tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30172406957110822552024-02-07T18:58:38.933-08:00Fraser MackayWalking with Mackay.
The purpose of this website is to share my experiences with like minded people.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-6126036726760732662018-10-03T01:29:00.000-07:002018-10-03T01:29:40.000-07:00An Exciting Journey in Chile and Argentina <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>A Journey To South America<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>A Continent I Always Wanted To Visit<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>10<sup>th</sup> October to 20<sup>th</sup>
November 2018 (42 days)<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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10<sup>th</sup> Oct – leave London Heathrow T5 at 16.45pm
and arrive in Madrid 20.10pm (2.25 hrs). Leave Madrid at 23.55pm and arrive in
Santiago, Chile ( the cosmopolitan Chilean capital!) at 8.35am on 11<sup>th</sup>
Oct (13.40hrs). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Staying at Santiago
Backpackers 11<sup>th</sup> to 14<sup>th</sup> Oct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I join the trek party on 14<sup>th</sup> Oct
and stay at Happy House Hostel, and leave there on 16<sup>th</sup> Oct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Various activities in the city.<o:p></o:p></div>
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16<sup>th</sup> Oct – arrive in Pucon – the Lake District
of Chile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we climb Mt. Villarica
Volcano,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>mountain bike, horse riding and
white water rafting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also visit
natural hot springs which I am looking forward to.<o:p></o:p></div>
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19<sup>th</sup> Oct – cross the Andes mountains into Argentina
for the first time to Bariloche on the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake, flanked by
the peaks of the Andean mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Area
is famous for handmade chocolates, steak, wild boar and Patagonian lamb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we summit Cerro Campanario, tandem
kayaking and again mountain biking and horse riding.<o:p></o:p></div>
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22<sup>nd</sup> Oct – Arrive in Rio Pinturas and visit
“Cave of the Hands” and we wild camp here.<o:p></o:p></div>
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23<sup>rd</sup> Oct – We head for Patagonia on Ruta 40 to
Rio Mayo where we wild camp.<o:p></o:p></div>
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24<sup>th</sup> Oct – We enter the heart of Patagonia and
reach the town of El Chalten, situated in Los Glaciares National Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we are in the shadow of the Iconic Mt.
Fitz Roy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here it is ice climbing on the
Videma Glacier, a rock climbing course and a kayaking trip down the Rio de las
Vueltas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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27<sup>th</sup> Oct – Heading for Tierra del <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fuego and we wild camp at a stunning ancient
crater.<o:p></o:p></div>
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28<sup>th</sup> Oct – We exit Argentina and enter Chile
again at Integraction Austral to cross the Magellan Straights over to the
Island of Tierra del Fuego.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we are
to visit a small King Penquin colony.<o:p></o:p></div>
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29<sup>th</sup> Oct – We cross over to the Argentine side
of Tierra del Fuego and stay in the port town of Ushuala, the southernmost town
in the world and known as “the city at the end of the world”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do a boat trip into the Beagle Channel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We visit the Martial mountain range and trek.<o:p></o:p></div>
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1<sup>st</sup> Nov – We exit Argentina at San Sebastian
and enter Chile to head back north and wild camp close to the Magellan Strait.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2<sup>nd</sup> Nov – We drive to the famous Torres del
Paine National Park, one of the most outstanding areas of natural beauty in the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here I am to trek the full W-Walk,
affording great views of the iconic towers, with a local guide from east to
west. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is 3 nights camping on the
W-Walk trail. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cross Lago Pehoe by
catamaran and set up camp at Paine Grande.<o:p></o:p></div>
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7<sup>th</sup> Nov – We exit Chile at Cerro Castillo and
enter Argentina and drive to El Calafate, the gateway to the Pevito Moreno
Glacier, some 30kms long and one of the most spectacular sights in
Patagonia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we have a full day on
the glacier and also a boat trip by the glacier.<o:p></o:p></div>
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9<sup>th</sup> Nov – We head for the tiny town of
Jaramillo on the desolate cold plains of Patagonia.<o:p></o:p></div>
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10<sup>th</sup> Nov – We continue our drive up the
Atlantic coast to the small town of Camarones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here we visit large colonies of Magellanic Penquins.<o:p></o:p></div>
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11<sup>th</sup> Nov – It is onto Puerto Madryn settled by
Welsh Settlers in 1865.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the
gateway to the Valdes Peninsula, famous for its incredible wildlife: guanacos,
armadillos, penquins, dolphins, elephant seals, and saelions and perhaps spot
orcas or a southern right whale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here
activities include afternoon tea in a Welsh Tea House in the towns of Gaiman or
Trelew, a boat trip in search of wildlife,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>a scuba dive in the Golfo Nuevo and a museum visit to see ancient
remains of dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures found in the area.<o:p></o:p></div>
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13<sup>th</sup> Nov – We exit Patagonia and head for the
pampas<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of Buenos Aires and stop in the
coastal village of Monte Hermoso.<o:p></o:p></div>
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14<sup>th</sup> Nov – We arrive in the cosmopolitan
Argentine capital of Buenos Aires (the coolest city in South America at the
mouth of the River Pate estuary, referred to as “the Paris of the South” and
stay in a centrally located hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On 16<sup>th</sup>
Nov the trek ends and I go to stay at Milhouse Avenue Hostel.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Seen as a fantastic city to explore on foot and using the
extensive metro system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recommended
areas are San Telmo, Palermo, La Boca and Recoleta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The city is home of the “Tango” so a viabrant
night life which I do hope to discover over my stay in the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also want to soak up the atmosphere of the
city’s streets, and discover its amazing culture, art and music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will use one day
to visit Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital and I leave on 19<sup>th</sup> Nov.<o:p></o:p></div>
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19<sup>th</sup> Nov – I leave BA at 22.30pm and arrive in
Madrid at 14.35pm on 20<sup>th</sup> Nov (12.05hrs).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I leave Madrid on 20<sup>th</sup> Nov at
15.45pm and arrive in London, Heathrow at 17.10pm (2.25hrs).<o:p></o:p></div>
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This massive adventure ends.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fraser Mackay<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fraser Mackayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554643439067026965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-18710540290783811032014-10-08T05:24:00.001-07:002020-06-29T07:21:27.844-07:00Lakeland Break - Sept/Oct 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Lakeland</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> Break</span></u></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Glenridding –
Monday 29<sup>th</sup> Sept to Thur 2<sup>nd</sup> October 2014</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">The Youth
Hostel Association offering me a good deal at Helvellyn YH inspired me to
return to the Lake District to tick off a few
more Fells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My target for the 4 days was
to do around 30 fells.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I left Chester at 9am on Monday
and arrived at the car park at Low Wood, Patterdale at the back of 11am, having
driven some 119 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was away
walking at 11.30am on a lovely morning and completed 8 fells but alas only 2
being Wainwrights that I had not done before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Visibility was just wonderful and I was so tempted to do some more
mountains but this was to be a four day walking trip and I did need to get back
to my car and find the Youth Hostel up an unsurfaced road a mile or so up a
valley past Glenridding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was back to
my car at 5.30pm and I arrived safely at my accommodation at 6.15pm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Here my
first action was to buy a bottle of Jennings Sneck Lifter and this helped me
cook my pasta dish before getting out my maps and work out a couple of routes
for Tuesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decision on which one I
would do would be taken on Tuesday morning after assessing the weather
conditions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Tuesday was
a dry morning but alas a lot of low moving cloud on the fells all around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My decision was made and I was away to the
same car park and I arrived there at 9am and then it was a walk to the village of Hartsop and my first target was Gray
Crag at 697m.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I ascended the steep
lower slopes a shower of rain was seen to be coming my way and with the dense
cloud above I decided to put on my waterproofs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I arrived at the top at 10.20am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I returned to the valley bottom beside Hayeswater as its blue waters
were emerging out of the cloud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
then up the opposite side and up to the top of The Knott 730m, arriving there
at 12 noon with a very strong wind on the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A quick snack as I walked saw me on the slopes of Rest Dodd 697m and at
the top at 12.30pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My next objective
was The Nab a long way to the north in Martindale Forrest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the oldest red stag area in England
and the “Rut” had began as roaring stags could be heard all around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hairs on the back of my neck always stand
up when first hearing these very frightening sounds but after a while you get
accustomed to the noise that is intermittent and surrounds you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a steep decline down the ridge and my
immediate thought was that I needed to come back this way to do my next
fell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once at the bottom it was a nice
flat walk across moorland and onto the more gentle slopes of The Nab 577m and
arriving there at 1.15pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was now in
lovely sunshine, the low cloud had cleared in the area and the sunshine
remained for the rest of the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Back on the
top of Rest Dodd at 2.10pm I was now on my way, mainly down hill on a good path
to Brock Crags 561m where I arrived at 2.20pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was taken back with the beauty of Angle Tarn, where I took some
photographs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought long and hard of
knocking off another 2 Wainwrights but as one was a long walk I decided both
would be for another day and I commenced my descent back to Hartsop and then a
short distance to my car, arriving at 4.30pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had been walking for some seven and a half hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped in Glenridding got a few things and
went for an enjoyable pint at The Travellers Rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stuart from Edmonton
in Alberta
(he was also staying at the YH) and who had a great day on Helvellyn was
finishing his pint so I gave him a lift back to the YH.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After dinner I got my map out once again and
came up with two routes for Wednesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So far 14 fells and six new Wainwrights in 13.5 hours of walking – I was
just under target!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Wednesday
was a duller morning with a slight drizzle but less cloud on the mountain
tops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My decision as to where I was
going was soon made and I was away to park at Aira Force and my target was to
do some 7 fells, 3 of them being Wainwrights, in the north of the Eastern
Fells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was on the top of my first
Wainwright, Gowbarrow Fell 481m at 10.15am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I could see rain clouds closing in so alas it had to be the fitting of
waterproofs once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did this just
in time as it got very wet and the rain did not clear until I was on the top of
Great Mell Fell 537m at 2pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was down
in the valley at 2.30pm and now it was a long walk back to my car in lovely
sunshine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took the opportunity to go
and look at Aira Force waterfall, the most famous of the Lake
District waterfalls, dropping a distance of 65 feet in lovely
woodland surroundings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Red squirrels are
also found in this area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Dochray I
passed the Royal Hotel which would be a good base for this impressive
area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I arrived back at my car at 4pm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Thursday
was my last day and I was up at 6am to a lovely morning and at 8.30am I was
leaving my car in Glenridding and bound for the fell above the village called
Glenridding Dodd 442m, arriving there at 9am to wonderful clear views across
Ullswater a most impressive lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Early
morning mist could be seen floating above the water and with the rising sun
this would soon clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 12.45pm I
arrived on the top of Raise 884m having done 9 fells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being so early in the day I did want to go on
and do a few more mountains along this wonderful ridge, but all the fells that
lay immediately ahead had previously been visited and I had to think it would
take me a couple of hours to get back to my car and then a further couple of
hours to get back to Chester.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned
around and started my decent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">I was back
at my car at 2.30pm and back to Chester
at 6.30pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set out to do around 30
Fells and I succeeded in doing this number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not a bad overall result and more importantly good and enjoyable walking
(26 hours) over four days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alas the
number of new Wainwrights done only totalled 12, leaving me some 65 still to
climb!</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">4<sup>th</sup> October 2014<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
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Fraser Mackayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554643439067026965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-40228291233699070562013-09-17T11:17:00.000-07:002013-09-17T11:17:25.691-07:00<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My last "challenge" of the year!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlI5U1Bu5JBYFxNYdVfI2wPstxt_CZx4RQo0nK2pvMXmkecsYIxQN6covAVGWXkHCW8OMMKDWLxdzYqctNDEJYJ0bpUQFnWiwwSdRN4DQAdWqbrUD-NdZ7yee8uRHUg95GKClvRuVx6s/s1600/L2P+POSTER+1.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlI5U1Bu5JBYFxNYdVfI2wPstxt_CZx4RQo0nK2pvMXmkecsYIxQN6covAVGWXkHCW8OMMKDWLxdzYqctNDEJYJ0bpUQFnWiwwSdRN4DQAdWqbrUD-NdZ7yee8uRHUg95GKClvRuVx6s/s1600/L2P+POSTER+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlI5U1Bu5JBYFxNYdVfI2wPstxt_CZx4RQo0nK2pvMXmkecsYIxQN6covAVGWXkHCW8OMMKDWLxdzYqctNDEJYJ0bpUQFnWiwwSdRN4DQAdWqbrUD-NdZ7yee8uRHUg95GKClvRuVx6s/s640/L2P+POSTER+1.jpg" width="452" /></a></h2>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-13543430220314819302013-09-05T12:04:00.001-07:002013-09-05T12:06:31.558-07:00Strasbourg<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">For many a year I
have wanted to visit the City of Strasbourg ( a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and
in July this year I finally made a short visit which I so enjoyed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">The history of the
city bouncing back and fore between France and Germany has blended German
down-to-earthiness with French finesse and with its unspoilt beauty, charm and
“laid-back” feel I was immediately relaxed as I wondered round cobbled squares,
winding narrow streets and by canals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
found Petite France particularly interesting with so many lovely buildings to
look at (a lot of half timbered houses).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Notre-Dame Cathedral was ever so fascinating, you just had to stop and
stare at it with so many skinny spires, buttresses and gargoyles – just a
Gothic giant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">The receptionist at our
hotel had recommended the Maison Kammerzell by the cathedral to eat and we had
a wonderful dinner there and at the same time watched with delight the lighting
display to a classical soundtrack on this unique cathedral building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are lots of canalised cafes,
restaurants and traditional winstubs (wine taverns).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">By bike, boat and
trams are a good way of seeing round this vibrant University City.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Further afield you
have the Alsace and Lorraine Regions to discover and also the Vosges mountains
where The Grand Ballon is the highest at 1424m.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">14<sup>th</sup>
July 2013 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-41924970097229217562013-09-05T12:02:00.006-07:002013-09-05T12:02:59.344-07:00Oggie 8 Challenge – 8350ft of ascent – 17 miles of walking! – 3rd August 2013
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Introduction</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Registration/rucksack
inspection commenced at 6.30am with a 7am start to pit your strength, stamina
and endurance against eight 3000ft+ Peaks that surround the Ogwen Valley in
Wales.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">This was Ogwen
Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation’s (“OVMRO”) 6<sup>th</sup> year of running
the event with a target of £10,000 of funding to be raised.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">In early April
Paul Hodges had issued invites to walking friends to join “Team Siabod” in the
challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the morning all six turned
up to help OVMRO achieve their fund raising target and to help them to help
others!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">We were one of 19
teams from across the country entering the event.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">The Route</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">The route took in
the following mountains:</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Yr Elen 962m</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Carnedd Llewelyn 1064m</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Carnedd Dafydd 1044m</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Pen yr Ole Wen 978m</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Y Garn 947m</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Glyder Fawr 1001m</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Glyder Fach 994m</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Tryfan 917m.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Our performance/times</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">We were on the
first mountain at 8.30am, Carnedd Llewelyn at 9am and Carnedd Dafydd at 9.30am
where we had a short break to eat and drink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While it was a great day weather wise for walking it was cold on the
Carneddau as it normally is and I put on my shell, cap and a pair of gloves. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were on Pen yr Ole Wen at 10am and then it
was a steady descent to the Ogwen Valley below and along by the lake side to
Idwal Cottage which was a feeding stop with food and a selection of welcomed
drinks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here you could also fill up your
water bottles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were in 5<sup>th</sup>
place and the team in 4<sup>th</sup> place, not that far ahead of us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Next was the
ascent of Y Garn which is a very demanding ask and I got there at 12.47pm!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This took me 1hr 12mins to get to the
top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My best time here is 1hr 6mins so I
was pleased with my performance considering I had done four large mountains
earlier in the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A team member was
struggling with blisters and cramp so while the rest of the team waited his
arrival I pushed on with my next target of Glyder Fawr firmly fixed in my
mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was reaching the top I could
see four of the team coming behind me (one had taken the escape route down
Devil’s Kitchen which was so wise) and it was good for us to reach the top at
2pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was then an almost level walk
with a bit of scrambling onto the top of Glyder Fach at 2.35pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was then down the Miners Track to Bwlch
Tryfan which for me proved difficult and seemed a lot longer with tiring
legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scramble to the top of Tryfan
was enjoyable and here we all got to the top at 4pm as the 4<sup>th</sup> place
team commenced their decent.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Going down again
proved hard as we had once again to descend to Bwlch Tryfan and then it was a
bit of debate as to which path we should take but after discussion it was seen
to be “Heather Terrace”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having done
this demanding route (never again I hope!) in error we surrendered our opportunity
of catching the team in front of us and permitted the team behind us, who
rightly descended via Cwm Tryfan, to cross the finishing line ten minutes
before us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">At 5.24pm we
crossed the finishing line in 6<sup>th</sup> position in 10hrs 24mins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a challenging event but ever so
enjoyable with excellent team spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
had kept together as a team for most of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The winning team came in with a fantastic
time of 7hrs 48mins.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Thank You</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Organisation of
the event can only be described as excellent and a massive thank you to all the
helpers that were involved in making this a very special day for all the teams
who took part.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Alas we could not
wait to take part in the party afterwards and as we were driving we left after
enjoying a plate of fish, chips and mushy peas from the catering van and alas having
to leave behind all the beer that had also been laid on!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Talk was that we
would participate again next year with two teams of four.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Further Information</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Photographs of the
event can be seen on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/">www.flickr.com</a> and
see links on <a href="http://www.ogwen-rescue.org.uk/oggie_8/">www.ogwen-rescue.org.uk/oggie_8/</a>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">13<sup>th</sup>
August 2013 </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-47891718751552195952013-09-05T11:54:00.006-07:002013-09-05T11:54:55.452-07:00Le Marche, Italy 17th - 24th May 2008
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<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">“A harmonious blend of history, art and enchanting
landscape.</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A land of condottieri, Popes, artists.”</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">An advert for the sale of a
Town House in Rotella at around £60k (currently not habitable) in The Marche
Region of Italy saw us on a Ryan Air flight (FR 124) out of London Stansted at
9.55am on 17<sup>th</sup> May bound for Ancona, to arrive at 13.10pm (the
flight was approx. 35minutes late in departing but made up time on the flight).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It was a 2.45hr journey (189
miles) from Sandiway, Cheshire leaving at 4am for London Stansted and with car
parking pre-booked (£44.80) we jumped on a bus that took us to the airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After an enjoyable breakfast we booked our
bags in and went through customs which did prove an effortless task.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The total cost of the flights was £156.22
made up as follows:-</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 54.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Total Fare<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>39.98</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 54.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Taxes, Fees & Charges<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>76.24</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 54.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Bags<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>24.00</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 54.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Airport Check In<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>12.00</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 54.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Debit Card Fee<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4.00.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We had pre-booked car hire
through Holiday Autos (Europcar Italy) ref GBR 1178977 (tel 0039 071
9162240).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a new compact 4 door Fiat
which proved very good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Armed with “sat.
nav.” (just a god send) we had no problems in getting from A to B each
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At around 4pm (the expected time)
we arrived at our B&B ;( Casa Rusticana, Falerone) our hosts Angie and
Ralph Emery, were amazed!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Location</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We were staying at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Casa Rusticana, </b>which was an old farmhouse
purchased by Angie & Ralph (tel<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>0039
388 476 1710) <a href="http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/italy/IT1353.htm">www.ownersdirect.co.uk/italy/IT1353.htm</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u><span style="color: blue;">ralph@casarusticana.co.uk</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">52 Via Faleriense A Monte, Falerone,
63020 (Ascoli Piceno) Le Marche – Italy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were renovating the property with Ralph doing all the work himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had the exclusive use of the B&B which
was two double bedrooms and a lounge and dining area for the total cost of
£243.75 which included a light meal on arrival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had a fridge, plasma TV, CDs and DVDs all of which we did put to use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fresh flowers were also in our rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our hosts proved to be lovely people and
helped us with property viewings and books/maps for our walking in the
Sibillini Mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was quality
accommodation and food. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Views all around
from the farmhouse were stunning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Falerone the hill top town 2kms. away was a lovely place and we ate in
The Loggette, restaurant on three occasions, all times being very enjoyable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple of kms. further on was Piane di
Falerone and here the supermarket Coal was located with a good choice of beers,
wines and food.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Activity</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Our time was split between
looking at properties and in walking in the Sibillini Mountains some 1/1.5hrs
by car from the farmhouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">On <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sunday</i></b> we parked on the
edge of Foce <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">945m</i></b> at 12 noon and we were bound for The Lake of Pilato.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A good track through high pasture and trees very
soon got very steep as we ascended through a gorge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After an hour we reached the top and then a
gradual ascending narrow path took us beyond the tree line and into snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A further hour of walking saw us stop for a
quick lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By now the path had vanished
under the deep snow. High mountains capped in cloud and covered in deep snow
were all around us as we made our way up the valley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the meeting point of routes 151 and 153 at
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1,800m</i></b>
and 1km away from our planned destination we decided to call it a day (at
2.45pm) as we were in deep snow and temperatures were getting extremely cold.
