3 Tough Challenges for 3 Top Charities

Scenery

2010-12-23T14:39:00.000Z

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Lapland Adventure

2010-12-23T14:37:00.001Z

Thursday 23rd December

We have now been in lapland for 4 days and its been an amazing adventure so far.

With all the delays at the airport and the continuing freak weather conditions we decided to leave earlier than anticipated and am i glad we did. I have never seen the M40 like this before only 2 faint tracks to guide you the other lanes all covered in deep snow overtaking was an adventure in itself, but we made it after 3 hours which is good as some families who we have met took 2 days to get there.

Delayed at Gatwick but only 2 hours so pretty good really although the kids didn't think so, we arrived in lapland at about 8pm straight off the plane onto the tarmac into a nice cool -29 the back of your throught literally burnt if you breathed to hard or deeply.

So deep into the winter wonderland for another hour and we arrive at Jerris Hotel time to get the cold weather gear and then on to our log cabin which surprise surprise is the furthest away from the hotel, we are however greeted by the most amazing sight 3 reindeer in the woods outside our front door digging in the snow looking for food, the kids think were in narnia, the surroundings are truly breathtaking, and you have to see them to believe them.

Day 1

Were late for breakfast and lost in the woods not a good start but we finally make it back to the hotel a quick drink and were off snowshooing into the woods only a mile or so to a open camp fire where we have hot chocolate and the kids roast marsh mallows over the fire, the afternoon consists of sledging down a very steep slow and trying to avoid the trees great fun.

Day 2

We visited a reindeer farm today and learnt all about the traditions of the lapish farmers, a traditional lapish lunch it seems a bit harsh eating the animals we came to see but thats life.

Then a sled ride through the forest pulled by te reindeer again more spectacular scenery.

Day 3

By far the best day so far Huskie sleding through the forests 9km absolutely amazing everyone should do this once in there life. The raw power of these dogs is unbelievable they have 2 speeds very fast and stop, one of the most amazing days of my life and i want to do it again.

No northern lights yet but conditions are good tonight so fingers crossed.

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Heading Home

2010-11-09T16:20:00.000Z

The one thing you always look forward to on finishing a challenge is going home, its the best place to gather your thoughts and get back into a normal routine. Although I am a bit nervous about this trip as I have been up all night with sickness and dioreea not pleasant at all, the last meal we had at the farewell party was a curry at an irish bar, and that just tipped my body over the edge even more.

One thing i have learnt over these 99 days is that you have to give a little respect to each one of the challenges you are doing and with the right preparation and mental attitude anything is achievable. Yes your body is telling you its had enough but its the mental toughness that see's you through.

It has also taught me that life doesn't have to be this way and by that I mean the ease in which we all get stuck in our daily routines and if we all just stepped back and took a few minutes we could enrich our lives so much more by just doing something different every now and again.

Looking forward to coming home.

The Day After

2010-11-08T23:28:00.000Z

Having slept reasonably well last night, my legs feel like they are not part of me its weird as I felt nothing like this on the mountains even after the Month Blanc descent once I'd spent the night in the oxygen chamber I felt fine, this time I suspect my legs will take a lot of time to recover.

So my 99 days of physical exursion are over and on many occasions I had felt like quitting particularly on Mont Blanc and the NY Marathon. When I look back though it wasn't just the 99 days it was the training we had to put in to stand a chance of pulling this challenge off, this started way back in March of this year and then really intensified in June the Month before our first departure, most of this training was enjoyable the only part I can truly say I Didn,t enjoy was October when the marathon training really kicked in, but I am glad I did it as without it I would have never have finished in under 5 hours. I am also aware of the personal sacrifice you have to dedicate to make such challenges achievable I am eternally grateful for my family's support during this past year, I know they are proud, and my dad well I miss him dearly but truly believe that when I needed him during some dark times he was watching over me.

A good friend sent me a congratulatory text simply stating I had achieved more this year than most people attempt in a lifetime. I guess I can relate to that in as much as in today modern world its very easy to settle back and fall into routine and forget about the things you could be doing to enrich your life.

For me now well rest is the order of the day, my body is well and truly Knackered at the moment and suspect it will take some time to recover.

Oh and one last point April, Simon and myself managed to get our names in the New York Times all finishes under 5 hours did. I finished in 30250th place out of 45000 but for me it wasn't a race for places just a race to finish.

Finished

2010-11-08T10:12:00.000Z

I can honestly say this has been one of the hardest challenges I have ever done. And i,m pretty convinced that without the crowds cheering you on it would be very easy to give up and walk.

For me the time wasn't important well as long as it was sub 5 hours that's all that matters and that was going to be a challenge with my torn hamstring, the guy from the New York Fire Department advised me it was possible I just needed to take small strides so that's what I did.

I managed to keep up with Simon and April to mile 8 but after that my leg was hurting so I dropped the pace. I also made a mistake with my gel packs in that I hadn't run on them previously, they ended up giving me stomach cramps which was very unpleasant.

At mile 12 I just wanted to pack in everything hurt and it was at this stage I started to worry I couldn,t complete this challenge, especially knowing I had more than half the race to do.

Still I kept plugging away and when I hit mile 18 I started believing again and as I said its the crowd that brings you home. I thought it was going to be lonely crossing the line on my own but everyone was congratulating each other afterall we had all gone through the same torture.

So 3 the challenges in 99 days are now complete what next, nothing is the answer my body is Knackered and I intend to spend quality time with my family.

2 hours to go

2010-11-07T14:35:00.000Z

2 hours to go

2010-11-07T13:42:00.000Z

Marathon Day

2010-11-07T12:03:00.000Z

Sunday 7th November 2010

Well the final day of the challenges is upon us and surprisingly this is the challenge I fear the most. Rachel thinks its just a run in the park if only it were that easy.

I slept reasonably well until 1.30am and we got an extra hour as the clocks went back but then it was dozing until 5 I must have peed 6 times my nerves are running away with me on this, I think this will be a lonely run.

Although everything you here about the crowds cheering you on should help. This is a typical example on how the usa works apparently their are sections on the run where the crowds are thin through the commercial districts so to combat this the marathon organisers get sponsored cheerleader to cheer people along, its not cricket but typically american.

I am now sitting on the new york fire department bus waiting to be transported to staten island.

I hope lady luck is with me today and my hamstring holds together, if not its going to be a long and painful day.

Both Simon and April seem very confident I hope I don't let the team down.

Its now 7am so been up for 2 hours already with another 3 hours 40mins to go to our official start time, its cold around 5 degrees currently but should walk up by midday.

I can now do no more other than control the nerves and be sensible, and maybe have a little prayer and ask for a little help from dad.

My plan is to think about Ethan he is doing his first tkd tournament and I can't imagine how he's feeling' especially with me not being their, good luck son I'm thinking of you.

Registered

2010-11-06T21:03:00.000Z

Saturday 6th November

We walked across to the Ing NY running expo to get our official running numbers and microchip.

The expo was fairly busy and the reality is this is going to happen tomorrow morning my time about 3'40pm uk time.

Registered

2010-11-06T21:02:00.000Z

Saturday Morning

2010-11-06T13:26:00.000Z

Last night about 14 of the party went to Tony's pasta bar its was interesting to meet new people and the reasons for them undertaking the forthcoming torture. I was also pleased in a way to hear that I wasn't the only one attempting to run with an injury, quite a lot of the group have the same aspirations on time around 4.5 hours so a lot of us could all be running together. Well as long as my leg holds up.

Then theirs the die hard runners, one of the guys ran in fall BA gear last year and posted a time of 4.5 hours an amazing achievement, it really puts it into perspective as to where we are with our training.

One thing is for sure these guys can drink, beer, wine, more beer and more wine, I guess the champagne will be popped after the race, however at 4am uk time it was time for the lightweight to call it a day, not hot toddy nightcaps for me as the hotel is very basic, slightly worrying that the door on my room still shows the scars of being kicked in previously.

I managed to get around 6 hours sleep last night, and finally stirred myself into action just after 7 so that I can continue my ritual routine morning and night of stretching out my hamstring it seems to be getting easier until I run on it. Today I have to register at the expo and then try and relax, I have not done the training run that was available this morning as I don't want to push my leg to much.

The weather forecast for tomorrow is about 45degrees with bright sunshine so cold but bright.

I have decided to run in my leggings as it will keep my hamstring supported and protect me from the cold.

I feel very nervous at this moment in time I have never been very good at waiting really just want to get into it.

Arrived in New York

2010-11-05T22:51:00.001Z

Friday 5th November 2010

We have just arrived in New York and are now aboard the bus on our way into the city, t was a fairly rough trip across the pond this time.

I passed the time watching 2 films and reading Sir Ranulf Fiennes Mad, Bad and Dangerous to know, a very interesting chapter just before i landed, its the bit where he has just suffered a massive heart attack which happens to around 100,000 people in Britain each year and he was on a plane and was defibilrated in time most die through one not being around, sounds very much like my fathers circumstances only he wasn't so lucky.

Anyway he had planned to do 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents and amazingy even though he had bypass surgery RF true to his word completed this amazing feat 4 months after his heart attack, this pretty much made my mind up i will run on sunday and i will finish the time is no longer important but completing the 3rd of these challenges at the end of the 99 days from hell certainly is.

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Arrived in New York

2010-11-05T22:49:00.000Z

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Eve of Departure

2010-11-04T23:11:00.000Z

Thursday 4th Novembe 2010

I have religiously followed the excercise regime given to me by the physio, and i can feel the difference in my hamstring however having spent 15 years playing football i am only to aware that i need at least another 3 weeks.

Tonight was decision time go out for a run and see how the leg holds up, the answer not the one i wanted each stride was painful like a knife being driven into the back of my leg every single time, i managed 2.5 miles before the pain became to much. I was also knackered can you really loose this much fitness in 5 days, or is it just the reality of the situation.

I walk back to the house and Rchel doesn't even have to ask she can see by the look on my face and the tears that i am trying to hide rolling down my cheek. In all this frustration Ethan just came over to me and gave me a big hug, no words just a hug it was perfect.

So have i packed yes, why when the reality is i stand no chance of finishing the marathon and if i do the time will be nothing to write home about and will be more than likely over the 5 hours allotted time. Well i can't explain i guess its me the way i am thats what got me to the top of Mont Blanc and i am praying its what will get me across the finish line, i have put in to much effort and made to many sacrifices to give up now.

Crazy yes stupid maybe but if i don't i will always wonder could i have.

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Physiotherapy

2010-11-02T20:14:00.000Z

Tuesday 2nd November 2010

Tonight was a crucial point for me, as i have just returned from the Physio and the news is indifferent really, the formal diagnosis is a grade 1 internal tear of the hamstring can it be fixed yes, can it be fixed in time for the marathon on sunday in all reality no, several weeks are needed.

However the physio and i agreed to remain positive and give it the best shot we had so after a fairly intense 45 minute session i have come home feeling positive. I have a series of excercises to do twice a day and then the real test comes on Thursday when i next attempt to run on it. The physio says if it breaks down then there is no chance of running the marathon, his concern is that this is my bodies way of saying its had enough, and fears that i could do more damage if i run through it.

In all honestly this has played havoc with my mental state of mind it was only a week ago Simon and i were joking about how would it feel if we picked up an injury that may force us out, well i know now and gutted is the answer not just for me but for everything my family has been through with me along this journey.

What is for certain is any ambition for a sub 4 hour time is gone as the advice from the physio is if i attempt to run the marathon run at a slower pace than planned as over stretching will certainly result in it breaking down to the point of not being able to finish the challenge.

I need alot of luck and positive thinking to make sure i get to the start line on Sunday otherwise it will personally for me be a very sad end to an overwhelming year of amazing achievments

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Disaster

2010-10-30T15:41:00.000+01:00

Saturday 30th October 2010

Less than 1 week to departure to New York, everyone has been wishing me well and asking if i am ready. My response has been consistant in that yes i am ready well as ready as you can be i have done all the training and am now winding down so as not to tire my legs out for the race, everything has really been routine.

When i say routine i mean knocking out 14 mile training runs has not really been a problem, so why disaster you ask, well i am currently lying on the sofa with an ice pack wrapped around my hamstring which decided to recoil like a colt 45, 3.5 miles into my 6 mile training run this afternoon.

Its strange i have been less worried about injury over the last week or so, my main concern has been not to catch the cold that is currently doing the rounds at work, my work colleagues have been dropping like flies, so in the interest of maintaining good health i have been dosing myself up with beechams which seems to have worked so far.

I am hoping this is a minor blip in the schedule, my last longish run is due tomorrow just 8 miles and i agreed to go out with my mate Pete which i was looking forward to as so far all of my training has been on my own, i am hoping the ice pack will do the trick.

I can honestly say that since returning from Africa i have never felt so tired and knackered my body has constantly ached, the actual training required to complete this marathon is so time consuming there is no time for anything else in your life at all, so in all honesty i am really looking forward to November 8th when its truly all over.

Well i say all over we have decided to defer the black tie dinner until June next year and that will form part of my charity golf day, so theoretically there is time to fit in 1 more mountain, Elbrus is looking favorite.

Will update on injury tomorrow.

