After various delays coming down Ben Nevis, including being led down the wrong route on the lower section of the descent (ending up a mile from the car park), getting stuck in Open Golf traffic at Loch Lomond for about 45 minutes and diverting to Glasgow Airport to drop off a couple of dropouts from the group to which I’d been assigned, we could see the weather becoming more and more ominous as we approached the Lakes (and darkness). I must admit that the goal of doing this all within 24 hours was already looking impossible at this point but as the minibus turned east towards Wasdale Head, the rain started lashing down and gale force winds picked up. Nevertheless, our already depleted group (10 had become 8) set off up the mountain with another group, with more members falling by the wayside as we progressed (necessitating a relay of Mountain Leaders to escort them off the mountain). The weather continued to go downhill as we went uphill until we had reached a point, just over half way up, where not only were we struggling to stand upright in the torrential rain and gales but the mist was descending. The remaining people were asked whether they wanted to go on. At that point it truly was the support of all my sponsors that kept me going and I elected to press on. However, at this point the BMF organisers at “base camp” intervened over the radio and decided it was too unsafe for our little band to continue (and I’d vowed not to bother Wasdale Mountain Rescue remember) so we had to abandon our climb and slither back down the mountain, drenched to the skin and disappointed, although somewhat relieved if the truth be told. If only we’d arrived at Scafell a couple of hours earlier, we could have made it to the top before the foullest weather closed in.
On to North Wales and we had a slightly farcical tour around I don't know where while the minibus driver attempted to find the service station where the shift-change driver was waiting to take over. By the time we reached it was daylight but the weather had improved, which lifted our spirits. The rain stopped completely when we reached the summit of but the cloud didn’t lift until we were about half way down. And yes, the train service was running by the time I reached the top but I resisted the temptation to hitch a ride back down.
Am I glad I did it? Yes, most definitely. Would I consider doing it again? Mmm, probably not unless it involved helicopter transport between mountains and a perfect weather forecast! I will, however, return to Wasdale another time (in daylight) to enjoy the beauty of Wastwater, conquer Scafell Pike, see what it actually looks like and sit at the top contemplating what might have been…
A sincere thank you to everybody who donated so generously to my fundraising efforts for the EllenorLions Hospices. Your magnificent support really did give me a fillip when my resolve was waning. Without it I would probably have given up at the prospect of the Friday night in a dormitory style youth hostel! If you haven't already sponsored me, it's not too late!
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Ellenor Lions Hospices gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
Sharon