It was an enjoyable walk back to the car, arriving there at 4.15pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked approximately 11miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The very interesting sight we saw high up in
the hills below the snow line was a massive dog all on its own herding
sheep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the herd constantly moved as
they ate <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>grass this intelligent animal
was watching their every move and keeping them moving as a complete herd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any individuals falling behind or seen
wandering were soon rounded up – it was just fascinating to watch.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">On <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Monday</i></b> we were meeting
the owners of the town house in Rotella but the property was in a very poor
condition and the risks involved in renovating it were far too high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot of property in the village was in a
poor state of repair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a walk round
the village and a second viewing of the property we were on our way bound for
the Adriatic coastal town of Pedaso.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here we were lucky enough to find a fish restaurant – Risterante Tilt 2
tel 0734 931916 – and we enjoyed a great lunch with the food recommendations
made by the owners.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">On <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tuesday</i></b> (there had been
an early morning thunder storm with heavy rain) we were walking once again at
10.30am having taken the car up a very steep and winding track to Rifugio M.
Sibilla at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1,540m</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took 1hr
15mins to drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was wet with low
cloud as we made our way to the top of Mt. Zampa at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1,791m</i></b> at 11.10am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather than walk along the cloud covered
narrow ridge to Mt. Sibilla we decided to come back down to where our car was
parked and take a winding lower track to the col below Mt. Cima Vallelunga arriving
there at 1.30pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Views all around were
just stunning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a short lunch
break and then it was up to the top of Casale della Sibilla at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2,178m</i></b>
in deep snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A short distance away was Mt.
Cima Vallelunga at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2,221m</i></b>. (2.15pm).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both
were ascended in cloud before coming back to the col and then tackling the
narrow ridge that took you to the top of Mt. Sibilla at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2,175m</i></b>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By now the cloud had lifted and Mt. Sibilla (the
mountain has two tops) was reached at 3pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From here it was a continuation along the snow covered ridge to the
point we had ascended earlier in the morning and down to the car at 4pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A great day indeed and three large mountains
bagged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were back at the B&B for
5pm.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">On <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wednesday</i></b> we were picked
up by </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Vincent Sandford (of MarcheRustico, Via E. Divini 28, 62027 San
Severino, Marche (MC), Italy Telephone: +39 0733 645233.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MarcheRustico provides turnkey solutions
and property sales in the heart of Le Marche, Italy.) </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">and his wife and taken on a tour to view three
properties in the region.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped for
lunch at Il Giardino Degli Ulivi (Agriturismo) in Castelraimondo tel 0737
642121.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we met the owners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ever so enjoyable.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Thursday</span></i></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> saw us visit another three properties around
Falerone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we visited the regional
capital of Ascoli Piceno and did get caught in a thunder storm with the streets
soon turning into rivers with the fierceness of the rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This fascinating town has beautifully
preserved piazzas, narrow streets and churches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Enjoying a cappuccino in one of the fine piazzas- is Italy at its best.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Our target for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Friday
</i></b>was to walk from the village of Rocca to Mt. Torrone at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2,117m</i></b>
and if it was a clear day then perhaps along the ridge to Mt. Vettore at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2,476m</i></b>
the highest mountain in the immediate area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had a clear view of this ridge from Mt. Sibilla on Tuesday and what
we thought appeared to be good tracks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our attempts to find a path to the ridge proved fruitless as we started
our walk at 10.30am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the centre of
the village of Rocco we crossed a bridge and we were on the path (the route is
marked with white ribbons) from Rocco to Altino and on a couple of occasions we
were drawn of this path by tracks leading to areas of high green pastures
amongst the trees, thus wasting </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">valuable time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We reached the village of Altino (we should
have parked our car at this point) at 11.15am and then it was up to the mountain
hut at Prati di Altino at 12.45pm. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">From here it was very steep
and the path vanished due to fallen trees (all around) and we did expect an
avalanche had occurred here earlier in the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 1.30pm we had at last got above the tree
line (we had been in this extensive forest for 3 hours).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did walk across the steep side of the
mountain but did not find a path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
paths are clearly marked on the map we had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At 2pm at a height of approx. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1,600m</i></b> we decided to call it a day
as we were clearly not going to get to the top of Cama Della Prata at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1,850m</i></b>
far less Mt. Torrone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped for a
quick lunch and retraced our route back to the car at 3.30pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the way back to our B&B we did stop
for a coffee in Amandola (perhaps the base for our next visit?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ralph had organised a viewing of a town house
in</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Matelica</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> <span lang="EN-GB">(here I could have the wrong name!) a small town that we found very
attractive as was the property we were shown round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On our return to Falerone we were to have a
beer with Angie and Ralph in their local bar and then on for a meal at The
Loggette.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This proved a very enjoyable
evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we had a very large bottle
of red wine between the four of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
daughter also joined us. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Restaurants</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The Loggette (Closed
Monday) 2km from B&B – Le Marche Cuisine</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Pippo & Gabriella –
Pontano – Le Marche Cuisine</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Bar Vittoria – Falerone –
Light Snacks</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Del Corso - Ascoli Piceno</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Da Vittorid - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>San Benedetto del Tronto (Bass Ravioli)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Locanda Rocco – Sirolo.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Key Attractions</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sibillini Mountains – Mt
Vettore highest point at 2,476m</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- Mt
Sibilla – 2,175m</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- The Lake of Pilato.<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Frasassi caves</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The Conero & Scrubland</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Beaches:</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Gabicce</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Senigallia</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sirolo (Picturesque)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">San Benedetto Del Tronto</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Fortified Towns:</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">San Leo</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Gradara (dominated by its castle)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Corinaldo</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Historic Squares:</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Ascoli Piceno & Fermo</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Reading Material & Internet</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The Marche – Touring Club
of Italy (Portfolio Books)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Kompass Monti Sibillini -
map</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sibillini.net</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">www.edizioniser.com</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.kompass,at/">www.kompass,at</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.touringclub.it/">www.touringclub.it</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.marcherustico.com/">www.marcherustico.com</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Goodbye</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We found the region
extremely picturesque and so relaxing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Good food, wines and beers in such relaxing atmospheres added to our
enjoyment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had effortlessly travelled
across the whole region and enjoyed every minute of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminded us of the UK some twenty years
ago where people left their properties and cars unlocked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is little or no crime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We heard cuckoos making their calls everywhere
we visited and we woke to hear their “cuckoos…..” every morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alas Saturday 24<sup>th</sup> May came far too
quickly and at 10am we were bound for flight FR 125 departing Ancona at 13.35pm
and arrived in London Stansted at 14.55pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It took us an hour to get to Ancona airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were back in Sandiway for 7pm after a good
journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A holiday organised at short
notice and all done over the internet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Memories will always last of our short time here.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">August 2008.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-49603978577794023942013-08-10T10:22:00.000-07:002013-08-10T10:22:08.528-07:00Moscow July 2013 – 3rd to 7th
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></u><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Introduction</span></b>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The spiritual,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>political and
economic capital of the world’s largest country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In recent years Moscow has blossomed into a
culinary capital so that restaurant lovers have unlimited opportunities to
enjoy diverse and delicious cuisine in elaborate and exotic surroundings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is also a wealth and variety of
architecture to be seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are over
80 museums offering a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the
people of Russia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The city has the largest
and most efficient metro in the world. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got totally lost in our attempt to get to
our hotel! Over 3 million cars clog the city’s streets and all of these move at
very fast speed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are upwards of 11
million people living in Moscow, making it the world’s 17<sup>th</sup> largest
city by population.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>16% of the
population live below the poverty line.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The good news is that Moscow is no longer the most expensive city in the
world; the bad news is that it is still pretty close!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drinking in particular is expensive as all
bars sell foreign beers and we found local beer difficult to find.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Most of the city’s sights are situated in the city centre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moscow’s suburbs are generally rather bleak;
thus a city centre hotel was our choice and in choosing </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Arbat House Hotel, l</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">ocated at 13 Skatertny,
Pereulok - (M) Arbatskaya - we found a good ordinary hotel in an excellent location
with nice and helpful staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also
enjoyed breakfasts each morning.</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The weather was very hot and one afternoon there was a violent thunder
storm lasting a couple of hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we
were leaving the airport to fly home there was another thunderstorm and our
flight was on the runway for a period of two hours.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In July many Muscovites retreat to their Dachas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Inner City</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The inner city is broken into 7 areas:</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Arbatskaya<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Arbat” & Khamovniki </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Red Square,
Kremlin and Kitay Gorod – ancient part of the city.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Zamoskvoreche
– south of the river and a very beautiful area.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Tverskoy</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Presnya</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Basmanny &
Taganka</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Dorogomilovo
& Sparrow Hills.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Key Attractions</span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Kremlin
(Fortress).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This ancient fortress
is the founding site in Moscow and the ultimate symbol of political power
in Russia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only certain parts of
the residence of the Russian President can be seen so early arrival is
needed:</span></li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">State Armoury</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Cathedral of
the Assumption</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Ivan the
Great’s Bell Tower.</span></li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Red Square – a
vast expanse that accommodated huge military parades during the Soviet
area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Electrifying is perhaps the
best word to describe the Sq. and it is also <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">essential </b>to view at night when lit up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What attractions should you visit?</span></li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Historical
Museum</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">St Basil’s
Cathedral – a wonderful building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Entrance fee 250rr.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Resurrection
Gate ( most impressive at night when lit up)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Lenin
Mausoleum ( Leader of Russia’s Historic 1917 Revolution) (Free)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 72.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier.</span></li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Moscow River
Cruise – the Moskva Mockba winds through the heart of the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Main pick up point is opposite Kievskey
station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moscow River Line is the
main company running these cruises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We did the full river cruise and very much enjoyed it.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Tretyakov
Gallery (World Class) – art gallery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>( Go to Tretya- Kovskaya Metro)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Explore Old
Arbat – lively pedestrianised area</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Red October –
now refurbished as the City’s hottest art and entertainment centre.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Shopping at
Izmailovo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Kremlin in Izmailovo
is a Disney-like medieval village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wander among the stalls of the sprawling market (The Vernisage
Market).</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Visit an “Old
Circus” performance</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Gorky Park
(297 acres) – the city’s most famous park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>An alternative is Alexander Gardens.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Former KGB HQ
at Lubyanka Sq.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We visited the
building and took photographs.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Peter the
Great monument – a 95 metre-high, monstrously kitsch waterfront homage to
the founder of the Russian navy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You pass by it on the river cruise.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Bolshoy
Theatre<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teatralnaya Metro or buses
2,12,33 or trolley bus K</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">GUM – largest
Department Store – this is a fascinating place.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Sanduny Baths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moscow’s oldest bathhouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The BANYA is a uniquely Russian
experience – a hot steam bath, while gaining a beating with birch branches
helps to improve circulation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alas
we did not have the time to do this.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Cathedral of
Christ the Saviour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On our first
visit we had shorts on and were not allowed in so when we returned next
day we had our trousers on and enjoyed our visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The building is impressive and is one of
the most prominent features of Moscow’s skyline.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Revolution Sq</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Cycle – only
safe leisurely routes are along the Mosskva and Yauza rivers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The car is king in Moscow but there are
plans to increase cycling and this is happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bike hire at Gorky Park or from Oliver
Bikes – <a href="http://www.bikerentalmoscow.com/">www.bikerentalmoscow.com</a>
</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Day trip from
Moscow to visit Suzdal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
medieval capital is well worth seeing – described as a fairy-tale
setting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is an abundance of
ancient architecture gems and a decidedly rural atmosphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again alas we did not make it.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Cyrillic Alahabet</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">It would be helpful to understand this, especially on the underground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the underground there are no English
signs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Restaurants/Cafes/Nightlife</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Here I linked in restaurants, bars and cafes into our suggested itinerary
so that we knew where we could eat and drink.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Drinking is a favourite national pastime in Russia and the city offers
venues for every occasion, mood and season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Moscow arguably is the most dynamic and diverse city for drinking and
nightlife in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pedestrian
streets like ul Arbat and Kamergersky per are hot spots for strollers and
drinkers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">There is also a new concept – the Club-Café with “diverse offerings”
under one roof.</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Café Pushkin</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> Tverskoy bul 26a (M)
Pushkinskaya (</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Inner Presnya</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">) meals
R1,500-2,000 Exquisite blend of Russian and French cuisines – service and
food done to perfection.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Bosco Café</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> Krasnaya pl 3 (</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">K&KG)</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> Café within Gum store (1<sup>st</sup>
fl) is the only place to sit right on Red Sq. (Special experience).</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Stolooaya 57</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> within Gum store (3<sup>rd</sup>
fl) meals R300-400.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Old style where
food is both good and cheap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great
place to try “herring in a fur coat” – which is herring, beats, carrots
and potatoes.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Ragout</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> Bolshaya Gruzinskaya ul
69 (M) Belorusskaya meals R800-1,200. Vibe is cool with food choices
creative.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Petrovich</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Myasnitskaya ul 24/1 (M) Chistye
Prudy<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Popular retro restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Face control so it is recommended to
book a table. Tel 495-923-0082.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Bar Strelka</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> Bersenevskaya nab 5 Bldg
14 (M) Kropotkinskaya. (</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Zamoskvorechie</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">) Roof terrace
unbeatable for views of Moscow River with an excellent bar menu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nr Red October complex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went here on three occasions and
enjoyed it.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Barashka</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> ul Petrovka 20/1 (M)
Teatralnaya meals R1,500-2,000.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Stolle</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Malaya Pirogovskaya ul 16 (M)
Sportivnaya<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Full sit down menu but
specialises in tasty saxon pies.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Genatsvale on Arbat</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> ul Novy Arbat
11 meals R600-1,000. Georgian cuisine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Good for lamb dishes and cheesy bread – Khachapuri.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did visit but did not eat but a
lovely restaurant inside.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Grably</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pyatnitskaya ul 27 (M) Novokuznetskaya.
R200-300 Amazing array of fish, poultry and meat. Bar for wine and beer
upstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wonderful setting with
tiled floors, wrought-iron rails and chandeliers on two levels.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Best Eat Streets:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l5 level2 lfo5; tab-stops: list 72.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Ulitsa
Petrovka (</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Tverskoy)</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l5 level2 lfo5; tab-stops: list 72.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Spiridonievsky
pereulok </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">(Presnya)</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l5 level2 lfo5; tab-stops: list 72.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Kamergersky
pereulok </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">(Tverskoy)</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></i></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l5 level2 lfo5; tab-stops: list 72.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Tverskaya Ulitsa
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">(Tverskoy)</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Tips – 10% is the standard.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Be aware of “Face Control” – common practice of denying entry to clubs
and bars based on a person’s appearance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Alcohol</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Beer (Pivo) is the City’s most popular alcoholic drink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Russky Standard and Stolichnaya are two good
brands of vodka.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vodka shots are
popular!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Currency</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Rouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5 denominations with face
values of 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 roubles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Coins – 1, 2, and 5 roubles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1,
5, 10, & 50 kopeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Banks</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Alfa Bank and Sberbank offer best rates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The cash dispensers at Alfa Bank take Visa and Mastercard and charge no
local commission, making them a popular option with visitors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Time</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">GMT + 3hrs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Temperature</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Avg July temp 18c (64f).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each day
we had temperatures over 90f.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Visas</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Filling in the visa application form is some taxing exercise as you are
asked which countries you have visited over the last 10 years and a whole lot
of other background information that makes no sense as why it is required.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again it is a costly process costing us in
the region of £130 each.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We used the
Russian National Tourist Office at 202 Kensington Church Street, London.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tel: 020 79851234 – website: <a href="http://www.visitrussia.org.uk/">www.visitrussia.org.uk</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The application takes some two weeks + to
process.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Airports</span></b>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Sheremetevo</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Domodedovo</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Vnukovo</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Are approx an hour from city centre by train or car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All three airports are accessible by the convenient
Aeroexpress trains – <a href="http://www.areoexpress.ru/">www.areoexpress.ru</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We took the areoexpress from Domodedovo airport to Paveletskaya the
expresses’ terminus costing us 320rr each.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We then went on the underground costing us 30rr each.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the way back we took a taxi from our hotel
to Paveletskaya which cost us 250rr each.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unless you know what you are doing on the underground I would not
recommend as it is an extremely busy place. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Flight time from Manchester 3.5hrs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Street Names</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">bul
– boulevard</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">nab
– embankment</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">per
– lane or side street</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">pl
– square</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">pr
– avenue</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">ul
– street</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">sh
– highway.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
Arbat –ul Arbat is one of Moscow’s oldest streets dating back to the 15<sup>th</sup>
Century.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Moscow Metro</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">This is one of the busiest and most efficient metro networks in the
world and one of the sprawling city’s great assets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stations are tourist attractions where
concourses and station platforms resemble miniature palaces with chandeliers,
sculptures and lavish mosaics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most
reliable way of travelling in the city:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">9,300 trains
operate per day carrying 8-9m passengers (more than London and New York systems
combined)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">165 stations and
265kms (155m) of track</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Construction began
in Dec 1931 and is still expanding</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Pay extra for heavy
bags etc</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Metro lines are
colour coded and numbered from 1-10.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">All signs are in
Cyrillic</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">When changing lines
at an interchange station it is important to know the name of the station on
the other line.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Tickets are sold
for 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, or 60 rides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
fare for a single journey is a flat rate, whether it is a couple of stops or
the length of the network. This is R28 I think. It is possible to change as
many times as you wish.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Tickets are
purchased from a Kacca, the counter being situated just inside the metro
station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A multiride card can be gained
for slightly cheaper fares.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Can get very
crowded at peak travelling times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trains
run from 6am until 1am.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">There are extensive
bus, trolleybus and tram routes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Tickets must be
inserted into the punching machine to be valid.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Mosquitoes</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We were advised that mosquitoes were a problem but we did not find
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had no problems at all.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Websites</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Wi-fi is readily available and is almost always free.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://www.restoran.ru/"><span style="color: windowtext;">www.restoran.ru</span></a>
– restaurant reviews</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://www.expat.ru/"><span style="color: windowtext;">www.expat.ru</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://www.waytorussia.net/"><span style="color: windowtext;">www.waytorussia.net</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://www.moscow-hotels.com/"><span style="color: windowtext;">www.moscow-hotels.com</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/moscow"><span style="color: windowtext;">www.lonelyplanet.com/moscow</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://www.xe.com/"><span style="color: windowtext;">www.xe.com</span></a>
– exchange rates</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Facebook page – Secret Moscow.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Other Information</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 54.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">UK Embassy –
495-956-7200<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Smolenskaya nab 10 (M)
Smolenskaya</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 54.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Universal Emergency
No – 112</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 54.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Electricty<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>220V/50HZ</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 54.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Pharmacies Chain
36.6 uL Novy Arbat 15<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(M) Arbatskaya</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 54.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">To call internationally
from Moscow dial 810 plus the country code (7), the city code (495) and phone
no.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 54.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Publications –
Moscow Times, Passport Magazine and Element.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 54.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Police Officers
have the right to stop anyone to check their documents and they do exercise
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not hand over Passport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfectly acceptable to show photocopies of
documents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again we were never asked for
identification.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Conclusion</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We enjoyed our few days exploring the centre of the City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Highlights were the Kremlin and Red Square