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3 weeks to New York

2010-10-20T22:55:00.002+01:00

My life seems to have turned into the following type of ground hog day, wake up, work, train, shower, sleep, it's been this way since I arrived back from Africa and to be honest it's getting very tiring and I am wondering where my life has gone. There has been very little time for recreation or family activities and = to be honest I will be glad when its all over now.

Fundamentally I have been sticking to the training plan, which has meant roughly 40 miles per week for the last 3 weeks. Before I left for Dubai I managed my first 20 mile run, 2 weeks have past since then and on the last 2 Sundays I have managed to break 20 miles. Each time the pain is as great as the last. It doesn’t seem to get any easier other than the mental toughness as you are more prepared for the pain.

There has been one other problem, since the running machine had broken, I have had to do all my running on the road and this has led to a series of unwanted injuries. Firstly it was the shin splints, then a pulled hamstring, however these are nothing compared to the most recent problem, which I am actually struggling to diagnose accurately and it is a toss up between the following, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, or Plantar Fasciitis, the latter being the most likely however the concern is that to cure the problem requires between 3 months and 1 year, which clearly I do not have! Basically I am suffering from a very sharp pain in the inner arch of my foot, which is exasperated when running. I was due to do 8 miles today following up from the 6 miles yesterday, but walking today has been a problem so I went out on the bike for an hour. However this didn’t do the foot any good either.

I have been off this week spending time with the kids and Rachel as she has been moaning that they don't see me and that she feels like a single parent and that is affecting the boys. The week so far has been fun and allowed a more relaxed approach as the training is not taking as much time out of the day. We managed to get to the driving range this morning for a couple of hours which was enjoyable and the boys loved it and want to go back again. We had to be back in the afternoon though as my new running board for the running machine was arriving. Surprisingly it arrived on time and a couple of hours drilling and sawing and I have the board in place, a bit of oil on the belt and we're away. I try the machine on a low pace for 3 minutes to work the oil through then disaster, the machine just cuts out! I have just spent £150 on a new board for the bloody motor to now blow up, typical.

So with 3 weeks to go I am seriously worried now about not being able to run until my foot gets better. With the difficult part done, the three 20 mile runs, achieved in 3 hours, 3 hours 10 and 3 hours 15, so quite respectable from the time perspective. I just do not want to loose my fitness now, this was really the last week for fairly high mileage training albeit my Sunday run is only scheduled for 14 miles, but as I say running a mile currently is impossible with the foot, I will see what it feels like with pain killers and anti inflammatory tablets.

Nothing ever seems to be simple or easy in this challenge.

We do however have one thing to look forward to, I have treated the family to a 7 night break to Lapland, so we will be spending Christmas Day in the far north of Finland. It seems I am attracted to the extreme cold, temperatures regularly drop to -35 degrees, however it’s a holiday of a lifetime and the family have put up with a lot this year. My Christmas Wish is to see the Northern Lights, the boys want to see the REAL Santa and Rachel wants to see the huskies!

David Todd

Chief Executive Officer

3tc Software Limited

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Marathon Update

2010-10-06T14:51:00.001+01:00

Wednesday 6th October 2010

Kilimanjaro seems such a long time ago now and with the marathon only a month away the memories are fading as my focus is purely on completing the last challenge.

I was interested to see how my body would react after getting back from Africa, so it was 2 days before i attempted my first run, well i guess it managed quite well as I comfortably covered 6 1/2 miles. This was a big confidence boost as after Mont Blanc I was worried my body would feel the same. Training continued to go well that week doing 2 seperate 5 mile runs, one at pace and one casual, although slightly hindered by the fact we were away in London for the weekend for Rachel's birthday. We took the kids to see the Lion King in the West End and I must admit I too thoroughly enjoyed it. I did take my running gear and forced myself out of bed early sunday morning and headed out through green park and hyde park, covered 10 miles and then went back to the hotel. No sooner had I jumped in the shower then the fire alarm went off. Rachel and the boys went down and I followed after showering and I was still no where near the last one out the building.

The following week the training continued to go well, although after the 10 mile in London, the back of my right knee had swollen up. Was not sure what that was until I was on the running machine and realised that my patella knee support that i wear was too tight, after removing it I have so far had no more problems with my knee and I covered 6 miles, 5 miles and 6 miles respectively, My long run for the week was scheduled for friday as I had to go to Dubai on business on saturday and I wasn't going to attempt to run in the heat.

So friday comes and I leave work on time for once. My plan is to do 18 miles, however, the weather is awful so this is a dilemma. There's no way in this wind and rain that I will do 18 miles so my only option is the treadmill. So MTV on and off we go. Things go well to start with and very quickly 2 hours have passed and i have covered 14 miles. Then the treadmill starts to make a funny noise and seems to be creating a trough in the middle of the running surface. At 15 miles I hear a loud crack and again the trough gets bigger. I decide to slow it down a little to see if that helps but no, I can now smell burning rubber! So at 17.5 miles I stop the treadmill, quickly change my top, put on the raincoat and my garmin and head off out. It seems to take ages for my watch to get a satellite signal and my legs are getting cold, finally off we go its probably only been 5 mins since i got off the treadmill but thats all it took to change my rhythm. I manage 3 miles and i am drenched but also elated as I have cracked 20 miles and felt great and the time was 3 hours dead. If the treadmill hadn't given out i think i could have pushed myself to complete 26miles. My fitness is there just need to balance the training.

I do think the treadill is really bust now, which will be a pain as its easy to jump on there and run than go out in the cold! I have decided that I am a fair weather runner!

So Dubai, god its hot and the humidty is unbearable at 85% on arrival. The hotel however as a good gym. The downside to this is that the treadmills are the ones with the built in fan, the little slot at the top of the display. They don't work that great in the UK and as I suspected they are terrible here. I don't think I ever sweated this much on my 20 mile run let alone the 4.5 miles I did on sunday evening. Monday I ran 7 and Tuesday another 4.5. As i'm travelling back on wednesday I can have 2 days off, run again on friday and then this Sunday the plan is to do 23 miles thats a round trip to the office!

Once again I'm at another airport waiting for a plane. Went to put my ipod on but for some reason nothing from it and yes it is charged I made sure last night.

Picture attached is the view from my room at sunset. Unfortunately it doesn't compare to the views experienced on Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro. I find myself missing the mountains.

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Breakfast in Amsterdam

2010-09-20T07:34:00.001+01:00

Well we're nearly home at last. Crap flight, with crap service over with. Hence we're in Murphy's bar having a celebratory breakfast.

Cheers everyone and thanks for all your support.

Treats

2010-09-19T13:29:00.001+01:00

On our way into town we decided to give away all our sweets to the local children. It was an interesting event, with the kids literally fighting to get near the car window. It was nice to see their smiling faces and I am sure that they will enjoy them, hope they have a good dentist!

It was only after we pulled onto the main road, Russ realised one of the little blighters had knicked his sunglasses!

Tipping

2010-09-19T11:55:00.001+01:00

One of the most annoying things on this trip has been the requirement to tip. I don't mind tipping if it is deserved and you show your appreciation of the service but here you tip for everything and I mean everything.

At the first hotel after you had ordered your drinks the waiter refused to leave the table until you tipped him and this was for every drink. The same was for food, even when they brought you the wrong order and it took over an hour they expected a tip.

But by far the worse is at the hotel we're in now. This place is set up as something fancy but really doesn't pull it off. There are more employees than guests. You are constantly surrounded by up to 3 people. If you even talk to them they expect a tip. Now I know and appreciate that they get basic minimum wage and it is basic, but quite frankly the behaviour over requiring a tip is merging on being quite threatening. If they don't feel that the tip given is enough the wait 'til you tip them more.

When we arrived yesterday evening our bags were carried to the room by a kind lady. We had been on a bus for 3 hours having trekked for 7 hours that day, so we were not in the best of moods and we just wanted a shower. When it was clear we had no change, she proceeded to close all the windows, turned the lights on, then re made the made beds, then did something in the garden, came back in did something in the bathroom, then started drawing the curtains, at this point I told her to stop. leave the curtains. I didn't want them drawn and that I was sorry I don't have any change until I had been to reception and at this she left. But it didn't end there Simon went to reception to get some change they said they hadn,t got any but out of nowhere appeared our chalet girl. 'I have. I have' she said, and proceeded to change Simon's 10 dollars all in exchange for a 1 dollar tip.

And again at lunch today, the waiter gave Simon the change however he had to wrestle it out of his hands. It is sad to see this desperate state of poverty and like I said I don't mind tipping as what is £1 to us is £100 to them but it begins to wear you down.

Bored

2010-09-19T11:37:00.002+01:00

As you can most probably tell by the recent blogs we are REALLY bored now. We all want to get home. Some have already left. Stephan has just caught the bus to Nairobi 7 hours he must be mad, Ed, Karen and Anna are on a 1 day safari, Arrund and Carmen left after breakfast and we're just sitting in the garden with Toby and Johnny before they leave, most of us blogging for something to do and pass the time!

We have organised to go into Arusha to kill more time and find some souvenir's for the family as there was nothing at the Kilimanjaro national park shop , well not unless you wanted last years edition of the guinness book of records, which was the centre piece of the window display! Plus the hotel shop was not much better and I refuse to pay 20 dollars for two fridge magnets, especially when the wages of the poor people that made them was most probably about 50p!

This part of any type of trip I hate. You've done what you came to do and you just want to get home as fast as possible! Our flight is not until this evening so have quite a lot of time hanging around still! Wish the taxi would hurry up so we can have a look at some more tat!

finally got some chips

2010-09-19T11:32:00.001+01:00

We forever seem to be waiting, killing time doing nothing, so a cheeseburger from the bar was gratefully received and I think my chips finally arrived.

Accommodation

2010-09-19T11:30:00.001+01:00

The thatched style chalets look nice from the outside and very welcoming but prove extremely difficult to find in the gardens after dark especially after departing the bar!

Mr Kilimanjaro himself

2010-09-19T11:03:00.001+01:00

The big man clearly enjoyed his trip and will be a walking advertisement for the mountain, well at least for the next 24 hours until he gets some clean clothes!

Official Certification

2010-09-19T09:43:00.002+01:00

A piece of paper I am very very proud of!

dessert?

2010-09-18T19:15:00.001+01:00

Looks nice but tastes absolutely bloody disgusting. The cake we had on the mountain was more moist and tastier than this, you need a pint of beer to wash it down. So much for a decent shower and meal after our achievement! Oh to be home right now. Kids, Wife, glass of red wine and a meal of chicken stuffed with stilton wrapped in parma ham cooked in a red wine sauce served with fresh cooked veg and a good dollop of creamy mash and perhaps followed with a lemon tart....... Hope you're reading this Rachel!

Utter Disappointment to say the least!

2010-09-18T19:07:00.003+01:00

First its the shower, pretty damn awful. It looks like a 70's shower from a division 4 football team, extremely basic to say the least. But after saying that, after 5 days without one I stand under it and enjoy it as much as I can. But trying to get the grime of 5 days off is hard and I think I will need several showers and a long soak in a bath to be completely clean. To add insult to injury we find out at dinner that everyone else in our group has a luxury shower and a bath. Typical!

Then dinner. Very limited menu choice of 3 so I choose the fish, but ask for chips as well as potatoes. The fish arrives, no chips. The fish is full of bones, in fact I calculate half my fish is not edible. Russ and Simon are rubbing in how nice their lamb and especially the chips are and I cannot repeat my few choice words said in response! Oh and to make matters worse the vegetables are raw. Oh to be home for a decent meal!

The Morning After

2010-09-18T14:40:00.001+01:00

Yesterday was made up of two achievements, firstly Simon and my summit attempt which took 6 hours 36 minutes. Our guides told us later that they had slowed us down as we were on track to reach the summit in the dark. The second is the impressive achievement of Russ to reach Gilmans point. Those of you that have either climbed or attempted to climb Kilimanjaro will know how tough that is and those of you that know Russ will know that walking up very steep mountains is not what he's built to do, but he did it and it was a monumental achievement. The only thing I beat myself up over is that as I met Russ on my way down I should have put my foot down with the porter and turned round and gone back with him. It may have avoided Russ's complete physical exhaustion and AMS that he suffered, as throughout the whole trek I have been reminding him when to snack when to hydrate, when to take gel packs etc, still whats done is done and Russ is down safely. Mate I am immensely proud of your achievement.

To our amazement this morning having been stretchered the 9km from Kibo to the last camp, Russ is looking amazingly well much to our relief. The big concern is the final part of our trek to the Marangu Gate, its about 20k there is no way he will make that. Charles the guide has organised for the park rangers to collect him at around 15k, but still is 8 hours walking for him.

Once again a beautiful sunrise greets us, the camp is busy, as its the last day. There is a traditional tipping ceremony after breakfast. We are sang to, then the items that we have donated are handed out to the deserving porters, I left the KIM pillow, and then all 39 of the crew receive their tips. I had been nominated by everyone to make a speech and hand out the tips, interestingly when the crew knew I was the accountant as they call it, they became extra nice to me! It was great to be able to thank them for all their hard work as none of us would have been there without the Porters. They are an amazing bunch of men!

