tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89142475034425971362024-03-13T16:55:18.753+00:00Dare to Dream"This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind...let it be something good"Siobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-72718119520339769152014-10-28T23:35:00.004+00:002014-10-28T23:59:38.757+00:00Back on the hill track... finallyYou never really forget or stop wanting your dreams even if you sometimes get side-tracked and your focus changes from time to time. I'm a true believer in never giving up on your dreams, no matter what. Personally, a little side tracking doesn't deter me completely, it can actually make me return even more determined than ever before. Before I could really get myself back in the 'dream chasing' game however, I did have to ask myself 1 important question...<br />
Considering how much I absolutely adore being in the mountains, how did I ever manage to let it become so long since I actually got out there and trekked up one? <br />
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You see, It's all about the climbing really. Be it rock, ice or mountains, I just love the climbing sport. I fell in love with it when I tried it a few short years ago and I've never really loved any sport quite as much. A lot of my dreams are centred around it so I guess it's easy to become distracted from one climbing dream simply by spending a little time focussing on another.<br />
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So there I was, choosing bouldering over winter and with that came the decision to cancel my pre-planned winter holiday and concentrate on bouldering for a time. I had some excellent trips to my beloved Fontainebleau instead. Now however, with the end of the year fast approaching, I feel that it's time to get back to what I love the most... Winter. Winter mountains and winter climbing and just generally being out there in that environment. I am never more happy and more at ease than when I am up high somewhere in the cold and the snow looking out at the most amazing views and just loving every single second. <br />
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The thing that I love the most about it, and perhaps the most addictive part of it for me is that when I am up there, I feel like I am so close to my mum and when the journey is getting a little difficult or I'm getting a little exhausted from all the trudging and cutting steps, I swear I can almost hear her voice again and feel her hand on my shoulder and in those moments, I know that she is there with me every step of the way and I love that feeling. <br />
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With my focus back on winter, I have to get hill fit again. I have to get route endurance for climbing for more than a few moves again. I have now booked myself back onto another winter trip, and planned which routes I'd like to try and get done and I am looking forward to it more than ever having skipped the last one. Now all that's left is to get to work.<br />
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S xxSiobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-10551264614670286572013-02-05T09:12:00.004+00:002013-02-05T09:12:43.065+00:00Day 9: An amazing day out, -26C and the summit of Aiguille du Midi.Well it seems that my regular sleeping pattern is back big time, another short 5 hours or so of sleep before getting up at 7am for breakfast. I'm actually beginning to get used to eating in the morning though, maybe I should try and keep it up since it is the most important meal of the day so I'm regularly told. Breakfast of champions today, cornflakes topped with coco pops and then 3, yes 3 croissants and yet another 3 cups of tea. I'm sure some people won't believe I managed to eat that much at such an early hour.<br />
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Lynette and I decided that as it was her day off and the weather was absolutely perfect, that we would hang out and head up to the top of Aiguille du Midi for some good views, good chat and a way to pass some time. So once we knew the top was open, we hit the street for a 10 minute walk to reach the cable car. It looked like quite a large queue but it moved so fast and before we knew it, we were at the very front of the first car watching as we were wizzed so quickly up to the first station at 2354m. What a difference in the temperature already. After taking in the view and grabbing a few price pictures, we head off to the next cable car that would traverse Les Pelerins glacier before rising up the North Face of the Midi to 3800m. Overall you have an altitude gain of over 2700m in 20 minutes... impressive stuff. <br />
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We then headed off for the summit and upon reaching the 3842m that is the top of the midi, the recorded temperature in the pretty strong 120km/h wind was -26C and in Lynette's words; was a trifle fresh. Within a few seconds of having my gloves off to capture the outstanding views, my fingers were freezing cold and my toes, even in my mountaineering boots with 2 pairs of socks could feel it. My phone camera decided that it was too cold to continue working and I was sure I got a little bit of brain freeze. As you can imagine we didn't stay n the summit for too long before we retreated and headed back down to the museum of elite alpinists. It was certainly nice to get some feeling back in my fingers as I basked in the videos and info of all the amazing feats of mountaineering of the past and present. It's amazing to be surrounded by it all, it really does inspire and motivate me to work hard and push the limits of my dreams. Never giving up is the right mentality. <br />
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What a fantastic day out I had, not just for the summit of the Midi but for the amazing company that is Lynette, she truly is an awesome person and someone that I am so glad I met in such an amazing place. <br />
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For my very last night in Chamonix, I had dinner with the guys again, enjoyed their stories of their day and then randomly bumped into Dave, one of the guys I met in one the ice in Cogne. It really is a small world at times. We all had a drink in the bar and then Simon joined us and after the hotel bar was closed, some of the staff, Dave, Simon and myself all went out into Chamonix Sud to have a drink in a bar called the Jekyll where we drank some beer, played a game that would never be permitted in a central Scotland bar... You hammer a nail into a tree trunk and the loser (the last one to get the nail all the way in) buys the shots. Genius really. I'm so glad I had a week of ice climbing to prepare for this game, my precision was so good that I managed to kick some serious butt... Something to be proud of I reckon. What a great place! Chris, the owner was just brilliant. Good music choices, everyone knows how much that impresses me. So we got our dancing on before finally having to leave 2am. Thank goodness I packed earlier otherwise I'd have to get up super early in the morning.<br />
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I definitely had a wonderful time this whole trip and tonight was just a perfect finish. Good memories and new friends to cherish for a long time. I look forward to the day where we meet again.<br />
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S xx<br />
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Siobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-2285333423970793122013-02-02T09:55:00.001+00:002013-02-04T23:54:28.352+00:00Day 8: Rest day, future planning and meeting new friendsToday is the 1st rest day I've had and you would think I'd be taking advantage of a long lie in bed, lots of sleep and a big hearty breakfast but instead, I had about 5 hours sleep, got up at 7am and ate a bowl of cereal and croissants (my favourite thing in the world) before washing that down with about 4 cups of tea. You would also think that I would be loving being able to not do much and just chill out but those closest to me will know that after about 2 hours (maximum probably) of having nothing to do, I tend to get a little restless and bored. I like the fact that I always want to be doing something active, I don't think it's a bad thing at all.<br />
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The weather here in Chamonix isn't the best today so I won't be doing anything touristy that requires a good view to make good use of it. Instead I decided to spend some time reading and writing and then I began going over some plans for my next adventures. Lots of investigating and pricing of trips, training and equipment. There is so much I want to do and then there is even more that I have to do in order to allow me to fulfil my future dreams. <br />
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It's always a difficult thing to decide what is next on the cards, lots of questions can be asked at this time: What should I do first? What comes next? How do I arrange that? How much will it cost? What training is involved? How much time do I have to dedicate to that? The list of questions is endless really. I don't know how other people go about making sure these questions are answered but for me I usually find it best to write things down and just work through it, kind of like a to do list of questions. But that's just me. So today I took some time to write some stuff down and give me a new list of things to answer.<br />
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After a few hours of sitting around, I had to get out. So I out on my waterproof jacket and off I went to wander in the light snow around Chamonix Centre. Not heading anywhere in particular, I just strolled and looked in some shop windows before I bumped into Ben. We decided to go for a drink to pass some time and I got to enjoy one of my favourite drinks, desperados and watch some rugby in a little pub somewhere off the main beaten track. We had a spot of lunch and then went back to the hotel as Ben had to leave for home, hope all goes safely there. So here I was again back at the hotel, just relaxing with a cuppa watching some rugby before I decided to go get showered and ready for dinner. I arranged to meet up with Simon again for a few drinks after dinner. It's always nice to have an evening plan in a new place. Beats sitting watching YouTube videos alone in the room haha.<br />
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I had dinner with the guys on the weekend ice climbing trip and got to hear some great stories and learn a little more about them all and then met simon and his friend for a drink and had a great night with some new friends.<br />
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Talking about stories,. Dan (on the ice climbing weekend course) in particular has a great story to tell, he is heading to Everest in March this year and plans to out the first red nose on the summit for comic relief. As it's not really my story to tell, it's best that he tells you himself to please go to www.everestmillion.com to check it out. I do wish him all the best of luck with it and I am sure the whole expedition will be a massive success. I look forward to following all the progress online.<br />
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S xx<br />
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Siobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-7761806655031702032013-02-01T14:08:00.001+00:002013-02-04T10:41:34.211+00:00Day 7: The last day on the ice, E Tutto Relativo and the return of
