darren hunt

Mountain Skills – Kinder Scout

Darren What do we get up to! 999, castleton, compass bearing, compass skills, darren hunt, edale, features, grid reference, kinder scout, map and compass, mountains, navigation for runners, navigation skills, navigation training, pacing, peak district, Running, timimg, trail running peak district, walking

KInder Scout

On Saturday 16th November saw 6 brave souls heading out on our latest Mountain Skills day for walkers and trail runners on Kinder Scout. The day started with mist clinging onto the edges of Kinder with winds gusting 35mph+. This caused a dilemma! The day will mainly be based around basic navigation techniques & emergency techniques, just in case. With the wind being so strong it would be virtually impossible to carry out any form of skills transfer. With the mist being low, although be great learning conditions, would be a little advanced for today. Thankfully whilst waiting in Edale car park the mist lifted,the decision was made. The route would take a line along Grindsbrook, then back along the edges towards Ringing Roger then descend back into Edale.

All of the team arrived and we set off at 0915 passing the ole nags head in Edale and up towards Grindslow Clough. The team practiced setting the map (orientating) to the ground, identifying features such as boundaries, walls, fences, old boundaries which aren’t as prominent, overtime being reduced to piles of rubble, but in a logical line. The team then practiced pacing and timing along the path, gaining a base for walking 100 metres which is used as an aid to determine distance traveled and distance to an objective. This is a key skill to master as it can help you navigate in poor visibility, feature less terrain ( such as on the summit of Kinder Scout ) or at night.

After a short break in the woods by Golden Clough it was time to have fun with the compass. We identified different types of compass, features of the compass, such as the base plate, compass housing, magnetic ‘north’ needle, the ‘ direction of travel’ arrow at the top end of the base plate, which is used to point the direction you want to walk. A few of the group realized their confusion between the ‘red’ magnetic arrow and the direction they walked in ( I’ll post a short video blog on this) this was a massive breakthrough and they could see so many doors opening in their navigation experience going forward.

We stopped for a spot of lunch in the shadows of Nether Tor and then is was time for Grid references. The team were tasked with finding various features on the map after understanding how the grid system works in the uk. They practiced with 4 figure grid references, then progressed to 6 figure grid references which relates to 100sqm of land on the ground. Carrying on along the path towards Grindsclough stoping at various points to take a grid reference, bearings and to identify our position.

Heading on to Kinder

The skies above had cleared and although very windy. I decided to end the day and to give the team a change to see what its like on top of Kinder Scout, we climbed the short, but steep path to the summit. The wind hit us like the downdraft of a Seaking Helicopter, re-grouping behind a small tor we moved off together. With the wind sometimes knocking us off balance, inmost cases the wind our backs so helped us move quickly. The team loved the experience, the exposure and the clear views all around high above the peak district and made for a great finish to the day.

Being blown around on Kinder Scout

On the descent we practiced setting up an emergency shelter , how quickly you warm up when taken out of the wind. We then discussed basic emergency techniques for calling for help!

‘Call 999 and ask for Police Mountain Rescue’

Immediatly Giving your name,mobile number and location ( grid reference). Then nature of the emergency, casualty details( name, age , sex), number in your party.

We headed back to the car park and with big smiles we bid our farewells till next time.

A BIG thank you to Rich , Julie, Chris, Carolyn, Jojo & Johnathan for a great day.

For more photos pop along to flickr

Click here to listen review what the guys thought of the day.

If you like to find out more about our skill transfers days for Walkers and Trail runners please drop us an email – adventures@mountainsinmind.com

Capital Adventure ‘

Darren What do we get up to! darren hunt, london, london marathon, new york marathon, Running, tower bridge

London Marathon

‘If your trying to break the human spirit, you’ve picked on the wrong group of people‘

It was back in 2011, when for the first time I knew somebody who was running the London marathon. I watched the race on BBC iPlayer whilst making my juices and getting ready for the day. To watch the event unfold on my screen, runners on the start line, crossing Tower Bridge and passing the houses of parliament on a glorious, albeit hot day in April, bought goose bumps and the feeling that one day I’d like to run the Virgin London Marathon.

