When I heard the midge forecast in Scotland a few weeks running up to the trip, I knew I had to change my plans. I’ve been traumatised by the midge attack in Burbage a few summers before this and I told myself, ‘never again!’. I was in itchy hell for at least six weeks with scars lasting six months! So NC500 will have to wait.
The final plan was still quite a packed one since I’ve reduced the weeks to just three. It’s just a bit too much to be away for nearly two months, including Chamonix, when the project at work is charging full steam ahead. I had three weeks to cover what I wanted to do in the Peak District, Lake District, Ireland and Wales, and I was more than ready for it.
I haven’t been active this year, fit enough to get by but not fit enough by my account and there’s definitely something going on with this body of mine that I’ve been neglecting when work took over. Summer can be a hectic time especially when I’ve committed to multiple DofE expeditions with the assumption that I’ll be out of my contracting work or that workload is relatively manageable. So, boomerangs everywhere…just have to manage!
The plan was to drive up to Edale right after the Silver expedition in NE London but I thought to myself, ‘why am I being in such a rush?’. There was absolutely nothing apart from my own plan driving this, so home I went, got a good rest and start fresh the next day. I noticed recently that I have to remind myself on multiple occasions to slow down and take my time, there’s no rush and no deadline to meet. THIS IS NOT WORK!
Edale, the main objective was to practice navigation in the moor. The Kinder plateau or moor was and still is my ultimate nightmare, and with anything that I’m not good at, I will need to just keep on practicing. Before I tackle that, I went over to Mam Tor and Rushup Edge for my first walk when I arrived. Slow and steady, I kept reminding myself. What went through my mind was an assessment of where I am; checking in with my body from top to toe to make sure that I work within my limit and not pushing too early then have to retire before an attempt on the things that I wanted to do for this trip.
The plateau is a place that boggles my mind, boggy and featureless yet a tad enchanting. When I thought I got it right, the next minute, ‘Doh!’. The condition was better than the first time I was up there and a bit worse than when I was up there last year. The outcome, I need more practice and wouldn’t mind spending a few more excursions up there. This was also when my heels started to hurt after the long walk but thankfully, they felt ok the day after. Puzzling but positive since the pain didn’t last, not like when it first happened a few months back.
Apart from the great outdoors, I’ve planned in visits to catch up with friends who have moved away or haven’t seen for a while. Before I went to see Lucas, Romy and the twins, a nice relaxing walk around Derwent Reservoir. While on the walk, I was trying to calm myself down and ran through the rehab that I need to do, hoping and praying that the heels were not a sign of anything worse than just being sedentary.
It’s probably been a year since I last saw Lucas and spending time with him always brighten up my day. After a short climb session with him, my worries melted away a little with a positive note. The twins were a handful, now that they are running around but still as gorgeous and cute as ever! (Wished I taken some photos of them) And of course, Romy, the superwoman and the one who always ask the right question that made me ponder about life. Even though I don’t see this family as often as I would like to but the time with them was precious. Muchas Gracias!
Next stop, Lake District.
Reflect-Action > Reflection 
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