ChamonixHotel La Barme, I really love It here. I think the staff are wonderful and some of the people I've met here have been so nice. I love that about the climbing community, it's full of the best people to surround yourself with. If only I could stay longer but I have to say farewell Today. I wish I had gotten everyone's name and that I could keep in touch with certain individuals. I can only hope that we meet again sometime, sooner rather than later I'm sure we will see each other randomly on the ice. <br />
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An earlier start today for breakfast, thank goodness I had packed my bag last night as I found it difficult to focus on my mere 7.5 hours sleep... What's happening to me? Over breakfast we discussed the days itinerary and decided to get up and out to the route early to avoid being caught in queues when we have a return to Chamonix afterwards. The weather report stated some light snow and colder temperatures so at least our ice wouldn't disintegrate in the warm sunshine today. <br />
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Our route today is the elegantly named E Tutto Relativo. (I just love that name, it rolls off the tongue so beautifully and it's so true) It is going to be a popular route today as a few of the guys in the hotel were on it yesterday and stated that it is in good condition right now (the ice was fat apparently). I looked up some information on the route and was a little nervous about some of the comments about it, especially the 3rd pitch which has scared a few people away in the past. No matter, it's my last day I thought and I'm ready for the challenge, I'll give it my best shot for sure. No point ending the week with a half hearted effort.<br />
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Pitch 1 was quite nicely angled, the axe and feet placements were really good and the whole climb just felt really fluid. As I reached the top of the pitch it started to lightly snow, there goes my straight hair I thought. Not that the helmet didn't ruin that anyway.<br />
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Pitch 2 begins with a snow slope up to a short section of low angled ice into a little corner, another relatively simple climb, good feet and axe placements with a nice warm up to what looked to be the crux of the route...<br />
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Pitch 3, now this was going to be difficult. Standing in my little cave, protected from the snow which was falling heavier now and from seeing the real beast of a climb that was to come, I felt a little nervous about how difficult it looked up close. Andy led the pitch and Ben followed, next it was my turn. I knew from Bens climb that it as going to be a difficult one but I'd give it my best. The beginning of the climb looked difficult as i had to traverse around a bulging bit of ice before even getting to the vertical part, as it turned out this part was really nice and easy. As I removed the 1 ice screw, I eyed up my challenge and bit did it look super steep. I worked my way up as best I could but feeling some pressure from the newly arrived climbers below who, by their shouts of venga, were clearly in a hurry to get out of the heavy snow. About halfway up, struggling with an ice screw, even though I had a solid axe placement, I felt that horrible feeling... with a little girly scream I, off I came and when I finally came to a halt, I was way past where I started on the route. Andy, sensing that I was not loving my big fall, came to the edge to give me some moral support which really really helped me. So, under his instruction, I took advantage of the rest and then I took a deep breath and got back on the route. This time, I felt much more confident and I don't know how, but it felt like a much easier climb. Maybe it was the speed of which I ran up it the 2nd try that made all the difference. When I reached the top, it was heaven and I felt amazing to have completed the route. My last climb was apparently really good too, so a massive thanks to Andy for the moral support, without it I think I could have been beaten by that pitch.<br />
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Abseiling back down was just so much fun after such a hard route and so quick which, in all the heavy snow and with how soaked through we all were, was a blessing. We trudged back down the snow slope and back to Village du Cogne for some lunch and well deserved caffeine before our next part of the adventure... The drive back to Chamonix.<br />
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Cogne, what a place. If you are an ice climber and haven't been there, you have to work it out and get yourself there. What an amazing charming place. Filled with some great people, lots and lots of routes to choose from. I'm already planning to come back, wish it could be tomorrow but I'm patient and determined so I can wait longer... Just about.<br />
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It's good to be back in chamonix though, I do love this place. The hotel la chaumiere is such a lovely place, Nice staff here too. <br />
Andy met with his new ice climbing participants tonight and we all had dinner together. Lovely people, they'll have such a wonderful time. I'm so jealous. I wish I was climbing with them. A week is just not long enough, next year I might just do 2.<br />
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S xx <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsJfeQvllO02yKbfqV6HdN-6rwEYHpxwY9ElD53e-eJstXCaJDv_nBbL27Fupbs9vZAb-vra2YDLikC0d3Xfyo21pSCNAGMnefqChBz7yqPr61sfxPcqUyW9tRWZymtezFF-OLuU5Rvs/s640/blogger-image--943587763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsJfeQvllO02yKbfqV6HdN-6rwEYHpxwY9ElD53e-eJstXCaJDv_nBbL27Fupbs9vZAb-vra2YDLikC0d3Xfyo21pSCNAGMnefqChBz7yqPr61sfxPcqUyW9tRWZymtezFF-OLuU5Rvs/s640/blogger-image--943587763.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioX-HvmUSLTV6doXZHseGxeDdd6GM5YrLDx2_QwzB2VQeoIQPJ6liL0OU5DeCmh6KvX0o9gwpY3bb2zmQ-NJl1Ck7f6L-Yo9cG35xcjST1DR-IxdLSIfEfDLCv_oDAKUIU10LnrL9fiBw/s640/blogger-image-1924700103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioX-HvmUSLTV6doXZHseGxeDdd6GM5YrLDx2_QwzB2VQeoIQPJ6liL0OU5DeCmh6KvX0o9gwpY3bb2zmQ-NJl1Ck7f6L-Yo9cG35xcjST1DR-IxdLSIfEfDLCv_oDAKUIU10LnrL9fiBw/s640/blogger-image-1924700103.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoSI8wCxbik59gn7K6Xh3uF9divgYDZKlEkvng9KBXZyhnbJ3bmVd9dFiSeJiOVEAUzPytnBkns2haVEvF7o87JvXFg0iLQJvPaIwWZve7PMGE2UqHO5pBqpLkhB7FR7d9fjTEy6LT2M/s640/blogger-image-126744161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoSI8wCxbik59gn7K6Xh3uF9divgYDZKlEkvng9KBXZyhnbJ3bmVd9dFiSeJiOVEAUzPytnBkns2haVEvF7o87JvXFg0iLQJvPaIwWZve7PMGE2UqHO5pBqpLkhB7FR7d9fjTEy6LT2M/s640/blogger-image-126744161.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwxxKKzCvllgTqzHdfdUWwnzpMfs7IyWTR0jwe8FeIUfx_oBTjL9y1S1xY_kdGCjhyphenhyphenlZHezgbJwI5eXIu9L-68wIqtxokP_MPv_tonnixXwmjeTsVllkdRRVOFw00GP5jhr1ET56-_Mo/s640/blogger-image--1133329870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwxxKKzCvllgTqzHdfdUWwnzpMfs7IyWTR0jwe8FeIUfx_oBTjL9y1S1xY_kdGCjhyphenhyphenlZHezgbJwI5eXIu9L-68wIqtxokP_MPv_tonnixXwmjeTsVllkdRRVOFw00GP5jhr1ET56-_Mo/s640/blogger-image--1133329870.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJRB6d5slqaAwmU7ptoZeCQSvbvANBRyzowTkbWs4ZcbU3T9D-uG_58KI3RayNBnGmoDkLA1GsU97Juxi8Cmp-xdJufPxr04NVQzFCh5YrEcRBSYI27R9CrCcsrMETCzDe3OT0KUwQk0/s640/blogger-image-2071607917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJRB6d5slqaAwmU7ptoZeCQSvbvANBRyzowTkbWs4ZcbU3T9D-uG_58KI3RayNBnGmoDkLA1GsU97Juxi8Cmp-xdJufPxr04NVQzFCh5YrEcRBSYI27R9CrCcsrMETCzDe3OT0KUwQk0/s640/blogger-image-2071607917.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGE6Vfaf5s4j2c-IX16QCb394pVp5undEG4m1xJMWx1dRaejswat6fUQk8x6k83SHj-AWKL7TTDsC7Kcnvexvt4OwLgLtABYrVzAeHQdOY6PcmlSCTQW05dE8f5dyB-TDBF9t9SDJdj_s/s640/blogger-image--189165870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGE6Vfaf5s4j2c-IX16QCb394pVp5undEG4m1xJMWx1dRaejswat6fUQk8x6k83SHj-AWKL7TTDsC7Kcnvexvt4OwLgLtABYrVzAeHQdOY6PcmlSCTQW05dE8f5dyB-TDBF9t9SDJdj_s/s640/blogger-image--189165870.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzpOGVky1ff-f31_P4k5ZENNIy9niRo1Sl0WtluXJ0nM9wFjyVQ8nQyyzShXHI82VVFZpEDnybAQl5aaNgjwWsysWWkz4g5miJuiJTF1LJZS0cEsIVNZiC4FJR_57ctPgDdx-PiMeNC4/s640/blogger-image-1048934478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzpOGVky1ff-f31_P4k5ZENNIy9niRo1Sl0WtluXJ0nM9wFjyVQ8nQyyzShXHI82VVFZpEDnybAQl5aaNgjwWsysWWkz4g5miJuiJTF1LJZS0cEsIVNZiC4FJR_57ctPgDdx-PiMeNC4/s640/blogger-image-1048934478.jpg" /></a></div>Siobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-79331871041633830002013-01-31T16:14:00.001+00:002013-02-01T23:21:56.396+00:00Day 6: The big thaw, Cascate di Lillaz, conquering fears and Village du
CogneAnother 8 hours sleep last night, I could get used to this. I'm starting to enjoy the extra sleep that I normally live without. Too bad I'll never manage to keep it up when I get home. I arrive at breakfast this morning to find out there has been a bit of a thaw during the night and it's set to be sunny and a lot warmer today which means any route that gets direct sunlight is going to deteriorate pretty quickly. So we decide to head back to Cascate di Lillaz again where we started on Monday as it has quick access from the road but that we would do the top 3 pitches first before the sun comes out before doing the bottom pitches if we have time.<br />
<br />
So we head out to the route and walk up to our 1st pitch which was a relatively low angled climb of about 50m in length but to start we had to walk over a frozen pool, not my idea of fun that's for sure especially when you can hear all the water rushing underneath your feet. The climb itself was so nice and I found it quite easy. Definitely a nice warm up pitch.<br />
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Our 2nd pitch was slightly more of a challenge for me as we had a pool of water on our left at the start of the route. 1: I am not a fan of pools of water, be they small or large, icy or warm and 2: I certainly do not want to fall off an ice route and be plunged into one so this pitch was more about conquering fears for me. The route itself, once I got focused, was lovely. Not steep and not boring, just right and of a good length too at almost 50m again. <br />
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The 3rd of our pitches was a little more steep to begin with but just for a short section so just when you started to get the hang of it, it was almost over. A nice challenge and a great way to warm back up after standing in the cold, windy shade at the top of the 2nd pitch. After the initial steep section, you go over onto what could almost be a slab for a few steps. I love that part because you get some excellent rest for your arms and your legs before continuing to the top of the route which had some snow, some thin ice and some mixed climbing again before topping out into the sunshine... What a beautiful finish.<br />
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After a little lunch we head back down to the bottom of Cascate di Lillaz and Andy sets up a top rope for us to have a wee play on some more ice before the sun hits the bottom and it starts to melt. We each do a pretty strenuous route up the middle of the ice before the sun comes out. We then decided to head into the Village du Cogne for some coffee and a spot of lunch. We totally deserve it this week, we've worked hard.<br />
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The village is such a lovely, quaint little place. Very quiet, you could almost be forgiven for thinking it has been abandoned. I guess their season is in the summer when the apartments will mostly be occupied. It's a shame it doesn't get more traffic in winter because what a beautiful place it is. However, on the other side of that, it's probably best because then the ice routes aren't stacked with hundreds of people. It's a dilemma really.<br />