That year was a massive change for me in many ways, which continues to this day! Loosing 48 lbs of weight, getting fitter & joining a running club to name a few. At the time of the London Marathon in April 2011 I’d yet to enter my first competitive race in my new body.

Turn the clock forward and its now Sunday 21^st April 2013. I’m nervous, excited, missed train connection, I find myself on Blackheath common at the start of the Virgin London Marathon. I’m here! 2 years of dreaming, 2 other marathons ( New York & Edinburgh) I find myself here. I pinch myself, I’m going to run the VLM, I can do it.

Now as a newbie runner with only 2 years of serious running there’s one valuable lesson I’ve learnt – to control the mind ( well on the running track anyway). If we believe in ourselves we can do, be, have anything, the more we do something the easier it gets.

The nerves set in as they do on most races and after visiting the lovely open air urinals ( 3 times), pre marathon iPod tunes ( Rocky,Cold Play), 20 mins slow warm up and dynamic stretches it was time to take our place in Pen 4, Blue zone. Checking I have enough Gels and going over the race plan it was time to pay our respects to the victims of the Boston Marathon Bombs. A very moving experience and as one Marathon runners t-shirt said ‘ If your trying to break the human spirit, you’ve picked on the wrong group of people’.

At 10am the gun went and within 4 minutes I was over the start line, pressed start on my Garmin GPS and set the screen to virtual runner / average pace (8:40). The first 3 miles were very chaotic, runners weaving in and out, on and off pavements, tripping over traffic cones and each other, scrambling at water stations. The day appeared to be getting warmer, with the sun coming out the race organisers and fire fighters treating the runners to a well earned cold shower.

Further into the course, zones Green and Red merged and now 34,000 runners were together on the streets of London. We passed the Cutty Sark were 2 good friends were there having breakfast and supporting the runners. It was great to see them at mile 6 which propelled me forward, then to be greeted by, from what I can only describe as a wall of noise from the deeply packed crowdsthrough Greenwich. The crowds were fantastic all the way round the route, bands, cheering, music – amazing support which still gives me goose bumps now.

On the New York Marathon I went for the experience and to show to myself I could do it. I took my pocket video to record the experience, my friend who’d I’d watch run the London in 2011 said to me ‘it’s a race Ode, don’t take the bloody camera’. I ignored him! The first marathon and if the only marathon you run, go for the experience and drink it in.

This Marathon I aimed to enjoy the atmosphere and focus on a Personnel Best (PB). NYCM, I’d done 4:14. I wanted sub 4:00. My watch was set at a pace of 8:40, which in hindsight was to fast.

Running over Tower Bridge, the cheering crowds noise level amplified. This spurred us all on passing the ½ marathon mark and on towards Canary Wharf.

Mile 15/16 I felt myself going backwards and no matter what I did I couldn’t recover the time. I was loosing about 20-30 seconds a mile – had I gone off to fast?

Passing through Canary Wharf was amazing and the crowds felt like they were above you and it was time again to head back towards Tower Bridge, Embankment and the Mall. Passing mile 21 I saw Clare, Charlotte and Phoebie cheering me on, which helped as it was starting to hurt. Taking gels to give me more energy and taking just enough water on board, we passed through the tunnel onto embankment.

I quickly looked to spot Big Ben as I’d visualized running past it, and where we’d watched the Ladies Olympic Marathon on a very wet day in August. I found it on my far left, thinking ooops there’s still a long way to go. Still, I can only take one step at a time, and with each step I get closer than I was before. So head down and focused on keeping moving forward I neared Big Ben, my goal. It felt like a lifetime until I finally turned right passing Big Ben into Parliament Square and on to Birdcage walk.

