Lifestyle

Spine Challenger Top Tips

Clare BLOG, Lifestyle, Running, Spine Race, Uncategorised, What do we get up to! MRT Challenge, peak district, Pennine Way, Running, Spine Challenger, Spine Race, Top Tips, trail running, Ultra marathon, Yorkshire Dales

The Spine Race, Spine Challenger and Spine MRT Challenge is a winter adventure along the Pennine Way. The conditions are usually wild. It’s often windy, snowy or rainy, sometimes all three! What’s more with it being set in winter the nights are long and the daylight hours are short. There’s a high level of attrition with often over 50% of the field retiring along the way. To get to the end requires good preparation and self-management skills. Having completed the Spine Challenger previously, getting to 200 miles on the Spine Race a few years ago and finishing the MRT Challenge, I thought I’d share a few Spine top tips that helped me to reach the finish line of the MRT Challenge this year.

1. Develop strategies to cope with mental fatigue

The mental challenge is probably as tough or perhaps even tougher than the physical challenge. There are sections of the event that can seem to drag on and take forever. Or maybe you’ve been on your own for hours on end. It’s during these long unforgiving sections that you can start to think negative thoughts. It’s important to have a strategy to be able to cope. I usually give my tracker a name. This time his name was Bob. He’s that silent, strong friend who’s looking out for you!

Focus on breaking the event down into manageable chunks rather than the journey as a whole. Getting to the next checkpoint or looking forward to the next stop and having something delicious to eat. Splitting it into sections helps to maintain the motivation and having something yummy to eat is something to look forward to!

Focus on positive thoughts. Think how happy you’ll be when you get to the next stop. Have a mantra or a phrase you can repeat to yourself to keep focused and motivated. Take in all the views around you, when it’s daylight anyway, and enjoy your surroundings.

2. Stay warm and dry

This will help mentally too if you are battling the elements and can stay warm. Getting cold may develop into a negative spiral. I had three layering system of headgear, which worked a treat. I started off with no hat, but I pulled my hood up over Kinder when the weather got gnarly. This progressed to wearing a thin beanie under the hood. When the conditions got really wild, my pièce de resistànce, was a fleecy balaclava. It cocooned my head and neck like a warm, snuggly comfort blanket, and covered the gap between my buff and hat. In the worst rain and wind, I pulled the hood tight on my waterproof jacket to protect my face from the elements, which felt reassuring warm.

I like to be prepared so carry an extra layer. I’m nesh and feel the cold easily. I wore a base-layer and lightweight fleece pullover under my waterproof jacket and although I was warm going up Jacob’s Ladder on Kinder, was happy that I did later on. I carried with me two extra layers, a Rab Primaloft jacket and an Inov-8 primaloft smock. Primaloft is ideal as it’s inevitable there’ll be some seepage from the rain, so it retains its thermal capability when wet.

The bad weather often catches people out and causes many runners to retire. If you know you’re a middle-of-the-pack racer and won’t be travelling that fast, it’s worth taking an extra layer as it may make all the difference between finishing or not.

A lightweight waterproof just won’t cut the mustard on a race like the Spine unless you’re one of the front runners. A slightly thicker waterproof will have better thermal capacity and is more robust. This time I wore my Mountain Equipment Kongur MRT Goretex jacket, which is standard team issue. It’s a sturdy, heavier weight jacket and was a perfect choice as I didn’t do that much running so didn’t get too hot, and I did say I felt the cold!

At the Snake Pass

3. Protect your feet.

There’s a lot of gritstone and usually mud along the Pennine Way. The combination is lethal as when the mud gets into your shoes it becomes very abrasive with the gritstone particles and can destroy your feet.

To protect my feet, I wore Inov-8 Roclite Goretex boots to help keep any water out and chose to wear a full length walking gaitor over the top to keep the mud and other bits out. Over the top of my gaiters, I wore my waterproof over-trousers from Wessenden. I pulled these tight around the ankles to give another layer of protection.

The combination worked well for me. My toes were kept warm by the Goretex boots and although my feet still got wet, which I was expecting, the gaiters kept the mud away from my socks. I changed my socks twice, smothering my feet with Vaseline at the beginning and at the checkpoint at Hebden Hay. Thankfully, I didn’t get any blisters.