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After lunch, we head back to the hotel. We have a little more time to spare today so I decided to pack my bag, shower and then go chill in the bar where I treated myself to another cup of the worlds best hot chocolate. It's so good. It's like a melted chocolate bar in a cup with cream on top. I love it. I was then treated to some free champagne curtesy of some French people who had just arrived that afternoon. Quite sweet really and it was just lovely to relax with a few people. After yet another massive dinner which is impossible for me to finish, I stayed in the bar for a while and talked to a few people then eventually gave up and went to bed. Tiredness is just so dominant these days.<br />
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S xx<br />
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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjJQjiUJFfNFFKhA9DMLwdch-LoP3Bsa66ZlFVu-Eh12kUwTX5G6IpgT8HpKjefvxcqM5Cxywc3C8Z-1dTJU-6RteRp1j8LPinxzVsAyZ4BiolXBWU-x_QDxRRor61stI9-X-5hahaVU/s640/blogger-image--617742124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjJQjiUJFfNFFKhA9DMLwdch-LoP3Bsa66ZlFVu-Eh12kUwTX5G6IpgT8HpKjefvxcqM5Cxywc3C8Z-1dTJU-6RteRp1j8LPinxzVsAyZ4BiolXBWU-x_QDxRRor61stI9-X-5hahaVU/s640/blogger-image--617742124.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHc1Er7oRhgW7EX8uMMsVwiqBrM9zDyxY6QVazbnO5OuUcR9XadxH4qpoq9XvoyTY7ho_xQe2PF4-DstzDBK-ERd0fOw73uPNdiDqKuvavyby60jaove6sNTG8ydz6TRtYoBqPxAfonoI/s640/blogger-image--885471859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHc1Er7oRhgW7EX8uMMsVwiqBrM9zDyxY6QVazbnO5OuUcR9XadxH4qpoq9XvoyTY7ho_xQe2PF4-DstzDBK-ERd0fOw73uPNdiDqKuvavyby60jaove6sNTG8ydz6TRtYoBqPxAfonoI/s640/blogger-image--885471859.jpg" /></a></div>Siobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-22437768203972169092013-01-30T16:19:00.001+00:002013-01-31T19:40:39.842+00:00Day 5: Lillaz Gulley, feeling old and the best hot chocolate in the
worldWoke up today after another mega 8 hours sleep feeling stiff and sore; especially my back; and a little groggy. I'm not sure 8 hours sleep is a good thing for me, especially when I'm so used to living on 4, maybe I have to get used to it so more early nights perhaps? I can hear a few people laughing as they read that. I met Ben and Andy for breakfast and we decided that today we would head to Andy's favourite, typically Scottish, route; Lillaz gully; for a mega 5 pitch route with an uphill snowy slope to start and a downhill walk off the top. No problem I thought.<br />
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We got to the car park and upon seeing the walk in I thought holy crap, that's going to be tougher than I thought but I was sure that it would be fine once I got started. So we got our heavy packs on and got going. By the time we got to the steep part, my back was actually beginning to feel okay, thank goodness because what came next would have killed it otherwise. We got about a quarter of the way up the slope and then had to stop and get our crampons on as it was a little slippy. We then slogged our way up the rest of the way to the bottom of the 1st pitch. What a tough start and that's before we even got on the ice.<br />
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Pitch 1 was a perfect way to start, a short pitch on a relatively low angle with some mixed climbing at the top. Fairly simple and really fun. Then top out to another slog uphill on another snowy slope. <br />
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Pitch 2 was a little more challenging but by then I was starting to feel like I had my ice legs back. I decided to use this pitch as some technique practise. By the end of the pitch, I felt like my footwork was improving as I had to kick a lot less to feel secure... Trust those feet I always say in rock climbing, now it was my turn to do exactly that. Another snowy slope to finish, quite easy to get through those parts though, nothing too technical in that.<br />
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Pitch 3 was about getting the axe placement precision that I wanted, less swinging, more confidence in the pretty sharp tools I held in my hands. By halfway through this pitch, I was feeling confident and like I was beginning to master some of the technique I'd be practising until a really high foot move had me catch my crampons in my trousers... Grrrr. Still, I managed the pitch clean again and the trousers will repair easily I'm sure. At least it wasn't my calf muscle I pierced.<br />
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Pitch 4 was a slightly more tricky number, more mixed climbing and more snowy slopes to finish... It's becoming a regular feature now. Just as well the adrenaline is keeping me going really. Lots of hooking my axes behind rocks and bridging my feet on the rock. Crampons on rock do make a funny noise, nothing pleasant in that scratchy sound. It's more like a fearful sound especially trying to get out of a typical Siobhann wide bridge position, if it was rock climbing I'd had broken a few of my knee rules on this pitch. A very pleasant pitch but I do think its the most scared I've been on ice yet. I'm sure forgetting to unclip and then having to down climb, hang off a really high axe placement with a totally pumped arm whilst I fight with an Ice screw didn't help. I managed to get it all sorted just in time to get a rest on my other arm which saved me from burning out and falling. I've not fallen yet and that's the way I want to keep it... Onsight all the way, even through yet another snowy slope finish up to the last pitch of the day.<br />
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The last pitch was definitely difficult. The weeks adventures still fresh on our muscles, tiredness was beginning to kick in and there was so much more mixed climbing to be done this pitch. I'm sure gracefulness went right out the window during my climb but I made it with a giant smile on my face to the difficult part, I had to rock climb with crampons on and gloves that gave me no advantage, Still it was amazing. I then got some good tree hooking action on with my axes... What a great buzz that was. I made it to the top alive.<br />
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Last thing to do was to get off the mountain. So we made our way down, steady pace at first, on a high from our achievement and then when the steps got really high and the days climbing took its toll, the pace slowed. The calves, the thighs and the back began to hurt and every step started to become a chore. Thankfully, we made it to the bottom without incident and then we had a lovely flat walk to the van. Never a more pleasant feeling than that.<br />
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Off to the hotel we went and after a very hot shower, a massive dinner and a few cups of tea, I felt alive and ready to tackle another day... After some of the best hot chocolate in the world, sleep and tiger balm of course.<br />
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S xx <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFoq-3wBLfiaGYbw1TcZpi4CXfOZzx9LuTQRVdQ9VvPbbLpY_c5PUDuHFmZ1wgDPEJsxBnYicaVcvB2RLRZWU62rhFz8c2aPeviUxgmH6kkxUyHf1kaVo5guPWTahWin_PfdomBFX3-E/s640/blogger-image--1975565980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFoq-3wBLfiaGYbw1TcZpi4CXfOZzx9LuTQRVdQ9VvPbbLpY_c5PUDuHFmZ1wgDPEJsxBnYicaVcvB2RLRZWU62rhFz8c2aPeviUxgmH6kkxUyHf1kaVo5guPWTahWin_PfdomBFX3-E/s640/blogger-image--1975565980.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizm37g7QZzwqXDkHdhnXIBkhH-7LvKET2iMmPv-ttbL4MY8uzZP-6nO72jCgt5Z5HIhzwbd0d7N7UDQQ4QsyJIwPU2nh4fRPTMK_zjIMSUxs81TUeGrGC3otRwdhpPjrJgg8RK2xXQiL4/s640/blogger-image--776171102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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ice bruising.Got up this morning feeling a little stiff but nothing a stretch and a walk to some ice won't cure. Met everyone at breakfast and we decided that we would go climb a 5 pitch route called Patri which would also involve a little abseiling from the top. No problem I thought, that sounds like a brilliant way to end the day.<br />
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Off we set, Ben and I with our 20 tonne backpacks and Andy looking as chilled as always, on our 1 hour "gentle wander" to the bottom of the 1st pitch along the pista per pedoni e cascatisti. We eventually get to the start of the route and we see for ourselves the magnificence of Patri. It looked amazing. So out of the backpack comes all of the kit and that makes the world of difference to the weight which is basically good because for the 1st 3 pitches we have to carry the packs up with us... Damn is my thought.<br />
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The 1st pitch is long, pleasant but tricky until the last couple placements when everything is a bit wet. I get totally soaked but somehow I don't mind. Maybe it's because I'm used to it with the typical Scottish climate. Near the end of the pitch, an Italian gentleman appears so quickly behind me but instead of feeling pressure from him, he totally puts me at ease, makes me smile and helps me get through the crux move at the top. What a lovely guy.<br />
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2nd pitch introduces me to the art of ice avoidance, massive pieces come flying at me from above, I get hit on the shins twice and the helmet takes another 2 hits. That's going to hurt in the morning I think.<br />
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3rd pitch is a nice short one, very pleasant and with a nice snowy slope to finish. The joyous thing about that is that from now we get to leave our packs at the bottom for the next two pitches as we will abseil from the top. Easy peasy I thought. So we have a bit of lunch, a drink of whatever our flask filler of choice is. It will be no surprise to those who know me that it was Hot blackcurrant for me as always. <br />
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Pitch 4 feels so much quicker due to the weight difference when not carrying a pack. It's also a lot easier to look around you and see footholds without being hit on the back of the head with your pack. With some slushy ice and some lovely solid axe placements, this pitch was my favourite of the day. A nice finish on a little ledge kept me safe until I can start the final section.<br />
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The final pitch, a very pleasant climb around an ice corner and then up to a thin section of ice through a narrow gully with a little bit of mixed climbing. A very nice climb with a lot of new technique thrown in. Once at the top, the next thing was to get back down, a little short (approx 50m) abseil. Coming down at the start was good until I emerged from the enclosed rock and saw the whole world open up below me. I felt more than a little exposed at that moment but as it was the only way down, there really was not much choice. So I slowly made my way down to the bottom and once on solid ground again, I felt safe. What a fantastic feeling.<br />
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All that was left was the long walk back to our accommodation. I won't lie and say that it was as easy as the walk in, it wasn't. Even though it was the same route, it felt twice as long and twice as hard. I can see why people get injured on the descent from big mountain days, the concentration is gone, the footwork is always a little more wobbly but finally, it comes to an end and I'm back in the bar with a cup of tea... Time to celebrate the day and prepare to do it all again tomorrow.<br />
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S xx<br />