My original plan was to step it up a bit as only less than a mile to go, I couldn’t, I had nothing left in the tank, I’d spent all my energy!

Keeping focused on completing the 26.2 miles without stopping and with each step the crowds got louder, the Mall got closer, passing Buckingham Palace and turned the corner and there it was –

THE FINISH LINE – A new PB 4:02:48

I life time experience and memories to last a life time.

(next time I know what I need to do to get sub 3:50) 😉

Clare runs the 3 Shires LDWA

Darren What do we get up to! 3 shires head, 3 shires ldwa, clare holdcroft, darren hunt, fell running, gritstone trail, hill running, howarth hobble, inov8, ldwa, ldwa 3 shires, mountains, Running, shutlingsloe, sub 4, summit to sea, trail running, trail running navigation, trail running peak district

Clare

Having completed the 3 Shires twice previously, the 29 mile route last year and the 22 mile route in 2011, I was back on familiar territory and in an event that was virtually on my doorstep.

As I arrived at the Community Centre, the walkers were about to set off at 8am, I was met by a cheery car park attendant, shown where to park and registered for the event in the Hall where I was offered a cup of tea. After chatting to a couple of other runners, my nerves were starting to take over, I checked and double checked my rucksack and made two trips to the loo before we called to the start. After a few brief words, we were off on this lovely spring morning, heading upwards to Gun Hill.

As the sun was shining, I’d opted to leave my softshell in the car but still carried my waterproof in my rucksack. I was wearing a long sleeve base layer from Aldi and an old faithful Adidas technical t-shirt, Outdoor Design gloves, long Sub-4 running tights and Inov8 x-Talons.

After summiting Gun Hill, we headed across to the Roaches climbing up on to the ridge past the Don Willans Memorial Hut to the Upper Tier, Doxey Pool and the trig point to descend along the paving slabs to Checkpoint 1 at Roach End.

It was here my Sea to Summit folding cup was invaluable as no cups were provided (we were warned!), I had several cups of squash and grabbed my now traditional 5Jaffacakes. A standing joke from last year’s event with my friend Lou, who I was running with then, who guiltily said she’d eaten 2 Jaffacakes until I laughed and confessed to eating 5!

Setting off again heading down towards the Back Forest, the ground was frozen solid and very icy in places together with the remaining snow, making it treacherously slippy at times. The route then dropped down to the River Dane, a feature which we would see on a number of occasions throughout the day.

Upon crossing the Dane we headed to Gradbach Youth Hostel and onwards towards the 3 Shires Head. It was whilst heading down this old bumpy track with the sun in my eyes, I put my foot on what I thought was a rock, but in fact it was ice and took a tumble. Never mind, I picked myself back up very quickly, carried on and thought my pride was intact as nobody had seen, only to be caught up by a couple of guys a few minutes later, who asked if I was ok as that was quite a tumble!

3 Shires Head
The meeting of Cheshire, Derbyshire & Staffordshire

We crossed the 3 Shires Head, an old pack horse bridge, where the 3 counties of Staffordshire,Cheshire and Derbyshire all met then headed towards Shutlingsloe, where we had the option to climb up to the summit or head straight to Checkpoint 2. I chose to add the additional two miles and made my way up the steep but delightful climb to the summit for the impressive views where we could see for miles. As I climbed I had a couple of handfuls of trail mix (chocolate coated raisins nuts and seeds) just to give me that extra boost of energy before dropping over the summit and down the slabby path before heading back towards the road then the slight ascent up to Checkpoint 2 at Wildboarclogh VillageHall.

On the way to Shutligsloe

On entering the Village Hall, I was greeted by LDWA members and offered a variety of lovely cakes, buttered scones and cheesy oatcakes. I (sadly) declined the oatcakes and opted for a scone, which I knew was more digestable on the run.

After a few minutes rest and rehydration, I thanked themarshallsand made my exit and set off on the Cheshire Loop.

