3 PC Update 7

Given that all the training seems to be going well, it's time to turn our attention from training to logistics for the event. My proposal is as follows:

Departure

Everyone meets at my house at 7pm on Friday 5th June, preferably fully fed and watered. We then set off in our two vehicles for Oswestry Travelodge, about 3.5 hours journey.

Food and drink

I'll do a big supermarket shop on Friday, aiming to cover all the provisions we'll need for the weekend (ie water, juice, energy bars, breakfast cereals, fruit, sandwiches, pasta, savoury snacks etc). Let me know if you have any special dietary requirements. I expect that we'll elect to stop for additional things en route (eg hot drinks and meals), but will generally aim to minimise stops between the three climbs.

Finances

I'll record all the costs and split them between the walkers (following expense policies set by our MPs).

Expected approx timing during the event

Leave Oswestry at 7.30am (eat breakfast in car?)
Start climbing Snowdon at 9am
Leave Snowdon at noon Saturday
Start climbing Sca Fell at 4.30pm Saturday
Leave Sca Fell at 9.30pm Saturday evening
Start climbing Ben Nevis 3.30am Sunday morning
Complete challenge 8.30am Sunday (with 30 minutes to spare!)
Back in Ashe at about 6pm Sunday evening

So that I know everyone is OK with the arrangements, can you each please reply to me to confirm you've got this email?

Cheers

Graham

3PC - Update 6 (there were two 4s)

Six of us did the Beacon 6 times again on Thursday, and this time we were joined by Lisa, Matt and wet weather. It was a useful training session as I was reminded of what happens when you walk through incessant rain. Apart from the obvious (ie you get wet), the following tend to happen:

• you walk slower (as it can get very slippy going downhill)
• if you wear glasses, you can't see much
• maps and other items in your backpack get soggy

Things I'm going to do as a result of these "learning events":

• bring lots of spare clothing in case it rains on all three climbs
• laminate at least one map
• reconsider whether to have contact lenses
• pray that we have decent weather in three weeks from now

I have not made any plans for a training walk next week, but if you would like to go walking one evening, please let me know which day suits you best and we'll advertise more widely (Tuesday or Wednesday good for me).

If you're interested in studying maps of our 3 climbs, I've attached maps. The blue squares are 1km wide.

Graham

3PC - Update 4

There were 6 of us trudging up and down Beacon Hill last Tuesday evening; thank you Arthur for introducing us to the Beacon Hill path. It was excellent training, and so enjoyable (!) that I'm going to be doing it again on Thursday 14th May, starting at 7.30pm. As before, it'll be 6 quick ascents.

I believe that Matt and Lisa will be coming along on Thursday, so here's your chance to meet the most youthful division of our team. Congratulations to the senior member of our team who passed the half century mark last week.

26 days to go.

Graham

3PC - Update 4

Our challenge kicks off exatly one month from today, so no doubt everyone is now in full swing with heavy duty training!

I will be walking again Wednesday evening (ie tomorrow), so please let me know if you would like to join in, and if so what time you'd be available to start, assuming we are in the Overton/Kingsclere area.

A few weeks ago I gave a list of the kit you would need, and forgot to mention the head torch, which might be needed either late on Saturday if we're slow, or early on Sunday when starting Ben Nevis. The revised list is therefore:

• walking boots and several pairs of walking socks
• small backpack (camelback packs are great as they make it easier to drink as you are walking along)
• wet weather protection (ideally lightweight top and trousers)
• hat (easiest way to regulate body temperature
• head torch!

Graham