4. Have access to a hot drink

I bought a last minute purchase of a small clip flask from Alpkit. It was that last minute, I bought it on my way to registration! This proved invaluable as I could carry around a hot drink. I didn’t need to risk the chill of drinking cold water and it therefore helped me to stay hydrated. It slotted into the side pocket of my rucksack easily so I could grab it really quickly. I found that hot water worked the best in the end rather than tea.

Alpkit Clip Flask

5. Keep a supply of plastic bags and use dry bags.

Your kit will inevitably get wet when the weather turns wild. It’s worth carrying a couple of spare zip lock bags. This will keep any wet kit you’re carrying away from your dry kit you may have in your rucksack. Extra plastic bin liners and carrier bags are useful in your drop bag too.

I stowed away my sleeping bag inside my bivi bag, which was then inside the sleeping bag stuff sack. To ensure it was kept dry, I stashed it inside a small dry bag. I then packed it inside a larger heavier weight dry bag that lined the whole of my rucksack for double protection. My spare, dry clothes were also placed inside a second dry bag. This kept everything dry that needed to be as the rain did slightly penetrate the large dry bag, but not the second.

6. Recce bits

Having done the Challenger previously I was quite familiar with the route. However, I did still struggle in the dark and bad weather conditions to find the path that led down to the M62 bridge. What’s obvious in the day light sometimes is just not obvious in the dark!

If time is short before the race, it is worthwhile being selective and identifying what are considered the trickiest sections and would be most beneficial to recce. Try to work out where you’re likely to be when it’s dark, although that may be easier said than done! The best bits of the route are not necessarily the most difficult to navigate, I find it’s generally the field sections that are the most confusing as you can’t see where the next stile or gate is when it’s dark or claggy.

My recommendations would be as follows. However, others may recommend different bits:

The section from Charlestown just outside Hebden Bridge to just before Slack where you leave the Pennine Way to reach checkpoint 1. This is when you’re likely to be tired as you’re approaching the CP. It will be dark by this point too. The section initially winds its way steeply up narrow, cobbled alleyways where you could mistakenly think you’re trespassing in someone’s garden.
From Cowling over the fields to Lothersdale
From Thornton-in-Craven, over more fields, along the canal and crossing more fields before reaching the village of Gargrave.

Thank you to everyone for reading.

I raised funds for Buxton Mountain Rescue Team as part of the MRT Challenge.

If you wish to read my blog click here to read.

Spine Race: MRT Challenge

Clare BLOG, Lifestyle, Running, Spine Race, What do we get up to! #adventureseeker, #adventurethatislife, Buxton Mountain Rescue Team, Challenge, fundraising, Mountain Rescue, MRT Challenge, peak district, Pennine Way, Running, Spine Race, trail running, Winter, Yorkshire Dales

The MRT Challenge is part of the Spine Race series and is specifically for mountain rescue team members. Starting in Edale, the challenge is to head north along the Pennine Way for 108 miles finishing in Hawes!

But why?

The Pennine Way provides the opportunity to journey along the backbone of England. Much of the time is spent in remote upland and rugged, wild landscapes. The Spine Race is like no other race. An expedition almost. It’s evocative and provides a great challenge. It’s all about being able to push the limit both mentally and physically covering the difficult terrain under the gnarliest of conditions. There’s shorter daylight hours too with it being in winter and a time limit of 60 hours to get to the finish… so why not?

I was nervous before the start. Questions were buzzing around in my head. Had my training been enough? Will I be able to cope with the lack of sleep…with the cold…with the rain? I’d been here before…It doesn’t get any easier… I knew how tough it was going to be, but do you know what?…that made it even worse!

The start

So…an hour after the start of the main Spine Challenger race, 9am signalled the start of the MRT challenge. We were off! This year, there were six of us ladies in the MRT challenge along with the gents. Would we all make it to the end?