I overtook a couple of the walkers but then had no sight of anyone else on the event for about the next 5 miles. I’d only ran this loop once previously last year and knew it was quite intricate route finding and didn’t want to make a mistake on the navigation. I nearly come a cropper when I went ankle deep in some mud and felt myself wobble backwards for a second. I shouted ‘No!’ out loud to myself and in an instant managed to regain my balance. Phew, thanks goodness for that!

The landmarks on this section were the three pubs that we passed. Firstly, the Hanging Gate, where I dreamt about the fabulous homemade bread and butter pudding consumed on a previous visit, when I’d ran part of the Gritstone Trail with a couple of friends. Secondly, the Wild Boar and then finally the Crag Inn before heading back to Wildboarclough Village Hall and Checkpoint 3.

Another scone, or was it two, and several cups of squash later, I headed back out of the village hall for the final 7 miles. The route then climbs up steadily and crosses the main road before what is normally quite a fast descent on a track heading towards Gradbach Youth Hostel again. This year, there was lots of snow which made it slow going under foot as it was starting to get quite soft but my Inov8 trainers provided plenty of grip.

After the Youth Hostel, we met with the River Dane again and ran along an adjacent path which was ankle deep with mud in places. The route picked it way past Luds Church, a gorge in the rocks and a place of historical worship. We then headed past the Hanging Stone before dropping back down to Danebridge. As I ran past the Wincle Brewery, I started to dream about an ice cold beer! Continuing through the fish farm and catching up with the River Dane again, crossing it beside a small but impressive weir. This was where we parted company with the river. After a short, steep climb my legs were beginning to tire. I was dreading the concrete track that was coming up as I seemed to remember it felt unrelenting as it was slightly up hill.

On this occasion, I caught a glimpse of two walkers in the distance and this motivated me. I focused on catching them up. Little did I know, that one of them was Darren, who had ran from home to meet me. He had stopped to chat to a guy as he walked the last little bit. By this point I was at 28.5 miles and had my head down and it was only when I heard ‘Come on Miss H, not far to go now!’ did I realise it was Darren. Nice surprise!

I ran past them and turned onto the final stretch of road at which point Darren caught me up. Pulling me along for the final stretch, we ran by several walkers who were on the shorter routes, to the finish.

Back at the Village Hall there was a warm welcome. A lovely spread had been laid on for the finishers, which included a variety of delicious salads, lovely bread followed by a selection of very tempting puddings. Mmm! Just what was required after running 29 miles. My time was 7 hours 20 minutes, which was a little slower than last year but I was happy with that given the underfoot conditions. A great event, which I thoroughly enjoyed and as it’s a local event, I’ll be back next year for more

3 Shires LDWA

Some Photo’s courtesy of Brian Fisher

Mow Cop Hill Race – Up, down and back again!

Darren What do we get up to! darren hunt, fell running, hill running, Mountains in mind, mow cop hill run, mow cop runners, navigation training, runners, trail running

Sunday 7th April 2013 – 6.5 Mile & 1,300ft ascent

Mow Cop Hill Race

Interactive map by Brian Dale (Racephotos.org.uk)

No race for us today as we are marshaling, although Clare completed the 3 shires LDWA 29 mile race yesterday and I ran along the Gritstone Trail, then Dane valley to meet Clare at the finish. Along the way I practiced navigation using my new Garmin 62stc.

Sunday at 11am was the start of the 4th Mow Cop Hill Race from the village hall of Mount Pleasent. 100 runners from clubs as close as Staffs moorlands & Congleton Harriers to as far as Lytham St Annes and Eryri. Just to warm up the legs and to get the heart pumping the runners hit the steep climb of the ‘The Brake‘.