Out of our party of 11, 9 made the summit, 1 to Gilmans and 1 to 5,150m, so all in all not bad. Everyone had their own reasons for being there and their own demons to fight against on Summit day. Mine was altitude sickness as after Mont Blanc I was really worried. However thankfully I only suffered from a mild headache, which I know was sinusitus not AMS. Our summit day lasted only 8.5 hours, a breeze compared with the 18.5 on Mont Blanc.

We all left camp at the same time, but very quickly got separated. Simon and I stayed with Russ for the first hour, then we were told we had to leave him, to ensure we arrived at the gate at the same time. We were not happy about this, but our protests were turned down flat. I asked Russ if he was ok with it, and as usual he was, we just agreed whoever got down first got the beers in.

As has every morning been it was hot again, still different scenery to admire and general good company to pass the time with. Simon has again hurt his knee, but has developed a wonderful knack of using his walking pole as a cross between a splint and a walking stick. Put it this way he's going to be fine when he's 70 and needs a stick.

It takes us about 5 hours to cover the 20k's descending through the rainforest, we saw another Colobus Monkey on the way and many streams and the odd waterfall. We all then had to sign out of the park. However Russ wasn't back, so this gave us time to have a beer etc and look in the shop. Kilimanjaro national park really needs to get smarter commercially as there is nothing to buy as presents for kids and loved ones, not even a fridge magnet.

Russ arrives about an hour later. We are all very pleased to see him. He is back to his old self again and his wit has fully returned today. After a cold beer the one liners are pouring out of him.

We're back in the bus on the way to our hotel in Arusha. Russ is desperate to charge his iphone, hence he hasn't blogged for a while!

Back home on Monday a few days rest then training continues for the New York Marathon. 2 challenges completed 1 to go. I think Simon will rest for a week, but then get back into training. We both feel now that our goal is in sight as the first 2 challenges had lots of variables out of our control, like the weather, mountain sickness etc. Whereas the marathon is about staying fit and having the right mental strength. I think Simon and I have both proved we have the mental strength, we just need to stay fit!

Finally, it is so good to be able to say I've climbed Kili!

I'm Knackered

2010-09-18T14:33:00.000+01:00

My first and last mountain.

King Julian

2010-09-17T13:00:00.001+01:00

I have tried to speak to my kids every day whilst away, signal permitting, each time I speak with my youngest Kian he asks if I have found King Julian, and when I do to ask him when can Kian go to Africa.

Well as luck would have it on summit day of all days there causing mischief in the crater was King Julian, he apparently was visiting from Madagascar, and somehow he knew I had a message from Kian, and this is what he said.

Kian you should be good for your mum and dad most of the time, but in answer to your question yes you can come to Africa, however if you want to climb Kilimanjaro then you have to be 10 years old. Got to go now Kian I've heard the penguins are causing trouble again, King Julian over and out.

Last Camp

2010-09-17T12:27:00.002+01:00

Arrived at our last Camp around 1pm, it looked good from a distance scandinavian style chalets, luxury we thought, wrong! It seems to be a little village where all the guys sit around listening to terence trent darby. Sadly our camp is at the back of the village right next to the helipad, hopefully that won't be needed as our tents won't stay pitched for long.

My trusty boots what a state!

2010-09-17T12:22:00.002+01:00

Believe it or not these boots were black, but the dust covers everything in a nice shade of dirty brown/grey.

Foot Damage

2010-09-17T12:12:00.000+01:00

Considering the battering they have taken over the last few days, very little damage indeed, just the big toe on my left foot which is bruised and has fluid under it, very painful to the touch and 1 more day of walking, oh well its not like I'd be doing any dancing.

Kili summited!

2010-09-17T11:58:00.004+01:00

Friday 17th September 2010

We left for the summit at 12 midnight, the plan was to get to Gilmans Point by sunrise at 6am. The climb is in two sections, the first is to reach Gilmans point (5,681m) and this is the longest part and should take around 5-6 hours. Then if you are fit enough it is another hour or so to the true summit, Uhuru at 5,895m.

The going was easy to start with and was not particulary steep, but as the mountain got busier it was hard to keep a rhythm going, after a couple of hours our group had separated into two, stronger ones at the front weaker at the back. It was at this point that I did not realise was this is where we had lost Russ. Simon, Ed and myself were allowed to push on. we made surprisingly short work of the swithbacks on loose scree (imagine zig-zagging up sand dunes) and we arrived at Gilmans Point at 5am, an hour ahead of schedule, a few photos a hot cup of tea and off to the summit. At this point Ed and I are suffering with bad headaches, and then Ed throws up, which seems to cure him, no such luck for me, the additional 200m to the summit are going to hurt.

What I was not expecting when standing on the crater rim was the shear beauty of this mountain and its surrounding glaciers.

At 6.36am, the three of us and our guides stepped foot on the summit of mount Kilimanjaro some 5895m above sea level. Words cannot describe how I feel. I think of my family back home and my dad. I honestly didn't question once if I wouldn't make it, I was very determined this time. I believe I have probably pushed my body to the limits though of high altitude climbing this time, and maybe this is enough.

We passed Russ on the way down at 5500m. He had set himself a target of Gilmans point at 5681m, however if I know Russ I cannot see him stopping there. I reloaded him with gel packs and we gave him words of encouragment and wished him luck. As always he'd informed us he'd still had time to blog inbetween bouts of throwing up! Simon, Ed and I have our fingers crossed as he deserves to make it, he has worked so hard this week and gone along an emotional rollercoaster. Come on Russ.

We carried on down and when we got onto the scree, we 'scree-ran'down and once we got the hang of it it was quite easy and a lot quicker than walking down!

The rest of the guys will be late back and Russ later, what they don't know is that they face a 9km walk to our camp for the evening.

I suppose I had better sort the tent out and try and get rid of some of the dust, i cannot describe how dirty everything is, I have never been this dirty and it just doesn't come off, I am then going to assess the damage to my feet, as coming down only took 2 hours, most of it skiing down the screen slopes I can feel my 2 big toes bleeding now.

Simon has done his knee in again so that will be painfully for the next few days.

As much as we are proud of what we achieved today, my hat goes of to the man we passed just coming off the summit, he was on crutches due to only having one leg!

I'm sure there is more I have forgotten, but I will fill in the gaps over the next few days, cannot wait to get back to the hotel tomorrow to get properly clean and am now desperate to see the boys and especially Rachel. I managed to phone her twice, once on our way to Gilmans Point then again after we had summitted! And yes Rachel both Simon and myself can NOW call it Kili!

Am I glad that I did it? Without question Absolutely! Would I attempt it again? At this moment in time No. I've been higher than I have ever been before and possible ever will be under my own steam. It has been quite an experience and one that I will never forget. A lot of sole searching has been carried out on this trip and hopefully I will return home with a new and rejuvinated perspective on life and appreciate more those close to me......

made it

2010-09-17T06:04:00.001+01:00

So proud

Day 4 - 5 Hours to departure

2010-09-16T22:39:00.004+01:00

We have just finished dinner, rice and stew with fruit everyone is in high spirits, just time to finish packing and get some shut eye.

I'm as ready as I am ever going to be, am coping well with the altitude have kept my appetite, which has surprised me. Just breakfast at 11.30pm and then off we go.

I am hoping we get a signal on the way up as have missed talking to Rachel and the boys.

Right sock issues now to resolve!

Day 3 Mawenzi Camp 4,330m

2010-09-16T22:39:00.003+01:00

We were up at sunrise again this morning and the views are the most spectacular thing iv'e seen on the trip. We are above the clouds by a long way and the sun bounces off Mawenzi and Kilimanjaro, a spectacular site.

Breakfast is the same and the porridge is still awful but I smother it with jam and lots of sugar to mask the taste and eat it as fast as I can!

Today was tough mainly due to the heat, it was extremely hot and just zaps all of your energy. I think I was still suffering from heat stroke from yesterday so today I am completely covered, but still have my headache,was hoping it would have gone. Told the head guide Charles and he told me to take diamox which I did.

I can see Russ is struggling big time today so Simon and I give him as much moral support as we can, he has done brilliant so far and we will encourage him all the way to the top.

We're actually walking away from the mountain towards Mawenzi a beautiful jagged peak. Mawenzi is one of the three peaks on kilimanjaro. Mount Kilimanjaro is on our right bathed in sunshine, it actually looks like a bloody big ant hill, good job its not as the ants would be huge and the Anteater would be the size of a dinosaur! The vegetation is also really starting to thin out now. Although its been tough to this point the way to the top looks very steep. If we get that far it will be a long 12 hours to get to the top, I pray to stay healthy.

I spoke with Rachel early this morning as was not certain we would get a signal, even managed to get to talk with Ethan and Kian for a few minutes later on, then lost service for the rest of the day, but it was great to hear their voices, I read the photo book they gave me every night and it brings a smile to my face. I can't express how much I am missing them all and long to give them all a hug.

We eventually arrive at camp at around 1pm, after leaving at 8.30am this morning everything is set up as usual by the brilliant porters. We get a hot lunch consisting of soup, potatoes and salad, and plenty of hot tea. There was fruit for dessert, water melon today, pineapple yesterday, not bad considering we are at 4330m. We then get a welcome rest before we leave on the acclimatisation walk to 4550M, my head still hurts, I have taken everything there is yet nothing will shift it. I collapse in the tent for a well earned rest to try and shift it.

The rest was quick lived though and off we plodded, and I mean plodded, off on our acclimtisation walk. You are supposed to climb high and sleep low to help your bodies get used to the altitude. Not something that you want to do as you are so bloody knackered but you know you have to give you the chance of reaching the summit. It was very very steep, but we all made it and headed back down for 'wash wash' as they call it.

I'm not feeling particularly great so go for another lie down, that lasted 10mins before the first bout of diarrhoea which was quickly followed 30 mins later by another bout. This really is not pleasant at this altitude and I won't go into detail! Stephan gives me some tablets to take that should kill the bug. I was the butt of all jokes (no pun intended!) over the pasta dinner! It would seem that the side effect of diamox for me is to wee constantly, 15 times today so far and diarrhoea, so basically no more diamox for me.

Its now 8pm everyone is in their tents trying to sleep. Its cold tonight, bloody cold.

Today is hard already

2010-09-16T22:39:00.002+01:00

Were on our way up their

Day 4 - Kibo Hut 4,700m

2010-09-16T22:38:00.001+01:00

Breakfast as normal this morning. It's a beautiful sunny day and we all feel quite good. The first part of the walk is fairly easy as we follow the path to our destination, the kibo Hut. It does not look that far away, but as we find out looks can be very deceiving! It is only 300m higher than Mawenzi where we have just come from right and should be a breeze in the park? Wrong! We arrived in base Camp. the Kibo Hut, after 5 hours of slowly trekking across the lunar plain, again the heat was unforgiving.

My stomach feels better and I have drunk my 3 litre quota of water today although I keep peeing, but its clear so thats a good sign and shows that my body is accilmatising.

It feels weird camping at 100m below the summit of mont blanc. Have started to develop a headache as its so hot. We have 3 hours rest before dinner at 5.30. And then breakfast at 11.30pm.

After lunch Charles outlined the route and expectations. It's going to be bloody hard that's for sure.

Apparently their is a phone signal 50mins higher than camp, however, Charles recommends rest so as not to jeopardize the summit attempt, I hope rachel and the kids understand. I know Rachel worries if I have no contact.

The plan is to leave at midnight to give us a chance of reaching Gilmans point by 6am to see the sun rise over the crater rim, and then hopefully if we feel fit enough onto the summit by 8ish.

I am now in the tent. We have packed everything for the summit bid so hopefully no faffing around when we get up in a few hours and are wearing our clothes to sleep in! It is extremely cold again tonight and ice has already formed on our tent. It is going to be below zero when we leave tonight.

Time to try to sleep I am very nervous, this is it what we have come for and it is just in our reach. Within half hour I will be higher than I have ever been before.

Not sure whether will get much sleep and my fingers are crossed that I can speak to Rachel for that last bit of encouragement.

It looks steep!

2010-09-15T07:53:00.001+01:00

I think plenty of food and drinks breaks are needed today!

Day 2 - Kikelewa Caves 3600m

2010-09-15T06:56:00.002+01:00

Today was the longest day so far around 8 hours, not particularly hard as such, but with the hot weather, the dust and the rise in altitude to 3600 this made things harder.

At around 6.30 we were awaken by porters, who had a bowl of water for us. Managed to get about 7 hours sleep last night which was good. At breakfast we had our first taste of kilimanjaro porridge. Porridge is one thing that I do not have at home and I am not sure what it is supposed to taste like but it was revolting! But you eat it as you know you have to keep eating and drinking whilst you are trekking, so I forced it down! YUK!