Heading up Jacob’s Ladder and onto Kinder Scout felt quite warm initially. The wind picked up though when crossing the peaty, rocky plateau so much so, I was buffeted from side-to-side at Kinder Downfall, which was famously blowing upwards. I got a face-full of spray as I jumped over the rocks and the wind whipped the hood on my jacket straight off the back of my head!

: Arriving at the Snake Pass

: At the Snake Pass

A quick stop at the Snake Pass and on over Bleaklow. Glossop Mountain Rescue Team had set up a temporary shelter with refreshments at Torside. It was lovely to see my friend, Laura, who had come out to meet me. There were also members of my own team, Buxton, cheering me along. Mel got me a welcome cup of tea and a biscuit, but I didn’t want to outstay my welcome and was soon on my way again.

: Great to see Laura at Torside

: Lovely cup of tea

The next road crossing was at Wessenden where the light was fading rapidly. A quick check in with the safety team and I was on my way again. Then…the rain started! Heading down the valley, I stopped against a rock to pull on my over-trousers. Continuing on down the uneven track in near darkness. I like to let my eyes adjust naturally so keep my head torch off for as long as possible. The only thing was as I got to the left-hand turn where the path leaves the track, I couldn’t see to find my head torch! I thought I’d put it in my left-hand waist pocket…no! What about the right-hand? …no! Front pouch? …no! I’m sure I remember putting it in here somewhere! After a little digging around, there it was in my left-hand pocket after all!

Heading over Marsden Moor I caught up with another competitor, Anne. The weather had taken a turn for the worse. The rain was hammering down on the hood of my jacket. It was a cold, dark, windy night with limited visibility as the clouds swirled all around us as we crossed the exposed moorland. We walked almost in silence only the occasional word spoken, it was difficult to hear anyway. I was just glad of the companionship.

At Brunscough Reservoir car park, I was relieved to see that Oldham Mountain Rescue Team had set up a temporary shelter. It felt good to get out of the rain momentarily. I got a warm drink, ate some cold pizza that I’d bought with me, added an extra layer under my waterproof jacket and whipped out of my rucksack the pièce de résistance, a fleecy balaclava my mum had bought me for Christmas a few years back.

I was snugly tucked away under the balaclava in the mighty hood of my waterproof jacket in my own little headtorch bubble. Occasionally Anne and myself would confirm with each other we were heading in the right direction, but mostly we kept our heads down as we marched over Standedge, White Hill and towards the M62 crossing. A quick check-in with the safety team and we confidently strode off only to find a few minutes later, we couldn’t find the path. I never remembered it being this difficult to find before. It felt like a long time going around in circles in the awful, murky conditions before we eventually retraced our steps and realised we’d missed the slight right-hand fork off the main track that led onto a minor path where we could see the bright orange glow of the lights on the M62 beckoning us on.

Another refreshment stop was provided by Pendle and Rossendale Mountain Rescue Team in the car park of the White House pub. The weather at this point was particularly horrendous, so it was good to escape the wind and the rain, and to add yet another layer under my waterproof jacket.

Off we headed along the surfaced track over Chelburn Moor alongside a series of reservoirs, occasionally taking a swift glance to the left towards the hazy, orange glow of the Greater Manchester conurbation. Eventually, we arrived at the top of Stoodley Pike with its imposing monument that always feels quite eerie in the dark!

Upon arrival at Checkpoint 1 at Hebden Hay, it was time for a complete change out of my drenched clothes into lovely clean, dry ones before I headed into the dining room. Anne and I had agreed to meet up afterwards so we could head back out together. In the meantime, the dining room was warm and cosy so I decided to catch a 15 minute nap and rested my head in my arms.

A touch of glamour! My sparkly, checkpoint footwear!

It was still raining when we headed back out and the underfoot conditions were treacherously muddy. We got lost in the undergrowth trying to locate the narrow path that led steeply upwards. It felt like I was almost on my hands and knees trying to clamber up the slippery, vegetated slope before gaining the road to rejoin the Pennine Way.

As daylight arrived, the rain began to ease off although I felt a little cold ascending up to Top Withans. I opened the door to the bothy where my mate, Drew was sheltering with a fellow competitor. There was also a group of other walkers in there so it was rather cozy. I added another layer and had a bite to eat before we headed back out.

