Open Adventure Coast to Coast
No Energy to Spare
Kevin Cordina / 29.08.2009
The day started at 7:34 with a quick cycle to Thirlmere to paddle the lake to the southern end. This went pretty well and although there was a bit of wind, nothing too nasty, and it was dispatched in under an hour.
It was then up on to Helvellyn to climb to the summit and then descend along Striding edge to just outside Glenridding. The ascent was done in a howling wind and the last bit in the cloud with no visibility. Fortunately it's a very clear track so no problems with navigation, but all the way up I felt like Frodo running from the Black Riders as following runners appeared through the mist before being swallowed up again.
I checked in with the marshal at the summit (who deserves the biggest medal of us all - he was up there for hours bundled up in a sleeping bag hiding from the incessant wind) and headed off down the ridge.
Just as I left the summit the weather cleared and there was a beautiful view right along the ridgeline.
Striding Edge is a pretty sharp arete so it was a cautious descent clambering over the rocks. From 'Hole in the wall' it was then a run down the side of the fell descending towards the river where transition was to be in the Patterdale YHA. I got to transition after 2.5 hours and was soon paddling along the river into Ullswater (with a small delay to rescue the guy who capsized getting on - a thank you would have been nice ...).
This was definitely a low point. The wind was blowing and it was pretty choppy; I was definitely not comfortable in the waves, but made progress and was boosted when Liam came hurtling past with some advice, which got me going again.
Finally I made it to the end, and hopped out (well, fell and splashed) into the waiting arms of the support crew.
A rather lengthy sit down ensued to get over the kayak and then I was out on the big for the hilly slog to Kirkby Stephen. Buy was it hilly - up-down-up-down all the way. Finally it looked like a downhill run to the finish and the wind swung road into a headwind and it started raining.
Finally I made it across the finish line with very little energy to spare.
I've cried off camping again so have the luxury of a hotel room which makes life that bit easier.
Food, briefing and bed now
SleepMonsters