It is was quite steep this morning, not really hard compared to Mont Blanc, so Me and Si seemed ok with this. The landscape is also getting drier and the red dust is changing to grey/black volcanic dust which is most probably not doing our lungs any good. We stop to take regular breaks of snacks and water. We arrive at Second Cave for lunch and have quite an appetite. The terrain this afternoon is more rocky as we amble slowly on the path through moving around the rocks and boulders. This is our first taste of what lies ahead. THe guides also tell the group that we might start feeling the effects of altitude sickness as we go abovfe 3,000m for the first time. As we know from Mont Blanc he is right, what looks like a small hill becomes more difficult to climb up as you try and catch your breath. Russ and Karen particularly found today tough going, Russ had a second wind after the gel pack, and his SPO2 stats were not to low at 79. I think he needs to try and eat more which is hard at altitude but will get harder. Karen really suffered and her stats were very low we are going to giver her some dex tomorrow to see if things improve.

I am conscious that tomorrow is just going to get harder and harder, so while I still feel good I will eat and drink as much as I can. Managed to consume 4 litres of water today, and despite that still have a raging headache, so far Ibuprofen and paracetamol have not worked I am hoping to sleep it off tonight, again I am not to concerned as my stats have an SPO2 of 95, I think its just sunstroke a bit although did have buff and cap on all day.

Managed to speak to Rachel and the boys today which is always a boost, the phone signals are very few and far between, and I don't know how long this will last. Fingers crossed.

Spent alot of today thinking about dad too. I think this was because I had decided to attempt this mountain following his death, which to me still seems like yesterday. I think getting our first glimpse of this beautiful mountain this morning brought all the reasons to the forefront of my head. I am hoping that I can try and come to terms with his sudden death and am partly doing it for dad. You also need to take your mind away from the trek, as the terrain and view is constant, i,m sure it gets better higher up.

Apart from the headache and the heat, the dust has been unbearable it gets everywhere, and you cannot get it off, I have never wanted a warm bath more than I do now.

The one thing that is always a sight of ore is the porters carrying the equipment on their heads to the next camp, its an incredible sight and they do it at 4 times the pace you can walk at!

I think I have been nominated as the accountant for the trip which means at the end of the trip I have to collect in all the tips and distribute to all the helpers, all 28 of them, with a little speech, Pete where are you when we need you!

So tomorrow we head to the foot of mawenzi peak, this takes us to 4330m. Its short but a steep hard climb apparently and then we will do acclimatisation climb of a few hundred metres before returning to camp for a well earned rest! This I know won't be pleasant above 4000m, two camps at this altitude its going to be tough and we should have a good idea who is and isn't going to make it.

Max Height Today

2010-09-14T13:33:00.001+01:00

Just reached the maximum height Today of 3700m its then a 45min decent to camp at 3400m. Have developed a slight headache today not sure if its the sun or altitude, have taken an Ibuprofen not worked yet, I have drank 3 litres so far today so am well hydrated. Will monitor and see how things go back at camp.

Is this king Julian's lair?

2010-09-14T12:51:00.001+01:00

We may have made a breakthrough in the search for king Julian could this be where he lives Kian?

hello boys

2010-09-14T12:48:00.001+01:00

Am now at 3500M feeling good. Read your photo book again last night be extra good for mummy love you x

No false alarm

2010-09-14T12:44:00.000+01:00

Knackered

2010-09-14T12:43:00.001+01:00

This morning was tough,the heat hasn't helped, however, a few gel packs later and Russ has second wind and this is not due to the veg soup!

Great to get the messages from home of support

Nature Calls

2010-09-14T12:12:00.000+01:00

A welcome break, be careful of the snakes

Day 2 - Home is Important

2010-09-14T07:56:00.001+01:00

Regular contact keeps you going

Day 2 - Malawi Peak

2010-09-14T06:38:00.002+01:00

Day 1 Evening Dinner

2010-09-14T06:30:00.003+01:00

Memory is going not sure whether I have already said about dinner? -

Tonights meal was pretty impressive considering where we are.

menu

Soup of some sort but very nice.

Fried fish, roast potatoes, vegetable stew and spinach.

Papia - god that stinks.

Finished off back at the tent with a chocolate Hobart nob!

Briefing

Charles our lead guide briefed the group on tomorrow's trek and then checked to see if all ok. Only Karen, Ed's mum was suffering from headache. Both Anna and Stephan have already started taking the diamox.

Simon and I are going to wait and see how tomorrow goes, max height tomorrow is 3750m camping back at 3400m we have both been higher so feel confident we should be ok, we just need to ensure we maintain our appetite and drink plenty of fluids.

Right time for bed, apparently we get a cup of tea in bed tomorrow (I don't even get that from Rachel!)

Day 1 Commence climb to Simba Camp (2600m)

2010-09-14T06:29:00.006+01:00

After a few photos we were finally on our way, the start of the trek began at about 11.30am. We were introduced to our main guide who in turn introduced us to the saying 'pole-pole' (pronounced polay-polay and means slowly slowly and the pace was very slow, but I still decided to stay at the back, no rushing ahead for me.

The first half hour was full of innuendo's and laughter however that soon petered out to a strange kind of silence as we walked through a pine plantation. I guess this is part of the group bonding and getting to know each other.

What we weren't expecting was the dust clouds that were being kicked up, I'm glad I bought the buff, and yes Simon, Russ I'm sorry I Didn,t get you one. We soon began to look like the locals covered in red sand.

Surprisingly we ran into the colobus monkey quite early on, about an hour in.

After an hour or so the pine plantation gave way to rainforest and then just before lunch we came across some local kids. Russ gave away his jelly babies much to their delight. The condition of these children is quite heartbreaking and it makes you realise how lucky you are.

We set off way before the porters, however it wasn't long before they passed us going up the mountain and coming back down to get some more supplies and bags! They really are quite incredible.

We stop to eat our pre-packed lunch at a picnic table (we could have been at Coombe Park!) which consisted of a buttered cob, carrots, soft ready salted crisps, 4 biscuits and a bar of dairy milk.

The afternoon walk was not hard and was fairly easty but with the heat and dust it wasn't pleasant. A few steep rocky stretches then we arrive at Simba camp and what a site, tents pitched, choose your own, mess tent up, cook tent up, a whole hive of activity. Simon informs me that these are better tents than what he was expecting and is pleased. We choose a tent and then get our bags and are introduced to our personal porters, Simon's and mine are brothers.

We set off again on a small acclimatisation walk, walk high, sleep low, I was surprised we only went 100 m higher and then back to camp.

The porters greet us with a bowl of boiling hot water to wash in, it was heaven particularly bathing the feet after. This will be close to a shower as we are going to get on this trip!

Its then time for tea and popcorn in the mess tent (folding camp chairs and tables), its all a bit strange but very much appreciated!

We are to go back to the mess tent at 6'30pm for dinner. Our gourmet dinner consisted of a tasty soup, again with bread and butter, some kind of fish in batter, roast spuds, spinach and a veg stew. Followed by fruit and washed down with lots of tea! and after dinner we are briefed on tomorrow's day, we rise at 6.30, then breakfast at 7 and we leave by 7.30 sharp. Apparently it will be harder, 6 to 7 hours walking, going up to 3700m and will be steeper in the morning section and then back down to sleep at 3400m

Currently feel ok, my back hurts a little and my knee is hurting will probably go for the full knee support tomorrow. The camp is now in silence with people either sleeping, reading or listening to their ipods!

Day 2 Breathtaking

2010-09-14T06:28:00.003+01:00

After 4 days Kilimanjaro finally reveals herself in all of her majestic glory and what a sight, the view makes the uncomfortable nights sleep worthwhile.

Day 1 - base camp

2010-09-13T13:38:00.003+01:00

We have reached base camp at 2600m now on acclimatisation walk higher, feel ok.

Frustrating that we have been here 3 days now and still haven't seen the summit as thick cloud hides her from our sight. But perhaps it is a good thing that we can't see what monumental task lies ahead and we can avoid the mind games that she will throw at us once we see her in her entirety. At the moment we are full of enthusiasm but most of all optimism!

Day 1 - Porters

2010-09-13T13:37:00.004+01:00

They make it look sooooooo easy and here we are moaning about little rucksacks on our backs!

Day 1- Guides & Porters

2010-09-13T09:34:00.003+01:00

A selection of our guides and porters its amazing what they can carry!

Day 1 - Rongai gate

2010-09-13T09:10:00.005+01:00

The journey here was interesting to say the least. We were picked up in an old landrover which sped down a dusty, very dusty road, through towns and villages, farms and plantations. Its very warm in the sun and cold in the shade.

We're just filling out some more forms then the trek will begin. We say goodbye to toilets with seats, beds with mattresses, cool iced beers, showers and we say goodbye to all the things that make us soft and pliable! (god that makes me sound like a toilet roll!)

Day 1 - I'm being blogged

2010-09-13T08:36:00.002+01:00

I imagine by now Russ and Simon will have updated their blog on my toilet break, but hey when ypuv'e got to go you'e got to go. What goes around comes around Mr Kew!

Day 1 - Kilimanjaro here we come

2010-09-13T07:29:00.002+01:00

Were off very quick departure

Day 1 - Departure toMount Kilimanjaro

2010-09-13T06:35:00.002+01:00

Monday 13th September 2010

Todays the day we get our first sight of the mountain, it seems ages since we arrived so am looking forward to getting started.

Not a particularly great nights sleep about 5 hours, was up twice in the night as seem to have developed a mild fever, hopefully a couple of beechams and that will disappear.

Breakfast was short but filling a couple of bananna's rice crispies and a sausage sandwich. Feel better now all packed and just worrying as always that I have forgot something but am sure I haven't.

One last thing sprang to mind, Kian asked me to give King Julian a message if I see him, however he never told me what the message was. Will call home this morning as its likely to be the last signal we get.

Just met the last 2 people from our group Karen and her son Edward, they all seem nice but everyone a little nervous.

Mr Russ Blog

2010-09-12T20:14:00.002+01:00

Has not taken long before nicknames are given out. Russ has become Mr Blog or Blogman. He is constantly looking at his phone, with a big grin and tells us he is blogging!??? He is going to go stir crazy if he cannot get a signal on the mountain!

Time to turn in and get a good sleep in a decent bed, will probably pack again, although pleased rucksack weighs 8 kilos and bag for porter 12th kilos.

Scenery from afternoon trek

2010-09-12T20:10:00.003+01:00

The acclimatisation walk this afternoon was an eye opener, the scenery is stunning on one hand and then on the other you meet a 5 year old boy, who's begging for money and is HIV+ his face was disfigured, his clothes were torn and his shoes only just stayed on his feet. Boys you don't know how lucky you are.

Kilimanjaro briefing

2010-09-12T17:10:00.003+01:00

Well we have just finished our Trek briefing and met 5 other members of our group, Stefan, toby, johnny, armando and carmen with 2 more to join later. we have been allocated 1 cook, 1guide leader, 5 assistant guides,8 porters and 24 assistant porters thats 39 in total helping our group of 11!

Our guide apparently helped Chris Moyles to the top so there is hope for us yet! They make it sound easy but when you have climbed it 180 times I guess it would be. We have been informed that we will be well fed, and should not expect to loose weight. Not sure that Russ will agree with the first bit! Nerves are starting to kick in now and I try and put altitude sickness to the back of my mind. Positive mental attitude!

The group will meet again at dinner this evening then hopefully a good sleep (not sure whether Russ managed to catch and dispose of the cockerel whilst myself and Si went on our trek earlier!)then a 9am meet in reception tomorrow morning.........

Not sure If I will be able to do a regular update on the blog as the signal will be intermitant, so love you boys, bahave and take care of mummy for me x

trial trek

2010-09-12T13:21:00.002+01:00

Today we went on a little trek to eliviate the boredom we covered about 6 miles with our guides John and Safari, yes that is his real name. Without them it would be rather intimidating walking through the local villages, you know your going to get fleeced by them and safety is first.

The climb was not hard but I did notice my hands had swollen, on checking my spo2 levels however they are at sea level normal. I think I am a little tired and hungry.

We received a text from the group who left this morning apparently there is a lot of waiting around at the base of the mountain and it is cold. Just want we want to hear.

Just having some lunch now and watching the grand prix, cannot do any more preparation I'm either ready or not. Did have chance to speak with Ethan who told me that the Eagles had won 1 - 0 that's 2 out of 2, excellent well done Ethan and the team, I was with you in spirit.

Right need to eat then at last things are beginning to happen we have our trek briefing where we will be our fellow travellers.

Bored and frustrated!

2010-09-12T08:28:00.005+01:00

Didn't sleep well last night. The cockerel started at 3am telling us it was sunrise and time to get up, yes in a different time zone maybe but definitely not here! and then only shut up when it passed the baton on to the dogs who started at 4am, and then the monkey on our balcony thought it would be highly hilarious to join in and continue until we got up. Yeah ha ha ha really funny!

Went down for breakfast late, Russ already eaten and swam, my god he'll be taking up mountaineering for real at this rate. We see the other 2 groups off with a little envy we're ready to go now so all this waiting is frustrating. We just want to don our walking boots, put on our rucksacks, slap on that suntan lotion and get going.

We double check with the hotel who else is on our trek. We're in a party of 11 and Russ knows who is new tent mate will be; a german guy by the name of stephan schwienstieger. I bet he's related to the lady on the plane he sat next to.

We then checked out the gym. Everything broken, the massage table stained (mmm let's leave that to your imagination!), the sauna is big enough for one, steam room broken, jacquzzi cold, well that's that idea out of the window. So another day of R&R which we are not looking forward to as we are now desperate to start our trek. I think we are going to make a pack of playing cards as forgot mine!