Father & Daughter Marshall’s for the day

It wasn’t long before the runners past me and 4 other Marshall’s Wain, Charlotte, Emma Cathy. We had been tasked to keep the runners safe at the road junction on Tower Hill, just past the ‘Mow Cop Castle‘ . It was then time for the runners to leave Staffordshire and enter the county of Cheshire, following the Gritstone, and the old Mow cop trail, also the Staffordshire way. On the ridge there far reaching views to the snow capped mountains of Wales, across the Cheshire Plane to Liverpool, Shropshire & the Long Mynd and to the North East the Peak District. But with runners focusing on the race there would be no time to admire the views this time.

Mow Cop Hill Race

It’s all about taking part

After descending through fields, bog, road, track and ‘Snow Drifts’ it was time for the runners to climb back up towards the summit of Mow Cop. The climb up from Ackers Crossing is a slog, at the top edge of Hanging Woods there’s a hard packed snowdrift! Which during the recent Arctic weather developed into a Snow Cornice.

We then saw the lead runners edging their way across the field towards the Old Man of Mow and their way home. Keeping the runners safe we would alert the other marshals of the imminent runners and keep safe when crossing. The lead runners passed us quickly and then the steady flow of runners tiredly headed home over the last mile, mainly down hill.

There was a tight battle for the men’s 1st and 2nd place between Damian Nicholls and Jack Ross. Damian manged to secure 1st place by 20 seconds ( 43:41 ), with only 70 seconds separating the top 4 places. ( Full results ).

The first lady was Kerry Merchant in an impressive 53:48, followed by Debbie Hope in 57:15 ( Full results ).

Presentations, cake, plenty of cake would await the runners back at the hall.

The awards were presented by the Chairman and race organiser Geoff Petengall.

Mow Cop Hill Race

Spread the word of this great little gem for next year and come along to support or tackle the delights of Mow Cop.

Race photos and video can be seen on www.racephotos.org.uk.

A damn hard run

Darren What do we get up to! darren hunt, everest, kilimanjaro, marathon, Running

Sunday 6th January 2103 saw 8 Mow Cop runners line up on the start line of the Trigs race. An 16 mile race across the expanses of Cannock Chase in Staffordshire. Now I’ve spent many an hour over here on my mountain bike and as a young army cadet sergeant but never ran it, but knew it was going to be tough.

The race got under way just after 11am, with around 130 runners from different clubs scrambling for a good running line. As we ran further runners went there own way as this was a navigation course, and you’re under you own devices, map and compass at the ready. The aim is to get to 4 Trig points in the quickest time possible! Our navigation choice was to stay low level along sherwood valley until the climb towards the first trig point, which is close the old rifle range. The day started to warm up ( or was it me) as we moved quickly up the first climb, aptly named bugger hill ( for obvious reasons) by my brother who bikes over here a lot than I do. It was warming so much that I removed my Rab long sleeved top and just wore my vest. My legs and lungs were on fire at the top and a run turned into slow jog. We hit the first Trig point .

With great encouragement from the marshal’s from Mercia Fell running club and my brother, Paul, who was following us on his mountain bike we headed of towards on the next very long leg to the railway crossing and the climb to Trig No2. We started running with a group of around 5-6 other runners, including a Mercia runner who we followed ( easier than Navigating yourself ) . We were all pretty evenly matched and kept changing position, then a great down hill section approached and love these, so off I shot. We had 2 mins to take on some water and cross the railway line and busy main road.

We then set off along a forest fire track which was ok until an incline were I just lose my legs. We lost the other group, crossed the road and headed up towards Trig No2 ( i said it was a long way )… We passed other runners on the return leg from the Trig point heading in the opposite direction, we saw 2 of our club mates Damo and Andrew, they said only 10 mins to go, but it was up hill and that was it. Now I’m OK walking up the hills and mountains as a Mountain Guide and instructor, but running is an art I’m destined to crack in 2013. We felt we were moving more and more down the field with less and less runners behind us – Damn. Well this was only ever was going to be a Training run..wasn’t it?