areas which we visited twice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
impressed with so many beautiful and interesting buildings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going on the river cruise was another
highlight as we saw so much of the city and you are permitted to go off at
river stops and come back on again provided you are doing the full trip.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Negatives for us:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The complicated
visa application form which had to be completed online.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The high cost of
the visa – totally unnecessary in our opinion.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">All hotels are
costly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Food and drink is
also expensive.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Fraser Mackay </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">31<sup>st</sup> July, 2013 </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-53424388670506672182013-08-10T10:17:00.002-07:002013-08-10T10:17:16.948-07:00A fast tour of Europe - 13th to 23rd July 2013
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Introduction</span></b>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Having
successfully undertaken our trek in Nepal in October/November 2012 Paul Hodges and
I choose Mont Blanc 4810m as our next challenge and an invite to Tim Blakemore
(our Leader in Nepal) to be our guide was despatched as he has intimate
knowledge of the Alps, living in Les Houches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He provided us with a quote for his expert services and this was accepted
by us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Six days of our
eleven day break was allocated to our mountain challenge, with acclimatisation
firstly on Gran Paradiso 4061m and Becca di Monciair 3544m in Italy before
moving back to Chamonix and allocating three days to the ascent/decent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>James Whittaker a friend was to be joining us
for the ascent of Gran Paradiso and Becca di Monciair. Tim came up with a
suitable agenda for our mountain quest but this was not cast in stone as the
ever changing weather patterns in the high mountains would at the end of the
day dictate what we would do and this turned out to be the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Our Long Journey</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">This started in
Capel Curig with Paul picking me up in Chester at 1pm on Saturday 13<sup>th</sup>
July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made excellent time and we
arrived at our hotel in Ashford at 6pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was an early rise, 2.45am and away at 3.30am next morning as we were
on the Euro tunnel Shuttle at Folkestone for the first train at 4.35am,
arriving in France at 6.10am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
foggy morning for the first hour or so of our journey and then it cleared up
and became a warm sunny day as we made good progress on our way to Geneva (1.30pm)
with our end destination being Chamonix.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">We arrived in this
lovely town at 2.30pm and as we had not booked we stopped at the first hotel we
liked - L’Oustalet - and the hotel was able to accommodate us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This proved to be an excellent choice with
good accommodation, food and such friendly and helpful staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Breakfasts were so relaxing and
enjoyable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stayed a total of three
separate nights at the hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 7pm we
met up with James, Tim and Tim’s girlfriend Tams to discuss the intended climbs
and acclimatisation program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
agreed that Tim would meet us at 9am next morning and that we would head for
the Valsa Varenche valley in Italy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Our six days on the mountains begins</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Next morning we
were away on time and we made a couple of stops for coffee and to get some food
for our lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 12noon we were ready
to start our steep climb up to the Rifugio F. Chabod at 2750m (a climb of 916m)
and we arrived there at 2.45pm with Tim being pleased with our initial
performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent a relaxing time at
this enjoyable refuge with such pleasant staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our pleasing evening meal was at 7pm.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Tuesday morning
saw up for breakfast at 4am and we were all geared up and away for 4.45am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was dark for the first hour so we had head
torches on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On arriving at the glacier
we stopped to put our crampons on and a long steep glacier ascent of 1300m lay
ahead of us before we reached the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Again our ascent went well and we reached the top at 9.30am in lovely
sunny weather conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today we were
returning to a different refuge – Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele at 2732m and we
were there for 1.15pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again we spent a
relaxing afternoon and evening in the mountain hut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That evening we experienced a massive thunder
storm that lasted most of the evening and into the night.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Paul, James and
Tim were up for 5am next morning to climb Becca di Monciair 3544m, reaching the
top at 6.30am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They reached the summit
at around 9.30am after a climb of some 822m.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On the way back they altered their route to avoid waist deep snow and had
to negotiate a very demanding boulder field together with three river crossings
before getting back to the refuge at 12 noon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was then a decent down to the valley bottom some 772m below to
collect Tim’s car and drive back to Chamonix where Tim was to undertake a
detailed check of the weather forecast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On
the way back we passed through a massive landslide which had just had a single
track cleared to let cars through. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">It was frightening
to think about being there when this mass of earth and stones came down from
the high mountains above during the thunder storm the night before.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">At 4.30pm when we
got back to Chamonix it started raining which was followed by thunder and
lightening and this lasted for a few hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We said our goodbyes to James who wished us all the best of fortunes on
Mont Blanc and it was agreed that we would meet up with Tim in Les Houches later
in the evening to go over his thoughts as to how we best tackle Mont Blanc with
our main aim being to “Summit”.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">On meeting up with
Tim the weather forecast going forward was not good with thunder and lightening
storms forecast particularly on the Friday but forecasting Saturday (the day of
our final ascent) to be good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With this
news before him Tim did not want to risk the Pope Route out of Italy and he
opted for the Gouter Route starting in Les Houches.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Paul went for an
early morning run on Thursday morning as he did most mornings and we went for
breakfast at 8am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrote postcards and
caught up with e-mails and we vacated the hotel at 11.30am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were meeting Tim in Les Houches for 3.30pm
and then taking the cable car to </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Gare de Bellevue and then onto the Mont Blanc
Tramway (the highest rack-and-pinion railway in France) and then a short walk
to our accommodation for the evening at Le Nid d’Aigle Refuge at 2372m.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another
group of three French men were staying the night in this small hut with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again it was a pleasant stay with good food
and a helpful and pleasant gentleman looking after the place with his dog and
cat for company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could see the Gouter
Hut high above us in the cloud.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Friday 19<sup>th</sup>
July saw us leave the hut at 6.45am<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>after
breakfast and our destination for the day was the Gouter Hut some 1445m, very
steep above us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the Tete Rousse Hut
3167m we fitted our crampons to cross the Tete Rouse glacier and it was then a
very quick crossing of the Grand Couloir. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rocks and ice regularly sweep down this snow
and ice gully so it is essential that your way across it is clear and that you
look up the gully for falling stones as you rapidly cross. We then took off our
crampons and scrambled up the Aiguille du Gouter ridge arriving at the Gouter
Hut 3817m at 10:30am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a busy
place although not totally full and we took the opportunity to share a large
bowl of spaghetti Bolognese, drink plenty of water and rest through the course
of the afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An evening meal was
served at 6pm before going to bed at 8pm and once again resting, but like
others not sleeping as an early 2am breakfast and thoughts of the ascent/decent
tomorrow prominent in all our minds. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a storm outside and the earlier rain
had turned into snow.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">At 1:40am I was
out of my bunk (twelve of us were in the room) made sure Paul was awake and we
met Tim for breakfast at 2am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
all roped up with crampons and head torches on at 2.30am and away in an upwards
direction we went, the moon bright above us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There had been a fresh fall of snow overnight but underfoot conditions
were okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ascended up to the top of Aiguille
du Gouter 3863m and then steeply up to the top of the Dome du Gouter
4304m.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This went on and on and I thought
I was never going to get to the top – thank goodness it was in darkness!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were then on the top for a short duration
and then a welcomed small decline before tackling the ascent to the Abri Vallot
Shelter 4362m.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a small and very
basic bivouac hut generally for use in emergencies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we stopped for some water and something
to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another day was about to dawn
and ahead of us we could see the Bosses Ridge and at its base the Dromedary’s
Humps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You firstly go over the Grande
Bosse 4513m and then the Petite Bosse 4547m.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This was an “airy” very narrow steep ridge with massive falls on either
side so you were very much aware of the exposure and you needed to concentrate
very hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul later informed me that
his concerns going up the ridge were that he would be leading the three of us
down it in the near future. Tim assured us we were doing well and we were very
near the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The top 4810m is a massive
“whaleback” which has been covered in ice and snow for three million years
+.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">At 6am we reached
the top just as the sun was rising and casting a red glow and shadow of this
massive mountain across the lands to the west.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was ever so cold but just a magical moment as the photographs taken
reveal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did not stay too long on the
top and stopped for something to eat and drink at the Abri Vallot Shelter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The enormity of the Dome du Gouter </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">was seen on our
descent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By 8.15am we were back at the
Gouter Hut with our mission successfully accomplished and Tim totally pleased
as to our overall performance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">After picking up a
few things that we left behind in the hut (to lighten our rucksacks for the
climb) we commenced our hard scramble down the route we had taken up and with
the overnight fall of snow this made the descent much harder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However with Tim’s guidance we made it to the
Grand Couloir (where small rocks were beginning to fall) and we put on our crampons,
had a good look to see that no rocks were falling and that the way was clear –
we raced across.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">As we reached the
other side we crouched down as we heard a shot from the ridge above warning
that stones were again falling but I am pleased to say none came in our
direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then passed over a short stretch
of rocks before coming to the Tete Rousse glacier and here again small rocks
were falling as we made a speedy descent across the glacier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the Tete Rousse Hut we removed our
crampons and we had near two hours to get to get to our train at e Nid d’Aigle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We reached the train station at 1.10pm, with
our train being at 1:40pm – we had been on the go for a demanding eleven hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leaving the tram we had a final 30 minute
steep climb to catch our cable car.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">The cable car from
Gare de Bellevue took us down to Le Houches and a debriefing session with Tim
before we said our goodbyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
back at our hotel for 5pm to change and then to go out on the town for an
evening meal and to celebrate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went
back to Neapolis an Italian restaurant which we had been to before and enjoyed
an excellent meal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Our sightseeing continues</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Sunday morning saw
us leave for Strasbourg at 11pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
heading through Italy, Switzerland, Germany and back across the border into
France again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">From Chamonix we headed
North West on the N506 and went over Col de la Forclaz at 1527m. Then we descended
spectacularly down to Martigny in Switzerland before taking the E62 north that
leads onto the E27 at Montreux on Lake Geneva. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At Bern we took the E25 to Bassel and from
Bassel the E35 to Strasbourg</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">
and to our hotel, a Novotel, Centre Halles, which proved excellent, in the
centre of this lovely city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was then out
to see the city by the river and canals, Petite France and the area around the
cathedral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The receptionist at the hotel
had recommended the Maison Kammerzell by the cathedral and we had a wonderful
dinner there and at the same time watched with delight the lighting display to
a classical soundtrack on this unique cathedral building.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Monday morning saw
us going out for breakfast and another walk around the centre of the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 11am we were away once again bound for the
Moselle (Mosel) Valley, where Paul had bought wine a few years before and
wanted to find the same vineyards once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our route by passed Frankfurt before entering the Mosel valley at Koblenz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We travelled up this lovely and scenic valley
to Treis-Karden where wine was purchased from two separate growers, both of
whom Paul had purchased wine from back in 2004.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a very hot day and we had lunch at the hotel – restaurant,
Moselblick in the same town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took
great delight in watching large and heavy barges go up and down the river.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">At around 5.30pm
we drew up at a residence in Piesporter, where Paul had stayed before, but alas
the place was closed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did try several
other hotels and residences taking in quests but we were out of luck as all the
places we tried were full.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The valley is
so popular with cyclists, we saw them everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a wonderful holiday sampling wines the
length of this long valley on your bike with no fear of being breathalysed!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Eventually we
found a hotel in Trittenheim, not the best bedrooms we stayed in, but the
breakfast was good with attentive staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The guy who showed us round and took our bookings was totally abrupt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had we not been tired we might have found accommodation
elsewhere!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">We were all packed
up and away at 9am as we had a long journey home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would take us out of Germany, through
Luxembourg, Belgium, by passing Brussels and into France and on to Calais.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were booked on the 16.20pm shuttle back to
Folkestone but in arriving at 2:00pm we were allotted a space on the 2:52pm train
but alas it was delayed and we left at 3.47pm getting into Folkestone at 4.22pm
(UK time).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus when we reached the M25
it was busy and with a broken down vehicle there were long queues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once gaining the M40 we made good progress
and stopped at Oxford for a short break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a drop off for me in Chester at 8.30pm with Paul then travelling
to Dolgellau and getting home at 10pm.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">We had done a massive
2,150 miles in all and 36 hours in driving time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Paul’s excellent driving we never went
wrong once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Our massive
adventure was over with total success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
massive thank you to Tim for successfully getting us to the tops of the
mountains, just a massive achievement for both of us. Like our trek in Nepal
this was a great shared experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was good to meet up with James again and see him perform well on the two
mountains he climbed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Fraser Mackay</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">31<sup>st</sup>
July 2013 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-42684852373807199142013-08-10T10:10:00.001-07:002013-08-10T10:15:25.259-07:00Mont Blanc & Gran Paradiso - Kit and other issues<style>
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</style> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Introduction</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">We put a lot of
effort into getting our kit right and gaining knowledge of what lay before us
in attempting to acclimatise on Gran Paradiso 4061m and Becca di Monciair 3544m
and then undertake a three day assault of Mont Blanc at 4810m.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We read various articles and books on the Alps
to make us best prepared for the massive challenge that lay ahead.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Having got to the
top with guidance from our ace guide -Tim Blakemore - we can reflect and realise
why many fail in their attempts:</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">The ever changing weather</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">The difficulties of the climbs which
ever route to the top</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Very icy and narrow ridges</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Not adequate acclimatisation.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather is a major factor as we found out
and we had to change our routes due to prevailing weather conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mont Blanc can be blanketed by cloud know as
“the donkey” (l’ane).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus extreme
winter conditions may be raging around the summit with violent winds, when
below this the sun could be shinning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even on a sunny day a strong northerly wind can bar excess to these high
and steep narrow summit ridges.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Key to success is
having an experienced guide with an intimate knowledge of the mountain.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Kit</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">A listing is
attached.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This took into account that we
might encounter bad weather and just because it was the month of July this did
not mean we were guaranteed sunshine.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Coming all the way
from the north of England it was important that we got our kit right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did this by splitting our kit into three
parts:</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">A kit bag</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Rucksack for our mountain gear</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Separate bag for casual clothes/toilet
bag.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">It is essential
that you keep your rucksack as light as possible for the ascent day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While on Mont Blanc we were returning to the
same mountain refuge so we were able to leave items we did not need on the day
behind in a plastic box and collect this on our decent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kit is very personal and what is right for
one may differ for another.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Nutrition</span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Before the climb</span></b></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Absorb as much carbohydrate (pasta, rice, etc) as you
can the evening before the climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
storage of glycogen is more efficient in the recovery phase after
exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eat lightly before the
strenuous effort of the climb itself.</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">During the climb</span></b></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Top up your energy levels at every opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had one litre of water, SIS energy gels, dried
fruit, nuts, chocolate, sweets (jelly babies) and sandwiches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wear the right clothes and move at the right
speed to limit water loss due to sweating.</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">After the climb</span></b></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Eat a lot of carbohydrates during the evening meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drink a lot.</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Snack Foods (for the climbs and huts)</span></b></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Take snack foods you like eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the effects of altitude are combined
with tiredness, it is much easier and comforting to eat something you like.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Refuge Huts</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">We stayed in four
of these huts which provide mattresses, blankets and pillows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also provide meals, drinks, crockery and
cutlery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found the food good although
breakfasts are very basic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On arriving
you take of your boots and use a pair of slippers provided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take your ice axe, walking poles and helmet
and place these in a box in the locker room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some leave their rucksacks here as well but we took ours to be beside
our bunks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two refuge huts we stayed
in Italy did have showers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">What are the risks?</span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Lack of stamina – you need to work
hard to gain mountain fitness before the challenge. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Insufficient acclimatisation – we climbed
two mountains before Mont Blanc.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When the wind is strong especially on the summit ridges, cases of
frostbite to the face are quite common.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thus every bit of skin must be covered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neck buff and balaclava.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Appropriate gloves and boots are needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Superficial frostbite to the cornea,
which is caused by strong side winds and leads to blurred vision, will be
prevented by wearing ski goggles.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Sunburn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is essential to wear category IV
sunglasses with side pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
skin and lips must be protected with high protection factor sun cream (at
least SPF 30) applied say every two hours.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If wearing lenses make sure these are the best possible for oxygen
flow and apply suitable eye lotion to keep them moist.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Insurance Cover</span></b></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Make sure you have adequate
insurance cover in place encase something goes wrong and you need to be rescued</span><br />
<br />
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Kit Listing</span></b><br />
<br />
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: 4.65pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 285px;">
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<tr style="height: 5.95pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Clothing</span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 16.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 16.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 285.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Waterproof
Jacket with hood</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 285.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Soft Shell
Jacket</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 285.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">700 fill
packable down jacket</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 285.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Summer Fleece</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 285.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">1 Merino Base
Layer L/Sleeve</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 285.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Merino Base
Layer S/Sleeve</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 285.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Waterproof
over-trousers</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 285.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">2 x Trekking
Trousers</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 9;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 285.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">1 x Shorts</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 10;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 285.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">1 x Warm Longjohns</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 11;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 285.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">3 x
Underpants/Compression Pants</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 12;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 285.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">2 Pairs Thick
Walking Socks</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 13;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 285.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">2 Pairs Liner
Socks</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 14;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 285.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">1 Pair Mid
Thickness Socks (for Plastic Boots)</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 15;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 285.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Hat</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 16;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 285.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Buff &
balaclava</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 17;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 285.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Inner Gloves</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 18;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 285.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Outer Gloves</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 19;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 285.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Black Diamond
Double Mitts</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 20;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 285.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Plastic Climbing
Boots/La Sportiva/Scarpas</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 21;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 285.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">or
mountaineering boots - warm and suitable for crampons</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 22;">
<td colspan="2" nowrap="" style="border-bottom: none; border-left: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 285.0pt;" valign="bottom" width="285"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Trail Shoes</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 4.75pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 23;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 4.75pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Mountaineering
Equipment</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 16.5pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 24;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 16.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Ice Axe</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 25;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Crampons with
anti-balling</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 26;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Gaiters </span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 27;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Walking Poles
with Snow Feet</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 28;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Helmet</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 29;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">2 X Screw
Gate Caribiners</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 30;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Harness</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 31;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Guide will
have the rope etc. to</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 32;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">ensure you
are safe</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 4.75pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 33;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 4.75pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 4.75pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 34;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 4.75pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" width="284"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Sleeping Kit</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 16.5pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 35;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 16.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Silk Liner</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 36;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Head Torch
& Spare batteries</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 37;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 4.75pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 38;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 4.75pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Kit Bags
& Contents</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 16.5pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 39;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 16.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">40/50/60L
Ruck Sack</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 40;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Kit Bag</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 41;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Hand Luggage</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 42;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Compass</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 43;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Whistle</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 44;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Assortment of
Dry Bags</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 45;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Goggles</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 46;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Sunglasses</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 47;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">First Aid Kit</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 48;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Spare Laces</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 49;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Hand &
Feet Warmers</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 50;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">2 x I Litre
Water Bottles</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 51;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Multi tool
knife or pen knife</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 52;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Camera, Batteries
& Charger</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 53;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Mobile Phone,
Batteries & Charger</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 54;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Plastic
Rubbish Bags</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 55;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Map</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 56;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Waterproof
