Day 4: Meall a' Bhuiridh

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

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

The Mighty Ben... The days events

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).  

T to the I to the N.T.O

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

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

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.