Monday, 11th November, 2024
I’m off out again this Wednesday to the mountains. There’s been a patch of high pressure over the UK for ages now and it’s kept things much warmer and pleasant. I think that’s going to end this weekend, and with the ever darkening days I think this could be my last chance for a big trip out - ie. multiple summits.
I can’t decide where I should go though. There’s two options - one is two big 10 pointers, on quite a long route that even if I can get to the car park for first light, still only just gets me back to the car about 45 minutes before sunset. People are telling me it’s too much to do and better for a summer’s day (or spring even). The only option to overcome this is by staying in a bothy at the foot of the mountain, then I get an hour’s headstart. But I have to stay in a hut at the bottom of the mountain overnight…not sure about that one.
People telling me I can’t do it, is really making me want to do it, to prove them wrong. Which is dumb and probably dangerous…but I still want to. The only thing is that I always feel like I’m rushing when doing multiple summits, and don’t have time to enjoy it, and I’m just obsessed with the points. My big push is to see if I can get to 200 by the end of the year. I’m on 139 right now, it took me from May to October to get my first 100.
The other route has more flex in the time, still two decent sized summits, but 2 points less (lol I know). Although potentially I could squeeze in another 4 pointer and get 2 more! If I have enough time - although working out if I have enough time on the day isn’t always straight forward. I suppose I should have a “if it’s xx:xx or earlier then you can go for it”.
I could leave home earlier, or stay in the hostel in the village, but it doesn’t help as it’s dark until about 7am. That wouldn’t be too bad but the first part is cycling and that’s more risky than walking in the twilight.
However, as people tell me, the mountains will still be there, and I do enjoy going on the radio and not just doing the bare minimum. I tell myself I’ll race up the points, then next time I’ll enjoy it but in all likelihood I’ll just keep doing the same until I get to 1,000 then never bother again. That’s probably not true, I will keep going but doing interesting ones or alternative routes etc.
The weather is looking nice, and whilst not perfect on Wednesday, is good and I should make the most of it…which pushes me back to the big route again 😅
I did a big walk last wednesday then a single summit on Friday. Friday was enjoyable as I was on the radio for around an hour or so. More than I’d timetabled but I was quicker up than planned.
I did want to try and do all 10 pointers in the region before the end of the year but I just don’t have the time and I’ve left it too late, but, you know, what’s the rush?
Well I need to decide by tomorrow evening, so I know what I’m doing. I think the smaller route plus a 4 pointer might be straight forward too, but not as spectacular - although setting up three times can be tiresome too! haha….bed time I think.