Note Pad & Pencil</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 57;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 4.75pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 58;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 4.75pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Hygiene &
Medicinal</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 16.5pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 59;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 16.5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Sun Cream- at
least SPF30</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 60;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Lip Salve</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 61;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Compeed
Plasters</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 62;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Savlon</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 63;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Cleansing Gel</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 64;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Toiletery Bag
etc.</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 65;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Toilet
Roll/Paper</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 66;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Wet Wipes</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 67;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Diamox
Tablets</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 68;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Nurofen</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 69;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Imodium or
similar</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 70;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Spare eye
lenses</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 71;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Eye lotion</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 72;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Hand Mirror</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 14.0pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 73;">
<td nowrap="" style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 14.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" valign="bottom" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border: none; mso-cell-special: placeholder; padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;" width="1"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 4.75pt; mso-row-margin-right: .75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 74;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 4.75pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 284.25pt;" width="284"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Optional
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Binocular</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">31st July 2013</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-63000521883839738502013-08-02T15:17:00.001-07:002013-08-02T15:18:23.403-07:00 Mont Blanc & Gran Paradiso<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> 15th to 20th July 2013</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB">At 6am on Sat (20th July) Paul Hodges and I, led by our great guide
Tim Blakemore reached the top of Mont Blanc 4810m, the sun was just rising and
it casts a shadow of this massive mountain across the lands to the west, making
the moment of time just a magical experience.<br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB">It is the hardest climb I have undertaken, lots of scrambling and when
you are roped together it is so much harder. The weather patterns were
incredible so we needed to change tactics as to possible routes to the top over
the three day attempt (18<sup>th</sup> to 20<sup>th</sup>). Thunder storms
in the evenings and a large snow fall on Friday evening saw me doubting that
our 2.30am set off time might not happen but with head torches and
crampons on and the three of us all roped up, away we went on massive
steep and narrow ridges up and up and up - blackness all around with only the
full moon and stars above us - just perfect conditions but ever so cold on
reaching the top. The summit is a massive "whaleback shape" and has
been covered in ice for about 3 million years.<br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB">The sun then stayed out all day and we made our decent back to our
mountain hut (Gouter) at 8.15am. Tim (he had previously guided us successfully
to the tops of Mera 6476m and Island Peaks 6189m in Nepal in Nov 2012)
said I would do it (I was not so sure!). We then did a full scramble decent
down Aiguille du Gouter, and a crampon run across the Grand Couloir (as stones
were falling) to the valley, reaching there at 1.30pm (ever so hard
with the fresh fall of snow); got the Mont Blanc Tramway and then the cable car
down from Gare de Bellevue to Les Houches and back to our hotel in
Chamonix, a shower and out on the town to celebrate our success.<br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB">I was so glad I had acclimatised on Gran Paradiso 4061m which was a two
day climb (15<sup>th</sup> & 16<sup>th</sup>) to get to the top with two
overnight stays in mountain huts. We were all roped up and away at 4.45am
on Tues (16 July) and after a long and hard and very steep glacier ascent
(1,300m) we were on the top at 9.30am. Again a wonderful day for climbing
on this massive mountain. The decent was difficult as again very steep
and a lot of soft snow. From time to time you disappeared up to the
waist! Paul, James Whittaker (James came to do Gran Paradiso) and Tim did
another mountain (Becca di Monsiair 3554m) on Wed 17th but I opted out, as I
needed a rest before attempting Mont Blanc.<br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB">It is only now that the enormity of this challenge is sinking in and it
is so pleasing to know that I was able to get to the top of these two massive
mountains. A lot of planning went into
getting our kit right. The skills of Tim
in reading the weather forecasts correctly and his intimate knowledge of the mountains
played a massive part in us all achieving success. It is just a wonderful feeling.<br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB">27<sup>th</sup> July 2013 </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB"></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-61465306640703798832013-07-22T13:08:00.004-07:002013-07-22T13:11:28.710-07:00Glen Shiel, Scotland<style>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-GB"></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">9<sup>th</sup> October to </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">12<sup>th</sup> </span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"></span></span> October 2012</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">At 10am on 9th
October Paul and I left Chester bound for Invershiel and two days of ridge
walking in Glen Shiel with “The Five Sisters of Kintail” being our main
challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was to be our final training
for our trek to Nepal later in the month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were in Crianlarich at 3.30pm, Fort William at 4.30pm and into our
hotel –the Kintail Lodge Hotel - at 6pm after a good journey and some 426 miles
taking us eight hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were staying
in The Trekkers Lodge and cooked our own meal before enjoying some of the real
ales in the hotel bar. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Wednesday 10<sup>th</sup>
saw us up at 6.30am and at 8am we started our walk from Morvich.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A very steep climb up grassy long slopes
(sometimes 60/65% scrambles) saw us arriving at 10.15am at our first mountain
on the ridge – Sgurr na Moraich 876m.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a beautiful calm and sunny morning and as the rut was in full
swing we could here the roaring stags all around and it was not long before we
saw stags and hinds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 11am we were on the
top of Beinn Bhuidhe 869m with wonderful scenery all around basking in warm
sunshine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beauty of Kintail is as
much in the glens and corries as it is on the peaks and the bealachs that
separate them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This turned out to be a
demanding route with an amount of scrambling and great care was needed on the
narrower and steeper parts of the ridges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Down in the valleys below us on both sides of the ridge we could here
and see red deer actively participating in the rut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was fascinating to watch and we did this
on a number of occasions. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">At noon we reached
Sgurr nan Saighead 929m with mountains all around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visibility was wonderful and we could see for
miles in all directions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the
vistas we saw can be seen in the slide show on the blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 1pm we reached the highest point of the
day and the highest Munro in the Glen Shiel area - Sgurr Fhuaran 1067m (3501ft).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here
the slopes down from the mountain top are possibly the longest in all
Scotland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The blue waters of Loch Duich
shown in the sunlight and Skye and the Inner Hebrides looked very close and the
south part of the Outer Hebrides could also be seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the mainland the peaks of Assynt could be
made out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To the South we looked across
to Knoydart and in the distance the mountains of Glen Coe and Ben Nevis 1344m. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">We continued along
the ridge and at 2.30pm we were on the top of Sgurr na Carnach 1002m.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had made an earlier decision that we would
end our walk on the ridge at 4.30pm as we had a steep and long decent down to
Gleann Lichd and the River Croe, and then a long walk along the valley bottom
back to our car. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 3.30pm we were on
Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe 1027m and at 4pm we climbed Sgurr nan Spainteach
990m.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was then on to the top of
Beinn Odhar 878m and at 4.30pm we started our decent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun was still shinning brightly at 6pm
but as we made our decent we dropped into the shadows and reached the valley
bottom at 5.45pm and in darkness we reached our car at 7.30pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had walked constantly for close on 12
hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had walked 18.1km and
undertook a total ascent of 1830m. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">We enjoyed a lovely
meal and drinks in the hotel – no way were we cooking tonight! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Up at 6.45am we
were welcomed to wind and rain and such a different day from the day
before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After cooking breakfast we were
away again at 8.30am with our target for the day being The Saddle 1010m going up
the Forcan Ridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the high winds at
sea level where we were we held little hope of reaching the top. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">We were on a good
path at 9am heading for Biod an Fhithich 644m our first mountain of the
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At Bealach na Craoibhe 496m we felt
the full blast of the wind and in the valley on the other side of the bealach
we looked down once again into Coire Caol and onto the rutting stags and the
hinds they were guarding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We reached the
top of Biod an Fhithich at 10.40am and then returned to the bealach and then
walked on to Meallan Odhar 617m which we reached at 11.20am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wind here was ever so strong so we decided
to stop for a brew and made a decision not to risk the much higher and narrow
ridges above us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went back down to
our car and we arrived there for 12.50pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After a coffee at the hotel we headed for Skye on a very wet day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We reached Broadford and then went on to Elgol
to look across the bay to The Cuillin Hills but with low cloud their was alas
little to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived back at our
hotel for 4.30pm and spent the evening there. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">After settling our
account we were away at 9.30am and again a wet morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By 2.30pm we were in Carlisle and by 5pm we
were back in Chester where Paul dropped me off before he drove on to Capel
Curig in Wales. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">It was a long way
to go but we so much enjoyed The Five Sisters Ridge that we both felt it was
well worth it and it was excellent training for the rigours of the trek we were
to go on to experience in Nepal. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">June 2013 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-20434390300373964142013-07-22T12:58:00.003-07:002013-07-22T13:03:57.230-07:00The Lycian Way - Turkey<style>
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<u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A Culture
Adventure in the south west corner of Turkey</span></u></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The Lycian
Way – 509km (One of the world’s best known long-distance footpaths)</span></u></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">24<sup>th</sup>
Feb to 9<sup>th</sup> March 2012</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We travelled some 1,435kms by bus/walking over 14
enjoyable days across the Teke Peninsula, which is the bump on Turkey’s south
coast between the cities of Fethiye and Antalya.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a total party of 17 people
including our guides (3) and wonderful bus driver and we all had a great time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trek was so well organised by Ramblers
Worldwide Holidays.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">There are not so many places left where magic reigns
without interruption – this is one of them, through a wonderful natural and
historic treasure house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked on
old mule tracks, through cedar forests, gorges, farmland always with unique coastal
and mountain scenery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lycia is the
historical name for the Teke Peninsula, the country of light, on Turkey’s
Mediterranean Coast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aside from the
weather (this part of Turkey reputedly gets 300 days of sunshine each year) the
major attraction is the idyllic coastal scenery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lycians’ place in history has been
largely forgotten, but this society was democratic and wealthy before being
conquered by Rome.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Landing at Antalya having flown 4hrs from Manchester
we stayed the first night in the Aspen Hotel in the Old part of this
interesting and fast growing city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was then next day (Sat 25<sup>th</sup>) a bus journey across country reaching a
high point of 1,600m with snow on the mountain tops and all around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 1pm we reached the lovely blue lagoon at
Oludeniz and after a short picnic on the beach we were on our first walk in glorious
sunshine across a hillside bound for the abandoned former Greek village of
Karmilassos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Views all around were just
wonderful as were the azure waters below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had seen one eagle and we heard a cuckoo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By 5.30pm we finished our walk and
sightseeing for the day and we arrived at the Harman Hotel in Fethiye, to be
our base for 4 nights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a
comfortable hotel with good food and service.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">At 10am on Sunday morning (26<sup>th</sup> Feb) we
were at the start point of The Lycian Way (“TLW”) and followed a coastal path
reaching some 900m at the highest point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We completed our walk in the village of Faralya at 4pm and then our bus
took us back along a cliff top road looking down to Oludeniz Bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our ascent for the day was 495m.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Monday (27<sup>th</sup>) was a wet morning after a
severe thunder storm during the night so armed with waterproofs we were taken
to the village of Yakabag to commence our walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Again it was uphill through a forest reaching a ridge where we stopped
to look at a tomb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was then onto the
ancient city of Pinara where we walked round the ruins and Lycian tombs carved
in the steep rock face cliffs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">There are four types of tombs:</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Pillar – placed on a stepped base or directly on rock are the
oldest</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">House – are carved directly out of solid rock</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Free-standing temple – these have a temple façade with two or more columns
and a portico from which a door leads to a grave chamber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dead were laid on benches in this
room</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Sarophagi – which normally consisted of four parts, a stepped base,
a lower grave chamber, a coffin and lid.</span></li>
</ul>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We walked back to the village of Minare where we were
served a most enjoyable lunch in a local home – a very enjoyable occasion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That evening at 7pm we ate out at the Saray
Restaurant in Fethiye.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Tuesday at 10am saw us looking down into Butterfly
Valley from the Village of Faralya.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After all the rain the day before it was deemed too dangerous to make
the steep descent into the valley so we had to be content with taking
photographs of this very scenic valley and the colourful ocean beyond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was now through the small village
(Faralya) and an uphill walk to the snowline where we were looking up to two
large snow covered mountains on our left with massive cliffs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped for lunch by a stream and then it
was a gradual down hill walk passing isolated small holdings and the village of
Uzunyurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we stopped in a small
café for drinks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A very steep descent took
us down to the pebble beach at Yuva.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Over our three days of walking we had seen the
foraging activities of wild boar by the paths we had walked on and here on the
beach was a dead wild boar washed up by the tide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are very shy creatures and mainly come
out at night so despite a constant watch out for them it was with great regret
that this was the only one we saw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
did see tortoises of various sizes and one snake but alas no turtles. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We were back to our bus by 3.15pm and on our way back
to the hotel we visited the tombs in Fethiye.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Next morning we had to pack our kit bags as we were
moving on to the town of Kas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On route
we stopped at the remote village of Bel and walked through high level farmland
and woodland tracks at around 900m.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
this high level it was cold (ice could be seen on the small pools on the tracks
we passed over) with a stiff wind but the sun was out all day with good clear visibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We passed a couple of herds of sheep and
goats being moved up to high pastures from the valleys below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped for lunch at 1pm and enjoyed this
in lovely sunshine.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We were aware that we had to make a steep descent
(600m) to the village of Gavuragili and this proved a very demanding
affair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a steep traverse
through boulders and scree with some scrub and small trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some this proved a very difficult descent
but all made it and at 3.30pm we had reached sea level – the ordeal for the day
was over!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was then a drive to Kas and
our central located hotel – Otel Kekova at 5pm.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I was out shopping at 7.30am on a sunny morning on
Thursday 1<sup>st</sup> March.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
10.15am we were on the TLW once again bound for the 1<sup>st</sup> Century
siphonic aqueduct at Delikkemer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had
initial difficulty in finding the path and we were in dense scrub for half an
hour or so until we came across the small track which wound its way around the
side of hills looking down onto fertile flat valleys and towering snow covered
mountains in the distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This section
of the TLW could do with being cut back before the path completely closes
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along the way we saw many colourful
flowers, plants and shrubs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw one
bird of prey which I thought was a young eagle but others thought it was a
kite!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was then a short drive at
3.15pm to the ancient city of Patara with its silted harbour and we walked around
the ruins before walking on to see the wonderful isolated beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a wonderful location which we all
enjoyed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We were back at our hotel for 6pm, just in time to
have a shower and change before dinner was served in the restaurant at 7.30pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It proved a very cold evening and for me I
was so glad I took my warm duck down jacket with me – a constant light
companion!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Friday 2<sup>nd</sup> March (Day 8) was a free day and
most took the opportunity to discover this lovely small town of Kas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One couple decided to do another section of
the TLW while I walked a short distance to Limani beach and back again before
enjoying some beers in a harbour side café.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here I wrote some 10 postcards and got these posted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the evening we all went out to a harbour
restaurant for drinks and an enjoyable dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some went on to have drinks in a bar/snooker club where we found the
locals all very friendly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Saturday 3<sup>rd</sup> March saw us begin a hard
walking day from just below the ancient city of Phellos (which we later passed
through) and reaching a height of 1,050m on the ridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a steep descent (500m) into the
Hacioglan Valley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the valley we had
to cross a fast flowing river which proved to be ever such good fun but
absolute terror for some.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our lead guide
Tuna played a pivotal role in helping trekkers get across boulders in the river
to the other side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was then an uphill
walk on a broad but wet forest road to join our bus to take us back to Kas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had walked 9.2miles.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">After an enjoyable shower it was up to the roof top restaurant
where our chef and staff had prepared a BBQ on the large open fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Memories are still very vivid of the lovely
food we enjoyed on the trip and this was certainly one of them:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Lentil
soup with slices of lemon to squeeze</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Chicken,
lamb and fresh vegetables</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A
choice of wonderful delicate sweet dishes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">EPS
Premier lager beer or wine if you preferred</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 39.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 39.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Coffee
or apple tea normally was the final enjoyment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Sunday 4<sup>th</sup> March (Day 10) we were on the
move once again to undertake a new section of the TLW.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the course of our transfer to Adrasan and
to the El Dorado Hotel we stopped in the village of Ucagiz at 10am and walked
to the village of Simena, both stunning fishing villages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At Simena we visited an ancient castle with
wonderful views across the landlocked harbour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After seeing round the castle we went on a boat trip to Kerkova Island
on a glass bottomed boat and looked down on the Simena sunken ancient city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due to the tide level we were unable to land
on the island (I did not understand why?) so we had a BBQ on the boat in lovely
sunshine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Views all around us were
fantastic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Landing back in Ucagiz in the
early afternoon the harbour was very busy with day trippers taking boat rides
out into the bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We reached 900m in the
bus before once again descending to sea level at our hotel at 6pm with light
rapidly fading.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Our hotel had just opened after the closed winter
period and had an efficient wood burning stove by the small bar and
restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Service and food was also
good but the showers were poor and sometimes the water was not too hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another negative was the constant noise from
frogs (all through the night) I think enjoying sex!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was jealous!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In the morning we saw the lovely beach and Mt Olympos
(Tahtali Dag 2,366m) towering in its white covered top and ridges in the
background.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a lovely location.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Normal morning procedure after breakfast was to call
at a local supermarket to get food and water for your day’s walk and today
Monday 5<sup>th</sup> March we stopped in the village of Adrasan and had the
choice of two small shops to make our purchases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On average I was paying TL3/5 for my picnic
lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today it was a bus ride to the
village of Karaoz on a lovely sunny morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At 10.30am we left the village crossing a stream onto a lovely beach and
then up a road through a forest where butterflies of all colours floated about
in all their beauty, attracted by the abundance of wild flowers at the edges of
the tracks we walked over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then
followed an up hill track bound for the Gelidonia Lighthouse where our walk
ended and we had a picnic lunch looking out to sea and to three small islands.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">On the way back we took a slight diversion and visited
Pirates’ Cove, just a lovely location were we did see shoals of small surface
fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pirates were once the blight of
the ancient Med and the Lycian coast became known as Pirate Coast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 4pm we were back in the village and we
stopped at a café to enjoy well earned drinks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This had been such a beautiful and enjoyable section of the TLW.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A walk of around 16km and ascent/descent of 290m.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">It was down for pre dinner beers at 6pm and a good
chat as became normal practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All trekkers
very much looked forward to their evening meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Alas the weather took a turn for the worse and it was heavy rain during the
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think the chorus of the frogs
gained in strength and it certainly did not stop the early morning cockerels
trying hard to make the loudest noise.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Looking out next morning it was still raining and low dense
cloud was all around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alas Mt Olympos
could not even be seen; thank goodness we did take photographs the day
before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 10.30am we were at the start
of our walk in the Village of Ulupinar and it was going to be a long walk all
the way to Cirali (with a river crossing!!) and then visit the ruins of the
ancient city of Olympos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just outside
Ulupinar we came to our first river crossing and with this being in full spate
it was decided by our Leaders not to cross so it was back to the village and a
surprise coffee stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went on the bus
to Cirali by which time the rain had thankfully stopped and we were on a good
stepped path up to the ruined temple of Hephaistos, the Greek god of fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we were fascinated by the ever burning
flames (The Chimaera or Perpetual Flames) coming out of small cracks/holes all
along the sloping rock face, about the size of a small football pitch.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We then walked back to Cirali, along by the edge of
the long beach and eventually onto the beach itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we found the river very fast flowing and
it was a case of removing ones’ boots and socks, rolling up or taking off
trousers and wading across (knee deep) in the cold water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This proved to be a great laugh and no
casualties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of our party (who shall
remain nameless) decided to “walk on water”, where the river entered the sea
and while getting quickly and safely across, alas he got somewhat wet boots,
socks and feet!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">It was fascinating walking round the well sign posted
ruins of the former city of Olympos – lots of lovely photographs were
taken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By 5.30pm we were back at our
hotel and tonight we were to eat at a trout farm at the village of Ulupinar
with a special recipe for the trout and an ice-cream dish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both were just wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back in the hotel I had a nightcap but this
did not prevent me from hearing the frogs once again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Wed 7<sup>th</sup> – (Day 13) saw us leave at 9am with
a long bus journey ahead of us as we are bound for the NW saddle of Mt Olympos which
was to be one of our longest and highest level walks at 1,800m.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our start point was Yayla Kuzdere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going through the gorge with fast snow melt
water flowing and up steep inclines our bus developed an unknown problem with a
warning light showing red and not having the same amount of power in the engine
as normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At a village a few miles from
Yayla Kuzdere we stopped for a morning break in the sunshine with Mt Olympos
towering behind us, sometimes visible and other times hidden by the cloud at
high level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a lot of snow up
there and we were aware that the road to the village we were in had only
recently been cleared of snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
decision was taken not to go further and to take the bus back to the town of
Kemer to have the bus problem investigated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had an hour’s break looking around Kemer which was a nice town and at
2pm we commenced our alternative walk on the TLW.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luck was not with us today as a few yards
along the track we ran into a number of bee keepers who were working with their
hives and the bees were buzzing everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We ended up having to wear protective clothing and were taken 5 at a
time through the two long lines of bee hives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We all saw the funny side of the situation and had a great laugh and of
course the occasion became a great photo opportunity with a number of us dancing
in these ghostly uniforms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honey is an
important local crop.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Once past the bee hives we were on a good uphill track
in the foothills of Mt Olympos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
passed two herds of goats which were eating by the roadside and away in the
distance we could see the outline of the city of Antalya.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon we could see Mt Olympos with its snow
clad top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A cable car from the coast
takes you to the top of the mountain and we could clearly see the station
mounted on top of the mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On our
way back we came through orange groves with lovely smells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We were back at our bus at 5pm and back to our hotel
at 6.30pm in the darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sea Bream was
our main dish with fresh local vegetables – ever so enjoyable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By 10.30pm I was tucked up in bed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Thursday 8<sup>th</sup> March saw us move on for one
night back to our original hotel in Antalya.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were all packed up and away at 9.30am on a lovely sunny morning and
on route we were stopping at the historic city of Phaselis, again on a coastal
site with three beaches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked around
the site for an hour or so leaving at 12.30pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once again we stopped in Kemer for lunch in some of the town’s
cafes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Malcolm (our English Leader) and
I had beers and coffee in a small café and reflected on what had been such an
enjoyable trek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All parties had gelled over
the fourteen days – what laughs, sights, river crossings and wonderful food.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">By 3pm we were back in the beautiful and interesting