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A not to early start today, breakfast at 7.30 and meeting in the lounge for the day ahead at 8.30am. We drove into Chamonix centre to pick up a few things first, climbing boots and other necessities like snacks and stuff. Brioche for me... Yum yum. Then off we went in the van, heading for the Mont Blanc tunnel, again another thing I was really excited about getting to do. that's the thing with tunnels though, even ones as awesome as this one, after 5 minutes, it gets a bit boring and you just want to see the other side. Eventually we emerge from the tunnel and were greeted by such an awesome view of the gnarley face of Mont Blanc. It looks as impressive as I imagined it would. <br />
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After about 90 minutes driving we arrive in Cogne, kit up and walk on up to Cascate Di Lillaz where we 3, Andy, Ben and I become Cascatisti (ice climbers). We arrive at the base of the climbs and Andy takes up through all the stuff we need to know and gives us some time to practise with one of my favourite tasks in climbing... Traversing. Then we move off to the real climbs and Andy dos the honours by leading the route and setting up a top rope for Ben and I to have a practise on. The 1st climb was a little tricky and a bit scary at parts but its good to get that adrenaline going and before I knew it, I was on the route for a 2nd time, feeling more confident and sure of my placements.<br />
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Then we moved on to something a tad more exciting and a lot longer, eventually climbing into the sunshine. At first it was a little tricky with lots of high axe placements but then it became a joy to just be swinging and kicking and hearing the best noise as the axe makes a solid placement 1st time... Thunk.<br />
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The last route of the day was a grade 3 with a walk off the top to finish. I'm last up the route, feeling totally alone and a little unsure, I take my time and work out the most efficient way I can to get around the hard bits, removing the screws as I go and making sure I take advantage of any good rests I can find. Finally I arrive at the top with a giant smile... I survived my first day. love it!!!<br />
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A short drive takes up to Valnontey where our accommodation is, hotel la Barme. A charming little place, in a valley about 1700m above sea level. We get our rooms sorted, have a drive in the bar before filling our bellies with a monster dinner which I found impossible to finish. We then decided to have a wee chit chat and relax in the bar but everyone was starting to get really tired. So completely out if character for me, I headed to bed early. Packed my bag for the morning and curled up in my bed. Most people won't believe me when I say this but The last time I saw before I passed out was 10.50pm. I think I passed out shortly after. Probably the earliest I have fell asleep for years without being ill... The sign of a good day and taking in the rest for another one tomorrow. Indeed!<br />
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S xx <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7Ib-b3Q12BpQHetrma7Uj6_MEqSeYKXPH01-Ngk3faukdXQAnpehsRpMMbHlXX-S1nKkYGrVT14D3LKqeiWrsQE5BnFayY345E8Rrv1arP2Opre2BM29KytwTmjzwM0Vy3aYCU0sVc4/s640/blogger-image-1144914585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7Ib-b3Q12BpQHetrma7Uj6_MEqSeYKXPH01-Ngk3faukdXQAnpehsRpMMbHlXX-S1nKkYGrVT14D3LKqeiWrsQE5BnFayY345E8Rrv1arP2Opre2BM29KytwTmjzwM0Vy3aYCU0sVc4/s640/blogger-image-1144914585.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bZ-UkPHXoU2ELRlI7p6Gqu8xUIWu6LO4069CIBIusloYs7WgqHs08VpHuA5Vj1p84fbN5R6ugDkOiXJ_6Uxt4F0oO2dAiCF1wWJBfJGmO9NLoYT8E3ccpEoDMX33mwS3S0D5JuYQ7x4/s640/blogger-image--841103037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFuCEjxVd8nXWIPpsukNKpDxdcqOVf9-KmiuKiq4evqCG-77GuC99QTZJvwf-uHt09c3QQ4xCfbInWlz6i5OvIWH-CfAu0R6XKQLCUeAyf7Gfs8hrErPFRDX3LPCkG3srlQeKzQWFYvw/s640/blogger-image-1663327410.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVI26Lb4RsKZKA0sci8yeTzmB5cNxvyvCwJZyELSQXBL97Jq58zQTT5-8Tmf-PR0St7zmbbjFnXq4CVlOPYEd_99caRzfRpaJoKi1xzbm2YHqBs-J9cVNWMumN5ngSsXGmwyQCVSKJYxM/s640/blogger-image--878186665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVI26Lb4RsKZKA0sci8yeTzmB5cNxvyvCwJZyELSQXBL97Jq58zQTT5-8Tmf-PR0St7zmbbjFnXq4CVlOPYEd_99caRzfRpaJoKi1xzbm2YHqBs-J9cVNWMumN5ngSsXGmwyQCVSKJYxM/s640/blogger-image--878186665.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FpdUtGV6Ie3DNLYo6n-lQm8jNbtQI1ThyW4bzSmg8WeG5qYt9p0iEAChx9-JbvclzwqvEuGVb-p1ICGoYg4JLMxIwC0UEUM7-K1ovVgIp25Jdu-sdwS8lH8q1O5Cy8phDqmlMLaR2nI/s640/blogger-image-714609689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTGWj86-iaFkbJVOq5fflKtwnO9TUBbx5tN7disCf-Y3rlhQk0PU88NOVefoTQevHxPYTYXEnt8TPWxsJ1Hok1jxXKWEEAzvwcAepjjiLW7bPjmBgAw0r5MOLjNqMh4dJleH8enG1-O8/s640/blogger-image-1108487457.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYkLeb4t7_asRuuZLW_5ffqjuXSoSrpPTBXfUxbminVn_DCLzQkhFj7YOCdx0CVI8oB0xhC4UHCzBIsCkqh6zaQt_uf289YHnOcWDyjZ6myQVwozkxG059HwY28k5pVXRwQbm0jGfeSw/s640/blogger-image-2113155375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYkLeb4t7_asRuuZLW_5ffqjuXSoSrpPTBXfUxbminVn_DCLzQkhFj7YOCdx0CVI8oB0xhC4UHCzBIsCkqh6zaQt_uf289YHnOcWDyjZ6myQVwozkxG059HwY28k5pVXRwQbm0jGfeSw/s640/blogger-image-2113155375.jpg" /></a></div>Siobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com0Gran Paradiso National Park (null)45.587194 7.34161tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-83554398241173008522013-01-27T17:12:00.001+00:002013-01-29T18:20:08.772+00:00Day 2: Chamonix centre, Chamonix Sud, hot chocolate and a change of
plansExploring solo day for me today. Went to breakfast and got speaking to one of the members of staff, Lynette. She gave me some mountain information and some hints and tips for the area. Lovely girl who made me feel really at home.<br />
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I decided to go for a wander around Chamonix Sud to check out the cable cars and costs of ascending Aiguille Du Midi which is directly across from the lodge and to check out whether or not I would have time today to make my journey to the top. I was informed to allow at least 3.30 - 4hours so I decided I would do that on my 1st rest day after my weeks ice adventures. After making my final decision, I walked into Chamonix centre to see some shops and sights and find my way around. After a few hours wandering around, I decided to head back to the lodge to get a bit of rest before meeting the people from the course. About 10 minutes after I returned to the lodge, I bumped into Simon who asked me if I wanted to go for a coffee so of course I had to say yes. We walked back into the centre and went to a place called elevation which is quite popular with skiers and snowboarders coming off the hill and by the taste of the hot chocolate, I could tell why it was liked so much.<br />
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Back at the lodge, I met up with Andy, our guide and Ben the only other person on the course for a drink and a chat in the bar before dinner. We got our gear for the week sorted and talked through our plan for the week. The original plan was a few days climbing in Chamonix and a few days in cogne however, the conditions in the French alps this week are not that great and some of the routes are at risk if avalanche so Andy decided that we would just go to cogne and climb there for the entire week. Not a problem for me, I'm happy anywhere.<br />
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After dinner we arranged to meet in the morning and we all headed off to pack and get some rest for the day ahead. Tomorrow we head though the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy and then on to Cogne... How exciting... Bring it on I say.<br />
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S xx <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzHkr7MtaNXs7m4Rtz4-IU2eT514AOofxXl08ImopWCn_rpYXQ3leNS2vowDlhBdQSf_rVidwkpbxjwcAEus44w3OEqMkDp6_Br7vjemMXBgKZ0Pl8m9AE_XjYwrznaqxduHpNp-qkRE/s640/blogger-image--52604895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzHkr7MtaNXs7m4Rtz4-IU2eT514AOofxXl08ImopWCn_rpYXQ3leNS2vowDlhBdQSf_rVidwkpbxjwcAEus44w3OEqMkDp6_Br7vjemMXBgKZ0Pl8m9AE_XjYwrznaqxduHpNp-qkRE/s640/blogger-image--52604895.jpg" /></a></div>Siobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-15452586262680456072013-01-27T10:25:00.001+00:002013-01-27T10:40:52.656+00:00It's that time againYesterday I began another fantastic and long awaited adventure. I left edinburgh slightly calmer than I expected and flew to Geneva on what was probably my favourite flight ever so far. Everything was just so relaxing, no stress, nothing but me, my music, my book and some Zzzzz's... Loved it. I met the driver Simon at the airport and instantly we just started chatting about climbing, skiing, mountaineering, canyoning... Everything really and before I knew it, I had arrived at my mountain lodge. What a fantastic journey so far. Simon offered me the chance of some more climbing once my Jagged Globe adventure comes to an end and before I have to return home. I might just take him up on that but that's a story for a future date lol<br />
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So anyway, I was given my room key, wifi and door code and shown the way to my room and told to enjoy my view. So the first thing I did when I got to my room was look out my window and wow was it is a view or what. I have the room facing Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc and even though it was dark, it was a spectacular sight. Most people who know me will know that what I had to do next was open the window and just breathe in the air... A tad cold but that doesn't matter when it is this good. I settled in as best I could, unpacked and arranged some stuff for the morning, closed the curtains and went to bed<br />
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I woke up this morning, after a great nights sleep and jumped out of bed, threw open the curtains and was blinded for a second before seeing the best view I've seen in a long time. I cannot imagine a better way to wake up than to be faced with some beautiful snowy mountains.<br />
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So now, I am off to explore a little before heading back to meet everyone from the course at 6pm. You never know, I might just find something very special indeed<br />
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Bye for now<br />
S xx<br />
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<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJc-zEGzA2mpP-tQ20liHT43clRp74LxuV_eKU-45yIAjnnn-q1G0d-IJYEL0t1WWcU4ByGG29GuJ99mGgAe5kI-HkbbsVfgPiuYNUsIijKrzNuxzZU-r8AAzJS9ErRI1nCJvuGQhM3V8/s640/blogger-image-1482162268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJc-zEGzA2mpP-tQ20liHT43clRp74LxuV_eKU-45yIAjnnn-q1G0d-IJYEL0t1WWcU4ByGG29GuJ99mGgAe5kI-HkbbsVfgPiuYNUsIijKrzNuxzZU-r8AAzJS9ErRI1nCJvuGQhM3V8/s640/blogger-image-1482162268.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFiw_HmzEkfXDZ5WfBMrdKBbqkRZg02MGTtH4_ciUGrKEr_aHkFy7cNjU03qm78tvq7wWIpMD9i9pYOM2aZjjfK6_OCjRFDoU9iqqZsSZCCs3u-9_12FsidnwZMXtyOveTmO-IiwU9Zs/s640/blogger-image-156566556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFiw_HmzEkfXDZ5WfBMrdKBbqkRZg02MGTtH4_ciUGrKEr_aHkFy7cNjU03qm78tvq7wWIpMD9i9pYOM2aZjjfK6_OCjRFDoU9iqqZsSZCCs3u-9_12FsidnwZMXtyOveTmO-IiwU9Zs/s640/blogger-image-156566556.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDPnGAUEru7RKK7U_YKuv8Fc74jRWokV2VMvuCtufFKvD21HHvZh9erD05sx8LiZrqPZwOlm6YIPwv1cxBYcwIIgJjJrDfpDIIYSJ_qDOX0jy6S2vQ9OwUloi-Q4UehyphenhyphenWJT25S10PFQA/s640/blogger-image-1396014226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDPnGAUEru7RKK7U_YKuv8Fc74jRWokV2VMvuCtufFKvD21HHvZh9erD05sx8LiZrqPZwOlm6YIPwv1cxBYcwIIgJjJrDfpDIIYSJ_qDOX0jy6S2vQ9OwUloi-Q4UehyphenhyphenWJT25S10PFQA/s640/blogger-image-1396014226.jpg" /></a></div>Siobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com0Chamonix Chamonix45.916453 6.857577tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-3376953042087135982012-06-25T20:18:00.001+01:002012-06-26T00:47:48.677+01:00Sometimes it's good to step back and rejuvenate your plansIt's been such a long time since my last update and you may think that I have forgotten or abandoned this place but it's actually been all go here. I've spent a lot of time calculating and saving and doing meticulous research for my future dreams and lots and lots of training to get myself in the right mindset to tackle the project without distractions. That was more difficult than I anticipated really.<br />