Kit Check

2010-09-11T21:52:00.002+01:00

Simon and I decided to do a kit check when we got back to the room to see how light we could make our packs.

As you can see however Si got a little carried away and is now confident of climbing everest!

Another member of our trip

2010-09-11T21:50:00.002+01:00

Today has taken ages to go by, whilst this morning was interesting learning about the tribes of the past but 4 football matches later we are wishing we were off to the mountain now, as we watch other tours coming and going, which is quite frustrating. We have met several interesting people all on different tours.

Russ has fitted in like a duck to water. He's been extremely popular with the local girls, he puts it down to having more girth. And yes even though he didn't bring any he still went swimming and I think the lycra shorts are even tighter now. This sight I assume lured the girls down from their balcony. It was a text book dive from all accounts, however, on surfacing she was now without her top. I wasn't sure if Russ was looking to the left or right, he claims up, I'm assuming he was thanking god, I think he likes Tanzania.

Anyway we met Anna in the bar area just before dinner, she's from Manchester, has a 7 year old boy and 5 year old girl. We think we're on the same trek as we all leave on Monday. She has become our new best friend as she tells us she has paid for bottled oxygen with her guide company! Strange we never got offered it but it does use 10 kilos of your 15 kilo allowance.

Chillin' in South Africa

2010-09-11T13:49:00.003+01:00

It's a bit surreal sitting in the bar with a cool drink in front of a roaring chimera watching Everton v Man Utd! Myself and Simon are making the most of this day of R&R before the trek commences, the pool looks inviting so might have a dip in a mo. Although Russ has forgotten his swimshorts! We are all bound to forget to bring something. Russ is also like a kid, he has not stopped grinning and fidgeting he just wants to get started!

Hi Boys

2010-09-11T12:09:00.003+01:00

Whilst unpacking my luggage I yet again found a wonderful surprise from back home, another card from Rachel and a book titled 'Our Daddy is the Best' full of photos of me with my boys doing all kinds of stuff and I don't mind admitting that it bought a tear to my eye, as it did Russ when I showed him.

Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou boys what a wonderful gift which I will treasure whilst I am here (you will have to give mummy a big hug from me) but I will have to decide if I am going to take it up the mountain as I don't want to get it damaged as it is so special.

And yes Kian if I see King Julian (from the film Madagascar) I'll give him your message. I have asked Simon and Russ to keep an eye out for him as I don't want to miss him!

Daddy at the base of kilasiya waterfalls. Love you x

Russ you could have waited!

2010-09-11T11:48:00.004+01:00

When one is caught short on the mountain the proper toilet etiquette is to dig a hole and then bury what you have done, but Russ just couldn't wait!

3 wise monkeys

2010-09-11T11:41:00.005+01:00

3 westerners leave the hotel and are immediately pounced on by Edward a local village mountain guide who takes us on a tour of the local area.

Marangu

2010-09-11T11:34:00.009+01:00

Saturday 11th August

After an interesting taxi ride we finally arrived at the Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort hotel at 10.30pm. The road to the hotel is part dirt track and potholes that is coroding away with each rainfall. A very bumpy ride!

In the dark the hotel looks great as Simon said not as primitive as he thought, we had a beef sandwich with chips for dinner Simon had lamb casserole, basically needed to eat to take malaria tablet.

Slept for 8 hours solid, don't do that at home. Bed had a hard mattress so good for my back. In daylight the hotel is by no means a luxury hotel but it is clean, staff are polite, adequate food and a decent bar and pool. As it says in the advert, It does what it says on the tin. It's somewhere to sleep, eat and wash!

It was surprisingly cold last night and again this morning. Breakfast was an interesting choice, fried banana, eggs, samosas, porridge and rice crispies. Today is a day for R&R so we decide to do a little walk around the village, visit the Live Chagga Museum which is next to the hotel, which is a living museum dedicated to teaching people about the Chagga culture (the dominant people in the area) and then to the Kilasiya waterfall. Ethan would be impressed here as it is like being in Jurassic park, with big leafy tropical plants and banana trees. Not quite sure that I want to see what insects live in these surroundings though!

Although sunny and clammy down here, Mount Kilimanjaro is shrouded by cloud eluding us from our first full sight of her. I know you should not wish your life away but tomorrow can't come quick enough.....

Departure day & Tanzania

2010-09-10T19:40:00.004+01:00

Friday 10th september

Its 2am and I have slept through the alarm! Rachel said she heard it and thought I had turned it off to have a few more minutes in bed, she wakes me at 1.58 and informs me of the time, then I receive a text, Russ and the taxi are waiting outside! Bugger no time to check if I have everything what a nightmare I really wanted to have one last check before I left! I wish Rachel had woken me when she heard the alarm! I know I don't have my balaclava as that has done a disappearing act and Rachel and the boys deny all knowledge of its whereabouts, although I do know that Ethan had tried it on. It is bound to turn up at home as soon as I am on the plane. Oh well hopefully won't need it. fingers crossed. I also wake Ethan in the commotion to get ready, and both Ethan and Rachel wave us goodbye and wish us good luck. We pick up Simon and head to manchester, slept most of the way as was knackered.

Flight across was quick and painless. It's strange having a chicken sandwich for breakfast! 2.5 hours to wait for connecting flight. There is not a lot to do here and Russ is bored after 5 mins! This is going to be a long and tedious wait. Russ just wants to get there and get started as do we all.

The flight took 8hrs roughly and was relatively smooth and the food was good, however the width of the seats could have been better. Poor Russ drew the short straw and gets to sit next to a rather large German lady which we find highly amusing!! I'm sandwiched between him and Simon. Not a huge choice of films but watched Iron Man 2 albeit with dutch and chinese subtitles, so not much of the screen left, a short break and onto Avatar, a good way to kill 3 hours I did doze for about an hour of this film. Courtesy of KLM and kindly donated in support of our efforts Russ and I decided to borrow our in flight pillows they will be perfect for the tent and we will return them on the homeward flight. The service was excellent, although I do suspect the steward fancied Simon.

Its hot when we land at 8pm and 21 degrees. I'm first through and I get all the bags so first worry over. We then sail through only to find the transfer we arranged has not shown up which is typical. After a long flight that's the last thing we need. Next problem is that Simon and I have no phone signal and still don't as I type this in the car. I hope that getting a signal is not always going to be this hard, as staying in touch with Rachel and the boys is going to be hard. A few questions later and a further 45 mins and we're in a car hopefully on the way to the hotel. There is less legroom in this cab than the plane, the roads are bumpy and I have no seat belt as there is no clasp to click into place. I really hope that this is not the start of things to come.

I sit in silence looking out of the window into the dark moonless sky, wondering what the landscape looks like, how friendly will the locals be and wishing we could see our first glimpse of her, Kilimanjaro.

Excitement begins to bubble up inside of me. This is it. Our second adventure begins.... bring it on.

Altitude training machine

2010-09-09T13:44:00.002+01:00

This is the machine that I have been using with Simon to assist in acclimatisation. The office have found it highly amusing as well as Rachel and the kids and all tend to come and ask for things when I am on it as I can only nod or shake my head! I am sure I have most probably agreed to things that I shouldn't have!

Ethan has commented that sometimes when I am on it my eyes seem to bulge like a goldfish, which makes me feel really great, Not!

Lets hope it has worked.

Sent from my HTC

1 Day to Departure

2010-09-09T12:54:00.004+01:00

Thursday 9th Septemer 2010

This week has flown by and departure date will soon be upon us. The week however has been good from a training perspective. On Sunday 5th I managed my furthest run todate of 15 miles, the previous week I managed 4 miles on the Monday as a cool down, 4 mile sprints on the Wednesday and a 6 mile run on Friday.

This week I completely rested to ensure I get in one last run before departure. I scheduled this for Wednesday 8th, and covered 14.5 miles. The upside is I feel my marathon training is on track, the downside was i have a small niggle developing in my right hamstring and inside my right knee, also managed to get the start of a blister, my fault for wearing the wrong socks.

We paid one last visit to cotswold outdoors for final kit collection (I think both myself and Simon could quite easily get a job there as we know that store inside out and can now quite easily advise people on what equipment to get!), We bought mainly sleeping bags and mats with minor bits and bobs. We chose a Mountain Equipment Snowline sleeping bag good for temperatures between 10 and - 20c, with a max of -37, Simon and I both felt we didn't want to be on the mountain shivering in our bags wishing we'd spent just an extra £50.

Amazingly once again we leave the store having spent another £1k, but you know what, I don't mind, I'd rather have the best and be comfortable than suffer discomfort , especially as its hard to descibe how isolated it is going to be at that altitude. Plus the plan is to do another mountain next year, much to Rachel's disdain. Her nose turns up at the shear mention of this! We're looking at climbing Elbrus with our friend Phillipe from Norway. The only trouble is it clashes with Easter half term for the kids (another reason why Rachel is not happy!), so would have to do a different time if that is possible.

Rachel thinks this is my midlife crises and it probably is in a way. It's definately cheaper than a Porsche and well at least I am have not got a mistress!

I am concerned with one thing at the moment, and that is Ethan. He is very quiet and concerned about this next climb. He is aware of the events that took place on Mont Blanc and is worried that Kilimanjaro is bigger and therefore harder. Its hard to explain to a 7 year old the differnt technicalities of both mountains. He has asked Rachel several times 'Daddy won't run out of oxygen will he?' which makes me think should I be doing this?

What I have asssured him is that his daddy has done everything to make this trip easier and that we will not be ascending 3800m in one day again. Although these numbers don't mean anything to him! I have also promised him that I will try and keep safe and not attempt anything if I do not feel right.

What I have not mentioned in my previous blogs is that because of the events on Mont Blanc the company hired a Hypoixco Altitude training system (mainly to ensure my life insurance covers me), to assist with the acclimatisation for this trip. Effectively the machine simulates Air Pressure at various altitudes and you spend 5 minutes on it breathing through a mask whilst monitoring SPO2 levels and heart beats, then 5 minutes off recovering.

Standard SPO2 levels at sea level should be between 95 and 100%, this then drops the higher you climb, at 3724m your SPO2 should be between 84 and 86% mine went to 73% this explains the AMS on Mont Blanc (everybody is genetically different and it doesn't matter how fit you are, Simon's levels were 20% better than mine from the start for instance), regular training on the machine slowly increases your altitude and helps thicken your blood and the production of red blood cells. Now on the last day at 6495m my SPO2 drops to 94% against a recommended percent of between 76 and 80% and with all the training my resting pulse has dropped to 48bpm. I have therefore never felt more ready and prepared for this mountain (but then again I felt great on Mont Blanc and look what happened there!) I must not become complacent!

The donations have been coming in thick and fast a special thankyou to Pat Walls of Arqiva Ireland with their kind donation of 500 Euros and Emma Jones of SFL for their donation of £500, any amount small or large is greatly appreciated and will go to 3 great causes.

Breakthrough Week (I think)

2010-09-02T13:24:00.003+01:00

Sunday 29th August

I was back at the chiropractor on friday for further treatment as I feel my back is getting worse and am living on ibuprofen 3 times a day to numb the pain. Edward said he is going to struggle to maintain my back pain because of the level of training intensity that I need to do. It is decided that I should get an MRI scan to eliminate all other possible causes. Great more doctors and hospitals. I will also have 3 more sessions before we leave for Africa.

A different tactic today for the long run, I did 6 miles on saturday at gentle pace, however previously on my long runs I have gone out without water, so I have prepared the hydration pack.

I am on the road for 6.45am and feel good. I have set a time period of 10 minute miles and the plan is to do 13 miles which is a huge increase on last Sunday, but feel confident and stronger.

The hydration system works well I take on board fluid every half mile and I have found a nice rhythm, the downside is I haven't worked out a route yet that doesn't include the 3 mile uphill back to Burbage in the headwind! By the time I reach this section I feel good, but as usual my energy is zapped by the headwind, without that I felt I could have carried on for at least another 2 miles. Still 13 is a success, and on walking into the house Rachel says, for the first time, that I don't look too bad and she is even more surprised when I tell her I have just run 13 miles. She looks impressed, so hopefully the new training plan is working.

Thursday 26th August

The training plan says we need to introduce interval sprints into our training. This means running at a faster pace than normal for a set distance or period of time, then walk or jog slowly for a set time or distance. This helps build aerobic capacity and speed.

I decided to do a 5 mile circuit with speed increases every tenth of a mile.

The session goes well and is by far the fatest time I have covered 5 miles since training began. Things are looking up at last!

Tuesday 24th August

Today my plan was to have a genle warm down run. I need to focus and stick to the plan. Simon managed 12 miles at the weekend and April (Simon's wife who is also running the marathon with us) did 15, thats how far behind we are.

So a gentle 4 miles tonight. Easy. I am feeling stonger everyday. This time I used the running machine when the kids had gone bed as I am concious I see very little of them currently and will be away again soon.

The Long Run

2010-09-02T13:07:00.003+01:00

Sunday 22nd August 2010

The alarm goes off at 7.00am, however I am concious of not waking the family so turn it off quickly (mistake) as within minutes I,ve put my head down and drifted off, another 10 minutes turns into 2 hours, oh dear missed my early run!

