Dare to Dream

Day 5: Stob Ban, Mullach nan Coirean & the bushwhacker trials

2012-02-14T13:16:00.001Z

Sore 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!)

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.

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.

A massive thanks to all those who made the whole day a happy memory even after all the aches and pains.

Sxx
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Day 4: Meall a' Bhuiridh

2012-02-13T00:37:00.000Z

Midweek tiredness has arrived this morning but up and at it again no matter what is my motto today.
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 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.

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 today 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.

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.

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.

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

S xx

Day 3: Buachille Etive Beag & Stob Dubh

2012-02-08T18:50:00.000Z

Tuesday 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...

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.

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

With views like that, it doesnt matter how long or hard it was to get there. It all melts away when you see that.

Scotland: Oh how I love you sometimes

Sxx

Day 2: Aonach Mor

2012-02-07T18:48:00.000Z

What 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!

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.

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.

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

Sx

Mountaineering, Day 1: Let the games begin

2012-02-05T23:25:00.001Z

10 months of waiting has finally come to an end. My plans have finally officially been kick started and it is such a great feeling.

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.

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
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.

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.

Bring on the winter games!!!

S xx

2012... What do you dream?

2012-01-01T14:52:00.002Z

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.

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.

"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

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?

So I say again, 2012... What do you dream?

A new reason to climb...

2011-09-14T01:59:00.003+01:00

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.
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.

So Mum, I will continue to climb and chase my dreams because; just as I promised and just as e.e Cummings wrote

"I carry your heart. I carry it in my heart"

Powerful words

2011-07-31T22:47:00.002+01:00

Regret... 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:

"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

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:

"I will not allow my dreams to be over shadowed by my fears!" ~ SMcClory

A few words can change a life, why not yours?

Something's definitely 'lit a fire under me'

2011-07-20T23:14:00.000+01:00

As you know (especially if you follow me on Twitter) 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 Richard Parks' 737 Challenge 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.

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.
Now I have a few things in the pipeline which I am excited about, not just the Winter Mountaineering Course but also a trek of the Haute route from chamonix - Zermatt and The Beacons Way both of which I am currently in the process of investigating.

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 30 Seconds to Mars in Belfast and Panic! at the Disco 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.

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

S xx

The Mighty Ben... The days events

2011-07-18T00:35:00.001+01:00

7am 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:

This is closeby but doesnt match the intensity or the altitute of the Ben... it's pretty none the less.

The Ben Trek begins on a grassy route alongside the Water of Nevis and although steep, it is a very pleasant path.

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...

some of the many streams... beautiful water. Tastes amazing!

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.

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

The previous 600m (approx) disappears down the pony track

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:

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.

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)

It'll seem like a long time since you sat away down there enjoying the view

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)

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

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)

So here you are, tired and if you have a day like mine, walking blind:

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!

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.

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.

Siobhann xx

P.s I want to say thank you to everyone who donated to my Ben Nevis trip which went towards Richard Parks 737challenge . You guys are fantastic and you managed to help me raise an amazing £213 for a wonderful cause... Lots of love xxxxx

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.

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

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).

Munro Magic

2011-07-02T01:01:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone

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: http://www.justgiving.com/MightyBenClimb 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.

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.
(7 summits, 3 poles, 7 months)
You can find out more about his Challenge here: http://www.737challenge.com

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.

Siobhann McClory & Jennifer Lang
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Life is a ball game

2011-07-01T00:26:00.001+01:00

Dreams 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.

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

X
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Drop and give me 20

2011-06-05T23:48:00.003+01:00

Well, 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)

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 Scottish Millitary Fitness 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 GoApe 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 Splash. 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.

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

A small step for me...

2011-04-27T00:20:00.001+01:00

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.
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.