We hit Trig No2 and headed to Trig No3. Down a muddy path until we hit the main forest trail, then up again – yes you got it I walked, albeit quickly (ish). Now we are at mile 11 and we run along a main road to the next trig, dibbed in and took a marked short cut. During the next 20 mins or so was a bit of a blur ( well that was my excuse anyway ). We took , sorry I took a wrong turn and ended up 25 mins behind and for good measure added an extra 2 mile. Still – a great navigator can and has the ability to relocate 🙂 – this area of the chase is a little like the Bermuda triangle as another runner from Macclesfield harriers had the same thing happen to him too…

Still onward and upwards! and it should have been downwards if we’d taken the right path, still never mind these things are a test.. We hit the right track and headed down very quickly, feeling the odd twinge on my right calf. Passing mountain bikers and families we hit the Railway crossing and took on more water.

Then we headed on towards No4 Trig, our final one at Glacier Stone, which i think is that highest place on the chase. But before long we hit the nice down hill from earlier, but this time it was up! Now at this stage I’d had an energy gel and healthy cereal bar and was starting to flag – mile 14. The track leveled out and we ran with 2 guys from Nottingham. My brother was with us too, as he’d met us coming down the previous track, it was a slow run as this was the furthest I’d run since July when we completed a 33mile ultra. Having to dig deep and keep focused, even though you could hear the clock ticking and the sound just gets louder.

We soon passed day trippers and families out for a leisurely afternoon and headed back to the shrub land. Crossing the valley we climbed up aiming towards Trig N04. We ran up a path , then across to what I thought was contouring – Wrong. Now at this time we were about 4-5 mins in front of the guys from Nottingham having taken them on the down hill and not stopping on the up’s. This little oversight meant they were now 5 mins in front – Damn. Still we scrambled our way across the heath and shrub, dropping my left foot into a hole and hitting the floor trying not to twist it we arrived on the correct path.

10 mins or was it 30 mins passed ( well it felt like 30 ) we made it to the final Trig point. Yipee. We then carried on towards Milford and Home. The downhill towards the old railway sidings were full of families, dogs and push chairs, but we ran down as fast as we could only to see the 2 guys from Nottingham about 2- mins in front. Paul who met us again at the top by trig No4 said you can get them…

Now I have No idea where it came from, but I gathered speed, then more speed, my legs were moving fast, running straight through the mud and puddles – now when running it hurts, and when it does you often put your mind some place else! Sometimes to hide the pain, sometimes to find the motivation – now don’t laugh – I imagined I was in the 10k Tri-athleon race with the Brownlee brothers ( a far cry I know, but it worked for me 🙂 ). I took the guys just as we started to climb 300 meters from home, all i could hear was my long suffering girlfriend Clare saying ‘ why did’n’t he run this fast way back there?’ I noticed somebody else running behind me, I turned hoping to see Clare as I would let her finish first, but it wasn’t, it was one of the guys from Nottingham – so in Mow Farrah style I kicked in to a sprint finish .

It was damn hard we did 18.5 mile in little less that 3:29 – and we were 4th from last! Not the best time in the world ( winner did 1:43) but a damn good training run over 1800 feet of ascent.

Hers to the next one.

Have fun and go try something different

Darren

Day 2 to Namche Bazar

Darren What do we get up to! darren hunt, everest

Day 2 of the trek to Everest Base Camp.

Had no Internet connection yesterday at Phakding lodge so unable to post a blog.

Yesterday started with a very early start and a 30 min flight to Lukla. The airport is set in the mountains and runway looked like 3cms long when we approached to land! The plane lands going up an inclined runway, which was interesting 🙂

The trek to our first nights accommodation was awesome, the views of 6000 meter peaks was just out of this world , the views got even more inspiring with each turn of the path.

The path we share with horses, yaks and porters carrying some of the heaviest packs on there backs I’ve ever seen, how can your knees take it?

The day finished with a very nice meal in the Phakding lodge.