city of Antalya and then it was a stroll around the Old Town before dinner in
our hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to discover a couple
of hamams as I could not be in Turkey without having a Turkish bath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One turned out to be 700 years old, the other
800 years old, so I would make a decision next morning as to which one I was to
go to.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We held our final daily get-together/briefing in the
hotel at 7.10pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an opportunity
to have a few laughs, say a few speeches and say thank you to our three guides
and our wonderful bus driver, Recep, and to hand over thank you cards and the money
collections we had organised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A number
of us went out for drinks after dinner to savour the night ambience of this old
city.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Roger and I were walking round the old harbour before
breakfast and after breakfast I was away for my Turkish bath at 10am; others
were going to museums and doing last minute shopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again it was a lovely sunny and warm
morning.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">What an enjoyable experience the Turkish bath turned
out to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a famous saying – “If heaven exists,
I hope it’s a hamam.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here you pay a
burly, near-naked stranger to scrape, knead and pummel your quivering flesh (my
request for a lady to do this was turned down!) but after nearly two hours,
apple tea and fruit, you emerge feeling so clean it borders on the virginal!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We had to vacate our rooms for noon and our final bus
journey took us to the airport at 1.30pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At the airport we said all our goodbyes; some were bound for London
others were going to Manchester.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
route back took 4.35 hours as prevailing winds were against us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were flying at 32/34,000 feet and passed
over Istanbul, Vienna, and Brussels and to the Thames Estuary and then up to
Manchester.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I would recommend Turkey as an enjoyable holiday
destination and having so enjoyed my first interesting visit I am keen to visit
the city of Istanbul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jill, Elaine and
Alptug (who lives there) spoke so highly about the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The advice given to me was to stay in the Old
Town on the European side by Galata Bridge.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Thank you to the entire Group and many others I met
along the way on this enjoyable holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ramblers Worldwide Holidays gave trekkers a well thought out route with
experienced guides, good hotels, food and service all provided at a very
competitive price.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So enjoyable.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">June 2013</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Note</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In Country Walking (February 2012) an article – “25
walks of a lifetime” places the LW in 3<sup>rd</sup> place. </span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://www.lycianway.com/">www.lycianway.com</a></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-42497608081277430772013-07-22T12:51:00.000-07:002013-07-22T12:55:58.378-07:00Wild Camping<style>
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</style> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Wild camping gives you the
opportunity to extend your walks out on the hills, unrestrained by daylight
hours. Nature can be experienced truly first hand, unspoilt by busy routes or
climbing hotspots</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waking up to a stunning landscape and hopefully
sunshine is what it’s all about and the sense of freedom you get knowing that
you have all your needs in your rucksack – it really is quite liberating!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
good news is that it doesn’t take much planning either, you need shelter,
clothing for warmth, food, water and of course a bed for the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once you’ve got to grips with the basics you
can go camping anytime.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Although
wild camping isn’t strictly legal in England, it is tolerated. You’re
supposed to ask the landowner’s permission before sleeping on their land, but
it is usually tolerated provided you remain discreet and follow the basic wild
camp etiquette.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Scotland wild camping
(done properly) is still perfectly legal as is the case in Dartmoor.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Never
stay at one site for more than two nights as this will leave a mark on the
ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pitch late, pack early and best to
get high off the beaten path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never
light fires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leave no trace of you being
there when you leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should leave
the site as you found it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be considerate
of others and respect the privacy and livelihood of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Choose your toilet carefully in a sheltered
spot at least 50 metres away from water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dig a 6-8-inch deep hole, and replace the earth once you have finished
your business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carry out your toilet
paper with your other rubbish. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Camp
near a clean water source.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vital
equipment includes a head torch, map and compass but I am attaching a full
listing that I would take. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you are
carrying a heavier load on your back good boots with ankle support are
recommended as opposed to trainers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stream/river
or loch/lake water will be the main source of hydration which can be filtered,
boiled and sterilized to rid it of any nasty bugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Travel as light as you can as you have to
carry all your equipment and food with you.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It
is a good idea to practice getting your tent up so that it becomes second
nature. Make sure you are able to find a good pitch (flat, no stones and
sheltered) with the thinner end of your lent facing into the wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You want if possible to use any slope wisely
with your head being at a level slightly higher than your feet.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Remember
night fall always brings a chill (even in summer) so always have adequate warm
clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Understand layering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again you need to have adequate food (also
have an emergency supply) for the duration of your camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How greatly enhanced even the simplest of
food is by the act of eating it outdoors under the starlight or as fingers of
light are just beginning to pick at the sky and perhaps a dawn chorus to go
with it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It tastes wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once night has fallen there is nothing to do
(most times!) but go to bed with your head torch and a good book.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Last
but by no means least – have good company!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Fraser
Mackay - June 2013</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Kit</span></u></b><br />
<br /></div>
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</style><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Large rucksack,
preferably with zipped area in base of bag to store sleeping bag – say 65lts +</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Dry bags for
clothing </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Tent, poles and
pegs </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sleeping mat or
thermarest, sleeping bag (kept in dry bag), silk liner and pillow</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Head torch + spare
batteries + back up torch</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Stove – jet boil or
equivalent</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Gas canister + back
up canister + waterproof matches</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">(Watch – all fuel
gives off CO3 so if cooking in confined space be aware of this!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not cook in the tent.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Pan, plate, cup,
and spork</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Small amount eco
friendly washing up liquid (so as not to pollute streams)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Small pan scrub</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Water bladder/bottle</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Personal toiletries</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Wet wipes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Small medical kit</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Penknife</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Camera</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Hand trowel (to dig
toilet hole) no paper, use moss or sheep wool!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Gaffer tape, taken
off large role and wrapped around small a thin tube</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Map, map case and
compass</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Change of
clothing/socks</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Hat, gloves etc</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Microfibre towel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sun cream</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sun glasses</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Insect repellent</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Ear plugs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Pack of playing
cards</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Mat to sit on</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Carrier bags for
rubbish/damp clothing</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Spare laces</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Walking poles
(optional)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Clothes/boots in
line with duration of hike and time of year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Food</span></u></b><br />
<br /></div>
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<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
What food you take with
you must be what you enjoy and be wholesome to give you the necessary energy
you will need for your daily activities.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Normally you would have two courses for
breakfast and 2 courses for your evening meal and have snacks as needed during
the course of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Wayfarer
pre-prepared meals are an alternative.</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
I would also have some
dried fruit, bananas, nuts, packs of crisps (salt content), cereal bars, chocolate
bars, energy chews or gels and Zero Electrolyte hydration tablets to put into
my water carrier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a spare meal I
always carry a tin of sardines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
taking dried milk (make sure it mixes with cold water) for coffee, tea, or
porridge etc.</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">To avoid fatigue, top up your glycogen store
the evening before with a carbohydrate – rich meal of pasta and refuel
regularly with carbohydrate – rich snacks such as ripe bananas, dried fruit or
cereal bars on the route.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Wine – boxed wine
is perfect, taking the silver bag out and discarding box + plastic cups!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Food is personal
but needs to be carefully thought out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-21668789843991462062013-06-15T06:30:00.000-07:002013-06-15T06:30:13.172-07:00Mull
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<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt;">26<sup>th</sup> August to
2<sup>nd</sup> September 2012</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></u></b><b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></u></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
left Chester bound for Mull at 5am on 26th August 2012 and calling at Glasgow
to pick up Pia and Kirstin, arriving there at 9.25am (without getting lost in
the city).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the back of 10am we were
on our way to Oban and had a brief stop for coffee in Tyndrum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 1pm we were in Oban to do our big shop in
Tesco and to fill up the car with fuel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While waiting for the ferry to Mull we had fish and chips by the harbour
only for our meal to be constantly attacked by seagulls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sailed at 4pm taking us three quarters of
an hour to cross to Craignure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
then a 32 mile journey to Bunessan and to Traigh Mhor Cottage for the week,
arriving at 6pm.</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our
cottage, excellent in every way was on the sea front so it was a short walk to
the headland point in the middle of Loch Na Lathaich (sea loch).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we were fortunate to see our first otter
or was it a small seal?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Light was fading
so it was difficult to be certain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was a delightful new quiet world for the three of us and a full week of
discovery lay ahead.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
a long day (for me - I had driven 368 miles!) we all enjoyed a lovely evening
meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were all happy with the lovely
cottage Kirstin had chosen with excellent facilities – I was given the best
bedroom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt;">Monday
27<sup>th</sup> saw us wake up to a very wet morning but after breakfast we
went on a 11km circular walk from the cottage round the peninsula to Carraig
Chorrach and then onto Achnahard and into the main village of Bunessan before
returning to the cottage for a light lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thereafter I went sea fishing for an hour but alas no luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the attractions of Mull and in particular
Ross of Mull (where we were located) is the fantastic beaches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the late afternoon we were bound for
Ardalanish Bay which turned out to be a lovely location.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We enjoyed a walk along the golden sands and
we sat in the dunes just to enjoy the clarity and quietness of all our
surroundings and all the bird activity on the tide line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having shopped at the nearby Organic Farm we
were going to sample the local produce in our evening meal that evening.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tuesday
turned out a dry but breezy day and after debate around the breakfast table as
what to do and I was out voted 2-1, we were bound for Iona which was a key
location on our agenda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left at 9am
for the short journey to Fionnphort, parking in the village car park and then
taking the short ferry crossing at 9.55am to the Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vehicular access is not allowed for
non-residents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sound of Iona was
indeed choppy to say the least but we stayed on deck to watch gannets all
around us dive like white spears into the ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were catching fish being the master
fishers they are.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
firstly visited the Nunnery ruins, with its tranquil cloister gardens which was
established in 1203 as a Benedictine convent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then we visited the famous Iona Abbey and joined a tour to be shown
round which we all very much enjoyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
had discussed walking round this small Island, renowned for its tranquillity
and natural beauty and this we did reaching the north of the Island and looking
across to Eilean Annraidh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming across
the west coast we passed over some lovely beeches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Near Shian we cut inland and went over the
Island’s golf course before climbing up to Loch Staoiheig.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From here we reached the wild pebble beach at
Port an Fhir-Bhreige.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Massive waves
rolled in from the Atlantic so we sat and watched with fascination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was then a walk back across small hills
and moor land areas coming in at Sligneach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had coffee in the St Columbus Hotel where we met a very interesting
Lady from Edinburgh who had been coming to the Island since she was a girl
guide at the age of 14 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is a
member of the Iona Community and has a great liking for the Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 6pm we were on the ferry once again on our
way back to Mull.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all had a most
fantastic day which will never be forgotten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
were all looking forward to Kirstin’s organic beef which was being cooked in a
slow cooker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turned out wonderful as
was our pre dinner drinks on a bench outside the cottage. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
had allocated Wednesday 29<sup>th</sup> to do an Island tour and we did find
that Mull was indeed a large Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once again we were away at 9am and at Loch Beg we turned left onto the
B8035 and stopped on the west side of Kilfinichen Bay to see if we could spot
any otters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we watched two
peregrine falcons having a squabble on telegraph poles, 200 yards or so from
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before reaching Balnahard we spotted
a sole eagle high above us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was it a
golden or a sea eagle, we could not be sure?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At Scarisdale Point we stopped for a picnic lunch and here I picked some
common periwinkles as a starter for our evening meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At Salen we stopped for coffee and cakes in a
cafe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was then on to Tobbermory and a
look round this lovely small town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
Tort we had perhaps our best sighting of eagles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two golden eagles were hovering above us for
a few minutes and we watched their every move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They had appeared from nowhere and just as quickly these majestic birds
vanished from site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Calgary Bay was
another place we wished to visit and here we stopped and walked on the
beech.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was busy with people and Pia
decided to go for her annual Scottish swim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She did ever so well swimming for half an hour or so and not feeling the
cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From here the single track road
twisted up and down, around blind corners but the good thing was that there was
little traffic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At Ballygown we stopped
to watch red deer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two young deer some
how or other had got caught on the opposite side of the fence from the rest of
the small herd and were trying hard to rectify the situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alas while watching we did not see this
happen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt;">At
the Sound of Ulva we looked across to the Isle of Ulva but alas not enough time
to visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The road then winds its way
along the north side of Loch na Keal until it meets the B8035 once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 7.30pm we arrived safely back at our
cottage for our evening meal and afterwards we watched the Olympics on TV.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
weather forecast had forecasted that Thursday 30<sup>th</sup> was to be a good
sunny day and this turned out to be correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had the ascent of Ben More 966m planned for today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were parking our car at Traigh Doire Dhubhaig
at 10.30am and we were taking the recognised path past the dwelling house at
Dhiseig to the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At times there were
very strong winds and we had to be careful on the high ridges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two golden eagles again circled above us as
we made our way to the top at1.45pm where we stopped in the stone shelter for a
short lunch break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was then a
scramble down a steep and rocky ridge and then up to A Chioch at 867m at
2.15pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was our original intention to
also climb Beinn Fhadar at 702m but by mutual consent we turned left and
descended down Gleann na Beinne Fada and back to our start point at 5pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were back to the cottage at 7pm and being
a sunny evening we once again had pre dinner drinks in the garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another glorious day and we were all to sleep
well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt;">Friday
was a wet day so we were all dressed in our waterproofs and boots and after
doing a small shop in Bunessan we were on our way to Ardchiavaig and the beech
at Port Uisken where once again I gathered common periwinkles but again failed
to find the mussels I was looking for.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt;">Alas
Saturday came all too soon so the last day of our holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After debate over breakfast as to which beech
we went for, we decided to head for Pottie (1 & 2) where we would park the
car and then walk to Toba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once there we
would walk to Cut-a-Bhaile and reach the extensive bay at Bagh a’Chnoic
Mhaoileanaich where I must have a chance of finding mussels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was also the opportunity to visit another
small Island – Erraid – as the tide would be fully “out” as we reached it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walking along the water edge we spotted a
number of what I call “mussel graveyards”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On finding mussels in mussel beds, seagulls drop the shell in flight
onto rocks 20/30ft beneath them which break the shell and they thus avail them
selves with the desired and enjoyable contents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus I knew mussel beds were around and it
was just a case of finding them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It did
not take us long to find them and we left with a plastic bag full for our last
evening meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then crossed the narrow
stretch of sand to Erraid and walked on its north shore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was then back to the main land and up a
narrow track that took us to Knockvologan and back to Toba.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked back for the car while Pia and
Kirstin walked to Fionnphort for coffee and here I would pick them up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The skies above me were getting greyer and
greyer as I reached the car and at the back of 3pm it got very wet and this set
in for the rest of the afternoon/evening.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pia
took on the task of cooking the mussels after I had cleaned them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had cold white wine kept for the occasion
which was also enjoyed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt;">Alas
Sunday was to be the drive back to Glasgow (Kirstin and Pia were catching the
3pm train from central station to Euston) so it was time to do packing and
leave the cottage for our early morning departure at 9am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all enjoyed a great time on Mull.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Memories and laughs will always be vivid.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt;">May
2013 </span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-46697107950744428202013-06-15T06:26:00.005-07:002013-06-15T06:26:51.109-07:00Berlin
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">28<sup>th</sup>
June to 2<sup>nd</sup> July 2012</span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“An Exciting
Destination”</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Introduction</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Gordon Clements had done over 30 year’s service
with The Group (“TG”) and wanted to celebrate with a City Break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stuart Middleton and I had both previously
worked for TG so the offer to join him was readily accepted and after due
discussion on a number of Cities Berlin was the city we all agreed on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After much hotel research we settled on the
Park Inn by Radisson Berlin, Alexanderplatzlt (4*) right in the centre of the
city and it turned out a great place to stay.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The number of days you spend on holiday in a
particular place needs to be carefully thought about and to me it is essential
that you do some research on what you want to do, sightseeing, where to stay
and the choice of restaurants and other attractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was charged with this research and the Agenda
(not cast in stone) is an addendum to this overview, thus ensuring we had
options for an active day, every day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Views on the City and our activities</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We found Berlin just a magic city and we all had a
wonderful time in all that we did and saw.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We enjoyed good short flights from Manchester to <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Berlin Schoenefeld Airport and used the
Airport train on both occasions which was fast and efficient taking us into
Alexanderplatzlt where our hotel was located. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather was also good which permitted us
to go sightseeing/carry out activities each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We opted to purchase the Berlin Pass which we
found to be of good value but before purchasing this make sure you are able to
take advantage of what it offers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The highlight for us was the Fat Tire Bike Tour of
the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our brief half day to Potsdam
was enjoyable but if you go you do need a whole day there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visiting The Berliner Dom (the dramatic
Cathedral) and going onto the rooftop was fascinating with spectacular views
across the city. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made a couple of visits
to Checkpoint Charlie, saw the remains of the Berlin Wall, visited Hitler’s
Bunker and paid our respects at the Jewish Memorial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a sunny afternoon we enjoyed a cruise on
the River Spree.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We ate out for breakfast each morning and tried out
the cafes detailed in the Agenda and found these very good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate at a variety of restaurants and in
particular found Monsieur Vuong (Vietnamese) Alte Schonhauser Strasse 46, 10119
Berlin-Mitte, a busy and enjoyable restaurant.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I would recommend a visit to the city if you have
not been and I am happy to answer any questions you may have.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">July 2012</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">(See below) </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Agenda</span></u></b><span lang="EN-GB"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Berlin Visit</span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">28<sup>th</sup>
June to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2<sup>nd</sup> July 2012 (4
nights)</span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“An Exciting
Destination”</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Introduction</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Berlin is seen as a City of surprises and contrasts
– of old and new, of east and west, of city and countryside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the capital of Europe’s most powerful
country and is one of the most dynamic cities in Europe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This exuberant and exciting City is perhaps
best covered from a central location which will have good transport links
(tube, city rail, bus & tram) thus maximizing our ability to see its main
attractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With this in mind we have
settled after much research for the <span class="fn"><b>Park Inn by Radisson
Berlin, Alexanderplatz</b></span><b>It</b> (4*). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Berlin is a City perhaps beyond our
imagination as to diversity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a
24-hour city, and you’ll never be short of something to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The variety of bars and restaurants is one of
the city’s great strengths and its legendary, pretty much non-stop, nightlife
is another. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">On any holiday you go on it is important that you
have an Agenda for what you want to do and achieve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is of course flexible.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Flights</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">These have been put in place with Easy Jet at a
cost of £332.78 (£110.93 each).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Berlin Pass</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We have looked into this and we can gain the pass
ahead of arriving in Berlin so it makes sense we purchase it for the savings
involved and the great convenience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>E225.35 (£62.66 each). </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.berlinpass.com/berlin-attractions/index.html"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://www.berlinpass.com/berlin-attractions/index.html</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Attractions</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We want to maximize our
sightseeing time in the City and this listing seeks to identify key
attractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: black;"></span></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Unter den Linden –
premier boulevard</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Brandenburg Gate</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Unesco - Museum
Island (excellent collection of museums and galleries – Pergamon (No 1
attraction), Altes, Bode, Neues and Alte Nationalgalerie)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Interior of the Sony
Centre</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Fernsehturn -
Panoramastrasse 1A – eastern bloc relic has the best views over the city</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="photo-desc" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Holocaust Memorial by architect Peter Eisenman </span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: black; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Arched bridge and The Berliner Dom (Cathedral)
over the East Berlin canal </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="photo-desc" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The Wall</span></div>
<div class="photo-desc" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Checkpoint Charlie</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: black; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The Reichstag – Platz der Republik </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="photo-desc" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Trendy Hackescher Market Area<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div class="photo-desc" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Chamisso Quarter</span></div>
<div class="photo-desc" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Jewish Memorial</span></div>
<div class="photo-desc" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Victoria Park. Victoria is the highest elevation of Berlin, affording a
most magnificent 360 degree views overlooking the entire City</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Go on a bike tour
round the city - </span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://fattirebiketours.com/berlin/tours/berlin-city-bike-tour"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://fattirebiketours.com/berlin/tours/berlin-city-bike-tour</span></u></a></span><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></u><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.stadtentwicklung.berlin.de/"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">www.stadtentwicklung.berlin.de</span></u></a></span><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>&<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></u><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.bikesberlin.com/"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">www.bikesberlin.com</span></u></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="photo-desc" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Boat cruise on River Spree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Four operators
offer circular tours, usually lasting 3/4hrs but passengers can hop on and off
at landing stages en route</span></div>
<div class="photo-desc">
<br /></div>
<div class="photo-desc" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Tiergarten – Berlin’s answer to Central Park</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Day
trip – Potsdam, (30mins on S-Bahn) location of Frederick the Great’s
palace and gardens. Rent a bike to see round the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://fattirebiketours.com/berlin/tours/potsdam-bike-tour"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://fattirebiketours.com/berlin/tours/potsdam-bike-tour</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Potsdam
is Berlin’s Versailles. Sanssouci – a landscaped park is a must.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hollandisches Viertel or Dutch Quarter
is the most attractive part.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="photo-desc" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Peruse the flea markets (Trodelmarkt am Arkonaplatz<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sun 10am- 4pm - is one of the best.)</span></div>