The Spine Race organisers craftily snook a long diversion around the roads to reach Cowling. It was good to see Darren, who had briefly stopped to give his support. The fields approaching Lothersdale were like a mud bath, incredibly slippy. Outside the village pub, there was another rest stop in a gazebo organised by a local running club. I couldn’t fault the service and the broccoli and stilton soup was delicious too!

Caroline grabs a selfie with Anne and me as we leave Lothersdale

On the approach to Gargrave it got dark again. When we arrived in the village, the landlord of the local pub invited us in to use the facilities. I wasn’t going to turn down the chance to use a proper toilet so a quick visit ensued. Next stop was a visit to the infamous Coop store in the village. Who ate all the pies?! Disappointingly, the shop was bereft of hot pies so I had to settle for a bag of crisps instead!

Crossing the fields to Malham felt a bit tedious and repetitive. I was falling asleep on my feet. A weird sensation with my head literally nodding-off as I walked. I could see two head torches in the distance. It was my fellow BMRT team member, Kerry and her husband, Mike providing moral support. A welcome sight in the middle of the night.

I knew there were public toilets in Malham village and wondered if they would be open. Thankfully, they were and provided great floor space for a 15 minute power nap! Re-energised we almost sprinted to the top of Malham Cove although it didn’t last long!

Checkpoint 1.5 was in the Field Centre just beyond Malham Tarn. On the track leading up to the centre, the lead runner in the Spine Race, John Kelly over took us, and cheered us along as he passed. There was only hot water available which was perfect for my hydrated camping meal. A melee of other runners were around tending their feet, drinking tea and eating a variety of camping meals. A time limit was set on the duration that could be spent here as it was only a small room. We managed to blag some space in a dusty, old storeroom around the back of the building. It was on a cold, hard stone floor, not very luxurious or even comfortable, but again it did the trick for a much needed power-nap.

The ascent of Fountains Fell seemed to take a long time and on the way up I could have sworn I saw a grounded Spitfire in the swirling mist. I shook my head only to realise it was my vivid imagination. The descent felt like it went quite quickly though, maybe because it was now getting light. Although it was still as I remembered it, tricky at times especially with the uneveness of the rocky limestone path that was slippery in places from the heavy rain.

The climb up Pen-y-ghent went quite quickly. Although the scrambly section at the top felt a little awkward as I was carrying my trekking poles and couldn’t be bothered to fold them away! Before long, we were over the summit and heading down the long, rocky track towards the final safety check-in point at Horton-in-Ribblesdale.

Darren was waiting for me at the school as he was the safety co-ordinator at this stopover. I had some soup and faffed about for a bit before leaving to make the final push for the finish. Anne and I agreed to continue separately as she wanted to spend a little bit more time sorting herself out and resting before leaving. I wished her well and then I was gone.

: Getting mic’d up

: The last leg.

The Cam High Road is an old Roman track. It climbs steadily upwards for what seems like an eternity to around the height of 600m. The wind started to pick up at this point as storm Brendon began to roll in. I ducked behind a dry stone wall for some shelter as I needed a drink. I polished off a slice of my mum’s delicious Christmas cake that I’d carried along with me too.

Battling storm Brendon

Just before the left-hand turn along the West Cam Road, I was really getting buffeted and knocked side-ways by the wind. At Ten End, the route leaves the track and descended on a slippy, muddy path towards the village of Hawes. I was really having to brace myself against the wind to maintain my composure. I was digging my trekking poles solidly into the ground to be able to stay upright although I did slip at one point where I managed a comical 360° belly-flop kind-of-roll before getting back onto my feet.

The light began to fade, the rain started to hammer it down even more as the storm became more violent, and by the time I had reached the edge of the village, it was dark. I took a rather convoluted way to get to the finish although I did manage to run a little as I headed down the main street towards the finish at the Market Hall. The claps and cheers from the spectators at the end is something that will live with me forever. Team member, Neil, proudly presented me with my Spine Race medal before I was whisked indoors and out of the awful weather to dry off. Sadly, there were a large number of retirements in the race due to the conditions so I was pleased to be one of the only two ladies who completed the MRT Challenge.

