Pete's Blog...

Charity announced

2010-08-15T07:22:00.001-07:00

Now the trip is done I have had a chance to set up a just giving page to raise money for the RNLI, just in case any of us ( or anyone else ) needs a rescue. Send this link to any likely contributors... See the link below:

Also checkout my site for a full gear list and photo gallery.

http://www.peakuk.com/threepeaks

Thanks a lot.

Pete

Day 20. The job is done....

2010-08-07T07:19:00.000-07:00

Just made it to the top of peak three , Ben Nevis at 1344m. Started the morning with one of Carl's famous fry ups, then followed the masses to my final destination. The sun was shining all the way up and the views well worth the effort. The rain and clouds of Snowdon and Scafell Pike long forgotten. A perfect ending to an great trip. The journey is over. What an amazing adventure in our own wilderness.

Three Peaks and 3400m climbed, 450km with 5000m accent by bike, 450km
by kayak, 120000 calories burnt, 250000 strokes paddled and 120000
pedal revolutions.... 23 maps... Wicked... What next? A beer I reckon. Pete xx

Day 19. Made it to Fort William

2010-08-06T11:34:00.000-07:00

The paddling is done... Another 5.30am am wake up, more amazing bacon
butties by Sal and a pre 7am start! Made it to Fort William after a
long but not too hard nine hour / 50 km day. Varied conditions from
tail winds to head winds, rain and then mirror glass water all the way
to the end... Around the half way point Doug's pace suddenly
quickened. I've never seen anyone paddle as fast, accross the mouth of
the Glen Coe valley he sprinted off. I eventually caught up with him
as he dashed up the shore.... The sudden increase of speed wasn't down
to a an excess of energy, it was all because he was bursting for a
pee!! Met Jim Wilson ( x Carlisle canoes ) at the Corran Ferry, how
flukey is that!! Then Sal paddled with us for the last two hours which
was great. Lara met us with champagne at the take out, then I ran
three miles to the camp site at the foot of the Ben, ready for the
final summit tomorrow. In the pub now sampling some local beers. The
fish n chips will arrive any moment.... Wicked...

Sorry forgot!!

2010-08-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

Longest day yet, but the easiest as the wind was behind us. 48kms. 8hrs.

Sent from my iPhone

Day 18. Made it past Oban

2010-08-05T10:12:00.000-07:00

After a 5.30am get up with bacon butties lovingly made by Sal we set
off just before 7am. The weather was great, a calm sunny start saw us
swiftly through the Dorus Mor, assisted by the tide and for the first
time in the whole trip a south westerly wind we sped on to Atlantic
Bridge, where we met up with Lara and Sal for another great chip butty
in the local pub. Back on the water for a couple of hours tail wind
surfing up past Kererra to Sea Kayak Oban. We popped in to see Cathy
and Stuart, but they weren't in. We told the shop worker what we were
doing, and she asked if we were paddling back to Snowdon!! Not really
sure she understood the distance and undertaking we'd gone through
already to get to Oban!!! Found another chilled wild camp ground just
round the corner from the Falls of Lora, and now the dinner is on....
Just 48km left to paddle before the Ben.. Xx

Day 17. 13 Locks to the Atlantic

2010-08-04T14:43:00.000-07:00

Made it to Crinnan bang on 8pm as planned after a long 45km / 9hrs on
the water. Paddled from Skipness to Ardrishaig at the head of Loch
Finne. Wind was still northwesterly but not so strong today so made
good time. Had a great chip butty at a local pub before hitting the
final 15kms accross to the Atlantic coast via the Crinnan Canal. The
only problem was the portage around 13 locks !!! Thankfully Doug came
along as solo this would have been a complete mission! Sal had set up
a great camp for us at the head of Loch Crinnan, fed us a big plate of
curry and rice and had even got some beers in. Amazing.... Off to bed
now, ready for a 5.30 wake up and 7am start. Got to cross the Dorus
Mor in the morning and try to get to Oban, winds permitting... Night
pete x

Day 16. Another day into the wind...

2010-08-03T11:48:00.000-07:00

Historically, at this time of year the wind should be south westerly
and a helping breaze, well not this week. Another day of force five
headwinds to slow us down... Had another tough but great day on the
water, paddled 34km from Holy Island on Arran to Skipness Head on the
Mull of Kyntyre. The first two hours flew by up the east side of Arran
with a slight tail wind. Then the next two hours were tough. Force
five plus head winds and rain slowed us right down up to the north end
of Arran, then our final cross back to the main land and our
destination Skipness was easier than expected. Found a great wild camp
with a white sandy beach and an amazing sea food shack near by...
Sweet, another good day... Pete x

Day 15. Across to Arran

2010-08-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

Packed all morning for week three's trip. Sal sorted food, tons of
food.... Picked Doug up from the train station on time and made it
onto the water just after 2pm. Paddled 30kms 6.5 hrs accross to Arran.
Good start, then a couple of hours into a strong head wind and waves,
then almost glassy calm to our camp just by holy island, which houses
a Tibetan retreat, although Doug didn't believe me as it was not on
his map. He thought the crossing had got to me!! Sal and Georgie made
it accross on the ferry and joined us wild camping at an amazing spot.
See the pic. Dinner tonight was Lancashire Hot Pot and rice, pretty
tasty...