<div class="photo-desc" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Prenzlauer Berg – well balanced mix of cafes, better restaurants and
late-night nightlife</span></div>
<div class="photo-desc" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Stasi Museum</span></div>
<div class="photo-desc" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Olympic Stadium</span></div>
<div class="photo-desc" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Schloss Charlottenburg</span></div>
<div class="photo-desc" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Anne Frank Centre</span></div>
<div class="photo-desc" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: windowtext;">Segway Tour</span> - <a href="http://citysegwaytours.com/berlin/tours/berlin-segway-tour"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://citysegwaytours.com/berlin/tours/berlin-segway-tour</span></u></a><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Segway
telephone number:<span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>+49 30 24 04 79 91, or from inside </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 9.0pt;">Germany: 030 24 04 79 91</span></div>
<div class="photo-desc" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Restaurants</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Eating in Berlin’s restaurants is inexpensive by
international standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A 15% service
charge is added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Italian, Greek, Turkish
(Kreuzberg) and Asian restaurants provide the best bargains while traditional
German places tend to be pricey and their food served is heavy and
old-fashioned – dumplings, roast pork, sauerkraut and the like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wines mainly white but a good red is
Spatburgunder – similar to Pinot Noir.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Suggestions:</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Chai
Yo Thai, Number 1 on Trip<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
Kreuzberg area</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span class="street-address"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">95A Skalitzer Strasse</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">, <span class="locality">Berlin</span>, <span class="country-name">Germany</span>
</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="skypepnhprintcontainer"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">030 6951 5260</span></span><span class="skypepnhrightspan"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span class="skypepnhrightspan"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Das
Original<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vietnamese No 3 on Trip<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In </span><span class="street-address"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Geisbergstrasse 12/ Ecke Ansbacher Str.</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">, <span class="locality">10777 Berlin</span>, <span class="country-name">Germany</span> <span class="skypepnhprintcontainer">030 -
23 62 60 90</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Fassbender-Rausch
- Café style but serves dinners, and ranked 4 on Trip</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span class="street-address"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Charlottenstrasse 60</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">, <span class="locality">Berlin</span>, <span class="country-name">Germany</span>
30 20 45 84 43</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Marjellchen
- Top rated German restaurant and rated 6<sup>th</sup> of over 1400 on
Trip in Berlin</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span class="street-address"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Mommsenstrasse 9</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #2c2c2c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">, <span class="locality">10629 Berlin</span>, <span class="country-name">Germany</span> <span class="skypepnhprintcontainer">030-8832676</span><span class="skypepnhmark">.</span><span class="skypepnhrightspan"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Microbreweries and beer gardens</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The house beers in these places are generally top
quality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beer gardens are popular
particularly along the shores of the city’s lakes in Kopenick and Zehlendorf.</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Brauhaus Georgbrau –
Spreeufer 4</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Brauhaus Mitte –
Karl-Liebknecht-Str 13 (all the trappings of a Bavarian Beer Hall)</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">**********************</span><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></u></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-70598336736487339122013-06-13T23:46:00.002-07:002013-07-25T13:15:57.621-07:00Chicago, Illinois – “Simply Magnificient”<div style="text-align: center;">
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<![endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">This world class city is a great city to explore and enjoy</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Monday 9<sup>th</sup> to
Monday 16<sup>th</sup>2012</u></i></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Introduction</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">For many a year I
have wanted to go to the “Windy City” (so named after the city’s history of
bellicose “windy” politicos, notorious for spinning a line) and in July 2012 my
wish came true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is one of America’s
great lifestyle cities and the birth place of skyscrapers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Temps were wonderful
at an average high of 84F/average low of 63F.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Summer colour can be seen all over the city.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">One afternoon there
was a thunder storm and guess what - <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">no
waterproofs!</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Over 44 million fellow
visitors flock to the city annually seduced by its pioneering architecture,
world class museums and galleries, vibrant nightlife, Michigan Avenue shops and
the bustle of the Loop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Loop (the
birth place of the skyscraper in 1885) – the City’s central business district and
“heart” is Chicago at its most iconic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The City covers some 228sq. miles of which 5% is devoted to
parkland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has a population of just
below 3 million.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">It’s not possible to
see everything and to do everything that Chicago has to offer in one trip but
to make sure that I maximised what I did, I came up with an “Agenda” to be a flexible
guide and not to be cast in stone.<br /><br />I landed at O’Hare
International Airport (3 domestic terminals (1/3) and 1 international terminal
(5) a very busy location on the City’s northwest side, about 17 miles outside
the city centre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Travel options into the
city centre are:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">(CTA) Blue Line El Train runs 24hrs and costs $2.75
one way - say 45 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The station is
under the main parking garage, a short walk from most of the terminals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Follow the signs marked – “City Transport”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Ventura card soon to be coming <a href="http://www.transitchicago.com/ventra/">www.transitchicago.com/ventra/</a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Airport shuttle dropping you off at your hotel for
around $27.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.airportexpress.com/">www.airportexpress.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Taxis are your most expensive option and you are at
the whim of the traffic, so $45 upwards.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />I was so lucky in
sitting beside Maina Bagwanadee on the flight, (she hails from the city) not
only did she review my Agenda and made changes, she suggested restaurants and
areas of the city to visit; she also took me to the CTA and advised me where to
get off for my hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A massive thank
you from me.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /><br />Who do you fly with and from where?</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /><br />Virgin had a sale on
and was the cheapest option from Heathrow, London.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The alternative was out of Manchester with US
carriers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted a direct flight and
have always wanted to fly with Virgin – this was the opportunity!! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Airbus with 312 passengers plus 16 staff on
the way out (7hr flight) at a height of 38,000ft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both flights were so relaxing with this
carrier.</span><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The Hotel</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /><br />My hotel - W Chicago
Lakeside, 644 N Lake Shore Drive at E Ontario St<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.whotels.com/">www.whotels.com</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lake front location with rooftop bar –
Whisky Sky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had a gym and small
swimming pool so this permitted daily exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As well the hotel has its own restaurants and bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus a wonderful <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">base</i></b> (well located) to
have in the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One negative was the
busy dual carriageway (Lake Shore Drive) between the hotel and the lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The plus was the cerulean blue of Lake
Michigan dotted with white sailboats, whitecaps glinting in the sun and lots of
people enjoying the lake’s special and inviting shoreline.</span><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Getting Around</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /><br />The public transport
system is extensive and the service remarkably efficient - <a href="http://www.transitchicago.com/">www.transitchicago.com</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Chicago Transit Authority’s subway and
elevated train system (better know as the El) runs on eight lines and are
colour coded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can purchase Visitor
Passes which permit unlimited travel for a set number of days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3 days $14.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can buy passes at the airport on arrival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buses also accept Transit Cards and Visitor
Passes as well as coins and bills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Also check
out the <a href="http://www.transitchicago.com/ventra/">Ventra</a>, which is
soon to replace the Chicago card.<br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Activities/Sightseeing</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> (Delectable Options) </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">(This is not in any order of preference.)<br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I was on the go early
every day and got back to the hotel late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I must have covered miles in all that I did and saw and here are a few
of the activities that were excellent:-<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Chicago City Centre Tour – best experienced on a boat
(Chicago Architectural Foundation’s Cruises being best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here it is the architectural river cruise –
tickets at the base of the stairs at the southeast corner of Michigan Avenue Bridge
at Wacker Drive where all cruises depart.)</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Visit Millennium Park (a project to celebrate the 21<sup>st</sup>
Century) and The Bean – bounded by Randolph St, Monroe St, Michigan Avenue
& Columbus Drive. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Must.</b></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Navy Pier – 600 E Grand Avenue - is a bustling
recreational and cultural centre (3,000ft long & 400ft wide). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Must.</b></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Historic Water
Tower – North Michigan Avenue - one of the city’s most familiar and treasured
landmarks which was built between 1867 and 1869 and survived the Great Chicago
Fire of 1871.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It witnessed the city’s
survival and rebirth and is a continuing inspiration for generations of
Chicagoans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so special to look up
at this unique building.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Art Institute of Chicago – 111 S Michigan Avenue - one
of the top museums in the world.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Harold Washington Library Centre – 400 S State St - largest
library in the world. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Go all <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>way up to the winter garden, very
pretty and not expected</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The Shedd Aquarium – 1200 S Lake Shore Dr - largest
indoor aquarium in the world. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Explore an exotic world with some 20,000
animals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found this visit fascinating as
I did <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Girl with the Dolphin Tattoo” and walked there and back from
my hotel. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Must.</b></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Sears Tower – 233 S Wacker Dr. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>103<sup>rd</sup> floor Observatory (1,451ft) –
tallest building in <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>US – western edge of Loop (enter on
Jackson St). (Now called the Willis Tower.) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Well <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>worth the money spent to get to the Skydeck
and then onto one of the Ledges – <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>dare
walk on <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Air? - $17.50. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You also have a “360” view of the city far
below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>fascinating to watch <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the
busy roads teeming with cars and with the clarity on the day you <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>were able to see <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>four surrounding states.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Must.</b></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The Lakeside Path (20miles+) – explore the shores of
Lake Michigan (3<sup>rd</sup> largest of great <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>lakes
& 5<sup>th</sup> largest freshwater lake in the world) by walking or
renting a bike. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>I looked a <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>couple of times at hiring a bike but alas never found the time to
do this despite having <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>my <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>cycle shorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However I did walk sections of the path as
well as numerous miles <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>each day in <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the city.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">North Avenue Beach (City’s most popular) or Oak St
Beach.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Chicago History Museum – 1601 N Clark St.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Chicago Culture Centre – 77E Randolph St.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Lincoln Park (1,200acres!) and Zoo (free).</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Cocktails at the Signature Room – John Hancock Tower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again I visited the tower which <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>was a short distance from the hotel
but did not go to the top as I did the Willis Tower the <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>day <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>before.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Historic Maxwell
St. Market; <a href="http://cowdery.home.netcom.com/mshpc.html">www.cowdery.home.netcom.com/mshpc.html</a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Adler Planetarium</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Segway Tour – again I did not find the time to
participate but saw lots of people enjoying <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>themselves
on this special tour round the city.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Tourist Office – 1<sup>st</sup> Fl of the Chicago
Cultural Centre<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.choosechicago.com/">www.choosechicago.com</a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>information
and helpful staff.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US">Within the Cultural Center in
the Preston Bradley Hall see the 38-foot <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Comfort_Tiffany%2522%20%255Co%20%2522Louis%20Comfort%20Tiffany">Tiffany</a>
glass dome<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">thought
to be the largest Tiffany dome in the world</i>.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">State Street – still prime retail and entertainment
corridors.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Michigan Avenue – shopping and very busy.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Dan Ryan Expressway – busiest roadway.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Chicago Country Musical (early July) in Grant Park.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Rock Around the Block (mid July) Lakeview.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Chicago Folk and Roots Festival (mid July) Welles Park.<br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Restaurants/Cafes<br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Dining out is a huge
part of the city’s culture; there are over <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7,300
restaurants</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In July you need to
know you’re A-B-C’s!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Alfresco, Brunch
& Cocktails).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More relaxed and
down-to-earth than in other major cities, something that is reflected in the
proliferation of reasonably priced restaurants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Portions are generous so when asked – do you want the full portion or
half – when in doubt go for the half?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most visitors stay in the River North/Magnificent Mile area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wandering away from the loop will generally
result in a more unique dinning experience and an “adventure”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rush St., Halsted St in Lincoln Park and
Wrigleville are recommended.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The diversity of what you can eat is massive:-</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Italian – beef joints</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Steak houses</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Tapas bars</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Burger places</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Barbecue and rib joints</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Pizza (deep-dish pizzas) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Hot dogs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Meat-free </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Mexican</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Cheap-but-terrific ethnic restaurants</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Old-school delicatessens</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Funky neighbourhood bistros</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Popcorn shops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Garrett popcorn shop – 26 W Randolph St<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>(Caramel-and-cheese popcorns!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Doughnuts – Doughnutsvault <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(401 N. Franklin St)– yum!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Relaxed weekend brunches.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 21.3pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 35.45pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Sushi<br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">There are soooooooo
many wonderful restaurants in Chicago – it’s a food-lover’s dream so you will
have no difficulty finding a place to eat.<br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 35.45pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Restaurants I tried and liked were Maggiano’s (Little
Italy)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>516 North Clark St. – wonderful
food,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Su Casa (Mexican), here the
margaritas were intoxicating!! and Timothy O’Toole’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Attempts to have a meal at the Frontera Grill
– 445 N Clark St (said to be best Mexican food in US) failed as there was
always a queue and thus a long waiting time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Breakfasts were
excellent with such exciting and extensive menus. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ate in a few and liked them all but I would
mention Yolk at 355 E. Ohio Street – <a href="http://www.eatyolk.com/">www.eatyolk.com</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also West Egg Café at 620 N Fairbanks Ct ( At
E. Ontario St).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfect place for
breakfast in the heart of the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Excellent quality and spotless service at good prices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a great way to make a start to the day!<br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">(Tipping – 15% - 18/20% for excellent service –
calculate tip before sales tax of 9.75%)<br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Supermarkets<br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I enjoyed a visit to
Fox & Obel on 401 East Illinois – such interesting quality food and drinks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The location is recognised as the best
gourmet market in the city and well worth a visit.<br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Drinking<br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Drinking in Chicago
remains a serious pursuit – you’ll find more sports bars than in New York and
Los Angeles combined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also popular are
the city’s beer gardens.<br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The bar scene tends
to be quiet early in the week, picking up on Wednesday and through the
weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beers tasted were Goose Island
(312 & Honker’s Ale), O’Toole’s Amber Ale, Stone Arrogant Bastard, Tyranena
Bitter Woman (IPA) and Old Style, a lager brewed in Milwaukee.<br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">My favourite bar was
Timothy O’Toole’s, <a href="http://www.timothyotooles.com/">www.timothyotooles.com</a>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a quality Irish sports pub (45 TVs) with
a restaurant menu.<br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Here I met Joe Beck
from Cincinnati who was on business in the city and we shared a number of pints
one evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank goodness it was not
too far back to my hotel!<br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Another favourite
place was the Hard Rock Café at 63 West Ontario, a large interior on different
levels with a great atmosphere and good choice of real ales.<br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">(Tip 1$ for round of drinks.)<br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Nightlife<br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Chicago has one of
the best music scenes in the US. The city’s musical identity is rooted in the
blues.<br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 35.45pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Buddy Guy’s Legends – 754 S Wabash Ave </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 35.45pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">House of Blues – 329 N Dearborn St</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 35.45pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Premier Jazz Club – Green Mill Tavern – 4802 N
Broadway, Uptown</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 35.45pt; margin-right: .2pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Excalibur – 632 N Dearborn St – is perhaps the most
mainstream club in the city.<br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Other Information<br /></span></u></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Dial 911 for emergencies</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Dial 311 (event info)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Get “Chicago on the go” – available on the App Store.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://www.choosechicago.com/">www.choosechicago.com</a> –
packed to the brim with everything you could possibly need to book your
trip to the city.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://www.chicago.gov/">www.chicago.gov</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>City of Chicago – Official Homepage</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Pick up the free Chicago Reader and the New City – lots of
up-to-date information.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://www.hottix.org/">http://www.hottix.org/</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- entertainment details.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 burned for 36hrs destroying most of
the buildings in downtown Chicago, all of which were made of wood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1874 a bylaw prohibited the building
of wooden structures downtown.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Chicago prides itself on being one of the most ethnically diverse
cities in the US.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Al Capone (1899-1947) – the city’s reputation for lawlessness was
secured in the 1920s.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Hot Tix - 72 E Randolph St– a ticket agency provides half price
tickets for theatres on the day of performances.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Chicago is on Central Standard Time (one hr behind Eastern Central
Time and 6 hrs behind Greenwich Mean Time.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2<sup>nd</sup> Sunday in March clocks
are set 1 hr ahead and ends on the 1<sup>st</sup> Sunday in November when
clocks are set back 1 hr.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">International direct dial 01144 for UK.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Conclusion<br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Just a wonderful city
that I will <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">never ever</b> forget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ever wonder where the wonder has gone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My advice is go to Chicago and wonder; you
can only be fulfilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was.<br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Almost a year on it
is so enjoyable to remember all that I did, all that I saw, all that I wondered
about and I would love to go back again but with so many cities around the
world still to be seen, the opportunity to do so, alas is remote.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .2pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">April 2013</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-52220605988859002552013-06-12T12:31:00.003-07:002013-06-12T12:34:25.128-07:00“Roof of Europe"<style>
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<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Mont Blanc 4810m</span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">“Roof of Europe”</span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">5 Routes to the Summit</span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11.0pt;">15<sup>th</sup> to 20<sup>th</sup>
July 2013</span></u></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">No matter how fit you are it is essential to
acclimatise to the altitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ascent
of Mont Blanc is a long climb at high altitude that should not be undertaken
lightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The high mountains are an
“unforgiving” place and there is no such thing as zero risk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is important to keep in mind that when you
have reached the top (summit) (if you are lucky enough to do so as weather
conditions can change so quickly) you have only done around half the route<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- you then have to get down and the decent
can feel extremely long when your body is already tired from the climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus a vigorous training agenda before the
climb is essential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having the right
gear (and being comfortable in it), medicine and food, is essential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lastly and most important is that you have an
experienced mountain guide – here we have the very best in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tim Blakemore -</b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">IFMGA Mountain Guide.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are acclimatising on Grand Paradiso in
Italy before attempting the climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Gran Paradiso
(4,061m 13,323ft) in Italy and Mont Blanc (4,810m 15,782ft and highest
mountain in the Alps and Western Europe) in France.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">The routes on Mont Blanc:</span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">The Gouter – ordinary route.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From a technical mountaineering point of
view it is the least difficult route.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most people reach the top on this route.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">The Three Monts: Mont Blanc traverse </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">The Grands Mulets Route: taken by 1<sup>st</sup>
ascenionists in 1786</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">The Pope: The Italian ordinary route,
hidden and wild</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">The Miage Bionnassay: The Royal
Traverse</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Weather conditions</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">The best time to
climb the mountain is between June and September.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mont Blanc has its very own weather system
and it is often extremely cold even when it is +30% in the lower valleys – it
might be -20%C at the top of Mont Blanc (wind + low temperatures thus the
wind-chill factor).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus essential to be
well equipped.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Freeze – thaw
actions in a 24 hour period turns the summit snowfields into sheets of ice
making it much harder to get a good grip with your crampons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The movement of the glaciers create crevasses
and thus complicated to cross.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">The mountain can
be covered in cloud when other mountains in the area are clear and this is
known as “the donkey”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even on good
weather days a strong northerly wind (say 70mph+) can prevent access to the
summit ridges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wind has a mechanical
(upsetting balance) and it enhances the sensation of coldness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wind will not affect all of the routes in
the same way and here again the experience of your guide is essential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(<a href="http://www.meto.fr/">www.meto.fr</a>
)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Pope route</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">A route for the
more adventurous climber up the long (both in terms of height gain and
distance) impressive south-west face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is described as “hidden and wild” and is away from the maddening crowds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is complex glacial terrain and the
route is highly crevassed over the Miage and Dome glaciers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is an overnight stay at the Gonella Hut
at 3071m, thus perhaps limiting the effects of altitude sickness.</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Day 1 </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Start at 1700m at Val Veny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5 hours<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>+1371m</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Day 2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">13 hours<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>+1739m (the route down has to be decided
upon).</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">It is recommended
to leave early (while dark) to climb at a comfortable pace and to avail
yourself of good snow conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
hoping for good weather conditions in July!!</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt;">June 2013 </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-14365447565562598462013-06-12T12:30:00.002-07:002013-06-12T12:30:23.184-07:00The Siabod Half Round
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">This is a demanding 15 mile walk with some 5,400ft
of ascent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You gain breath taking views
of the Snowdon Horseshoe, the Glyderau, the very gradual appearance of Tryfan
and then full views of the mountain as you reach the top of the Glyder Miners
track and the Carneddau beyond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go for a
good clear day to enjoy this walk and at a normal walking pace with stops to
admire this majestic area and for food stops you are going to take some 8 to 9
hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should go without saying that
you should be properly equipped with skills and proper gear as well as levels
of fitness to not only enjoy the day but also to avoid getting into
un-necessary difficulties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is still
a demanding walk whatever the weather conditions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The Route</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You cross the road outside The Siabod Cafe, go over
a wooden bridge and follow the track through the forrest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After 300yds take the right fork and then
fork left past the barrier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where the
track turns back on itself carry straight on and after 10 yards take the smaller
left hand side path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After 50 yards this
path meets the main Plas y Brenin/Moel Siabod summit path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn left here and continue up the long climb
onto the summit of Moel Siabod.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">From the summit head off on a bearing of approx.