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The first thing I had to do was determine what; after the mountaineering course; came next in the plan. When looking back at my old plans, they were just a rough sketch and were not as realistic and as indepth as I needed them to be. Now if I have learned anything from my time studying various courses, both at work and university, it is that you have to set yourself SMART objectives. (i.e Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) to give yourself the biggest chance of success.. So I had to go back to the start and re-plan. That meant scrapping my rough plan and sitting down to write a whole new one. <br />
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As the long term dream is such a massive one, it had to be broken down into 2 year increments so that I could focus on taking steps rather than huge leaps which would inevitably be detrimental in the long run. <br />
So for the next step in the plan I broke it down to 2 choices, an advanced mountaineering course at altitude or ice climbing. Both are beneficial as the altitude exposure and Ice climbing skills are a major part of the long term goal. In the end, it came down to what skills would take longer to perfect and after some research and finding a suitable course, I decided to go on an <a href="http://www.jagged-globe.co.uk/course/itinerary/alps+ice_chamonix.html" target="_blank">Ice Climbing</a> course in Chamonix and Cogne in January with Jagged globe. That way I have exposure to altitude and am getting more ice climbing experience. 2 birds: 1 stone. Especially if I manage to squeeze in a few extra days around it but that's another story.<br />
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Over the past few months I have been doing so much climbing as part of my training programme to get myself strong and fit for the challenges ahead. Most of my training takes place at the <a href="http://www.eica-ratho.com/" target="_blank">Edinburgh International Climbing Arena</a> where I go climbing for around 6 hours a day, 3 times a week. On top of that, once a month, I practise my ice climbing at the <a href="http://www.ice-factor.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ice Factor</a> in Kinlochleven for 2-4 hours. I have also added in gym sessions a 3 times a week in order to help build core and back strength. I am still nowhere near ready but I am definitely a lot closer than I was at the start of the year. Now, with more appropriate SMART objectives, I am in the right frame of mind for it and after another 7 months of hard work and training, I'll be ready. <br />
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It's definitely a great feeling to have a plan in place towards your dreams and now with my next adventure just around the corner, Fun is definitely in my immediate future. <br />
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The words of wisdom today are:<br />
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<em><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use </span></em>~ Earl Nightingale</blockquote>
S xx <br />Siobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-6485988425831635452012-02-14T13:16:00.001+00:002012-02-14T13:16:22.237+00:00Day 5: Stob Ban, Mullach nan Coirean & the bushwhacker trialsSore back arrived quickly after I got out of bed so two painkillers, a few stretches and some tiger balm was this mornings routine before breakfast. I definitely feel like I have aged a few years since the start of this week began.<br> <br>Today's weather and avalanche forecast report revealed that there was to be nothing major enough to keep us from venturing out into the great outdoors. Just cloud, mist and patchy rain on the horizon. Wouldn't be Scotland without that report really. <p>We were told that we would be heading to Stob Ban today and since we would be starting at near sea level, we would be ascending almost the full 999m with a lovely rocky start and most likely no views from the summit. No problem, bring it on I thought.<p>About 40mins into the walk in and my back was seriously protesting with each step. So much so that I had the feeling that I would have to give up and go back. Alex (one of our guides) offered to distribute some of the weight from my backpack around the team to see if that would help me out. For about 30 minutes it definitely did help but a sore back is tricky thing. <p>After another hour as we began to climb steeper, my back was beginning to protest again but determination would not allow me to give up especially since some of the others were going to all the effort to carry some of my things. I refused to be the girl who gave up. So I just tried to keep my spirits up and keep focused on the light at the end of the tunnel.<p>Stob Ban summit came soon after and all of us (Peter, Graham, Kevin, Lukas) rejoiced to reach the top and not only that, but to also have been given such unexpected gorgeous weather and stunning panoramic views. Whilst the rest of us were munching on various items from our lunch pack, Alex and Sandy decided to come up with a new plan. Instead of heading straight back down from the summit, since it was such a lovely day, we would just traverse down to the col at 817m and then across the ridge and then back up to the summit of Mullach nan Coirean which stands at 939m to claim our 2nd Munro of the day and then head on down from that summit having then completed a circular walk instead. I'm sure this seemed like a good idea at the time when we were all on a high but halfway there, a little bout of tiredness kicked in and I began to find some of the guys gigantic footsteps difficult to follow and then cutting my own steps became a chore that resulted in the odd stumble and sidestep but after approximately 45minutes of trudging, we finally stopped at the summit of Mullach Nan Coirean for our much needed staple diet of juice, jelly babies, chocolate and energy gels. (Which are the most disgusting things ever. I imagine it's kind of like eating hand gel... Yuck!)<p>Once we had topped up the necessary sugars we headed off the summit and back down towards the van. Everything seemed to be going well with the descent and just when we thought we were home free, we hit a forest and darkness closed in. We then became the jagged globe bushwhackers. After 30-40 minutes fighting our way downhill through trees by head torch light we finally emerged victorious with the odd branch peeking out of our backpacks. <p>We eventually made it back to the hotel just minutes before dinner, dehydrated and a little delirious. Wind down time in the bar became necessary. Good company, good chat and a top up of water and sugars and the night ends well. <p>A massive thanks to all those who made the whole day a happy memory even after all the aches and pains. <p>Sxx
<br>------------------Siobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-43722626419236482992012-02-13T00:37:00.000+00:002012-02-13T00:37:46.637+00:00Day 4: Meall a' BhuiridhMidweek tiredness has arrived this morning but up and at it again no matter what is my motto today. <br />
The daily weather and avalanche check revealed some interesting things on the immediate horizon. For the past 2 days, the weather has been glorious but today was to be a different kettle of fish. The warnings for the mountains were clear: High winds from midday and a high avalanche risk in Glencoe and Lochaber. With all of that in mind, we had 2 options; Ice factor or <span class="st">Meall a' Bhuiridh but getting the chair lift up to 600m to get a head start of the weather and hopefully get as much as possible done before having to turn back. So we chose to get out and onto the mountain and off we set.</span><br />
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<span class="st">The chair lift was definitely interesting. I somehow imagined that it would stop for you to get on and off but no, it just keeps on going. First challenge of the day, complete. The rest of t</span><span class="st">oday was going to be a low impact day on the mountain which I was a little thankful for because it meant having more technical stuff thrown at us and learning some stuff that would assist us in an emergency on a mountain journey.</span><br />
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<span class="st">Some walking and trudging uphill was followed by a hasty pit production line where we all checked the snow layers to see what we could find. We then walked a little more before having a more indepth look at navigation. I actually began to feel like I was getting it but not sure how long that will last without daily practise. We then did some more uphill walking before stopping again to get our harnesses on and get some rope work done. </span><br />
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<span class="st">Firstly we began by creating our very own bucket seat, no easy feat really but all the digging certainly keeps you warm and if it's done right, it's relatively comfortable, well as comfortable as a hole in the snow can be. Then we got taught how to do different knots and techniques and learned other things such as a buried axe belay. Overall a brilliant, fun, yet informative time in the snow. By the time we had finished the wind was beginning to pick up and our bucket seats were filling with snow so we decided to pack up and head off to a different part of the mountain where we dug ourselves another hasty pit to check the snow layers on a different part of the mountain to check if they were consistent with the first. We also got to do some light abseilling down a gentle angled slope before making our way back down the mountain without the aid of the chair lift this time, trying to avoid slipping on the ice as much as possible.</span><br />
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<span class="st">Overall today was a fun packed and information filled day which ended with dinner, a few glasses of wine and a game or two of bamboozle in the bar. Not a bad way to spend the day/night at all in my opinion</span><br />
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<span class="st">S xx</span>Siobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-2188880675443336732012-02-08T18:50:00.000+00:002012-02-08T18:50:00.830+00:00Day 3: Buachille Etive Beag & Stob DubhTuesday arrives and I must admit it was a little more difficult to get out of bed this morning. I definitely feel a little stiffer and less agile. Not to panic though as breakfast is a hearty one of fresh orange juice, porridge oats (kinda), sugary tea and then a little bit of eggs and bacon. Now, that's what I am talking about. Raring to go...<br />