Today (tuesday) started at 6am with a warm water wash from a bowl , then a breakfast of oats and toast. our team of 8 and 6 porters and Sherpas set out for today’s long walk and 800 meter climb to Namche Bazar . After crossing metal foot bridges which we share with horses and yaks over 200 meter drops, we stopped for lunch just before the last 600 meter climb.

The climb was slow due to the lack of air, it was warm, but soon clouded over and started to rain. After a 3 hour climb we arrived at our lodge hotel ‘ hotel Tibet’ for lemon tea.

The Internet connection is slow so I’ve had to blog from my iPhone ( phew) .

Heading to bed soon ready for a dry day tomorrow. We will climb to the everest view hotel and then descend back to Namche which will aid acclimatisation.

Juicy Mountain

Darren What do we get up to! darren hunt, everest base camp, jason vale, mountains

Everest on Juice

Everest with no Juice….

I’ve been a little concerned about the kind of food I’ll be eating when out in Nepal. I love my veggies and love my veggie juice even more so the thought of 3 weeks without scared me. So what did I do to quash the feeling of no juice? I did a ‘ google’ to see what kind of food I’ll be eating out in Nepal, in the tea houses and the lodges and was pleasantly surprised. Although there will be no ‘juicing’ available unless I take my Philips 1861 I will follow the Veggie diet, which is pretty much staple on the treks anyway, although meat is available I’ve heard scare stories where Imodium plus is required ;).

here’s a good link – http://food-nepal.com/recipe/R008.htm

The underlying diet is based around, from what i understand, a rice and lentils, although i hope there will be some greens, I love my greens..!!!!

To help with endurance and the physical activitiy undertaken I’m going to take my trusted Chia seed and Wheatgrss ( hopefully I won’t have these taken of me when entering Nepal! )

mmmm I suppose I better check ‘google’ again.

Monday – Packing for Everest

Darren What do we get up to! Ben Nevis, darren hunt, everest, everest base camp, kilimanjaro, Mountains in mind, Namchee Bazaar

Be sure to know where you are.

Everest in less than a week. Next Monday we’ll be trekking to Namche Bazaar en route to Everest base camp. I’ve started to pack my kit in my bag ready for the off and it’s all a bit exciting. The all important list as been written so I can be sure everything is packed, and of course I don’t not to much stuff. When we plan things I find it helps, all a bit of a nightmare though as we often put this simple task to one side and we just go do it, so it can be a bit overwhelming.

I thought it might be an idea to plan the trip with the summit (end) in mind, normally it would be a summit or a climbing route. On this trip it will Everest Base Camp, so I’ve worked back from there. Firstly it will be cold and I’ll be camping! So I started with packing cold weather gear, Duvet jacket, Smart wool base layer, ‘long johns’, gloves, Hat, primaloft jacket and nice thick socks. Also I’ve packed a nice warm 3 season sleeping bag, with insulated inner I used on Kilimanjaro and various cold wild camps in the UK.

It’s only when you start to plan we realise how much more there is to do. However we get added motivation when we start ticking off the tasks.

Next on my list……

One week to go

Darren What do we get up to! darren hunt, everest, everest base camp, kilimanjaro, Money exchange kathmandu

Only one week until to go, until we head out to Nepal for a trip of a lifetime. Can’t wait! to see the Himalaya and all the mountains in the greater ranges. One of the little things we need to do is sort out the spending money. We can use USD or Sterling to exchange in Kathmandu, normally at the hotel, airport or in Bureau de exchange in the city. On the trek though we can only exchange USD.

I’ll transfer some USD onto a pre-paid card so i can withdraw at the ATM in Kathmandu and take some Stirling. I’ll Budget 7$ a day for tips, 15£ a day for sundries, presents , water etc.

Other considerations are for drinking water. The higher we travel to base camp, the more the price increases, I’m told around 2.50£ per litre. We can boil the water at tea houses and drop a sterilisation tablet in to kill any bugs .