250 degrees to join the fence line with Snowdon seen directly in front of
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keeping the fence on your left
follow it down on the path until another fence joins from the left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here you cross the style to join this new
fence which you follow (either side – the choice is yours) towards Bwlch Clorod
which is a long but easy decent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
will come to a small rocky ridge (Map OL17 ref. 679 543) and follow the path
over it and here is a good place to have your first food break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Continue down to a fence over to your right,
cross this and continue to decend in a north easterly direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here the path can be very boggy and there are
a few options to take all with the aim to reach the junction of the A498 and
A4086 at the Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">On reaching the side of the hotel turn right on the
path beside the main road and after 200 yards cross the road and go over the
style to the foot of The Glyders Miners Track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once over the style you follow the path over a narrow foot bridge and
then follow the wall in a north/north easterly direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will pass one style on your left and
carry straight on here, ever upward, to the next style which you cross over and
continue to follow the rocky path up the hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is a long gradual climb which<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>will test your reserves until respite is gained by reaching a large
plateau.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The path continues although at
times not so clear and this will come to a crossroads marked by a cairn and
here you turn left to begin the steep and rocky climb to Glyder Fach summit at
994m.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The decent is then a simple re-tracing of the steps
back down to the plateau where lies Llyn Caseg Fraith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keeping this on your left follow a wide,
sometimes feint and boggy path in an easterly direction where you eventually
begin to climb to the summit of Y Foel Goch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From here descend steeply south easterly to another smaller
plateau.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is usually very boggy and
best traversed by keeping to it’s left hand edge before you climb again to the
last major summit of Galt yr Ogof.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The return to Capel Curig is an initially steep
south easterly descent<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that then eases
and turns more easterly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You cross two
minor summits and boggy ground before a steep descent with numerous options
towards Capel Curig.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These paths lead to
the farm and buildings at Gelli.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At ref
719 585 turn right on a good track (keeping the farm on your left side).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proceed through the first gate and you will
soon come to the A4086, so cross the road, turning left and then after a few
yards turn right<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(through a gate) before
coming to Plas y Brenin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cross the bridge
and turn left to follow the good forest track for approx. 1km.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Follow the track round to the left to return
over the wooden bridge and back to the start point at The Siabod Cafe where a
nice welcome awaits you with good food and excellent service.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The route was created by Paul Hodges in March 2012
with a time of 4hrs and 54 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have done the route on two occasions with Paul and on the second occasion Mark,
another walking friend was with us and I record the timings:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 40.7pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">22<sup>nd</sup>
July 2012<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good conditions and we did run
sections of the route.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time 6.06.35hrs
and I still hold second place in the challenge!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 40.7pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">23<sup>rd</sup>
Feb 2013 Very slippery frozen under foot conditions with flurries of snow for
most of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glyder Fach was missed
out and it took 8 hours!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 40.7pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">25<sup>th</sup>
May 2013<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul Hodges did the route in
3.53.16hrs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over to you to beat this.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">May 2013.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-75735145292506010442013-06-12T12:28:00.003-07:002013-06-12T12:29:30.187-07:00West Highland Way<style>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Milngavie
to Fort William</span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Wed
13<sup>th</sup> to Saturday 16<sup>th</sup> June 2012 - 4days</span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">95
miles (152 kms)</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Introduction</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Most people have heard of the West Highland Way
(“WHW”) and wish to give it a go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
the same for me and in issuing invitations to a few walkers I knew, Paul Hodges
and Neil Maxwell accepted the challenge and for both of them it was their first
long distance route.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was left to me
to make the necessary arrangements and come up with a walking plan and my
original 3 day walk was extended to 4 days and this was a good decision as the
route in parts was much harder than I thought it would be.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">A good friend, now living in Cardrona, Big Brown,
had done the route with two friends in May 2006 and he kindly copied me in on
his recommendations which proved to be ever so helpful.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It is essential you have the right kit and that you
are geared up for adverse weather conditions and the ubiquitous midge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the whole we were very lucky with the
weather and midges only bothered us on the last day from Kinlochleven to Fort
William and in some forestry sections these cruel small devils just swarmed
around us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">This proved to be a walk of great quality and
distinction that we all felt passes through a landscape second to none.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many changes of character along the
way as the path moves through different geological zones, from somewhat flat
lowland Scotland to the heights and lonely places of the Scottish
Highlands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul wishes to re-visit and
rather than walk, perhaps run the length – I wish him the very best.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Planning the walk</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We gained a number of quotes from different holiday
companies to arrange accommodation and carry our kit bags on a daily basis to
our accommodation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We chose Easyways and
their service as experienced by Big Brown was just excellent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pleasant and knowledgeable staff gave us a
good deal and excellent service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All our
accommodation proved first class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
daily carrying services by Travel Light was spot on. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We wished to walk from Milngavie to Fort William
and then get the train back from Fort William on such a scenic route back to
Milngavie where we would leave our car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had agreed on four days to do the route so now it was to see what
accommodation Easyways came up with to tie into our daily intended walking
distances.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Decisions were soon taken and we confirmed
bookings:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Leave
Wales and Chester on Tuesday 12<sup>th</sup> June and travel up to Milngavie to
stay o/night in the Premier Inn where we arranged to leave our car for the few
days.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Day
One – Milngavie to Rowardennan – staying o/night in the Rowardennan Hotel</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Day
Two – Rowardennan to Tyndrum – staying at By The Way<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bunk House</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Day
Three – Tyndrum to Kinlochleven – staying at the Highland Getaway</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Day
Four – Kinlochleven to Fort William – staying at Fassfern Guest House.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Leave
Fort William on Sunday 17<sup>th</sup> June and travel to Milngavie by train,
picking up our car, and then travelling home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The Route</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We were armed with a Harvey WHW map XT40 which was
ever so useful as it covered the whole route rather than having numerous OS maps
to carry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The disadvantage of such a map
is that you are unable to identify prominent land marks further afield and the fine
cameos of distant hills peering above the trees. The route is also well way
marked.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Day One - Milngavie to Rowardennan – 26 miles
( 41.5kms)</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">A lovely flat introduction to the walk at 7.50am and
soon you are enjoying the fertile, pastoral landscapes through which the Way
threads a route.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see the knobbly
upthrust of Dumgoyne, the furthest west point of the Campsie Hills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the very far horizon some glimpses of the
blue Crianlarich Hills and we were looking forward to our first sighting of
Loch Lomand and Ben Lomand, the most southerly of the Munros.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw roe deer ahead of us on the path.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Once out of the forests your immediate focus is on
the hogsback of Conic Hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Conic Hill
lies along the Highland Boundary Fault (runs for 260km (160 miles)), a great
geological divide between lowland Scotland and the Highlands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neil had been on top a couple of years before
so getting to the top was our target and as the path rises Ben Lomand<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>974m (3,195ft) and more distant mountains
come into view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomorrow we will be
passing some of these sprang into the thought process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
reached the top at 2.15pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the small
village of Balmaha, on the shores of Loch Lomand, we stopped for carry out
drinks and rather than rest we were pushing on as we had still some way to go
(12km) to get to our overnight accommodation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here we are entering the Buchanan and Garadhban Forests with their
mature conifers and the going gets more demanding with many ups and downs, many
of which are very steep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we came
across a young couple from Germany carrying 19kgs each on their backs and ever
so tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would recommend that walkers
should hire a carrying company for excess kit etc and not carry all their
belongings on their backs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very
difficult territory lies ahead as you wind your way on the shores of Loch
Lomand as we were soon to find out!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We were fascinated by the Loch Islands (23 named
islands) and there is evidence that man inhabitated these islands as long ago
as 5,000BC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Food for imaginative
thought!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Loch Lomand, formerly known as
Loch Leven, is 30kms long (18.5miles).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">At 6.30pm we arrive at our hotel somewhat knackered
after a long and demanding day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
down to the bar for a well earned couple of pints and a meal before hitting the
sack.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Day Two - Rowardennan to Tyndrum – 27.25
miles (43.75kms)</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">From reading guide books on the WHW we knew this
was a difficult section of the walk but it is a lot harder than described.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like tackling an assault course – how
bikers can think of taking their bikes along the shores of the loch, I do not
know?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were up for breakfast at 7am
and at 8am we were on our way high above the loch on the first hour or so and
then dropping down to the tree lined shore line.<b><u> </u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Early in the morning we were caught up by a cyclist
carrying all his own gear on a very sophisticated mountain bike and wearing clip
in bike shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time we got to
Inversnaid Hotel we could see he was struggling – how he got that far was a
marvel to us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was advised by the
hotel staff that the next section of the loch was far worse than what he had
tackled – they were totally correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
never saw the cyclist again and our guess was that he took the ferry from the
hotel to the other side of the loch and back to good roads.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We took a female red deer by surprise and being on
a downward slope she cleared a high fence and vanished so quickly amongst the
trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also marvelled at the number of
dragon flies we had seen and their various colours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wild goats were also seen and at a bridge we
came across two male goats a few feet higher than us on a steep slope lying
down and having a rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an ideal
time to take a photo. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We were so glad to arrive at Beinglas Farm Campsite
and have a break and a drink and we enjoyed a chat with the lady owner and her
helpful staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beinglas Farm offers a
whole range of facilities - B&B, camping, 4 wigwams, bar, restaurant and
shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would have been an ideal
place for us to stop in reflection but we were going to Tyndrum – yet a long
way away!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Drovers Inn which has
been offering hospitality for over 300 years is a short walk away.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Our break refreshed us and on we went on a good
track and at 7.15pm we at last pulled in at “By The Way” hostel and campsite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neil’s first introduction to a bunkhouse and
we had the luxury of our own room (four bunks)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We shopped at “The Green Welly Stop” and Paul cooked a wonderful pasta
meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We enjoyed the good facilities of
the place and the courteous and helpful attention of the proprietors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We could of course have stopped off and stayed
somewhere in Crainlarich but this is some two miles off the WHW and you would
have had to walk the same distance again in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the hardest day and most difficult
of the walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Day Three – Tyndrum to Kinlochleven – 27.75
miles (44.25kms)</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">After leaving our kit bags for our carrier we had
an early breakfast at the Green Wellie and at 8am we were on our way once again
on a cloudy and cold morning after having had two good previous walking
days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we headed for Bridge of Orchy
we had to put on our waterproofs as there were showers of heavy rain but by
11am these ended and we enjoyed our walking over a long section of military
road. These roads were built to help in the control of Jacobite clansman.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">At the edge of a forest plantation at noon we had a
brief stop for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were many
more walkers now, some going in our direction but others going the opposite
way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was nice to acknowledge people
and find out where they hailed from and how they were finding their
challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All were of the same opinion
that this was a unique walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rannoch
Moor was all around us and slipped away into endless blue oblivion and low
cloud prevented the tops of high mountains being seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the eastern horizon we saw lochs and many
lochans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a tremendous and
invigorating sense of openness and freedom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Redcoats marching could be heard if you thought about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A good part of the WHW follows ancient
droving routes which took livestock from the north to the southern markets.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We had an enjoyable coffee stop at the oasis that
is the King’s House Hotel at 2.30pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
took the old route following the banks of the River Coupall, looking up to the
great “sentinel of Glencoe”, Buchaille Etive Mor, black in colour and ever so
intimidating and shrouded in cloud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Again the sound of running water accompanied us as it did so often along
the route.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Freedom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we came across a fox feeding on a dead
deer and he/she was reluctant to leave its quarry but did as we got ever
nearer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alas we did not record the
occasion on camera!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Next we were tackling the Devil’s Staircase rising
in long loops above us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The path here is
good and you just have to get on with the climb which is not at all
difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took us 38 minutes to get
to the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the top we met cyclists
who were somewhat tired coming up from Kinlochleven and they were on their way
to Tyndrum – we did not have the heart to tell them that we did not think they
would make it!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking ahead we could
see the long Blackwater Reservoir, Carn Mor Dearg, Ben Nevis and other
mountains in the Mamores but the cloud made it difficult to recognise individual
mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For us it was a long and steep
decent into Kinlochleven and our accommodation was some 300yards away from the
WHW.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Highland Gateway (Guesthouse and
Restaurant) was excellent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good
accommodation, beer, food and friendly staff despite one of us locking himself
out of his room and roaming the corridors with only a towel round him looking
for someone to rescue the situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
owner had the necessary key to get into the locked room and alas he could not
be found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The whole place was in
stitches laughing at the predicament!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Again a hard day and we all slept well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Day Four – Kinlochleven to Fort William – 14
miles (22.5kms)</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Alas another wet morning as we were enjoying
breakfast but after three days of solid walking today was to be much shorter
with only a distance of 14 miles to undertake. We knew the route was to be
challenging with stunning mountain scenery around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What we had not planned for was meeting some
900+ walkers and runners undertaking the annual Caledonian Challenge which
would of course slow us down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Intermittent
light rain continued to midday, when it did dry up and it was the first day we
were attacked by the dreaded midge, especially in wooded areas which accounted
for a good part of the way.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Midges have much worse allies in the form of flies
who continually buzz around your head when out in the hills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Horse flies, also known as clegs, are the
worst experience as their sting is ever so sore and often a few can bite at the
same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They usually come out on hot
sunny days when you have a t-shirt and shorts on!! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Insect repellent and a midge head net are
essential kit. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The path steadily rose and twisted into Lairig Mor,
a fascinating glen with high mountains on both sides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the military road was reached the
walking became much easier and this proved the busiest day with many walkers
ahead of us and coming behind us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
bulk of Ben Nevis ahead to our right dominates as we enter Nevis Forest and a
long and controlled decent into Fort William.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At 3pm we reached the end of the WHW with hand shakes all around and our
final photo opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our challenge
had been achieved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was now away for a
few pints at The Grog and Gruel, Alehouse and Restaurant before checking into
our guesthouse accommodation at “Fassfern”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We spent a very enjoyable evening/night in the town celebrating our
success.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sunday 17<sup>th</sup> June 2012</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We were booked on the train from Fort William to
Queen Street, Glasgow and then a train from Central Glasgow to Milngavie, pick
up our car and head south.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This four hour
train trip was a wonderful end to our adventure. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was “icing on the cake” – what grandeur
all around us as we made our way by Rannoch, Tyndrum, Arrochy, Dalmuir and into
Glasgow Queen Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was then a
short taxi ride to Central Station and onto Milngavie to pick up our car and
head home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Our adventure was over but such special memories
will never be forgotten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Keys to the success of the trip;</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Careful
planning and getting your daily distance capability to match where you want to
stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having had the experience of doing
the WHW, I dare say we would change some things.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
pack carrying services of Travel Light –seamless.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Massive
thank you to Douglas and his team at Easyways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I would recommend their excellent services without hesitation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Other
Advice:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-list: l8 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Give
careful consideration to the kit you take – weather changes quickly on any day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-list: l8 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Have
a good route map – Harveys WHW XT40.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-list: l8 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Read
a good guide book – Cicerone The WHW</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-list: l8 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Use
a booking agent and kit carrier and enjoy this very special long distance way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You just do not want 15/20kg on your
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you do then take a few days
longer to complete the walk.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-list: l8 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Consider
very carefully how far you are to walk each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For less experienced walkers do it over 6days
rather than 4days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are to carry
all your kit and camp then you will need to take more days.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">May 2013 </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></u></b><b><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">TRAVEL LIGHT </span></u></b>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">WHW – 2days travelling, four days walking and
one night “out on the town” in Fort William</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">What do we need to take?<span style="mso-tab-count: 10;"> </span></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Kit bag for clothes
etc (20kilos) with light rucksack for walking<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sterling plus credit
cards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Travel file and
accommodation addresses. <span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Mobile<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>+ charger<span style="mso-tab-count: 13;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Clothes</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">(what you take and the number of each item is
personal)<b><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span></b></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Shirts<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">T-shirts (wicking)<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Pants<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Shorts<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Socks<span style="mso-tab-count: 11;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sun hat<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Jacket<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Trousers/jeans <span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Belt<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Shoes and/or trainers<span style="mso-tab-count: 14;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Toiletries<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Razor & Foam<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Tooth brush &
paste<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Deodorant<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Hair gel<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Soap<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sun cream & after
sun</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Insect repellant<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Shampoo<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Scissors<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Nail file<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Personal Medical
items as needed<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Tissues/wet wipes</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Savlon</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Towel<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Reading</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Books<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Magazines<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Maps<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Walk details<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Pen and paper etc.<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Addresses to send
post cards</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Other Items<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sunglasses<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Alarm Clock<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Torch<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Air freshener<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Reading Glasses</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Binoculars<span style="mso-tab-count: 9;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Camera (Charged +
memory cards)<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">iPod/music</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Midge
Net</span></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Silk liner</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Walking Gear <span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Boots or Trail Shoes
with good grip <span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Socks + liners<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Trousers<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Shorts<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Fleece<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Waterproof jacket
& trousers<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Base Layer
tops/bottoms -wicking<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Compass<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Face towels.<span style="mso-tab-count: 10;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Walking Poles<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Rucksack/cover or
internal waterproof bag<span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Water Bottle<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">First Aid Kit<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Head torch<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Gloves<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Warm Hat<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Blister Compeeds<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Other Medical Items
as needed</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Zero tablets </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Energy tablets</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Route - bring details
(books/detailed route map)</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Food/Water etc<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo9; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Water<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo9; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Wine<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo9; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Supplies for first
couple of days walking<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Nuts,
sardines, chocolate, dried fruit)</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Weather</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo9; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">What is the
forecast?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Know this to make sure