After collecting the paper and breakfast everyone is just lazing about not particularly wanting to do anything so I wait an hour and put the running gear on, its not to warm so should be ok.

The run itself was still hard and I could feel my knee twinging after about 7 miles and this was running with my knee strap on, also my back is not getting any better, so still only have a 3/4 stride. My long circuit takes me past my in laws. This is just in case I am too knackered to carry on and I can always beg a a lift back if needed! But I manage to plod past and continue back to Burbage from Sapcote. This is the worst part of the run, as its about 3 miles and slightly up hill for most of the way, running into a head wind, it happens every time and completely zaps your energy.

I manage 9.65 miles averaging 9.30 min miles, not bad but absolutely knackered, the test is Rachels comments on walking into the house. Sure enough she tells me I look bloody awful which does nothing to boost my confidence but at least she is truthful! Starting to get worried now as by now I should really be running up to at least a half marathon. Still tomorrow is another day (rest day Yeah)and then back to a posivtive mental attitude!

Time to get Serious

2010-09-02T12:54:00.003+01:00

Friday 20th August

Simon and I have been discussing at work the need to concentrate on the Marathon, the feeling being if we are fit enough to have achieved Mont Blanc, then Kilimanjaro should be no different with the exception of the altitude.

We have worked out a fairly basic Marathon training plan to fit into our short build up, bearing in mind we will be out of action for 2 weeks in Tanzania!

What this means is that I need to get more into my running training, so this evening I planned a gentle run, 4 or 5 miles. I don't particularly want to as my arms are hurting from the second set of jabs I had yesterday but this is a poor excuse! I go out at a very steady pace and feel better, so maybe my lungs are starting to recover from the exploits on Mont Blanc which seems such a long time ago now.

The downside from opting to do a short run is that I need to do a long run on Sunday!

I Hope This is The Injections

2010-08-21T17:21:00.003+01:00

Wednesday 18th August 2010

I said I wouldn't but I forced myself to go out for a run afterall. I planned on doing 5 miles, however, I felt better today and paced myself, completed 7.35 miles averaging 9.15 minute miles, had a nice long shower then it hit, cold sweats, hot flushes, shakes, nausea. I'm not sure I felt this bad on summit day! It must be the injections for Africa, although its been nearly 1 week since I had them. Nothing I can do other than curl up and go to bed, hopefully will feel better in morning as we have an offsite company training day.

Oh yes also second round of injections coming tomorrow, great can't wait, numb arms again for 2 days!

Sent from my HTC

Relaxation Over

2010-08-21T17:14:00.001+01:00

Wednesday 18th August 2010

Well its time to leave the Castle, only managed half hour on the step machine this morning. The weatherman was right yesterday it's grim, so we chilled in the morning while the boys played with George. He is leaving today much to the boys disappointment. George's parents, Paul and Ellen, have restored my faith in human nature, we only met them for a couple of days, but they generously made a donation to our charity cause. All I can say is thank you, to a really genuine and pleasant family, the type you would want to meet on holiday wherever you go.

Ah well time to tackle the M6, decided my next training run will be friday.

Sent from my HTC

Training in Cumbria

2010-08-21T17:12:00.002+01:00

Monday 16th August 2010

I woke early again today still not able to lie in. The mattress is too soft and therefore is very uncomfortable for my sore back. It's 7am, foggy and cool. I plan to do 5 miles today down the lanes by the castle but by the time I am at the top of the drive I'm knackared, still if I turn left it's downhill. This downhill stretch lasts all of half a mile. I then turn left again. Big mistake, all up hill at a 40% angle, ouch, I keep this up for just over 2 miles then turn round and head back. Funnily enough this is the highest I have been since getting back from France 450m, the downhill back is nice.

By the time I get back to the castle the boys are awake, so quick shower and off to breakfast. I have one niggling concern playing on my mind - how much damage have I done to my lungs? As running 5 miles feels like a marathon!

Over breakfast we decide to drive to Ingleton and walk around the waterfall trail, its just over 5 miles so training again. However the kids have made friends a friendly chap named George who is far more appealing than a walk. Fortunately George is going out for the day also so they reluctantly come, pursuaded by the fact that they will meet again at high tea.

The day has turned out hot and the walk is excellent, not a straight or flat path, and yes I am wearing my mountain boots, overkill I know but if I am to wear them for Kilimanjaro then I need to start falling in love with them again.

Kian has done surprisingly well and kept a good steady pace, but has got a little tired, so change of training for me as I put him on my shoulders not good for my back and it takes me half a mile to pursuade him to walk again. The break didn't last long as within half a mile he has fallen flat on his face, so he's back on my shoulders, Rachel is not happy as its steep and narrow, but as I told her this is a doddle compared to Mont Blanc. She raises her eyebrows at me and carries on.

Overall not a bad day 10 miles covered and I don't feel too bad now. Well I lie a little as my back hurts like hell and I still haven't got my boots to fit properly.

Tomorrow has forecast rain, so have decided to give myself a day off.

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New training venue

2010-08-16T17:57:00.001+01:00

Sunday 15th August 2010

As a treat and to say well done, Rachel has booked us into Augill Castle in Cumbria for a relaxing break following the fantastic week in the Alps.

I will be checking out the grounds for places to run as there's no gym or pool but I have also brought the step machine in case of the weather and as I am not sure I want to attempt to run up some of the hills we passed on the way here!

Will update tomorrow on progress.

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Back to Training

2010-08-14T13:20:00.001+01:00

Tuesday 10th August

Its been 4 days since i returned from France, my body has ached every minute of every day, the creature comforts we enjoy at home have made me realise how much my body has given and how tired it is.

I however force myself to get changed into my running gear, i tell myself i will take it easy 9 minute miles be consistent. Starting out felt ok, a little to ok 8 minutes for the first mile, the weird thing is I still can't feel some of my toes, which makes running feel particularly weird.

This is hard very hard, harder than before, mile 5 takes 10 minutes it is up hill, but i know something's wrong my breathing is to heavy, as soon as i reach home i am coughing and hacking just like i was back on the mountain.

Have i really lost so much fitness or is my body just telling me its had enough. Only 4 weeks to go before we depart for Africa, i need to ensure my fitness is retained, i will go out again on friday, i promise myself this, keep running through the pain barrier.

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Reflection

2010-08-10T21:19:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 10^th August 2010

Its taken me several days to gather my thoughts of the events that occurred last Wednesday, and only now do I feel in a position to assess what happened.

It is unquestionable in my mind what Simon and I both achieved last Wednesday, was probably the single biggest achievement of our lives to date, I think Simon summed it up eloquently on an earlier blog, and that was that yes there are bigger mountains but at the moment this was our Everest. We gave it everything we had partly because we wanted to succeed for the charities, but mainly because we are both determined individuals, the slight problem with this determination and indomitable spirit is that sometimes you end up in a situation that is beyond your control.

The hard thing to explain to people and the one thing I underestimated was the effect the thin air would have, I had acclimatized well up to 3300 metres, so it was a massive shock when I got above 4000 metres on how the simple things you take for granted become intensely more difficult, eating and swallowing is nigh on impossible, you try to eat chocolate as you know you need energy but it just congeals in your mouth so you end up spitting it out, drinking is a necessity but while your trying to drink your not breathing which is also a necessity. The only thing I was able to consume above 4000 metres was a can of coke, water from my camel pack and a high protein gel. Its not until you get back that you realise further that your mind is processing at such a slower speed, why do I say this, well I have few but some amazing photographs at 4807 metres, what I can’t do is actually remember these pictures in my mind, and that’s because total concentration was on putting one foot in front of the other and breathing in between, there is little room to be able to do anything else, this happened again to me at the summit, I could not find my phone to call home, yet it was in my trouser pocket all the time, as I could not find the 3tc Charity Challenge banner, which again was in the top pocket of my rucksack, which I actually emptied out on the summit but still could not see it.

My descend from the summit was really where my battle against the mountain began, and I have reflected on this quite deeply, as initially I did not want or wish to climb another mountain again, the Acute Mountain Sickness hit me so fast and was rapidly turning into HAPE, I was therefore quite prepared to pull out of the next challenge of summiting Kilimanjaro, as this was probably the most terrifying thing that has happened to me and I could do nothing about it. I have been constantly mulling over the facts of the events of that day.

At 6.15pm I arrived at the summit of Mont Blanc, some 4807 metres, at 7am that morning I was at 1,000 metres leaving my hotel in Chamonix for the cable car, after the cable car and train we were left at 2,000 metres, and set out to ascend on foot a further 2,807 metres and descend a further 1,700 metres to the Tet Rousse refuge, this is not the standard ascent route for a guided party on the mountain and our chances of success were less than 10%, the height gain on foot alone was some 1,100 metres more than a normal final ascent push, this was also compound by my wanting to try and catch Simon and Phillipe up so that we could summit together.

In my conclusion, I ascended too high too fast in order to achieve my goal, and this affected my acclimatisation programme, and the consequences could have been more serious than what they were, yes a mountain can be climbed however the summit is only half the journey getting home safe is the most important factor, so I have concluded that my body should be capable of coping with the acclimatization required to summit Kilimanjaro, the question to answer is that if bad weather occurs again, would I try and do 2 days climb in 1 go? Its one I cannot really answer until the situation arises, this I’m afraid is the lure of the mountain.

I have also underestimated the recovery time required, as I need to start training but am still feeling the effects of the Altitude sickness and still cannot feel my toes.

1 Down 2 to Go.

David Todd

Chief Executive Officer

3tc Software Limited

Tel:- +44 (0)116 272 5276

Fax:- +44 (0)845 688 9951

e-mail :- david.todd@3tcsoftware.com

P please consider the environment - do you really need to print this email?

Home

2010-08-07T10:52:00.002+01:00

Friday 6th August 2010

Arriving home from any trip is always special. I'm greeted by my family, hugs and kisses all round its great to see them all again. It's weird as what we achieved on Wednesday now seems such a long time ago. I can still feel the affects of the altitude sickness but being back with my family makes any discomfort disappear.

Rachel shows Simon and I the article in the Hinckley Times, front page wow fame at last, however their are a few things very wrong about the front page headline. The paper was printed on either Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning, Simon and I Summited late on Wednesday evening, and those of you that know me, would know that I would never use the word Conquered, you don't Conquer Mont Blanc it gives you a small window of opportunity to summit and you take it.

I wonder now what would the paper have done if we hadn't of both summitted. Indeed my own attempt was in doubt, also what if my Acute Mountain Sickness had turned into HAPE and things had got worse. The publicity is great for raising awareness for what we are doing, however it is clear the press will print what they like irrespective of the circumtances.

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Coming Home

2010-08-06T06:48:00.001+01:00

Friday 6th August 2010

Its 7am before I get out of bed and jump in the shower. I woke earlier than the alarm again today. about 6am, must be the early starts you get used to. There is one thing different about this morning, no climbing or trekking today! It feels good just to say that. As I'm getting ready I realise I have 3 blisters on my left hand and 5 on my right. I hadn't noticed them before. I still have no feeling as such in my big toes, I assume the nerve endings have been damaged from the constant battering they took on summit day. I also notice that I am still short of breath and a little light headed which hopefully will go away with a paracetamol and also my back hurts like never before. I'm assuming this is my body telling me its knackered, and I'm starting to wonder how long it will take to recover?

I am immensley proud of both mine and Simons achievement this last 6 days, but in particular summit day, where we were battling our own demons to ensure we gave it the best shot we had. On reflection and in discussion with Simon we agreed that not doing the last section together was the right thing to do and meant we both had a chance to get there. 2 knackered climbers trying to reach the summit when all we wanted to do was stop may have persuaded each other to stop, but we didn't. The fact that Simon summited 25 minutes before me does not matter, the challenge was to both summit and that is what we did. The scale of the achievement on Wednesday of this week is just starting to sink in. I'm looking out of the hotel window now listening to the rain and looking at the grey clouds over the mountain and just thinking how lucky we were as the weather window to summit has been closed now for 2 days.

I'm looking forward to coming home to my family and the creature comforts you get used to and take for granted. Not long now.

Summit Day

2010-08-05T15:32:00.012+01:00

Wednesday 4th August 2010

The events of this day are to be quite incredible. There are still more details to think through and be more accurate on but below is an account of an extra ordinary day ...and one that I will never forget....

As you recall from my last blog the weather window had been shut, and sitting here on thursday back at the train station at 2000m the forecast was correct if we had set off as planned (i.e. to hike to the Refuge de Tete Rousse on the Wednesday, get some well earned rest and recharge our batteries for a few hours and then start the ascent to the Summit in the early hours of Thursday morning) we would not have made it. Philipe informed us that the only chance we had was to ascend and descend Mont Blanc in one go, meaning a total ascent of 2800m, walking and 3800m from where we were in the hotel in Chamonix that morning. A feat that should take us 18hrs and also a feat that is rarely attempted let alone accomplished. Philipe tells us the chances of succeeding were low, less than 10%, but we get our wish and attempt at the summit. this is all we wanted a chance......

