The Joss Naylor Challenge had been on the list for a few years and at the turn of the year a couple of weekends in May were pencilled in for a possible attempt.
Injuries to son and son-in-law resulted in the recruitment of the pacer "A" team in Adi and Heidi, past colleagues and friends from Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue.
The plan was simple - start and end in daylight while sharing a memorable day with friends and family. What made the attempt extra special was the fact that both Adi and Heidi were willing and able to pace and mule the full route. Split-time were taken from the on-line "Over 65" schedule.
Formula One pit-stop support at Dunmail Raise and Sty Head, was brilliantly provided, by my wife Menna, son-in-law Oli (still carrying an injury from his recent Northern Traverse success), and Steffen (son and Leg 4 reserve pacer).
Would the weather hold after the dry and warm second half of April that continued into May? Yes!
A 9.00pm start from Pooley Bridge saw us on the fells before sunset and the transition to gloriously clear, moon-lit night.
Tops were duly ticked off, pushing through Kirkstone without a stop. An unusually delicate stomach made fuelling for the rest of the round somewhat challenging but as dawn broke over Fairfield we dropped down to the welcome sight of the brew at Dunmail, 40 mins ahead of schedule. The roadside was a hive of activity as the first of the Barrow to Keswick runners passed through.
A mention in despatches for friend David, who turned out to say hello.....I don’t think I said much back!
A short break, a bowl of cereal and a cup of teat and it was up Steel Fell and the energy sapping yomp to High Raise. Conditions were perfect for this leg with its mixed terrain.
Getting to the crew at Sty Head 60 minutes ahead of schedule was a big psychological boost, while being fully aware of the physical challenge that lay ahead. A bowl of soup, another cup of tea and it was up Great Gable and the start of leg 4.
It's a grunt up Seatallan at the best of times but more so as the penultimate top of the JOss Naylor Challenge.
One descent and one climb and we were on our way off Middle Fell to the finish at Greendale Bridge, 27 mins ahead of schedule, finishing in 22 hrs 23 mins.
Without Adi and Heidi this adventure would not have happened. If you could bottle their energy, enthusiasm, humour, and kindness you'd make a fortune.
Truly a memorable day!
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