Helvellyn then on to Snowdon

Helvellyn

Helvellyn, in the glorious lake district is England's second highest mountain at 3114 ft (950m) In previous years, the average time for this climb was nearly 2 hours 26 minutes. Mark, Tanya and Julia were expected to face this climb before they could enjoy their pre-booked breakfast, massage and shower at the Threlkeld Cricket Club.

The team had managed to keep just ahead of the worst of the weather front that has been threatening.them while climbing Ben Nevis. They had experienced intermittent rain and mist and that rain was then snapping at their heels as they drove southwards to the peak district.

However their luck ran out as they set off for Helvellyn. With a start time of  6:06 am our trio set off with a confidant smile and a cheery wave as they crossed the bridge ahead of their Helvellyn climb, but the rain was chucking it down. They did  not have an easy time.

The rain hammered down in sheets and the wind drove it into them horizontally, so much so that for every step forward, they took two sideways.

You have no doubt  heard the saying 'Soaked to the Skin', well they were with even their underwear soaking before they were even half way up. Nevertheless, they continued to make good time.

Unfortunately, Julia slipped along the way and badly bruised her elbow and Tanya lost the waterproof cover on her rucksack - so all her gear is soaked through and may not pass the next 'Kit Check'. Apart from that, the climb went well.

(Julia and John had better luck on their  practice climb a few weeks earlier.See picture right)




Only  2 hours 55 minutes after the start, Tanya, Julia and Mark romped home in triumph at one minute past nine. While most civilised people are turning out of their beds and rubbing sleep from their eyes,  this hardy team were enjoying a well earned feast after their exhilarating, but very wet climb. (Unfortunately, there wasn't much chance of a photo-shoot along the way, so there are not many pictures to accompany this climb)

John, in the meantime had tidied and refuelled the car in preparation for the climbers return and even managed to grab a short nap. With the poor weather, his trial was yet to come.

With a hot shower, change of clothes and a good breakfast fading into memory, and with  little time to linger, the team set off again shortly after 11:00 am,  on the 200 mile road trip that is expected to take 3/12 hours.

The weather forecast indicates that they have experienced the worst of the rain and driving westwards, they should be driving out of it as it passes over, so lets all pray that their Mt Snowdon climb is better. The start time for the Snowdon climb is 15:44 Just 24 hours after they started to climb Ben Nevis.

With 2 down and 2 to go the teams spirits are incredibly high as exhaustion is slowly creeping up on them.

Well Done team. Keep up the great work.

If you haven't done so already, there is still time to sponsor this courageous team. They still need nearly £500 to reach their target.

Team Peakishness Virginmoneygiving Link
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/peakishness