We were introduced to 2 new guides, as principally the guides are only allowed to take 2 climbers up the mountain as its to dangerous in larger groups, Simon and I were allocated Valthoir (VAL) who has sumitted the mountain 9 times, Phillip and Elizabeth were allocated Phillipe are existing guide for the week, a 27 time summitter of Mont Blanc and Samera had Eric a 2 time summitter of the great mountain.

So at 8am. We commenced our climb. The hike from the valley up to the Gouter Hut at about 3800 meters was steep and treacherous and physically and mentally demanding and left my heart screaming to burst out of my chest. We reach the Tete Rousse Hut at 10.00 am, where we quickly put on our crampons and helmets and then came a grueling 2 hour rock climb 600m up the Gouter ridge to the gouter hut, traversing across the death coloir, effectively traversing across 100feet of near vertical rock as fast as you can avoiding the falling rocks from the glacier, we were informed after successfully traversing that their are 10 deaths a year here from people going to slow and getting hit in the head from falling rock, and it wasn't without inceident, I took a hit on the ancle, just as Simon nearly had his head took off by a rock the size of a small football.

I refused to look anywhere but where I placed my feet and concentrated hard on putting one foot in front of the other and not feeling the pain, which was extremely hard to do. I needed more oxygen, more time to catch my breath so I could carry on walking/climbing on the twisting ledges of the mountain. So this was what high altitude did to you. I didn’t know what I was expecting. I had read plenty of books and watched several documentaries re peoples experiences of high altitude climbs and knew what the signs and dangers were, but I don’t think you ever truly know until you have experienced it yourself. I never thought that I would go through such torture just to take a breath of air. My lungs and heart were telling me not to go on, that I couldn’t go on, but it my head I was telling myself that I CAN do this and somehow mustered the strength to carry on.

Sheer determination got me to the Gouter Refuge. A further 4hr climb to summit lay ahead. I had just ascended 1700m, which was our original planned ascension height of our original summit day on Thursday and now on Wednesdy afternoon at 1.30 pm I am sitting in the Gouter hut with a 1000m ascent still to go further into thin air. I put my head in my hands. I was exhausted and knew that this could be the end of my journey, but was finding it hard to accept that this might be the case. I had failed. I had failed myself, my family, Simon and the Charities.

I text Rachel, telling her I am exhausted and cannot feel my legs and ask her not to be mad at me if I fail. She texts backs telling me not to be stupid and that she is very proud of me and what I have accomplished and that I should be too. She told me to take a moment to gather my thoughts and focus on what I had come here to do and that she was behind me all the way whatever decision I made and that she believed in me. Kind words, that briefly comfort me, but can I really muster up the energy to carry on. At this precise moment in time I did not think I could.

I discuss with Simon and we agree he should go on with young Phillipe. I stay with our guide Val he's a great character and at 2am I decide to go on, as I feel a little better, about three quarters of an hour behind Simon. If I can get to the Dom Du Gouter at 4304m it will be an achievement. The snow slope climb is gruelling and zaps your energy, but I continue one step breathe, one step breathe, the air is thin and I have developed a hacking cough, but I keep going, its to difficult to eat anything and even drinking is difficult, food just conjeals in your mouth,so you end up spitting it out as you need to take your next breath. We reach the Dom Du Gouter in just over 2 hours. Val looks at me and says good time only 500m to summit, its still possible, so we go on.

In the distance I see Simon and Phillipe I think they are surprised to see me. They seem so close but these snow slopes are vast, they are about 200m ahead which is about 45 minutes walk. I start believing now that I can do this, but the pain from climbing the slopes are brutal you get over one to find a bigger steeper one, you also have to go down only to go up again. At 300m to go Val says we are at critical point he says we should turn back, but then he looked at the sky and says it looks like the mountain is being kind to you there are no snow clouds as predicted. We looked at each other, no words spoken just the glint of determination in our eyes and moved on. If She's opened the weather window then I am not going to pass on the opportunity. You see you can never just climb a mountain like this the mountain allows you to climb her and then perhaps let you summit.

The pain in my legs is excrutiating but I keep going. I can see the ridge and my god it is daunting... 5000ft drops either side, and the path is only 1ft wide, fall to the left your in France, fall to the right and your in Italy. I pass Simon and Phillipe, they have done it. I get great words of encouragement from Simon, this drives me on further, I can't describe what it means to see him, it seems so long since we were at the Gouter refuge, I am proud he has summitted but have no energy to say anything, I must have looked like a zombie, across the ridge 100feet, 50feet, 10feet, I'm there, at 6.15pm on Wednesday 4th August 2010, I reach the summit of Mont Blanc and achieve the first of the 3 challenges.

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I've done what I set out to achieve. I cannot believe I am here. The emotion is indescribable, the view is amazing, but its cold, very cold and high winds. I try and find the 3tc challenge banner, I can't find it, its there but I can't see it. I look for the phone again I can't find that either, I so wanted to and needed to phone Rachel and tell her I'd made it, but mostly just to hear her voice, especially as the last conversation we had was around me giving up. So a quick video diary, I have my families cards of good luck with me. This is a very special moment. I would have liked to have shared it with Simon,and although he was not physically their with me, I know he was, we have done this journey together and therefore it didn't matter that we arrived 20 minutes apart. In a way there is something very peaceful about being the last person to summit today with my guide and not a sole anywhere else. I had the whole summit to myself, Vals 10th summit my first very special indeed. I had a quiet word with dad about the weather window he'd arranged and the stamina I kept drawing upon. Back to reality its 1700m back to the Tete Russon Refuge (my bed for the night) and its late very late and I'm exhausted. It's 6.30pm I think, I know this is not a good time, the trek back is equally as hard, my legs are gone but my spirit is there, this will get me through, plus at 4800m no altitude sickness great news!

I can see the worry in Vals eyes and he can see that my tank is empty, but he knows my spirit will come through, he's learnt this on this very long day. All I hear from him is alley, alley alley, go, go, go. I am going as fast as I can, but i'm starting to feel frightened. The clouds have closed in, I'm at 4500m, and visibility is nearly zero I just follow Val's yellow jacket its all I can see and I can feel the cold now. Fear kicks me into another gear and I pick up the pace, Val is pleased by this. We finally arrive at the Gouter Refuge and I am shattered. I can't feel my fingers and can't get my crampons off, and I know the worse is to come the descent to the tete russo refuge my bed for the night is another 600m rock climb down the Gouter Ridge and its very late 8pm maybe. I walk into the hut and am greeted with a big hug from Simon, its a very emotional moment we have both achieved what we thought was impossible earlier in the day, I was so glad to see him, its been 9 hours since we last spoke at this refuge and the journey we both went on was amazing, I think we both shed a tear, the enormity of what we had achieved just taking over, Simon has been a great friend along this journey. Many times we both wanted to stop and turn round.

I force a coca cola down me and some chocolate. It is hard to swallow though. I feel drained, my thoughts turn to home and my wife and kids, this brings yet another tear to my eye. Everyone can see I have nothing left, and the beginning of a headache. I can't breathe and the hacking cough is getting worse. We need to go down and now. Getting down safely is always the hardest thing on a mountain like this. My rucksack is split between Simon and Phillipe. Helmets and headtorch on, shit crampons again, I can't so Simon does it for me. Climbing near vertical rock in crampons is hard work. I am roped to Val and go first within minutes it seems to be dark so headtorches on. It's hard finding the path but I keep going. After another 2 hours we are 300m down, but I can't go any further, I have been throwing up for the last 10 minutes and my headache feels like my head will explode. I try to breathe but can't get enough oxygen into my lungs. It's bloody cold. I sit down. I'm starting to get really scared now, I suspect I know what is happening, I had read about it enough times, but it shouldn't. How can it I'm descending?, I sit down, but start hacking immediately, the guides Phillipe and Val are conversing in French, they then listen to my back. I know exactly what they suspect, high altitude mountain sickness, a bad situation as this if not treated could turn into HAPE, as I still have another 300m to descend to the hut and its a near vertical descent, rock climbing down the Gouter Ridge, with the deadly traverse at the end, how can I make it? Philipe is now wrapped around me and young Phillipe is rubbing my legs, I can't stop shaking. I can't feel the cold in fact I feel warm very warm, so clearly I have hyperthermia it doesn't look good. Physically I made it, but this illness just crushes you in seconds. It's the scariest thing to have happened to me, and you genuinely want to drift off into a deep sleep and die. Phillipe and Val are on the phone to the doctor and mountain rescue, the helicopter won't come its to dangerous to winch from where we are. Simon is trying to warm me now with his body heat, I tell him I am a little scared now, he tells me don't worry everything will be fine and we will get down. The doctors advice was paracetamol and descend, they don't really understand where we are perched. I take the tablet. Val comes to speak to me and explains the situation, he's asked me to show him the spirit I'd shown earlier in the day to make the summit. All I can think of at this time is Rachel, Ethan and Kian. I need to be home with them. I promised them that I would. It can't end here surely. Val says to concentrate only on my family it will take my mind of the situation. This time Phillipe leads, this is better for me as before when I was leading I was looking around to find the path and this made me even more disorientated. I muster the energy and get to my feet. Every step hurts. My head wants to explode but I'm not going to give up, I can't give up. In total darkness it took 4.5 hours to descend the Gouter Ridge, it only took 2 to climb it. I spent the night in the oxygen chamber at the hut, which on reflection is the best nights kip i've had on this trip. We did the impossible. We ascended 3800m and descended 1700m in the same day. 16 hours trekking and climbing at altitude an incredible feat.

So was it worth it?, I'm not sure? The memories I have will last forever and I feel very privileged iged to have been to places not many humans generally go to. Phillipe our guide said to me this morning, he had never seen altitude sickness strike that fast. At no point in the trip was he worried about my acclimatisation, it was young Phillipe who was showing symptoms even at 2700m. I owe a great deal of debt and thanks to Simon, Philipe, Phillipe and Val, as without their support and encouragement I don't know what would have happened and It doesn't bare thinking about, when people support and believe in you it is possible to achieve nearly anything, this was proved on this extraordinary day for Simon and I, two men who decided we were going to make it and believed and achieved. I now just want to get home to Rachel, Ethan and Kian, and after reflection on this amazing experience and discussions with Rachel I will make a decision about attempting Kilimanjaro in 5 weeks time.

I am now lying in a hot bath which is heaven. I have no pictures on my phone of the summit but do have some incredible ones on my camera which I will upload on our return. I do however have the asscention certificate that says I climbed 4807m to reach the summit of Mont Blanc.

summit

2010-08-05T11:19:00.000+01:00

Wednesday 4th August

Did I summit yes I did, did I do it with Simon no I Didn,t at the gutier hut, Simon and I agreed he would go on as I didn't think I could make it so he went with young Phillipe, and Fellipe guide, you only get 2 people to 1 guide because of the danger, I stayed behind with mine and Simon s original guide Val. After half hour I felt better so we headed out, I passed Simon on the ridge and summited half hour later than him with Val, what an amazing feeling, I will fill in the details later, as what occurred that day will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Day 5 Preparation for trek to Tete Rousse Refuge

2010-08-04T06:11:00.004+01:00

Wednesday 4th August 2010

Last night was the best nights sleep I have had since arriving. It's 7am and we're in the taxi on the way to the cable car and then the train to the base of our climb. The weather this morning is spectacularly beautiful. It is unfortunate, as had we had been at the refuge last night it would have been perfect weather for summiting. Fellipe is still the bearer of bad news and tells us that tomorrow is still forecast to be bad and it looks very unlikely that a summit attempt can be made. So we're still no nearer knowing, which is extremely frustrating, but if there is still that window of chance that we can summit we want to be in the right position to take it.

He has also said nothing about delaying a day either, but to be honest I am not sure how much more cheese I can take, its constant lunch and dinner, cheese, cheese, cheese.

I have a headache this morning, not through altitude though, I stupidly nearly knocked myself out whilst storing my bag in the luggage store. I hope it goes away as it is pounding at the moment! I again feel a strange mix of excitement and nerves. This is it our attempt. I try not to let myself ponder over the climb ahead and how the weather could thwart this. PMA, positive mental attitude or at least just don’t think about it! Denial is good! .......

Day 4 Decision Arrives

2010-08-03T21:07:00.002+01:00

Fellipe (the correct way of spelling our guides name) phones exactly on 5 as promised. I take the call, and there is an air of anticipation in our group, would it be good or bad news? Its bad news. He says the weather forecast currently would make a summit attempt on Thursday morning extremely low. The other option is to cross into Italy to attempt 4060m summit where the weather is slightly better. He says we need to consult the group and then call him back. I find it a little strange we are allowed to choose which option we prefer if in his professional opinion the weather will be too bad!

So I relay the conversation to all the group, but they had already seen the look of disappointment on my face and had guessed the outcome. We are all totally and utterly gutted. After several minutes we collectively decide we should make the trek to the Tete Rousse Refuge to give us a chance at the summit, particularly as the weather forecast has been wrong all week and the news from the uk is that the weather is reasonable. I have come here to climb Mont Blanc, this is what we have been training for, not climb another moutain in Italy (albeit their highest)! The thought of standing on top of Italy's tallest mountain looking across and seeing Mont Blanc bathed in sunshine is not what we came for and is not what we are going to do! It's Mont Blanc or nothing. If there is even the slightest chance that will be able to summit we HAVE to be in position to attempt it. Our decision has been made.....

