THREE PEAKS MEMORIES (from
notes made soon after the race)
Day 1 (Saturday, 26 June 2004)
-
Going for speed with a favourable wind and
some of us sitting/hanging over the port side and watching the other
yachts shortly after the start.
-
Negotiating the tricky channel and shallow
bar as we entered Carnarvon at night, trying to spot the channel markers
and watching the depth finder closely.
-
The buzz on board as we identified and
manoeuvred into the dock at Carnarvon and climbed ashore to head off for
Snowdon.
Day 2 (Sunday, 27 June 2004)
-
Greeting Saturday-night revellers along the
road as we headed out of Carnarvon.
-
Trying to follow the Snowdon Ranger trail in
the upper elevations with visibility so poor that we sometimes had
trouble seeing the ground at our feet in the dark and fog.
-
Bitterly cold and soaking wet at the top of
Snowdon trying to stamp our cards with numb fingers and desperate to
begin the journey down the mountain to warmer climes.
-
The never-ending road run on very tired legs
from Llanberis back to Carnarvon.
-
Catching the Israeli runners in the dawn
light just before reaching the boat at Carnarvon and seeing their
astonishment (“what time did you run?”).
-
The battle to get under the Menai Bridge
against the current and in company with our competitors.
-
The interminable time it seemed to take to
sail the last miles into Whitehaven in the evening light.
-
Buying a late night Mexican pizza in
Whitehaven that was so spicy I could barely eat it and regretting it for
the rest of the night.
Day 3 (Monday, 28 June 2004)
-
The excitement of John and Stephen’s
earlier-than-expected arrival back at Whitehaven after a great
performance and our ability to just get away without losing any time.
-
We had been looking forward to having some
coffee and pastries for breakfast while waiting for them!
-
The all-day slog heeled right over as we
headed for the Mull of Galloway with strong but favourable winds from
the south.
Day 4 (Tuesday, 29 June 2004)
-
Trying to get around the Mull of Kintyre in
the early morning light against the run of the tide and finally managing
to do it by sailing close to the coast and opening up a break against
some of our near competitors.
-
The long and fast spinnaker run up all day
up the Sound of Jura, Firth of Lorn and Loch Linnhe to Fort William
through the Scottish Isles and Highlands.
Day 5 (Wednesday, 30 June 2004)
-
Setting off from the dock into the lonely
and wet darkness bound for Ben Nevis.
-
Mounting concern when I realised I had led
us off the trail in the Zig-Zags on the upper reaches of Ben Nevis in
abominable conditions and the relief I felt when we picked up the trail
again without losing much time.
-
Relief and pleasure at completing the event
without mishap and in good time.
General recollections
-
Sharing a sleeping bag with John (did we end
up with the right ones? does it matter?)
-
Reluctance to prepare drinks and meals down
below when the boat was rocking but greatly appreciating the hot meals
and drinks that were willingly prepared by others, particularly John.
-
Reluctance to go into the toilet unless
completely necessary!
-
The pleasure and comfort of meeting the
support crew in port and along road.
-
The patience and cool temperament of Ian.
-
The camaraderie aboard the boat in all
situations.
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ADVENTURE LIST
Round Ireland
(2016)
Hume & Hovell Walking Track
(2013)
Via Alpina
(2012)
Australian Alps Walking
Track (2011)
Land's End to John O'Groats
(2010)
Round Oz Bike Record Attempt
(2009)
Round Oz Bike Record Attempt
(2008)
Round Oz Bike Record Attempt
(2007)
Australia Tip to Top MTB
(2006)
Adelaide to Darwin MTB
(2005)
Sydney to Melbourne MTB
(2004)
Three Peaks Race
(2004)
Appalachian Trail
(1986)
Alpine Track
(1983)
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