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So today is another gorgeous winters days. Chilly but nothing major and some nice gentle sunshine to add a little rosy flavour to the cheeks. Heading off to Buachille Etive Beag, for a walk along the ridge and then on to the summit of Stob Dubh today. I can already feel the weight of my legs on the first few hundred metres then add to that the weight of crampons and you will understand why I needed a strawberry and cranberry (yummy btw) powerbar to get me going again after lunch.<br />
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A few meters after the col, we got taught how to look for and understand avalanches and by digging a hasty pit to check for unstable layers, we discovered there actually was a pretty unstable layer underneath a well bonded top layer thankfully which was supporting our weight. Needless to say, we did not continue on that path. We then headed on to the ridge line and followed it climbing up on to the summit of Stob Dubh and what a sight we were rewarded with. Absolutely gorgeous and the best possible advert you will ever see for Visit Scotland<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiets7dWYWoKlw5Ps8qgCBjpu6F8FmwNKLPn9jAP9BBGO3xBCIdhnfrTGjGB2ldjXla3xS1Vn_I7aYUTlHr-WSv6yCbtevc7H4zIYOHHRj3Q2dnVveao_7eLaHds7dXE8PUyjQMr28f34o/s1600/From+the+summit+of+stob+dubh+-+070212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiets7dWYWoKlw5Ps8qgCBjpu6F8FmwNKLPn9jAP9BBGO3xBCIdhnfrTGjGB2ldjXla3xS1Vn_I7aYUTlHr-WSv6yCbtevc7H4zIYOHHRj3Q2dnVveao_7eLaHds7dXE8PUyjQMr28f34o/s640/From+the+summit+of+stob+dubh+-+070212.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
With views like that, it doesnt matter how long or hard it was to get there. It all melts away when you see that.<br />
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Scotland: Oh how I love you sometimes<br />
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SxxSiobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-76010485566968894112012-02-07T18:48:00.000+00:002012-02-07T18:48:06.968+00:00Day 2: Aonach MorWhat a beautiful day in Scotland. We couldn't have asked for better weather for our first day in the mountains: Clear skies, sunny rays coming from a bizare object in the sky and pleasant temperatures ranging from 1C to -4C... Perfect!<br />
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Today we headed for Aonach Mor where we got the gondola up to approx 600m. We then began our leisurely day with some walking and footwork practise on some fairly light terrain. We then had some educational fun in the snow practising our ice axe arrest technique before a much needed lunch and then getting the crampons on and heading further up the mountain on much steeper terrain at approx 30degrees.<br />
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We had a full day of fun, education and exercise, just what you need on a sunny, crisp Scottish day... so get out there folks but be safe if you do so.<br />
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Heading back to the hotel, time for a much needed relaxing shower, a feast and blether with the others and then sleep because lets face it; I have to go through it all again tomorrow <br />
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SxSiobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-18952537927782460732012-02-05T23:25:00.001+00:002012-02-05T23:25:44.620+00:00Mountaineering, Day 1: Let the games begin10 months of waiting has finally come to an end. My plans have finally officially been kick started and it is such a great feeling.<br />
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Drove up to the Ballachulish hotel this afternoon, passing through places like Kilmahog (Love that name) and Callander and as I noticed the hills becoming more and more snow covered, the excitement grew into a really girly scream. I had no way to prepare for that, it just happened and im sure if you had seen me, it would have been hilarious.<br />
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The course kicked off with a short introduction, meeting the instructors and each other before we got all of our kit ready and then after a lovely dinner, we then had a presentation so that we knew roughly what to expect in the coming week and; as the presentation was titled; 'how to cope' haha<br />
There are actually 3 courses running at the one time this week, so there are a few folk in the hotel but on my specific course there are only 6 people so it's a lovely small number which should hopefully make it a lot more intense and focused.<br />
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Now, just lazing in my very comfy hotel room, I am hoping that I can beat my usual 'unsleepiness' and perhaps sleep soon so that I am well rested for the big day ahead. So on that note, buzzing with excitement, off I go to attempt that which manages to evade me on such a regular occasion. <br />
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Bring on the winter games!!!<br />
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S xxSiobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com0Ballachulish, Highland PH49, UK56.673927 -5.133720000000039431.785716 -64.899345000000039 81.562138 54.631904999999961tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-52370439500991021532012-01-01T14:52:00.002+00:002012-01-01T23:13:58.694+00:002012... What do you dream?1st January again. It's comes around fast doesn't it? For many of us, this day allows us the chance to look back over the previous year and think about what we might do better or bigger in the coming months. We all start with great intentions but by mid February, many of our little plans and ideas are but a distant memory. Is it because we aren't dedicated people? or is it simply because sometimes we just focus on the wrong things like ridiculously limited 'healthy' diets and impossible exercise plans instead of taking a little extra time to go for the bigger stuff. <br />
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Many people are afraid to dream about and go after the bigger stuff incase they fail and don't get what they want so their true desires are stuffed in the proverbial drawer in the back of their mind. From time to time, these dreams will pop up in the form of regrets but most of the time they'll just be suppressed because let's face it "what's the use in trying?". So for some unfortunate dreams, they will never fulfil their destiny, nor will they even be given a shot at trying. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">"If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place" - Nora Roberts</span></strong></em><br />
</div><div class="signature" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="signature" style="text-align: left;">Now let's look at the flipside... What if you actually get what you want? What if; even though it may not be exactly what you planned; you still discover something amazing? Isn't it worth a shot at least?<br />
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So I say again, 2012... What do you dream?</div>Siobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-53633105093624250572011-09-14T01:59:00.003+01:002011-09-14T02:04:04.376+01:00A new reason to climb...<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">On the 7th August, I took a 3 hour start up climbing course at Edinburgh Indoor Climbing Arena (i.e Ratho) as a way to build strength, stamina and confidence in climbing and to help me toward my goals and also because I always wanted to do it. I had a great time and decided that I wanted to pursue it further and so I began to take baby steps towards achieving some routes. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Then on August 25th, my worst nightmare came true... my closest friend, my best friend, my rock, my mum, passed away and it would have been so easy to just give up but I promised her; in her last moments; that I would never give up on trying to achieve my dreams and that I would take her with me everywhere and I intend to do just that. Because as she told me once; not so long ago; she was proud of me for having the courage to follow my dreams and I was proud that she was my mum. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">So Mum, I will continue to climb and chase my dreams because; just as I promised and just as e.e Cummings wrote</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>"I carry your heart. I carry it in my heart"</em></strong></span></div>Siobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-19058760841120356342011-07-31T22:47:00.002+01:002011-07-31T22:57:32.886+01:00Powerful wordsRegret... now that is a powerful word and most people will have one or maybe even two. Why then do they allow themselves to have this feeling? Is it because deep down they are actually too scared to try and live their dreams? Maybe instead of giving in to fears, whether small or mighty, maybe they should remember these very wise words:<br />
<blockquote>"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover" ~ Mark Twain</blockquote>Action is relatively easy, all it takes is a simple little thing, something that wont cost you anything, it wont harm you in any way. All it will do is make you think and the rest is up to you. All you do is start by making a small promise to yourself. This is how it goes:<br />
<blockquote>"I will not allow my dreams to be over shadowed by my fears!" ~ SMcClory</blockquote>A few words can change a life, why not yours?Siobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-32946740187814671002011-07-20T23:14:00.000+01:002011-07-20T23:14:58.890+01:00Something's definitely 'lit a fire under me'As you know (especially if you follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/clueless_bimbo">Twitter</a>) I have been on a bit of a mission lately. Everything that has happened in my life the past few months has definitely gave me the kick up the arse I needed to get my head straight... finally. Between the inspiration from the <a href="http://twitter.com/737challenge">Richard Parks' 737 Challenge</a> and the intense need to actually live my dreams and do something to help others, I actually was able to see clearly into myself enough to remember what it is I love and want most in my life and since then, there's no stopping my dreams from popping up to say hello. <br />
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Ben Nevis was a real pleasure to complete because I knew the reason I was doing it was for something more important than my own need to do it. Don't get me wrong, it was a challenge because I made myself do it before preparing physically properly for it so that I would work harder for the donations and so I did. Now the ankle, as some of you know, suffered a little when a rock overturned when I stepped on it but it is getting there at last. I feel a little twinge every now and then if I descend step stairs but I am resting it when I can and also doing gentle exercises to help make it stronger.<br />
Now I have a few things in the pipeline which I am excited about, not just the <a href="http://www.jagged-globe.co.uk/course/itinerary/scotland+winter+intro.html">Winter Mountaineering Course</a> but also a trek of the <a href="http://www.exodus.co.uk/holidays/twh/overview">Haute route from chamonix - Zermatt</a> and <a href="http://www.breconbeaconsparksociety.org/national-park/the-beacons-way/">The Beacons Way</a> both of which I am currently in the process of investigating. <br />