I phone Fellipe back he seems shocked by our decision and a little bit narked, he then tells me there is a potential weather window friday morning. I asked him would it be possible to guide Simon and I on friday? Yes it means rearranging travel etc and would mean seeing Rachel and the boys a day later but it would be worth it. Fellipe says it may be possible. I'm excited again, but have forgot 1 major thing - I need to check with Rachel that she won't mind. I figure better 1 extra day than another week another time. I get the all clear from Rachel, she agrees that if there is a slight chance the we can summit on Friday to do it I just need to work the logistics out. Not sure how we will arrange this as won't know if we can push for summit until wednesday evening around 7,s and then there is no guaranteed phone signal!

Time for bed. Simon is already asleep. Lets hope the weather changes in our favour.....

Day 4 Oh my god

2010-08-03T14:13:00.001+01:00

This sounds really pathetic, but I have just had the best shower of my life! After 3 days in the same clothes (and yes you can smell me coming!) I cannot describe how good that felt! s

Day 4 Final Training Day

2010-08-03T14:00:00.005+01:00

Tuesday 3rd August 2010

Another early start today 5am breakfast leave at 5.30am we have about 9 kilometres of trekking to do today. Phillipe says the weather will be good but cold, and not so good down in the valley. He's right its bloody cold and we walk into thick cloud, but I'm feeling warm as I am testing the new down jacket. However, 20 minutes into the trek we are hit by a whiteout. No time to change just head down and follow the rope. I have Simon behind me and young Phillipe in front but I cannot see our guide Phillipe. It doesnt bait for 3 hours, apart from changing to freezing rain, then back to snow. It just keeps coming and this makes walking hard and slow. We are at least faster than yesterday, or so we thought, but within half an hour everyone from the refuge has overtook us and are out of sight.

We cross the col between France and Switzerland. We have been trekking for what seems like hours but I couldn't tell you exactly as there is no way I am removing my gloves to look at my watch. It is the coldest I have felt,as temperatures are freezing. We stop to make the ropes smaller and descend another snow slope into thick cloud again, the weather then clears a little enough for me to swap into full waterproofs, I am now worried my down jacket won't dry for summit day. Miraculously the further we descend the better the weather gets. Phillipe lets Simon lead us down the glacier which he relishes. Its a good change of position as we have both been at the back of our rope chain. Thankfully, Simon gets his head down and picks up the pace and we get to the Albert Refuge at around 11am. A quick lunch, then we descend down into the valley back to sunshine in Chamoinix. This was our acclimatisation complete. Tomorrow our Mont Blanc summit adventure will hopefully begin.

Our excitement is however short lived as more bad news at lunch. The weather forecast for Thursday is not good at all. If it does not change then the summit attempt on Mont Blanc will NOT take place! Instead we will have the opportunity to climb a 4000m peak in Italy! I can't describe how I am feeling right now, apart from utter disappointment. I have had all the wind knocked out of my sails. Having spent 2 uncomfortable nights at 2700m and 3170m respectively, I am totally gutted about this prospect. This cannot be happening. I didn't come here to climb in Italy. What about the challenge? Does it still count if we cannot summit? Its a sombre mood down in the valley.

Phillipe says he will call me at 5 with a decision (fingers crossed). Simon and I need to do this....... Dad if you are up there, I really need you to work some magic........

Day 3 - I was wrong about the chicken.

2010-08-03T13:43:00.002+01:00

Dinner tonight consisted of vegetable/celery soup, no vegetables or celery could be found! Macaroni which I dislike but you need to eat, served with pork and carrots with 2 rings of pineapple for dessert. Phillipe had gone to bed earlier as he had a migraine but with a coke and some warm food he gained some colour and joined in the conversation the group is really bonding now, its another long day tomorrow as we descend all the way back down to Chamonix however if the weather good we have asked for a detour, I'll let you know tomorrow evening. Next is really bad news the Swiss weather forecast is not good for next 3 days making a summit attempt unlikely. This is devastating, as I really feel I can do this, My fitness has surprised even me, particularly after the last few weeks illness. Phillipe our guide says don't worry its only the Swiss forecast, its not very accurate! However the news is circulating fast around the refuge, all we can do is wait.......and pray that Mother Nature takes pity on us!

Its stopped raining so I get the boots on once more to hike about 50m straight up as its the only place you get a signal hence the delay in the blog, I get to speak to Rachel and the boys, which is great a real lift they are being very supportive and I love them dearly.

Lights out 3 nights to go!

Day 2 Dinner and Accommodation

2010-08-02T20:02:00.003+01:00

We sat down for dinner at just after 6 no menu you get whats served (I don't know why I sound surprised at this I wasn't exactly expecting waiter service!) we think it was some sort of meat broth albeit lacking any meat. Main course was rice and chicken with stewed vegetables again they were noticeable by their absence, and finally pudding peach tartlet which was nice. We went outside to sit on the terrace lasted 5 minutes the storm clouds have rolled in and it started hailing so basically everyone in and ensure bag is ready for the morning. More bad news Phillipe returns to our dorm with the weather forecast its not good, terential rain and cold winds, such a contrast to today. Phillipe recommends instead of starting at 6 we start at 4am it will give us chance to beat the rain to the next hut, we all agree thats a good idea, so extra early to bed for us. This has a plus side it means the united bathroom with ice cold running water will be empty, I seize the opportunity and do the usual teeth etc, then theres the toilet, mmmmm very interesting indeed as you can see that a number 2 here requires expert balance poise and a lot of effort and determination! The problem is with only 3 toilets for 72 guests last chance dashes don't guarantee a vacant cubicle. Have not mastered this art form yet and probably not likely to! The other plus is we will be first to the boot room so little chance of our boots disappearing mistakenly onto someone elses feet. Right, need to try and get some sleep stripped down to boxes as figuring with 24 people in here its going to be warm, the duvet is nice and thick anyway, p.s. My back is still aching but maxed out on pain killers today. No signal due to storm so hopefully this will be on in the morning. I am knackered but have thoroughly enjoyed today and can't wait for tomorrow to come.........

day 3 Early Start

2010-08-02T20:00:00.003+01:00

Monday 2nd August

Not a great nights sleep in the refuge as a storm blew for quite a while. When I last looked at my watch it was 12.30 you don't really sleep just drift in and out. Woke again at 3.30am as Phillipe was collecting us at 4 didn't go back to sleep, breakfast was dry cereal, an orange, slice of bread and butter and a cup of tea. By the time we have our gear on its 5am but still dark and spitting with rain, we should arrive at the next hut in 3 hours, but its a slow start we are the first group to leave the refuge but by the time we reach the snow field we have been passed by 3 groups. Time to put the crampons on and rope up and slowly tackle this massive snow field, its light now so the headlamps can come off. Its becoming very apparent that Samara is struggling, it's one step, two step rest, initial thoughts are if she manages to summit Mont Blanc it will take a lot of courage and determination. It takes us nearly 5 hours to reach switzerland it should have taken 2 the rest of the party are getting a little agitated the slow pace is akin to an 8000 metre summit attempt. To take my mind off things I call Rachel as not sure how much signal we will get at 3300m, I wake her up with my call, its good to hear her voice, unfortunately boys not up then I lose signal. 4km to the swiss hut at this rate it will take another 2 hours. The worry is, does walking this slow help us or will it work against us on wednesday when we ascend fast to the gutier hut before the early morning push? I still feel strong and am recovering fast from any exertions, however the first sign of altitude sickness hits us, young Phillipes nose just starts bleeding, he's ok but this shows just how fast it happens. We finally reach the hut, Phillipe, Simon and I have been messing around bit to take away the boredom of this pace, we have been in crampons all day. At the base of the hut there is a 50 metre rock fall that we have to scramble up although we are last on it being at the back we race up to the top, we arrive nearly 30minutes before Samara. The swiss hut is luxury compared to the Albert Hut, proper toilets, just need to force myself to go! We arrived at 11am taking us 6 hours, twice as long as it should have took. We feel frustrated! lunch now then some more training this afternoon, you get the feeling our guide started us early as he knew how long it would take Samara to get here, the worrying thing is it makes tomorrow a very long day and we need to rest for thursday and friday.

Day 3 Rock Climbing

2010-08-02T19:55:00.003+01:00

Phillipe our guide knew how disappointed we were this morning and he was as frustrated as we were with the extremely slow pace earlier, so he agreed to take us climbing on the rock face behind. Its only another 100m higher than the hut but more challenging than the router ridge in the push for the summit of mont blanc. Samara won't be joining us she is resting. The climb is just what we needed, challenging and fun. We reach the summit in about 20 minutes unfortunately the pictures are on the video cam as weather was to bad to take the phone out. On the way down we were allowed to taboggan on our backsides down a snowslope we covered 50 metres in about 5 seconds. What an adrenalin rush that was! Again, unfortunately, the bloody video did not work as I was flying down the slope! Absolutely Amazing afternoon!!! Simon and I are really getting on well with young Phillipe who has a headache and another nose bleed, we reached 3300m today the summit is 4800 Phillipe is starting to question his ability to get there. He needs a good day tomorrow it should be ok as we are going back down. Simon and I feel strong, our guide Phillipe has just said to me and Simon that we're ready and have all the skills and strength we need to summit, he said its all down to mother nature now! Our summit attempt is 1500m ascent on friday due to logistics an extra 500m than planned but Phillipe said no problem in the way only a frenchman can say. The bad news is for Samara, she has been told she doesnt have the fitness to attempt the summit.

The summit we did today was 3269 Pointe d'orny.

I am now waiting for the hailstorm to pass so I can call Rachel and the boys, but it looks set in.

It looks and smells like chicken again tonight. The facilities here are so much better than the Albert Hut.

more for my boys

2010-08-01T18:11:00.001+01:00

Outside the hut after dinner.

one for my boys

2010-08-01T17:56:00.000+01:00

to Ethan and Kian I miss you both be good I love you hopefully speak tomorrow.

Day 2 - Introduction to mountaineering!

2010-08-01T15:58:00.003+01:00

Sunday 1st August 2010

We started out at 8am. Took a taxi to the next village and then the cable car to a height of 1700 metres. The climb then began a total height gain of 750 metres, its also very hot so within 10 minutes of walking the mountain trousers were rolled up to the knee. About half hour later its too hot so on with the sun hat. That's better and its only 9.30am! The path meanders up the mountain surrounded by the most spectacular, breathtaking scenery. A couple of stops, a phone call home and 3 hours later we reach the Albert Premier Refuge. The refuge sleeps 24, has one window and is about 18ft square, we are going to be very cosy!. We wait a further 30 minutes for samara to join us I think she has found this hard. I am pleased with myself and my fitness I have recovered fast my biggest problem is my back every step is like having a knife driven into my spine.

Lunch is taken overlooking the Tour Glacier, it really is breathtaking and I feel privileged to part of this magical place. We we will be training on this later this afternoon. Lunch is traditional ham and cheese. We have each been given a huge baguette for the next 3 days so I assume it will be stale on day 3. Simon is carrying group rations for tomorrow and I have day 3, typical more extra weight.

After lunch we get the whole climbing gear on helmet, crampons, harness etc, only there's a problem Simon and I have the crampons for the vegas boots (the boots were bought previously and left behind) they are not suitable for the mantas but luckily we swap with Elizabeth and Samara their rented boots will take them.

We crossed a snow bridge masking the deep crevass below, Phillipe prodding the snow carefully to find us a safe route through, we looked down into the depths of another huge crevass which was amazing, the colours of the ice changing from pale blue to deep blue the deeper the crevass went. The crampons and ice axe didn't take too long to get used to I feel like a mountaineer! Although saying that I have managed to slip down some ice and pierce my rather expensive mountain trousers which now have a hole in, oh well it was bound to happen! The pace is slow and the altitude is not affecting us too much at the momnent and after 4 further hours Phillipe is happy that the group is competant so we return to the refuge, and get familiarised with our beds for the evening.

The hut is full and is dorm style, bunkbeds although they are all connected together, 12 on each side. I am on top bunk with Simon and phillipe.

Day 2 Training

2010-08-01T07:11:00.000+01:00

Day 2 begins! Had a reasonable nights sleep although stomach has been churning off and on all night not sure whether the result of the food I ate last night or anticipation of the days ahead, think the latter. Its 6.30am we're both awake. Simon just jumped in shower, I've just managed to do a quick video diary and then also had a shower after all will not get this luxury for 3 more days, I hoped the warm water would ease my back pain as its got worse over night but it doesn't, so resort to 400mg of Ibuprofen! I think that Ibu will become my new friend for this journey unless my back dramatically improves. We meet Phillipe and Elizabeth for breakfast. Simon and I are not hungry, but know we need to eat something so force a couple of pain au chocolats down us. All to soon its nearly 8 have we packed the right things? Too late now we're in the mini bus heading for our first days trek/climb, it is sunny but cool. Just going to text rachel and the boys, not sure if I will get to speak with them today.

There is an air of excitement...... let the training begin!