: Neil presenting my medal

: Proudly displaying my Spine Race medal

I’d like to say a big thank you to all the wonderful Spine Race volunteers at the checkpoints or out and about on the course. My thanks also go to my fellow Buxton Mountain Rescue Team members for their support and to the other Mountain Rescue teams for providing additional refreshments, shelter and encouragement en-route. It was greatly appreciated.

If you wish to read my Spine Challenger: Top Tips click here.

: Let’s get this rucksack off you.

: Swollen feet!

I was filmed at various locations en-route and I’d like to say thanks to Luke and his friends from Salford University. They are kindly giving their time to produce a social media live broadcast, which will help to raise publicity and funds for the team. My Spine Race video will feature as part of the broadcast. Follow Buxton Mountain Rescue Team on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Further details will be on social media when the broadcast will take place post Covid-19.

My Spine Race MRT Challenge raised funds for Buxton Mountain Rescue Team.

If you would like to donate, please click:

https://www.buxtonmountainrescue.org.uk/support_us/donate

Day 25 – Friday 24th August

Darren 32 days in HaRVey the camper, Lifestyle, Uncategorised

It feels now such a long time since I was running along the white cliffs of Dover, the evening before I boarded the ferry for France. I had parked on the esplanade with a number of other campers and motorhomes waiting to head to the continent. I was full of excitement, a little nervous as I didn’t really know how it was going to work?

Deep down I did now, I knew it was going to be great, the flexibility, the open road and the freedom. Now I’m often asked how do you do the things you do, you must earn lots of money to do these things! Well, I don’t anymore, earn lots of money that is… strange I know, but even more enlightening is that these types of adventures need not cost a lot (I’ll write another blog on this).

My ankle felt better this morning after the cold pack treatment last night. I decided to go for a run first thing before a coaching call at 9 am.
The day was now dry after last nights torrential downpour, the river has a must lying on top of the cold glacial water.

The only mile with a smile this morning, just to take it easy.
Office time beckoned today, the first day back to work, catching up on Property related issues, Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro preparations. Time to also catch up on my blog, as hands up I’d skipped behind whilst Mum and Ellie were over.

Top tip – write your journal / daily blog on the day, even if it’s only the highlights as playing catch up is so time-consuming.
The car park was busy with climbers, young and Old either climbing at the crag or on the Go Ape style course.

The sun had come out and I’d completely missed it! I only noticed it when I nipped to the little boy’s room, boy what a view… no not that the mountains, the glaciers and the clear waters of Lac Gaillands.
A couple more hours then crag time. 4 pm and the crag was slowly emptying, freeing up some routes.

The climbing here is classed as sports climbing and each route is graded. 3 is the easiest and 7/8 the hardest. Like my Running, I’m a steady middle third climber. 4-5’s for me.

Clare led the first route, 4b. A steady, solid climb. I then climbed up after Clare had descended. I fancied a lead so I opted to lead the same climb. My confidence has surely grown since I started climbing at the age of 41 (you’re never too old, for anything). Along with climbing with friends and of course mountain rescue, the skills have certainly enhanced some.

It was getting dark now and only three sets of climbers remained, including ourselves. I watched a father and son climb across the crag ‘alpine style’.
I fancied pushing the boundaries a little and ashes Clare to pop back to HaRVey to grab the head torches, some night climbing was on.
Now I would never have even considered this 3 or 4 or even 5 years ago, but I’ve surrounded myself with a great team of people, the training and self-believe has helped me massively.
I led the last climb, a 5b, it was getting dusk now so I attached my headtorch to my new helmet. The route was great, not climbed that much, I couldn’t understand why!

Clare lowers me and I removed the gear on my way down. Clare ’s turn and she got to within 4 meters from the top without turning the torch on. My turn now, it was dark, head torch on and slow dance-like movements, it was very relaxing, spiritual maybe.

The bats were out now and nobody else was on the crag. I reached the top with relative ease, I surprised myself, to be honest, but I felt chilled, even though I’d moved outside my comfort zone I was still in control.