Day 14. Sharks.....

2010-08-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

Great to be back on the water. The winds were ok today. Not as strong
as forecasted. Paddled 46km from Stranraer to Maidenhead, no not the
one near Hurley, the one north of Girvan. Great views of Aisla Craig
an Arran. Amazing wildlife too with seals, birds and basking sharks
along my route. The first shark I saw was near my lunch stop of
Lendal Foot. It was huge. It's fin about a meter high. Apparently they
do not eat kayakers but I gave it a wide birth just in case!! The next
shark I met was not so big, but very close, about ten meters away. I
had to quickly change course to miss it! Thankfully it didn't eat
kayakers either!! Sally met me at Maidens and took me off to the local
campsite for my last shower for a few days and some great food. Doug
is joining me tomorrow. Will collect him from the train station at
lunch time then paddle accross to Arran.... Wicked

Day 13. Rest Day?

2010-07-31T10:16:00.000-07:00

Got a day off today, so me Sally n Georgie did a lap of Kirroughtree's
red mountain bike loop. Pretty sweet flowing trail. Frantically trying
to dry gear and re stock food for the week ahead. Meeting Doug Monday
lunch time around Maiden, just accross from Arran, so got a 40 km
paddle tomorrow to stay on track. Hopefully the wind is kind..... Pete x

More....

2010-07-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

Sally made it and saved me from tent fever... Just biked 27 kms from
Luce Bay to Stranraer. Ready to paddle some more when the wind turns!!
Pete xx

Day 12. Tent fever... It's pouring down!!

2010-07-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

Dave has gone home. Got a lift off a great chap from Blyth called
Davy. He's into kayaking and has a caravan at Auchenmalg Bay. He's my
first sponsor. Gonna raise money for the RNLI, will set up a just
giving page when I'm done, so donations will be greatly appreciated.
Had a lazy morning in the tent drinking tea, then a couple of amazing
breakfast baps at the Cock Inn. Nice.... Got all my dry clothes n
shoes soaked walking to the top of the Mull of Sinniness to get an O2
signal to update the last two days blogs... Now back in the tent
brewing up again. Sally should be here soon, then I'll make a plan to
get to Lendalfoot by bike and kayak for Monday to meet Doug to paddle
six days up to Fort William.

Day 11. Change of plan..

2010-07-30T02:58:00.000-07:00

The plan was to paddle accross Luce Bay today, then up to Port Patrick
to meet Sally tomorrow, so Dave can get back to Nottingham for work on
Saturday. Problem is the tide times mean that we wouldn't make PP
until 8 or 9pm which is too late for Dave to make it back. Also head
winds are north westerly force 5, so progress will be slow. So we
headed around a choppy Burrow Head then 34km into the wind, all the
way up to the head of Luce Bay to Auchenmalg Bay, try telling that to
the coast guard!!! Use of the phonetic alphabet would be useful, if I
could remember it !! Alpha uniform Charlie hotel etc.... Another long
day on the water. 7.5 hrs into the wind. Going backwards if you stop!!
On the os map it showed a camp site, well os was wrong, trailer park
only so another night with no shower!! Luckily we met a nice chap from
the local pub, the Cock Inn. he kindly let us camp in his garden. He
has ice cold beer and great steak n ale pie too. Wicked.. Pete xx

Day 10. 8hrs paddle into the wind!!

2010-07-28T15:29:00.000-07:00

Just paddled 43km from Rockcliffe to Isle of Whithorn, including a
28km open crossing, all into force 4 / 5 winds. Took 8 hrs... Figured
the 3.5knot tidal stream would help us but the headwind cancelled that
out. A great day on the water though. Made it into Isle of Whithorn at
8pmyk and went straight to the pub for fish n chips and you'll never
believe it... A couple of pints of my favourite Timothy Taylors!!
Wicked.. This place is a really un spoilt little fishing village,
great place to explore.. If only we had time. Gotta be back on the
water at nine... Cheers for the Timmy's Pete xx

Day 9. We're in Scotland

2010-07-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

Made it out of Scary Maryport in one piece. Getting water was quite a
job. A tandorri restaurant helped out in the end. Paddled accross the
Solway Firth today. 26km open crossing. Set off a bit early so didn't
have much tidal help for the second half. Took four hours as planned.
Camping in a pile of braken in a little bay called Rockcliffe. Just
off to get water and a beer perhaps... Love pete x

Day 8. On the water at last.

2010-07-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

Leafy Dave arrived late last night to join me up to Port Patrick.
Great day on the water. Paddled 40km from near Sellafield to Maryport.
Light tail winds and no significant tides. Set off in the rain and
terrible visibility. St Bees head went by in the fog. Weather improved
and now drying gear at our camp. Gotta find water and some beer as
it's my birthday.. Big cross to Scotland tomorrow. Love n beers pete x

Day 7. Sellafield is stunning this time of year!!