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: Jagged Globe - Winter Mountaineering

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
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: http://www.737challenge.com/ and you can donate here: Donate

Bye for now
S xx

P.s: You can also follow Rich on Twitter and Facebook

T to the I to the N.T.O

2011-03-02T23:29:00.000Z

So I figured that everyone has to start somewhere and without using steep Glasgow streets as my starting point, I decided to go with a real hill. Not a Munro but everyone has to start somewhere right. So Tinto was that place:

(Picture by Siobhann McClory)

Bearing in mind, I haven't been hill walking for many a year so I didn't want to have a long drive before starting out on the days adventure. Tinto reaches a height of 2320ft (707m) and as a smallish hill close to home (approx 5 miles from Lanark, i.e 24 miles from home), it's quite impressive indeed. It has a very beautiful setting even on a less than perfect day and it benefits from the usual unpredictable Scottish weather for an all round experience of a hill walking day out.

Starting out kind of late was nice because it meant the hill was a little quieter and I was able to just take my time and enjoy the view:

(Picture by Siobhann McClory)

I reach the 2 false summits and see ice in front of me and think; awesome, I'm almost there so I'll have a water break and get going on the last 100 or so metres to the top before taking in the view and starting back down. in typical Scottish weather pattern fashion, I turn around and enjoy a beautiful view and when I put my water away, turn to face the direction of the summit and all of a sudden I can't see... the fog decends so quickly:

(Picture by Siobhann McClory)

There's more of a hurry to reach the summit now before it is too late. So walking on ice and rocks and taking slightly less time than I would have liked, I make my way to the final goal. Frozen and windy, the summit is a bitter place in January but I made it:

(Picture by Siobhann McClory)

As you can see, the rocks directly in front of me are the only things that can be seen (except the other camera of course) Damn that fog, I was looking forward to avoiding getting my picture taken with the view in the background. Tinto - Done! That makes Stage one complete... what next? I guess you'll have to wait and see.

Until next time x

An idea to behold

2011-02-19T13:01:00.000Z

I have so many ideas of what I want to achieve and having an idea is always a good place to start. So why not start big and in doing so, mould and shape those ideas so that they can become a reality.

This is my beginning: The Seven Summits Challenge. Consisting of Kilimanjaro, Denali, Aconcagua, Mt Vinson, Carstensz Pyramid, Elbrus and of course the highest peak in the world, Everest. (Further information on the challenge can be found here: Seven Summits Challenge)
I realise that some people may think I am a little insane for even considering the idea but aren't we all nuts for something? Whether it's driving around late at night to fulfil that chocolate craving, sticking posters on the wall or travelling around the world for concerts (me included).

We all have something that we love to do and dreams we want to achieve so why can't we just do it? Why not just take the chance, just risk everything and go for it? Isn't life there for the taking? If we hold ourselves back or let fear take over, we aren't really living the lives we could be. Even if we fail at least we tried and in trying, lies success.

So whatever it is, Dare it all and Dream it to life

Beginnings

2011-02-01T20:28:00.001Z

I thought I would start with a little introduction: Hello, I'm Siobhann and I have a dream... too cliché? Seriously then:

Ever since I was young(er) I have always had an idea in my head of certain things that I want to achieve in my life. Just like everyone, there were some fairly regular things on that list: Learn to drive, have my own house, travel and many others that change and grow as you move through various stages of your life and many of which I am proud to say, I have achieved. However, there has always been one, a dream you may call it and that was to climb mountains. Not just any ones, but MOUNTAINS made of dreams. I'll give you some idea of the ones I am referring to: Ben Nevis, Mont Blanc, Everest, Annapurna, Kilimanjaro and my ultimate dream... K2. Sadly, I have always managed to avoid doing these for one reason or another but the feeling and the desire has never really gone away, no matter how much I tried to replace it with something new.

What began this transformation was back in January 2010 when I decided and promised myself that I would do what I wanted and go where I wanted and celebrate my life and my 30th birthday for a whole 12 months. What a promise that was and how much fun it was actually fulfilling that promise to myself and in doing all of the travelling and having adventures I realised something magnificent... I can accomplish anything. So at the end of December 2010, I decided that I am going to live my dreams and I am going to set out to climb the mountains of my life. Voila! My little seed of an idea had been firmly planted and watered for the first time and now there is no stopping it.

So here we are. The newest chapter in my life and the starting point of something, which I just know, is going to be wonderful.