Wow 9.33pm, time we called it a day, back to HaRVey and food, I finished my Tuna Salad. Yummy.

Day 11 – Friday 10th August – ’32 days In HaRVey the camper’

Darren 32 days in HaRVey the camper, Lifestyle

A lie in was planned to try and rest before tomorrow’s race. But, I was again woken at 5.45 by the internal body clock. Still, I can think of worse places to wake early than the Alps. I pulled back the curtains to admire the view. The cloud was low, hanging below the tree line, which added to its splendour. It was still raining a little, but most of the weather has passed through. The day was set to brighten up later, with the broken sun, which it did.

A quick 2 miles to keep the legs moving down a little path heading to the Main village of Saint Jean d’aulps. I wanted to extend my run, but also conserve my strength for tomorrow’s race ‘Trail des Haut forts’.

Back in the apartment, I caught up someway on adding photos to my blogs. Then it was into Morzine to collect my race number from the race HQ. We parked near to the leisure centre where last year’s race HQ was housed, but it had moved back to the tourist office in the centre of Morzine.

Queuing we got speaking to a British couple who were doing the same race.

I picked up my number 582 and a complimentary pair of socks, size large but later changed for XL. After visiting Intersport and the supermarket we made a quick bean wrap in HaRVey and headed down the valley towards Geneva.

The sky was clear and the sun was shining when we exited the D’aulpes valley near to Thonon. There’s was still sometime before we needed to be at the airport so we decided to head to Yvoirie. Now if you ever visit this part of France, this small village on the shores of the lake are well worth a detour.

Queuing we got speaking to a British couple who were doing the same race.

The village retains its medieval charm, with small quaint cafes, restaurants and gift shops attract many a visitor.

It was one year and one day since we all were here last year and it didn’t feel that long. A lot has happened since then. I’d been on two trips to Morocco, one trip to Nepal and Charlotte had moved out to start her life’s journey with a great guy, Chris. We’d had a great ski trip to saint Jeans D’aulps and a long winter in the UK, not forgetting the ‘Beast from the East’ and a number of call-outs with mountain rescue.

We sat by the lake near to a small mariner and admired the splendour of the view around us. The far-reaching mountains of Switzerland, the Alps and Jura, with the town of Montreux on the distant shores. The water was clear and people were swimming in the refreshing water, I wish I’d bought a spare pair of shirts as I’d have been in there too.

It was time to leave this magical place. I wanted to eat our evening meal by Harvey on the shores of the lake a little closer to Geneva. As we reached the outskirts of the city people had parked on the grass verge next to the lake, we had found our dinner location.

A nice bean salad, veggie burger, quinoa and the remnants of my magical Tomato and garlic sauce to freshen things up. I was carb loading for tomorrow’s race.

We sat watching the sun slowly fall from the sky over the Jura mountains and tried to spot the ski area, from where we stayed the night before in the valley behind. The planes were landing very often and I am watched mums and Ellie’s plane via the Easyjet app, it looked like they were to pass over Lake Setton where had been a few days before.

Soon it was time to leave and head to the airport and find somewhere to park HaRVey near to arrivals. I got a little worried that the sat Nav was taking us on the motorway away from the airport, it wasn’t! After a couple of passes, we found the car park and waited in arrivals. The airport was busy with people arriving for their many different holidays, returning home and to see family. It wasn’t long until Mum and Ellie arrived and it was nice to see them x

Soon we were on our way through Geneva, passing the lake shore with its many styles of entertainment, the fountain was illuminated and people enjoying the warm summer evening. I would have stopped, but needed to get back to the apartment to prepare for tomorrow’s race!

The drive didn’t take too long, one hour and twenty minutes. I parked HaRVey by the telecabine in the village. Ellie loves it here and I can visualise is spending time here in the future.

Then it was bed, another great day xxx

Day 10 – 32 days in Harvey the camper

Darren 32 days in HaRVey the camper, Lifestyle

Thursday 9th August 2018

Back on familiar ground!

The morning was peaceful. None of our motorhome neighbours had stirred yet, still enjoying the comfort of there surroundings. I popped on my running gear and had a good drink of water to kick start my body for the day.

