When we first started, we had our 3 pubs - one at the start to get us going, one in the middle to keep us going and one at the end to drown our aches and pains! And this was only a 6km hike, so probably equal amounts of time spent drinking and walking....
Of course this couldn't continue if we were really serious about getting fit enough for a 100km hike in extreme weather up to over 19,000ft.
Over the next few Sundays, we rose early and sped off onto the motorway to reach our next hiking start as quick as possible. So early, in fact, that Steve picked up a few more points than he wanted from our local police! Of course it wasn't his fault that he was speeding - noooo it's always someone else's! Like the police, because they are never out that early on Sundays, or Debbie because she didn't get her shoes on quick enough!
Our real first test was going to be the Snowden climb - and boy was it a test!
Anyone who knows Steve will know he is Mr organsised. To be fair he did well planning the route, bus and train timetables to get there, overnight accommodation etc. etc. but you know what they say about the best laid plans.........
Lumpiest bed in the whole world in the grubbiest of places in the middle of nowhere, so no sleep!
No breakfast because we were leaving too early!
Bus didn't turn up in the morning so the station boss had to collect us in his car!
But still, we made it to the start of the climb going up by the Pyg Track. A little challenging, but not a real problem.
Until, Steve decided that we should take a 'little' detour off the main track, where everyone else is heading and climb a bit steeper for some better views. Not a good idea, as we later found out the new route up to crib Goch is recommended for only for experienced climbers with ropes etc! We didn't even have a whistle!
Watch the video below to see what we mean:
Well we only got as far as half way up this rock face! Then Debbie ripped 3 holes in her trousers as she slid down from 2,500ft to the bottom ledge! Not happy.
I got him to take a photo of me climbing the early part of the rocks but it really doesn't show how high we were climbing - a dear elderly couple were actually waiting at the bottom of the path when we finally got back down because they really thought we were going to kill ourselves!