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So I am finally able to be thankful for my OCD side as I have needed to write everything down and kind of make lists and plans to try and bring some order to everything I want to do. Now this would normally be quite an easy task but when everything is rushing out of your brain at 100 miles an hour, it's difficult to capture it all. So far, I have a part training plan down incorporating the bootcamp, walking, trekking and hill walking/climbing on a regular basis but I have remembered to make time for my free / fun time like Canyoning, which I have booked again for 13th August and also for my climbing course on the 7th August. Not forgetting my concert time like <a href="http://twitter.com/30secondstomars">30 Seconds to Mars</a> in Belfast and <a href="http://twitter.com/panicatthedisco">Panic! at the Disco</a> in Edinburgh both in August too. With all of that, August is set to be a pretty hectic month. Every other bit of spare time will be spent planning and getting out and about and that part, I love the most.<br />
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Overall, life has become a mish mash of ideas and hopes and dreams and everything has become exciting again. It's an amazing feeling to chase your dreams, everyone should do it. You never know what you can achieve until you try<br />
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S xxSiobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-80239745131421885092011-07-18T00:35:00.001+01:002011-07-18T00:41:50.942+01:00The Mighty Ben... The days events7am on Big Ben day (09/07/11) and we leave Glasgow on the 3hour journey to Fort William, after only a miniscule 4 hours sleep and no breakfast, I was able too tell that the day would be a little bit harder than I had originally planned but sure that I would grab a bit to eat in the Ben Nevis centre before starting, I settled in for the drive... What a lovely drive. The scenery, relaxing, remote and just outstanding. Near the end of the car journey, you get an idea of what you are about to task yourself with:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjYtwdjK7iaNYG233XQ3Cirzfc5d2zS46XLS0UH-mbkq7s6CaiO5_W9t_2XE0Yp20-kmp0V4rDBcGuEbug3UcYZ9dhv7U9jeNSWYxoYwZkI6eXKVP3PvBYeLIFdCZKh3m2PVevfplWKA/s1600/IMG-20110709-00376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjYtwdjK7iaNYG233XQ3Cirzfc5d2zS46XLS0UH-mbkq7s6CaiO5_W9t_2XE0Yp20-kmp0V4rDBcGuEbug3UcYZ9dhv7U9jeNSWYxoYwZkI6eXKVP3PvBYeLIFdCZKh3m2PVevfplWKA/s320/IMG-20110709-00376.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is closeby but doesnt match the intensity or the altitute of the Ben... it's pretty none the less.<br />
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The Ben Trek begins on a grassy route alongside the Water of Nevis and although steep, it is a very pleasant path. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihc7n6gWpJ01b7-KzlQbtOszNoDD76wwi11McwoGJqIUml5jsSdhoScTOEyn2RWgdudM1GvDQe3BZ_YL8FY39E_Gi-YCmuUXweWlLb3MZciR8-xZRsmzcPGKgRhcDEBH4RmoZI4E4I5Y/s1600/DSCF8373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihc7n6gWpJ01b7-KzlQbtOszNoDD76wwi11McwoGJqIUml5jsSdhoScTOEyn2RWgdudM1GvDQe3BZ_YL8FY39E_Gi-YCmuUXweWlLb3MZciR8-xZRsmzcPGKgRhcDEBH4RmoZI4E4I5Y/s320/DSCF8373.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After about 20 minutes the pleasant path disappears and is replaced with a very lovely step after step of testing, leg shaking rock laced pathway which zig zag's up and up for hundreds of feet. Now all of this sounds very rough but the Ben is more sneaky, it distracts you all the way along with little joyous views and sights...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTya-OjgebMbYFiF3Xh8jb7yG5h4Ms4t1fkZlDTIElXwOf5DulyEHonlKVgFxQd0Y1WfWMJ3JLRk-CGNw86yyJbc7NXiFDb_Ch5w4PjllySTxfkEc6ymavKOm9ZD4GjzIDL0WU3DCBVc0/s1600/IMG-20110709-00379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTya-OjgebMbYFiF3Xh8jb7yG5h4Ms4t1fkZlDTIElXwOf5DulyEHonlKVgFxQd0Y1WfWMJ3JLRk-CGNw86yyJbc7NXiFDb_Ch5w4PjllySTxfkEc6ymavKOm9ZD4GjzIDL0WU3DCBVc0/s320/IMG-20110709-00379.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">some of the many streams... beautiful water. Tastes amazing!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhzH1-LfQl4EmYsaJa5gInR0n_AhyTnHEXz0eIMYvZJrh00yTNlT_HfQ7D5txV2kielVSg8ZUOnlved7Kldj3iwr-A1lG8BAj9pcIsykTmlRudyGHEoWC8pDeUqB6fkA3eJ2wp4RJpq4/s1600/DSCF8374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhzH1-LfQl4EmYsaJa5gInR0n_AhyTnHEXz0eIMYvZJrh00yTNlT_HfQ7D5txV2kielVSg8ZUOnlved7Kldj3iwr-A1lG8BAj9pcIsykTmlRudyGHEoWC8pDeUqB6fkA3eJ2wp4RJpq4/s320/DSCF8374.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Some of the many many mountains close by. Staggering just how close and how far it is from this very spot. Now while you are distracted by the views, I dare you not to smile when you see this for real... its peaceful in a way you can't know about until you are standing there and feeling all your worries and stresses fade away.<br />
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The trek continues in the chellenging way that it does but take your time (it's not a race unless you join the official Ben Nevis race), rest, drink plenty (free refills a plenty) have a snack or four (you'll need a lot) and most of all don't give up. You'll get to a place where the ascent flattens out and this is a perfect place to have a seat and catch your breath and whilst you are having your banana or your sandwich or whatever you choose to bring, you can let the beauty of this spot remove the previous 600m (approx) from your muscles<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcyFVnSFRWzhXDKJHZSmilQWyU8jNGWxhcn_Tw0BfvJObb4DN4t0MMJZMDN3LBYRKO2c-PlQmnHdmWAu9XdCZtFWCq91TR6juXs4_u2XaxvicNcGydHMtBX1YGET6xeKQNPdbvQFpo4M/s320/IMG-20110709-00382.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhL6PPGTO3Y-9MYUrvA3XuXgwxuSK6qu6BYFgSRpYAKPU8X0g3Wn3olAD2kvAlDcj_DfX0TC5Od4C2zvoHTywlq_FWc7eRZXgtBZp3DABkj_TQwyS4uQHnmGMFx1-kX0yh7OHtpWYiIY/s1600/DSCF8384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhL6PPGTO3Y-9MYUrvA3XuXgwxuSK6qu6BYFgSRpYAKPU8X0g3Wn3olAD2kvAlDcj_DfX0TC5Od4C2zvoHTywlq_FWc7eRZXgtBZp3DABkj_TQwyS4uQHnmGMFx1-kX0yh7OHtpWYiIY/s320/DSCF8384.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The previous 600m (approx) disappears down the pony track</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6H_TWO9sbAzdisf5Nzr6Qnbyo84xAZHgqnBGVuiSSGDRqGdUpZukwkOKnkuHSMu4JP91QZzUqMuP3SSZDaHKCgcQeWmElevwvWt4urVEPRLnhkYE_qU1gI_6ZAXsS96nZ4YmR1RaGW4/s1600/DSCF8385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6H_TWO9sbAzdisf5Nzr6Qnbyo84xAZHgqnBGVuiSSGDRqGdUpZukwkOKnkuHSMu4JP91QZzUqMuP3SSZDaHKCgcQeWmElevwvWt4urVEPRLnhkYE_qU1gI_6ZAXsS96nZ4YmR1RaGW4/s320/DSCF8385.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next 700m (approx) still to be climbed. Of course you don't climb it directly here, you have to follow the route which looks a little something like this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFaTykbZmnMqf9rhUi63xcGtGCnZ6A0lHr2wE-uWKYbw8vPvzY2ApNLpDsL-jSArYYILTnfXZTGlk8OaKO_M-baq59Xg2j4_xiPUlenusiuXVib3VBjpS9Gx-2rLS59VF8UN3uDadsUE/s1600/DSCF8386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFaTykbZmnMqf9rhUi63xcGtGCnZ6A0lHr2wE-uWKYbw8vPvzY2ApNLpDsL-jSArYYILTnfXZTGlk8OaKO_M-baq59Xg2j4_xiPUlenusiuXVib3VBjpS9Gx-2rLS59VF8UN3uDadsUE/s320/DSCF8386.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Not to worry, there are plenty of people to meet along the way. Be sure and chat with some, it benefits everyone and don't be afraid to say hello and ask them how they are doing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WjrUx5bJWnnc5EOHtVa0HC2Ry8t5QmkLqD8JDZnGheUnUHQbSVT3zVG870zCWelZ2s2b3mGBFzyn_jbEm2SRRGa8oijBC_4eMsGGXeZ0m-hZBJ-Km4jS4xMTuc7FRjdhmxJiqjXpHPE/s1600/DSCF8394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WjrUx5bJWnnc5EOHtVa0HC2Ry8t5QmkLqD8JDZnGheUnUHQbSVT3zVG870zCWelZ2s2b3mGBFzyn_jbEm2SRRGa8oijBC_4eMsGGXeZ0m-hZBJ-Km4jS4xMTuc7FRjdhmxJiqjXpHPE/s320/DSCF8394.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>When you make it through the trials and marathon that is the Ben and you make it to the waterfall, fill your water bottle and perhaps take a rest and enjoy again the views (if she permits it)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHTh6spmuoAFLnWCX6AdrLP1_G_d-TnceMZQ1GaO2ft8X4BDnvR1dU24SwshveAj-DmL7ZXTXvrG5zAUAdul5URgljJs04yHaJhOqhxm3FRN6h-UpFU4hLHDgUlACRpRLMrwKA81EPwQ/s1600/ben.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHTh6spmuoAFLnWCX6AdrLP1_G_d-TnceMZQ1GaO2ft8X4BDnvR1dU24SwshveAj-DmL7ZXTXvrG5zAUAdul5URgljJs04yHaJhOqhxm3FRN6h-UpFU4hLHDgUlACRpRLMrwKA81EPwQ/s320/ben.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It'll seem like a long time since you sat away down there enjoying the view</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lWfxAcUvY2cJ-bUrhWHdh0RSPG1MHE8J2qwWcWiNkH8nku8tYKauc8b5Yuqqq8OTsDwV2t2yYaTQoEbwNhxmiNb7n49ExEh3XCbJntgEtSZdsiSr2Ytlag7WNFGMgtLxYpbhmS2Y0vI/s1600/IMG-20110709-00394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lWfxAcUvY2cJ-bUrhWHdh0RSPG1MHE8J2qwWcWiNkH8nku8tYKauc8b5Yuqqq8OTsDwV2t2yYaTQoEbwNhxmiNb7n49ExEh3XCbJntgEtSZdsiSr2Ytlag7WNFGMgtLxYpbhmS2Y0vI/s320/IMG-20110709-00394.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The rocky path, gets steeper still and it becomes quite a journey from here on in and when you make it through and get to the place of massive rocks, know that you are not far from the place you are aiming for, this would be the best place for your last short break... grab a sugary treat, a banana or a hard boiled egg (whatever you prefer and whatever will give you the energy you require for the last push)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2mBjzOm1NQyAtFK9MbgzDe4hyphenhyphenF3M63JN3cUNeXOIfYeDB5RPu1ZL-6zkYhSPUNkN1TO5gNM0FSHlJUvM-R7X84XCYekGpr7eMVYvVHsJGrd_IHWoSsiXRcJ3t2d1WeHZXoBRaSmMGys/s1600/IMG-20110709-00392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2mBjzOm1NQyAtFK9MbgzDe4hyphenhyphenF3M63JN3cUNeXOIfYeDB5RPu1ZL-6zkYhSPUNkN1TO5gNM0FSHlJUvM-R7X84XCYekGpr7eMVYvVHsJGrd_IHWoSsiXRcJ3t2d1WeHZXoBRaSmMGys/s320/IMG-20110709-00392.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> After this point, you'll see lots of people coming down with hats and jackets on looking cold and you can't imagine feeling cold yet even though there is a breeze in the air, right now it feels good on your face but now is the time to get your gear ready if you aren't a person who enjoys the cold. It is very common to see snow on the Ben, even in July <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDCVPyBec7FI_p1NEv9_qyXXFXN1kFjqmf2dO5jgLFr9ry8ttBaj1t060l_GHR2mHi2KZQqbLmp0j7IZPGOipFqy2fCPxFaGFMebMJoHLyID9u1d-wYeQh_rz2e5l_dCsjr9mUatrIvs/s1600/IMG-20110709-00395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDCVPyBec7FI_p1NEv9_qyXXFXN1kFjqmf2dO5jgLFr9ry8ttBaj1t060l_GHR2mHi2KZQqbLmp0j7IZPGOipFqy2fCPxFaGFMebMJoHLyID9u1d-wYeQh_rz2e5l_dCsjr9mUatrIvs/s320/IMG-20110709-00395.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Keep your wits around you and don't step onto snow and ice near the edge ('well duh' Im sure you say but you'd be surprised)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>So here you are, tired and if you have a day like mine, walking blind:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNj46OwknbK2Y5sml321r4HIbe6t7pvpDoyZwmdShfdRWJSRzJkc7UsNOPqT2I0PF5OWP3r9btMfH259ZQjaHAZwGVi_l1gd24ckE6RdXOaLKopQaRsM0oDh_da934-XLEIQIn5SEONc/s1600/IMG-20110709-00396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNj46OwknbK2Y5sml321r4HIbe6t7pvpDoyZwmdShfdRWJSRzJkc7UsNOPqT2I0PF5OWP3r9btMfH259ZQjaHAZwGVi_l1gd24ckE6RdXOaLKopQaRsM0oDh_da934-XLEIQIn5SEONc/s320/IMG-20110709-00396.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but know that what you came here for is right there, just make the final few steps and alas, it shall appear for you and hopefully, you'll get a view from the summit but even if you don't... You made it! Well done!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuvFlbNLef8RABObOULAGDkmSeA4-Tpd749ghU2gyjT6eQN-b6YqiTqr_5si9IMGh0q70Rm4zT5s6p1yWcpm4mfV7ejUw6z_11nvDJNgYM_tY3E8T2TwJJLoR9xh8jB77m2oV9D4EZD8/s1600/IMG-20110709-00405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuvFlbNLef8RABObOULAGDkmSeA4-Tpd749ghU2gyjT6eQN-b6YqiTqr_5si9IMGh0q70Rm4zT5s6p1yWcpm4mfV7ejUw6z_11nvDJNgYM_tY3E8T2TwJJLoR9xh8jB77m2oV9D4EZD8/s320/IMG-20110709-00405.