Nevis feel like a walk down Royal Avenue. It was great to introduce Nicola to her first day of hiking, and for her to introduce us to a few bars of karaoke every time she slipped. Update: 7th July Everyone was really pleased to make it to the top of Slieve Donard yesterday, climbing the full 850m from Donard Park at a good pace. We were even more pleased to make it back, descending in torrential rain that turned the paths into streams and the streams into, well, bigger streams. No-one lost, injured or ready to throw in the towel just yet. A great start. Well done to Susan, who managed to make falling over sound great fun, and to Brian, for getting everyone else to carry his lunch to the top for him! Update: 2nd July Our group have started training with such activities as running, walking and even kick-boxing! The first practice hike takes place on Sunday with a walk up Slieve Donard (850m), the highest mountain in NI. Mountain Rescue have been informed . . . . .
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