you have the right kit with you.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">May 2013</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-91323688686982514242013-01-29T07:45:00.001-08:002020-06-29T07:32:11.356-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><st1:placename w:st="on"><span style="color: #7c1a33; font-family: Oswald; font-size: 15pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Mera</span></st1:placename><span style="color: #7c1a33; font-family: Oswald; font-size: 15pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype>, Amphu Labtsa and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Island Peak</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Nepal</st1:country-region></st1:place> by Fraser Mackay<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Oswald; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">By: KE Adventure, posted 7th December '12<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I decided to go back to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Nepal</st1:country-region> to attempt the following with Paul undertaking his first ever trek in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nepal</st1:place></st1:country-region>:-</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 42pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><st1:placename w:st="on"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Climb</span></st1:placename><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> <st1:placename w:st="on">Mera</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype> (6,476m) and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype></st1:place> (6,189m) – to go over 20,000 feet for the first time – a life’s ambition.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 42pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Trek in the mountain wilderness of the <st1:placename w:st="on">Upper</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Hongu</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Valley</st1:placetype> and cross the challenging (and technical) <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Amphu</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Labsta</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Pass</st1:placetype></st1:place> (5,780m)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 42pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Trek through the </span><a href="http://blog.keadventure.com/mera-peak-amphu-labtsa-and-island-peak-nepal-fraser-mackay?utm_source=KE+enews+Jan+2013&utm_campaign=KE+enews+Jan+2013&utm_medium=email##" title="Click to Continue > by Giant Savings Extension"><span style="color: #7c1a33; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Everest</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Region seeing five of the world’s 8,000 metre peaks & much more besides.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This is one of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nepal</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s finest and most challenging mountain journeys – the scenery proved magic every day</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Of the 29 days (21st Oct to 18<sup>th</sup> Nov 2012) some 21 nights were spent in a tent and having the right kit proved to be essential. Here a massive thank you to Stephen Hayes at </span><a href="http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #7c1a33; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Cotswold, Royal Oak Store, Betws-y-Coed</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> for the great help he gave to Paul and me in getting our kit and medical supplies in place. This is ever so important. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">With such a demanding challenge ahead of us we took the opportunity to raise much needed funding for </span><a href="http://blog.keadventure.com/mera-peak-amphu-labtsa-and-island-peak-nepal-fraser-mackay?utm_source=KE+enews+Jan+2013&utm_campaign=KE+enews+Jan+2013&utm_medium=email##" title="Click to Continue > by Giant Savings Extension"><span style="color: #7c1a33; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">CLIC</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Sargent. The Charity is the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s leading cancer charity for children and young people, and their families. Every day, 10 children and young people in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country-region> hear the shocking news they have cancer. Treatment normally starts immediately, is often given many miles from home and can last for up to three years. Being diagnosed with cancer is a frightening experience and the emotional, practical and financial implications of treatment are intensely challenging for the whole family. The Charity provides clinical, practical, financial and emotional support to help the family cope with cancer and get the most out of life. CLIC Sargent are there from diagnosis onwards and aim to help the whole family deal with the impact of cancer and its treatment, life after treatment and, in some cases, bereavement.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.75pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 7.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It is so pleasing to note that we have raised sufficient funds to donate two wheelchairs (<st1:placename w:st="on">Mera</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype> and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype></st1:place>) for use in the Charity’s Homes from Home, so children who need one can leave hospital and spend time with their family while they’re having treatment in hospital. – see </span><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/mackfraser"><span style="color: #7c1a33; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">www.justgiving.com/mackfraser</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> & </span><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Paul-Hodges1"><span style="color: #7c1a33; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">www.justgiving.com/Paul-Hodges1</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Trek</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As we expected the trek was hard following the </span><a href="http://blog.keadventure.com/mera-peak-amphu-labtsa-and-island-peak-nepal-fraser-mackay?utm_source=KE+enews+Jan+2013&utm_campaign=KE+enews+Jan+2013&utm_medium=email##" title="Click to Continue > by Giant Savings Extension"><span style="color: #7c1a33; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Route</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> very clearly mapped out in KE’s dossier which was provided to each trekker. I am so glad to report that Paul and I summitted on both peaks and got over the Amphu Labtsa Pass. I will do a full report on the trek in my blog (of what we did on a daily basis) and here I am only summarising.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The trek itself is well thought out and is a massive challenge. I saw nothing wrong with what we did each day and both of us </span><a href="http://blog.keadventure.com/mera-peak-amphu-labtsa-and-island-peak-nepal-fraser-mackay?utm_source=KE+enews+Jan+2013&utm_campaign=KE+enews+Jan+2013&utm_medium=email##" title="Click to Continue > by Giant Savings Extension"><span style="color: #7c1a33; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">conformed</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> to decisions taken by our KE Leaders and Climbing Surdar – Lakpa Tenji (“AKU”). The only comments we would like to be reviewed are as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The day you do <st1:placename w:st="on">Mera</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype> is a long one and it is a long way to the next camp above the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Hongu</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>. Perhaps a rest day here the following day would be a good thing as your next demanding test is the Amphu Labtsa.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The way up the Amphu Labtsa was enjoyable and challenging but on reaching the top the drop down into the next valley was much more demanding than was expected by us. You were initially lowered by rope and then you abseiled the next section. However the skills of our KE Leaders and the </span><a href="http://blog.keadventure.com/mera-peak-amphu-labtsa-and-island-peak-nepal-fraser-mackay?utm_source=KE+enews+Jan+2013&utm_campaign=KE+enews+Jan+2013&utm_medium=email##" title="Click to Continue > by Giant Savings Extension"><span style="color: #7c1a33; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">backup</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> from Lakpa and his climbing Sherpas were just magic. By 1.30pm we were all having lunch looking back at this almighty wall all around.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As Pete said to me "this was the only “chink” in the armour of the ridge'</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">'he was spot on</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">'<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">We had a rest day on Friday 9<sup>th</sup> November before tackling <st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype> and this was welcomed just to settle ones self as you are thinking of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype></st1:place> and the demands ahead of you to try to get to the top. Four of us plus 3 climbing sherpas set off from high camp at 4am on Sunday 11<sup>th</sup> November. Again it was a nice morning and little or no wind. I could see head torches ahead of me going up vertically above me until they merged with the star lit sky – something I will never forget. This was a steep and demanding route and much longer than I envisaged. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">We reached the snowline and the change over into plastic/spantik boots and fixing up ropes to cross this dangerous glacier went smoothly. (You soon gain experience and confidence in your new high surroundings.) We safely crossed the glacier and being on a line with Tams for me there was only the option of going forward – (Tams had kicked me strongly up the arse and pointed that going forward was the only option available that morning.) On reaching the fixed lines the slope did not seem as demanding as it had done from lower on the glacier. I was soon connected with the fixed rope and armed with Juma in my right hand and axe in my left hand – I was away up this steep and icy slope. Tim, guiding Paul, had already made a successful summit. I got to the top as Paul and Tim were commencing their decent and they were so kind as to shout – “well done”, Fraser. I reached the ridge at around 8.20am, 5/10 minutes behind Tams.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"I had done my second mountain – I cannot describe the feeling</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Team work had got me there and I thank all those responsible. I was able to abseil down the full length of the decent which I enjoyed and then roped in once again we all crossed this stunning but dangerous glacier. By 11am we were having a drink of welcomed juice and a couple of bowls of hot soup at high camp. As we made our way down the steep slope to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype></st1:place> base camp the wind began to increase. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Once at base camp we fed Congma which was a delight as the birds did eat out of your hands. It was a long walk to the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">village</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Bibre</st1:placename></st1:place> and our tents for the night. I was last to arrive at around 3.20pm and it was a can of coke for Dendee and I. We had an excellent evening in a small and warm lodge and by 7.30pm we were tucked up in our tents. The cloud had come down in the late afternoon and it proved a very cold night. Tomorrow it was an 8.30am start to our walk and we were to reach a campsite just beyond Tengboche.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">KE Leaders</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Excellent is all we can say. We would follow both of them up any mountain. Provided excellent communication and gave trekkers options well in advance. Their special relationship and friendship with the Surdar, climbing sherpas and local sherpa was just excellent. Tim (who was super fit and lean!) was ever so strict on all safety aspects, always checking individuals to make sure their equipment was in order. Paul and I learnt a lot.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Climbing Surdar Lakpa Tenji and Team</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sherpas, Chef & team and Porters - 36 in total - just wonderful people who supported us in every way they could. Turning out good and plentiful food on a daily basis was such an accomplishment by Tika and his team of six. Our team of Porters (25) went over Amphu Labtsa in ordinary shoes/flip flops – do I need to say anymore? No plastic boots and crampons for them!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Assessment of our own performance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Paul was much more “up” for this demanding trek than I was and I was responsible for the longer time taken to confirm our final inclusion in the trek. Having cortisone injections in my ankles following my head on road accident made me apprehensive as to my performance on this long and demanding trek. I had nothing to fear as my legs performed well with no problems at all. Regrettably I caught a cold on the flight to <st1:place w:st="on">Kathmandu</st1:place> and this never left me for the whole duration of the trek. Flem and mucus in the throat was a constant daily problem which had to be contended with. (In getting back 2 <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Chester</st1:place></st1:city> I bought a bottle of Ammonia & Ipecacuanha Mixture (£2.17) and this cleared the problem immediately). Four nights into the trek I had a mild panic attack in my sleeping bag but having had a bad attack on the Ultimate Everest Trek I was prepared for it and Lakpa in his wisdom had told me to sit up and drink water should such an event happen. It never occurred again I am so delighted to say.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">We both took diamox when we arrived in Lukla and took this all the way through the trek until two days after <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype></st1:place>. Paul took half a tablet in the morning and evening whereas I took a 250mg capsule at lunch time each day, so in essence we both were taking only half of the prescription limit but felt it did us the world of good throughout the trek. We suffered a couple of light sore heads on making descents early on in the trek but other than that we performed well. We had no real stomach problems. We ate well on a daily basis which is essential. We also drank coke (a treat) where this could be purchased – our dearest purchase being 600nr for a bottle!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Paul gave us all a terrible fright early on in the trek, he had been lying back with his eyes closed on a rock simply relaxing during a rest break, then he got up and was taking a drink of water when he feinted and dropped down into the rocks. How he did not hurt his head we do not know but Tim and Lakpa took over in seconds to sort him out. He recovered well and soon we were on our way up the ridge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Five to six days before the trek concluded I had pains in my left eye but alas I could not get my lense out. On the evening of 13<sup>th</sup> November I removed the lense which resulted in Tim making a bandage for me to cover the eye which I was grateful for. Thus I had to walk from Namchee to Lukla with only one eye which was very difficult. Lakpa had assigned <st1:place w:st="on">Pemba</st1:place> to watch me as he was always with me and Paul was also watching carefully as well. They of course never said a word but I was well aware of what was happening and appreciated the actions. I never tripped or fell but found the day hard.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">'We both could have done with more experience in high level snow. However having done Mera and Amphu Labtsa we were so much better on <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Peak</st1:placetype></st1:place>'</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Having done a lot of walking/scrambling together in the UK and worked together in getting prepared for the trek, this gave us both a great advantage on the trek as we did look after each other each day. We were in positive mode for the whole of the trek.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As for Paul he has stated that his biggest concern was the feinting as he felt strong throughout whilst trekking but a little light headed at rest at least once afterwards and feared this might lead to him being stopped from proceeding forward. Despite it being at times very demanding both physically and technically he feels we succeeded because we knew our goals, paid attention to our bodies and had enough bloody mindedness to push ourselves past our normal comfort zones and hang in there together. Also personally he felt an obligation to do the KE Guides and Sherpa’s professionalism justice. Tim’s of the cuff remark on The Island Peak Glacier ‘Paul it’s in the bag now’ when it appeared to him anything but ‘in the bag’ summed up the desire to succeed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Party time in Lukla</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Here Rob and Steve had helped Tim with the evening activities. Presentations to Lakpa and his team went well. The raffle of kit items to the team was just ace and appreciated by all of them and trekkers gave generously. A kitty for drinks was also put in place and the Porters in particular enjoyed themselves and then it was “all” up dancing on the floor. A very special ambiance prevailed where thanks were said and the special relationship built up over the trek was appreciated by all. Tomorrow we would all be going our separate ways.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Paul and I were so impressed by the diligence of the climbing Sherpas for the duration of the trek. Paul gave them token climbing gear presents to show his appreciation while I had bought and handed over warm hats. Lakpa, Kandu, Temba, Dendee, Nima and in particular Pemba, had shadowed us both at times when it was most needed, and has left us with treasured memories of their care, attention and camaraderie at all times.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Back 2 <st1:place w:st="on">Kathmandu</st1:place></span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Shanker is an excellent hotel and we were looking forward to our return to the hotel and all the luxuries it offered. Once checked into our rooms and our first and welcoming showers it was away into the City to get a wet shave and haircut – what a wonderful experience! Tim organised dinner each night and two excellent restaurants were chosen by him. Lunches by the hotel swimming pool was also most enjoyable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Flights – International/Local</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">All excellent and on time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Weather</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">We gained an excellent window of weather with only two days of falling snow, one late in the day and the other from around 2pm until 7pm. Comments were made that the days/nights were particularly cold for the time of year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">'We found the trek excellent and an experience we will never forget</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">'<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Paul Hodges/Fraser Mackay<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">22<sup>nd</sup> November 2012<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Fraser Mackayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554643439067026965noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-34671063386052398302013-01-04T00:00:00.000-08:002013-01-04T00:00:12.689-08:00A Review of 2012For me 2012, a very wet year weather wise, has again flown and has been crammed with activity. I am now over 11 years retired!<br />
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Highlights of the year have been many and here I mention some of them:-<br />
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• I trekked for the first time in Turkey (February/March) on the Lycian Way. We travelled some 1,435kms by bus/walking over 14 enjoyable days across the Teke Peninsula, between the cities of Fethiye and Antalya. <br />
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• I have been pleased with my regular cycling activities and in particular I mention:<br />
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o C2C Way of the Roses Morecambe 2 Bridlington 170miles in May (4 days).<br />
o Across Wales, Anglesey and Holy Islands in 3days, some 178.5kms in May.<br />
o C2C Bonar Bridge 2 Ullapool and back, some 88 miles in 9hrs and 15mins on 9th August.<br />
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• Walked The West Highland Way with Neil and Paul from Milngavie to Fort William in 4 days some 95 miles in June. Just a wonderful challenge.<br />
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• Had 5 days holiday in Berlin (June/July) with Stuart and Gordon – we had a wonderful time.<br />
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• In July I spent 6 days in the USA visiting Chicago. I had always wanted to visit the “windy city” - the birth place of sky scrappers. Loved the city.<br />
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• Walking, stalking and fishing on Glenure Estate near Newton Stewart with Stuart in July (4 days). We had another 4 days on the Estate in September.<br />
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• Went to Madrid for 3 days in July – the weather was wonderful.<br />
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• Spent 11days in Scotland in August walking, fishing and cycling and visiting relations and friends.<br />
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• August also saw me on Mull for a week where I hired a cottage with two friends. We had a wonderful time discovering Mull and getting the ferry to Iona for the day and a walk round this lovely small Island. I stopped in Glasgow for a night on the way back and then stayed for three nights in Penicuik.<br />
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• On 23rd September it was my 4th End 2 End 40 mile walk on Isle of Man with 405 entrants in the race. I finished in 127th place in 9hrs. 28mins. Alas my performance was not up to that of the previous year.<br />
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• In October I went to Scotland to Glen Shiel to get practice for the Nepal Trek climbing 9 mountains, including the Five Sisters of Kintail Ridge. The “Rut” was in full “blast” so this added to a wonderful day on the ridge.<br />
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• My trek in October/November in Nepal climbing Mera (6,476m) and Island Peaks (6,189m) and crossing the challenging and technical Amphu Labsta Pass (5,780m). This took me over 20,000ft for the first time, which has always been an ambition. Just a wonderful experience.<br />
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• My mountain count for the year totalled – 101, most being Wainwrights in the Lake District.<br />
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Health, happiness and continued success in 2013 to all.<br />
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Very best wishes, Fraser.<br />
3rd January 2013 <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-84185482957011286702012-10-07T10:58:00.001-07:002012-10-07T10:58:17.169-07:00CLIC SargentWith such a demanding challenge ahead of me I thought I would take the opportunity to endeavour to raise much needed funding for CLIC Sargent. The Charity is the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people, and their families. CLIC Sargent was formed in 2005 after a successful merger between CLIC and Sargent Cancer Care for Children.<br />
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Every day, 10 children and young people in the UK hear the shocking news they have cancer. Treatment normally starts immediately, is often given many miles from home and can last for up to three years. Being diagnosed with cancer is a frightening experience and the emotional, practical and financial implications of treatment are intensely challenging for the whole family. The Charity provides clinical, practical, financial and emotional support to help the family cope with cancer and get the most out of life. CLIC Sargent are there from diagnosis onwards and aim to help the whole family deal with the impact of cancer and its treatment, life after treatment and, in some cases, bereavement.<br />
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If you can help in any way, please do so.<br />
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Best wishes, Fraser.<br />
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4th October 2012 <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-67223027568951843272012-09-21T11:20:00.000-07:002012-12-28T13:26:51.406-08:00Back 2 NepalBack 2 Nepal
I have decided to go back to Nepal to attempt the following:-<br />
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• Climb Mera Peak (6,476m) and Island Peak (6,189m)<br />
• Trek in the mountain wilderness of the Upper Hongu Valley and cross the challenging (and technical) Amphu Labsta Pass (5,780m)<br />
• Trek through the Everest Region seeing the world’s six or so highest peaks.<br />
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Of the 29 days (21st Oct to 18th Nov 2012) some 21 nights will be spent in a tent so upgrading my sleeping bag will be essential as will be Spantik boots and warm gloves.<br />
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This is one of Nepal’s finest and most challenging mountain journeys – the scenery will be magic.<br />
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The last time I was in Nepal was in 2008 (do the years not fly past?) and again I would like (if I can?) to record my progress on my blog.<br />
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Best wishes, Fraser.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-59497219024251605382012-06-01T04:06:00.002-07:002012-06-01T04:11:20.613-07:00Dave MacLeod Lecture Chester 28-5-12Dave MacLeod, born in Glasgow and living in Letterfinlay, is one of the <strong>UK’s most exciting climbers</strong> so it was a great pleasure to listen to his address in Chester this week. As well as climbing Dave writes and makes films and you can look at his helpful and detailed website at <a href="http://www.davemacleod.com/">www.davemacleod.com</a> He has done a lot of demanding climbs in the UK and around the world. What impressed me was the amount of training he undertakes and the sheer strength he has in his hands and fingers. He has a training “board” in a room in his home which he practises on.<br /><br />The audience saw footage of the first death defying free ascent of Orkney’s Longhope route, conquering 400m of sheer rock face. He put a massive amount of effort into researching and getting familiar with the rock face, returning to this unique place on a number of occasions, before doing the climb. As well as the climb he had to deal with fulmars defending their “pitches” on the cliff face.<br /><br />28-5-2012Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3017240695711082255.post-48882318331587937932012-05-27T11:18:00.001-07:002012-05-27T11:24:38.094-07:00Wales<p>Nowhere in Wales evokes quite the same emotions among mountain lovers as the Ogwen Valley. To me it is a mini Scotland with towering peaks, jagged ridges, sheltered cwms and imposing rock walls.<br /><br />I have two possible challenges in Wales this year:<br />The Welsh 15 three thousand + feet peaks, within a window of 24 hours<br />Welsh 1000m Peaks race on Saturday 9th June 2012.<br /><br />With this in mind it was important to familiarise myself with the routes and with friends over 3 days this was done. </p><br /><p><br /><strong>Day one – Saturday 5th May</strong></p><br /><p>We left the car park at Trasbwll at 9.15am and at 10.45am we had reached the top of Foel-fras (942m). It was a nice morning and it was mainly dry under foot all day. We reached Carnedd Uchaf (926m) at 11am and then had a coffee stop in the mountain hut on Foel Grach (976m) at 11.20am. It was then a walk in light cloud arriving on Carnedd Llewelyn (“CL”) (1,064m) at 12 noon. It was then across to Yr Elen (962m) at 12.20pm and we took the lower path on the slopes of CL and along the stony ridge to Carnedd Dafydd (1,044m)at 1.25pm with lovely views all around. At 2.05pm we reached Pen-yr Ole Wen (978m), our 7th peak of the day before descending to Glan Dena, arriving there at 3.05pm. It was then a long walk back to Capel Curig and a lovely meal at the Moel Siabod Café. </p><br /><p><br /><strong>Day two – Sunday 6th May</strong></p><br /><p>Staying overnight in Capel Curig and having a lovely vegetarian breakfast at the café we were at the base of Tryfan (915m) at 9.15am to commence our day’s massive challenge. At 10.30am we had reached the top coming up the steep direct route by the Bochlwyd Buttress. Flurries of hail had accompanied us for most of the way up and we had to put on winter gear as it was very cold. Light snow was then the order of the day so reaching the base of BR at 11.30am we needed to be very careful in making this demanding scramble. We went up the ridge with two groups of climbers and this was good as we helped each other up to the top and we were able to take photographs as we ascended. At 12.30pm we reached the top and then it was on to do Glyder Fach (994m) at 1.00pm and Glyder Fawr (999m) at 1.35pm. It was then a decent through the scree slopes down to Llyn y Cwn and then up to Y Garn (947m) by the ridge route, arriving there at 2.45pm. By now the snow had abated and eventually stopped as we made our way to the isolated top of Elidir Fawr (924m) arriving there at 4pm. After a break of 20 minutes in afternoon sun we left on our long and steep decent and we were down in Nant Peris for 5.30pm and a quick pint in the local pub before catching a bus at 6pm which took us back to Capel Curig.<br /><br />It had been the intention to do Snowdon, Carnedd Ugain and Grib Goch that day but this was deemed 3 mountains too many to attempt due to the time of day. The three would be done on a separate day to complete our 15 Peak recognisance. </p><br /><p><br /><strong>Day three – Thursday 24th May</strong></p><br /><p>On a beautiful day at 10am we set off from the north end of Lyn Lockwood by the new path to reach Pen-y-Pass, then taking the Pyg Track to Bwich y Moch and then taking the steep Crib Goch path and the demanding scramble to the top (Grade 1) of Crib Goch (923m), reaching there at 12.20pm. The 921m east top is one of the finest views in British mountaineering which is guaranteed to get the adrenaline pumping. Then the start of the section that everyone wants to cross with the Bwlch Goch pinnacles keeping your “rock count” high for the day. Once over the pinnacles it is more a sedate stroll up to the flakes and pinnacles of Crib y Ddysgl and then on to the top of Carnedd Ugain (“CU”) (1,065m). We had a couple of breaks as we made our way along the long narrow ridge getting to CU for 2pm. It was then onto Snowdon (1085m) at 2.16pm and then a drink in the café and a supply of water taken with us as we had decided to do the Snowdon Horseshoe on this hot and windless day. The Snowdon Horseshoe has long been rated as one of the finest mountain days in Wales, if not Britain. Despite sun cream we well knew we were going to get burnt. It was then down the long scree slope to Bwlch y Saethau, along the ridge and then the challenging scramble (this is scrambling at its best!) up the escarpment edge to the top of Y Lliwedd (898m), arriving there at 4pm. Two people we knew were climbing on the cliff face and we did meet them having successfully completed their climb. It was then along the ridge with breath taking views down to the shores of Llyn Llydaw, then on to the Miners Track, where we linked up with the two climbers once again, and walked back to Pen-y-pass. We were back at our car at 6pm and then it was on to Moel Saibod Café for a well earned drink and a chat over the success of the day.<br /><br />Over the 3 days some 16 mountains had been done adding to my annual mountain count.<br /><br />26th May 2012 </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0