I started with slightly depleted support as Joe was unwell
leaving his father Andy Green to carry everything. We had a perfect sunrise as
we approached Arthur’s pike. The forecast was ideal. I was surprised how easy it seemed to reach
High Street ahead of schedule.
I paused only long enough at Kirkstone to have a gel and hot
cross bun placed in my hands. My brother Rob Carter, my middle son Lloyd(13)
and Lawrence Brown joined me here. More incredible views and sharing with Lloyd
the art of finding the right tussock beside which is your trod starts made this
section pass in a flash.
Pasta and coke awaited me at Dunmail, well fed I set off up Steel fell with Pete
Murphy and happily trotted on past calf crag. A dip in my energy and enthusiasm
on the climb to High Raise was soon restored on the glorious run down to Stake
pass. We passed Chris Reade ( also completing his Joss) as we ascended BowFell
and he was heading to Esk Pike. Pete scouted out an excellent line down Great
End delivering me to family and friends who had gathered at Sty Head.
My husband Phil and James
Garland joined me for the final section. Great Gable and Kirk Fell came easily
enough, Pillar more of a slog. The SW wind had picked up by now and the sun
long gone but every summit remained clear. Despite sore ankles hampering my
descents reassurance from James that my pace was good made me sure I could dip
under 13 hours.
The run down the final grassy
path joined by all 3 sons: the ever attentive road supporter Morgan(15) , fell runner in the making
Lloyd, and very enthusiastic cheer leader Austin(10) gave a perfect finish to a
fabulous day.
Thanks to all the wonderful friends and family who helped to
make this achievement possible. Only fourteen months after a 5 hour surgery to
remove a spinal nerve sheath tumour the joy of the hills is as extra sweet.