2010-07-25T13:03:00.000-07:00

Made it to the sea. 25km bike ride down from Wasdale. Camping beside
Sellafield, typing this blog in a caravan park for nuclear power
spotters!! Drinking the best pint of Carling ever... So the guy at the
bar tells me. Bev n Trev have gone to pick up Dave. He's joining me up
to Port Patrick. Sal n georgie have headed home after sorting all the
gear, food and logistics, will see them on friday again. Championship
darts on the tv and another great pint of carling coming up... On the
water tomorrow. Can't wait... Pete x

Day 6. Made it up a very rainy Scafell Pike

2010-07-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

Ten of us minus Georgie as she's cut her foot had a great start in
pretty nice conditions to just short of the summit. Then the
forecasted patchy drizzle began, roughly translated, patchy drizzle
means pissing down all day!! We made the summit and yet again couldn't
see a thing.. Then headed quickly down to a hot shower and a well
deserved pint in the pub!! Only one more peak to go... 12 days
paddling before I get there though, patchy drizzle permitting!!

Day 5. Made it to Wasdale Head

2010-07-23T14:28:00.000-07:00

Lazy morning resting, eating and catching up with my folks. Set off
after lunch riding from Bowness to Wasdale Head. Over Wrynose and
Hardnott passes. Pretty steep but managed them both in a oner... Had
Beryl's scones as a reward at the top. Great views of Wastwater and
it's scree slopes on the final straight. 52km. 940m climbing. Ended
the ride with a pint and plate of chips at the Wasdale Head Inn... off
up Peak 2 tomorrow...

Day 4. Made it to the Lakes...

2010-07-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

Made it to the lakes. At my mums in Windermere now getting fed n
fussed. 86km 1100m of ups... Got hit by a 50mph transit mirror within
the first five mins!! Fortunately I stayed on and the mirror bent in,
so all good still. The driver was pretty worried though!! Apart from
that a pretty good ride with great views of the Dales, Howgills and
Lake District Fells. Resting now before the big passes tomorrow over
to Wasdale and a well deserved pint in the pub.... Time for a bath.
Pete x

Day three. Through the Peak, Manchester and beyond...

2010-07-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

Good day on and off road today. 115km with 1400m of climbing! 8 hrs..
Great views through the dark peak. Road blocks to climb through fences
to get through the Goyt Valley. Great off roading to Whaley Bridge
then a big climb up and over to Glossop. Manchester sucked especially
Ashton and Oldham, Rochdale was not much better.... The climb up the
South Pennines was long but views North well worth it. Burnley etc
sucked, but the youth hostel in Earby is pretty nice. Off to the pub
now for dinner with Wendy n Phil who live pretty close... Should make
the Lakes tomorrow. Pete xx

Day 2. Sore legs and bum, Llangollen to Wincle

2010-07-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

Tough day on the road. 98kms with 800m climbing. Rained on and off all
day. Heavy back pack gave me back ache, but after a re shuffle of
heavy stuff into my bike bags things improved. Had lunch in Crewe with
Matt which was cool. Long climb from Congleton to my bnb in Wincle,
just inside the Peak District national park. In the pub now, steak
ordered and strawberry beer for desert.... Pete xx ( chack duckio )

The challenge is on. Day 1

2010-07-19T13:43:00.000-07:00

Started the three peaks on foot, by bike and kayak challenge today.
Strong winds, torrential rain and poor visability didn't stop Sally,
Georgie and I getting up and down Snowdon from Pen y pass, via the
miners track. I then cycled 70kms to PJ's place in Llangollen again
through torrential rain!! What a day... Wicked... More soon. Pete xx

Plans Have Changed....

2010-07-18T03:07:00.001-07:00

My plans have changed a bit... because of a bad cold and the weather... So I'm gonna bike the first week... Here's my rough itinerary...

Mon 19th Snowdon and cycle to Llangollen

Tues 20th Cycle Llangollen to Buxton

Wed 21st Cycle Buxton to Earby. Lancs

Thurs 22nd Cycle Earby to Windermere

Fri 23rd Cycle Windermere to Wasdale Head

Sat 24th / Sun 25th Scafell Pike

Mon 26th Paddle Seascale to Maryport

Tues 27th Maryport to Southerness

Wed 28th Southerness to Isle Of Whithorn

Thurs 29th Isle of Whitthorne to Drunmore

Fri 30th Drunmore to Portpatrick

Sat 31st Portpatrick

Sun 1st Portpatrick to Ballantre

Mon 2nd Ballantre to Kildonan ( or Ballantre to Southend )

Tues 3rd Kildonan to Lochranza ( or Southend to Machrihanish )

Wed 4th Lochranza to Ardrishaig ( or Machrihanish to Isle of Gigha )

Thurs 5th Ardrishaig to Crinan ( or Isle of Gigha to Crinan )

Fri 6th Crinan to Oban

Sat 7th Oban to Fort William

Sun 8th Ben Nevis

More news soon...

Great day training

2010-07-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

Just paddled 15km in still calm conditions around Point Lynas
Anglesey. Amazing sunset and seal friends...