It was a little cool out after the rains, so I popped my gloves on to help keep my Reynards at bay! There was a low cloud hugging the trees in the sloping Velerine valley below me. I had decided on a mixed terrain route this morning, taking in Trail, track and road to creating a circular route.

I passed two local dog walkers and exchanged pleasantries, ‘Bonjour’ as I ran past them. Soon I’d left the pleasant confines of the village and now in complete nature, the sound of the water in the stream and birds for company. Exciting to be running on new trails again, I stopped to look around at the mountains covered in pine trees.

Soon, I was on the road and the return to the village of Lelex, stopping to look at the old 1950’s cable cars we saw the day before.

The Aire still looked at peace, all the motorhomes lined up with their owners readying for the day of new adventures.

I made my daily morning smoothie, before changing and settling down to some work on my laptop.

It had now started to rain quite heavily as I watched the motorhomes leave.
Soon it was our time to head to the familiar ground, Saint jeans d’aulps near to Morzine in Haute saviour region of the Alps. I was very sad to leave this place but happy we had found it for future trips.

We headed back down through the mountains, along winding roads with steep drops into limestone gorges below. It’s great to be sitting high in a commanding position, as I can see further into said valleys!
Joining the motorway near to Geneva we heading towards Chamonix, leaving at Cluses for the mountain road into the Alps, still in the rain.

Nice to be back here after six months since our annual skiing trip. Great memories and a great atmosphere. Ellie was 10 when we started skiing here, being only four years old when she put on her first pair, Charlotte was seven and they both love their skiing.
In the summer the area is popular with mountain bikers, walkers, trail runners and anybody else to be honest. Lots of expats have relocated here too, but you can find the mix of both French and brits works well.
The obligatory stop at the supermarket before we arrived at the apartment, out home for 13-days!

It was sad to unpack HaRVey, going to miss staying in him. But, he is now a day van where we will be able to take our time visiting places and a picnic hampers on wheels.

We pick up my mum and Ellie tomorrow evening from Geneva, so Harvey’s rest will be short-lived.

Day 7 – 32 days in HaRVey the camper.

Darren 32 days in HaRVey the camper, Lifestyle

Monday 6th August 2018

Good days, bad days!
I’ve been in the road for seven days now and it’s been great.
Just sitting on the front porch of HaRVey watching an approaching lightnin gstorm. It’s been hot today, humid too, so we expected something may happen.
Today started with the usual early morning run, this time around the lake. To finish the run I decide dto take a dip in the lake! What a great idea, the water was temped and very relaxing. Oh, I didn’t get changed into my boardes, I just went straight in with my running gear on, running shoes too. Saves washing them and me 😉

We could feel the heat increasing and it wasn’t long before the sun reached HaRVey and the temperature increased. We were hosting a webinar, a virtual get-together with our adventure travel clients based in Australia, NZ and the Uk. The webinar was to bring the team together to put final details on the trip and enable the team to ask questions.

Then added some more emails to send and followed up two potential team members for Kilimanjaro in 2019.
It must have been the heat, possibly the seven-day hitch, not sure but I felt a little homesick, I suppose this is to be expected!
The area we are in is great, lovely people from around Europe all enjoying travelling and the sun.
I said goodbye to our German neighbours as they headed to the Loire valley for three days.

After we closed the office we took a little walk around the lake taking in a cold, really cold drink overlooking the lake.

When we arrived back to HaRVey we had new neighbours, who in their big motorhome didn’t leave much space between us both! Oh well, I did mention this to them, but it got lost in translation!
Note to diary (again) learn French 🙂
Another relaxing evening planning our next two days and confirming my medical certificate for Saturday’s trail race in Morzine / Avoriaz!
Just typing this a little jaded, before I hit the sack have fun and yes, we all drop below the line occasionally.

But, before I could sleep I could see the storm getting ever closer. So, not to miss a good storm I went outside to feel it’s energy.

It wasn’t long before the storm encapsulated us, no rain, little thunder and pure electrica lenergy.