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIl-cAb3UtXNdrpYBvMPV2mb_sz8rnAmTcLLVOZZrNBH0lQd6Hn8VwAPfTlevkg1Hpbc9sfjagWmdem7E1hkl7eipwvN_MU42s89xTydrgZX1NgOlboHtO68SlzSmQ4MT89PrDD2VBXs/s1600/IMG-20110709-00403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIl-cAb3UtXNdrpYBvMPV2mb_sz8rnAmTcLLVOZZrNBH0lQd6Hn8VwAPfTlevkg1Hpbc9sfjagWmdem7E1hkl7eipwvN_MU42s89xTydrgZX1NgOlboHtO68SlzSmQ4MT89PrDD2VBXs/s320/IMG-20110709-00403.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPrxnXjMLkn3mEtupBaFnwI75AF9LfFhDhY7DU11t2HRouVvF3R1cLTKXburplOdktSJFKdtCkHBTg4dHWF4nLucdK4258sJ2K5X8rhgHNjfLY6f2kI9z7EJWm425uces-DG6jgq0X6w/s1600/IMG-20110709-00400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPrxnXjMLkn3mEtupBaFnwI75AF9LfFhDhY7DU11t2HRouVvF3R1cLTKXburplOdktSJFKdtCkHBTg4dHWF4nLucdK4258sJ2K5X8rhgHNjfLY6f2kI9z7EJWm425uces-DG6jgq0X6w/s320/IMG-20110709-00400.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYDVNUKJWMKGn_Lkc6SnSV86QgjQpWqyDsK5P-mdaIqL5OGLfE6Sn8VEfBlXaYMsxd4jOK_NXV1jmBtRq94TWqaTAYFRtQ59nJQX3Z02J8rB-kM8jBRC48P05T-JuqZCNDA8ocnBNTxk/s1600/IMG-20110709-00408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYDVNUKJWMKGn_Lkc6SnSV86QgjQpWqyDsK5P-mdaIqL5OGLfE6Sn8VEfBlXaYMsxd4jOK_NXV1jmBtRq94TWqaTAYFRtQ59nJQX3Z02J8rB-kM8jBRC48P05T-JuqZCNDA8ocnBNTxk/s320/IMG-20110709-00408.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Now all you have to do is get down safe... Relax, take your time, chat, laugh, encourage people and even lend a helping hand if need be and most of all just enjoy yourself. You have climbed the UK's highest mountain (1344m) and that is something you'll want to celebrate when it's all over.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Now just a wee advisory note: If you are trekking the Ben alone, there are a few things to remember: Take a map and compass and be competant in their use (the Ben doesn't always give you a nice easy clear day for route following), take appropriate footwear/clothes (remember it's a Scottish mountain, respect it's ability to change at a seconds notice) pay attention to where you are walking and of course, be nice to those you meet as they pass you by. Greet people with a hello and a smile, I guarantee it will pay dividends when you are feeling low as they will then be the very people that pick you up and give you a boost if they meet you on the way down and you never know, you may just meet a new friend for life. Most importantly... Have fun and go home feeling like you have been privy to a little secret piece of heaven because the feeling you take with you will never leave you.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Siobhann xx</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">P.s I want to say thank you to everyone who donated to my Ben Nevis trip which went towards Richard Parks <a href="http://www.737challenge.com/">737challenge</a> . You guys are fantastic and you managed to help me raise an amazing <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/MightyBenClimb">£213</a> for a wonderful cause... Lots of love xxxxx</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Another thank you to Sarah and Jen for coming along, you both did an amazing job getting up and down so fast, hope you have happy memories of your day. Sorry I couldn't keep up with you but in a way i'm glad that i got to do it alone, as my self motivation ability was tested to the max and in the end I won out.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Another Thank you to everyone I met on the Ben that day, you guys all made it such a perfect day and a wonderful memory for me. I have never met so many lovely people whilst exercising haha. Gordon you especially really did make the descent a wonderful experience with all your stories. Such an amazing character, I wish you so many more amazing memories and all the best in your life, you deserve it. Perhaps we shall meet again</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Finally, a massive thank you to Richard Parks for motivating me ; without knowing it; to push myself, test my boundries, fight harder and succeed even when I think that I can't possibly go on (You are my inspiration). </div>Siobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-17501224876221693342011-07-02T01:01:00.001+01:002011-07-02T01:01:54.991+01:00Munro MagicHi everyone
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<br>My friend Jen & I have decided to do a charity climb to the summit of Ben Nevis on Saturday 9th July and we would really appreciate if you could show us some support by heading over to our Just Giving page: <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/MightyBenClimb">http://www.justgiving.com/MightyBenClimb</a> and donating a small amount. Every little penny helps and it is for an amazing cause. We will also accept offline or paypal donations if you prefer to do it that way, just let me know and we can sort it out.
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<br>We are supporting Richard Parks' 737 Challenge in his attempt to raise £1million for Marie Curie Cancer Care by climbing the highest summit on each of the worlds 7 continents as well as venturing the last degree of the South Pole and Geographical North Pole and all against a gruelling 7 month Deadline.
<br>(7 summits, 3 poles, 7 months)
<br>You can find out more about his Challenge here: <a href="http://www.737challenge.com">http://www.737challenge.com</a>
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<br>I really hope that you will donate anything you can. Your support really does mean a lot to me and I just want to say thank you.
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<br>Siobhann McClory & Jennifer Lang
<br>------------------Siobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-11336330182016795072011-07-01T00:26:00.001+01:002011-07-01T00:26:26.106+01:00Life is a ball gameDreams are a funny thing. Some are easily forgotten when left too long, others just never seem to let go of you no matter how long you ignore or put them on hold in the deepest recesses of your mind. It does not matter if you fulfil your dreams, it's in taking that chance, risking failure that we achieve the greatest things in our lives. So now it's my turn to step up to the plate and take my shot.
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<br>Yesterday I finally began my intensive fitness training. My first major step was getting over a tiny hurdle and getting myself to bootcamp which did not come easy but hey, I did it. Don't get me wrong, it was quite tough in parts but I actually enjoyed being out in Kelvingrove park getting proper fitness training from an ex-military man. It seemed to motivate me more having someone who was willing to be hard on me and not let me give up, especially when I reached that all important pain barrier. At times, I did have to keep giving myself a pep talk "c'mon Siobhann, just 1 more press up... c'mon just one more reverse crunch" and it did actually work. I made it out in tact and still managed to find fun in something so brutal... Go me I say
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<br>X
<br>------------------Siobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-84442203447695884642011-06-05T23:48:00.003+01:002011-06-07T00:53:29.570+01:00Drop and give me 20Well, university is almost over for the summer and I am really looking forward to a 4 month break from the monotony of it all. I cannot wait to finally have some free time. Of course, it won't stay free for too long as I have a plan to be moving on with (after a celebratory Lifehouse concert in Manchester first :P)<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Last update talked about the Mountaineering course I signed up for, I am super excited about this and have only got another 8 months to wait haha but until then, like I said, I have to get a move on with the fitness goal. Bootcamp is my first step really and I have signed up for a whole 2 months of it with <a href="http://www.scotmilfit.com/">Scottish Millitary Fitness</a> I will be taking my first class approximately Saturday 18th June. I intend on doing as many classes as I can in my 2 months (other things permitting of course). This is a big enough step as it is but wait, there's more... on June 25th (day before my birthday... hint hint) I am also going to do some climbing at <a href="http://goape.co.uk/">GoApe</a> in Aberfoyle which has Britains 2 biggest zip wires on site... I can't wait. It's a place I've been dying to go for ages and it will be so much fun. Next on the plan will be another round of Canyoning with <a href="http://rafting.co.uk/index.html">Splash</a>. I did this at the beginning of April and it was freezing, terrifying and so much fun at the same time, I can't wait to do it again. You can check it out for yourself. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vb4teYXBtIc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
After that, if I survive it all... I go to the Ben Nevis and get some of these amazing Scottish mountains under my belt... it's going to be an exciting couple of months. So, in preparation for all of that, I best get some sleep ;) Until next time... Catch ya on the outside xx</div>Siobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8914247503442597136.post-768772081949538992011-04-27T00:20:00.001+01:002011-04-27T00:23:08.746+01:00A small step for me...After taking a couple of months to figure out my climbing/mountaineering options and where I want to begin, I have repeatedly changed my mind regarding the whole Kilimanjaro thing. This very famous peak, is every trekkers dream starting point at altitude and that is the down side in a way. It has become such a common dream among walkers that I have decided, for now, to postpone my trip. Of course, this is not to say that I will never climb it but for now, it is on hold.<br />
I have not given up on my climbing / mountaineering dreams, instead I put my ideas and goals and dreams into perspective and came up with a starter plan. <br />
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Now with this plan in mind, I booked a winter mountaineering course with Jagged Globe today for 6 days and this week, I will be signing up for my 6 week intensive bootcamp course to kick start my training motivation. You can read about the course here: <a href="http://www.jagged-globe.co.uk/course/itinerary/scotland+winter+intro.html#more">Jagged Globe - Winter Mountaineering</a><br />
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It is such a refreshing thing to finally take a step into the realm of your dreams and I could not have done it without the inspiration from Richard Parks. He reminded me that even in the face of our deepest fears, dreams are attainable no matter how far off they may seem. All you have to do is take the first step<br />
You can follow Rich's 737 Challenge to climb the 7 Summits (Aconcagua, Mount Vinson, Kilimanjaro, Carstensz Pyramid, Everest, Denali & Elbrus) which are the highest mountains on each of the world's continents, and venture the last degree to The South Pole and Geographic North Pole. All against a 7 month clock here: <a href="http://www.737challenge.com/">http://www.737challenge.com/</a> and you can donate here: <a href="http://www.737challenge.com/donate.html">Donate</a><br />
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Bye for now<br />
S xx<br />
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P.s: You can also follow Rich on <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/737Challenge">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/737Challenge">Facebook</a>Siobhannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06075446542185005234noreply@blogger.com0