Last but not least, on to Carrantuohill

The ferry docked in  Dun Laoghaire at 5:45 am and from the ferry port the team had another 205 mile drive across Ireland to Dunloe which took them a little over 4 hours.

To pass the time, they played a 'Walkie-Talkie Pub Quiz' with two other teams that they drove in convoy with. The two teams are 'Kickarse' and 'Hardarse'. This blog has been all about the Peakishness team and I have neglected to add that there have been 20 teams competing in this monumental challenge. 'Kickarse' and 'Hardarse' being two of the twenty all raising funds for the Wooden Spoon Charity for underprivileged children.

Carrantuohill in the distance

The weather forecast for today is scattered showers and temperatures of approximately 7 degrees C. Since leaving the ferry port at Dun Laoghaire they have seen the sun peeping out from behind the clouds and as they got nearer to Carrantuohill they could see the mountain with sunny patches.

But we should remember that there is a reason for Ireland being called 'The Emerald Isle' and I don't think it has anything to do with jewellery.  There is definitely something keeping the grass so green!

Picture supplied courtesy  www.johnsmyth.ie 2009

Carrantuohill,  located in County Kerry is the highest mountain in Ireland at 3414ft (1039m)

The 3.9 mile walk to the summit appears much longer, especially on the way back, and remember, the whole team will be exhausted., even before they start. In past years, the average time taken for this climb is 4 hours 25 mins. Will they make it within the 48 hours? only time will tell.

Kitting up

At the base of Carrantuohill, our team enjoyed the summer sunshine as they kitted up for the fourth and final leg of the challenge. Their start time was 11:04.

Waiting for the start

Off to a good start

During the ascent, there were two short rain showers but the sun shone at the summit for a short time giving them a fantastic opportunity for a photo shoot, before the mist overtook them again.

Magnificent views from Carrantuohill

Tanya had been struggling with her previous thigh injury but she was rewarded with a drop of whisky from one of the marshals at the summit.

Carrantuohill Summit

For the last mountain peak, the drivers are invited to join the climbers in the 'Drivers Challenge'. It is a supreme test of stamina. Remember that the drivers have been 'On Duty' since the team left Mt Snowdon. John joined a 'Drivers team' who turned out to be a bunch of nuts and ran for part of the course. This didnt seem to phase John and the dark horse joined in, finishing in an amazing 4 hours! A magnificent effort John!

A little after 4:30 we got a phone call to say that the team had completed the course and were having a celebratory drink in the car park. David (Tanya's husband) had thoughtfully prepared a favourite tipple for each team members. Mark had a can of Guinness, Tanya a Pimms, Julia a Vodka & Cranberry Juice and because John was driving he was only allowed a small Guinness. Never mind, he made up for it once back at the hotel.









Mark, Julia and Tanya crossed the finish line at 16:30 giving them a time of a 48 hours 26 minutes for the course. This is an incredible effort since the marshals admitted that it is seldom that a non-professional sporting team complete within 48 hour.

After their well deserved refreshment, the entire team (John, Mark, Julia and Tanya) made their way back to the hotel where they were able to relax and freshen up for the Gala Dinner.

Carrantuohill  View from the hotel

I am sure you will all agree with me when I say that this was a MAGNIFICENT EFFORT!

AND PLEASE REMEMBER.....
If you haven't done so already, there is still time to sponsor this amazing team, at
Team Peakishness Virginmoneygiving Link
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/peakishness