Day 6 – ‘32 days in HaRVey the camper’

Darren 32 days in HaRVey the camper, Lifestyle

Sunday 5th August 2018

To avoid Paris’s heat we continued to head south, where it was even hotter 🤔☀️
Decided to visit the Park Naturel Regional du Morvan, but before we left Dordives we had a nice flat five mile run along the towpath of the canal du Loing.
Then as the day got even hotter we popped on to the A6 motorway for a couple of hours drive.

It was nice to head into the hills again, stopping at a lovely little called Quarre de Tombes for a picnic and look around the shops. Then onto our final destination, Lac Des Settons. A very popular area for many, families and friends having fun in the lake, cooling in the 38 degree heat. After a nice swim it was down to some hard work, well sunbathing for two hours ☀️
As the evening cooled it was nice to dine alfresco, Clare with her wine and me with some organic orange juice.
Final touches for tomorrow morning’s webinar, then a cosy nights sleep.

Day 5 – 32 days in HaRVey the camper

Darren 32 days in HaRVey the camper, Lifestyle

Saturday 4th August 2018

5.30 wake up call to catch the 6.19 sunrise on my 4 mile run.
I managed to see the sun rise and set today, love it when that happens.

After a quick stop in Belgium, it was south to Thiepval and a visit to the memorial of the missing during the Somme offensive of 2016, 12000 Soilders are listed and 19,000 died on the first day! Mind blowing.
I watched the rerun of the channel 4 docu-film ‘the somme’ the other day and thought it be an idea to visit where was based, Dantzig Alley.

First I stopped to see a mine crater left after it was detonated at 07:28 on July 1st 2016!

I then spent a little time to ponder and watch the sun set over ‘Danzig Alley Cemetery’.
Then onto my over night stopover to watch the ISS pass overhead.
Also, I appear to have a mozi in the van tonight 😢😢

Day 3 – ‘32 days in HaRVey the camper

Darren Lifestyle, Uncategorised

Thursday 2nd August 2018

Started the day with a wee lie in till 7 am. Then it’s was trainers on for a run along the beach. The tide was going out which had exposed a hull of a ship, sunk during the Dunkirk evacuations. Sad to think that over 300 Soldiers have not been found from the wreck!

Two client coaching calls helping two super people make the transition from a 9-5 lifestyle to a lifestyle of their choosing!

Then it was an office day, laptop and phone at the ready! Oh, the data reception at last nights stopover was poor! So it was to park up at the local supermarket for a better connection.

I had to be focused and disciplined today, as the hot weather and clear blue skies were calling me to the sea.

“You have to work hard and focused to play hard! ”

Hometime and tonight’s delights for dinner, a Mediterranean bean salad, made by my own fair hands 🙂

A chilled out read, then a nice walk to the beach to watch the sunset.

A nice friendly, family atmosphere, with plenty of restaurants selling local fish dishes and a small market.

What a day – tired now.

Day 2 – ‘32 days in HaRVey the camper’

Darren 32 days in HaRVey the camper, Lifestyle bucket list, Campervan, dreams, goals, lifestyle, YOLO

Wednesday 1st August –
The simple life!

Loving this Campervan lark! Should have done it 25 years ago. It’s liberating to only have a few possessions with you, surprising what we really need! No stress, just relaxation, meditation and a free spirit

Early start, awake before the sun today to catch the early ferry. A steady sea meant a smooth crossing to France. I waved to The white cliffs of Dover, seeing where I had run last night and said goodbye to the England and the UK for a month!

Nice to be back in France, good roads, no potholes! Headed to Dunkirk to visit the Operation Dynamo museum. Popped into a motorhome service point to top up HaRVey’s onboard water tank.

Headed along the coast towards Belgium, stopping for some supplies. I found a great little spot to park for the night, only 10 min walk from the beach, where I headed to for a swim and sunbathe.

After waking myself up, snoring I think, I was still in the blistering sun, thankfully I’d put on suntan lotion so I didn’t look like a lobster.

Time to head neck to HaRVey and a gentle 3 mile run along the beach. Washed and fed I’m now chilling with the citronella tea light candles burning to keep away the bugs.

Call back tomorrow for further blog updates on our adventures through France