Cankles : where calfs run untapered into fat ankles... not a great look.

Namaste Folks

Cankles : where calfs run untapered into fat ankles... not a great look.

Buoyed by reports of RK hitting the trails on Cavehill... or have Costa opened a shop on McArts? A prompt start we were Mournes bound for our first longer session. Muppetry started as RG hit the west link rounded Carlisle Circus and retracked braving the non rush hour stampede. Andrew graciously overlooked the navigation debacle. 10mins early at Carryduff and Ralph was still ahead of us.

 

Plenty of new kit on display with the montane minumus men (A+RG) both sporting new backpacks. Good work as we struck out on trail at 8.03am. 10 dry days winter vegetation, we have never seen better trails. Hare's gap was in sight 29mins as we crossed the snowline. Steady up Bearnagh onto the permafrost... 'backside may need care' R+RG commented. A cough reminded us of his brush with last week’s flu... real flu, but moving well we summitted 7mins ahead of schedule.

RG recounted the legend that is now Ninja Ralphs banzai headband and his kamikaze Bearnagh descent 2011. Resulting in RG ten toes up eyes on stalks in the afterwash. RG/Baldrick plan was for Ninja R to stop below for some video footage of the Montane men (MM)  descending. With sticks a flurry RG started like a granny knitting, foolishly began to gain confidence on the double black diamond, tacked in for a showboat video moment... until a nasty roll of the left ankle. (attached not for the squeamish) 'Looked sore' was R comment...no reply RGs guts were in his mouth. Much to learn from our grandstanding master..big Garthy.

A cut a good safe line to the bottom. Roving reporter Ralph stowed the outside broadcast unit and still hit the col 50yards ahead of us...how does he do that. Two jelly babies and Mr Bump plaster and on we went.

 
MM motorwayed up on the wall to the Meelmore icehouse. Biting cold pushed us across the wall heading for Meelbeg. RG moving like a big Jessie lost 75yrds to the happy valley col before engaging low box, dif lock, twin stick drive and rallyed up Meelbeg...now whose sticks look daft?

Sticks swapped to A for a test drive. R sniffed out a perfect line to the river. A minor ankle roll in the soft followed by 2 bigger rolls on the rocks left RG 100yrds adrift and air blue with some unprintable words. Mint conditions, the green light read +5mins and R+A were into a Kenyan rhythm...what a bummer. R+A spotted RG floundering more than usual. Dr A opened the tardis first aid kit. Brufen od,Crep + elastoplast strapping and RG was uprightish. Sticks became crutches...the lengths folks go to get their toys back. Bail out strategy agreed and blood hound Ralph had us heading for the jolly green passat.
 

Fascinating chat about helicopter rescue docs in Oz. Our 4hr day became 3. Good to all get safely back. 'Jangbu' hot choc and currant slab helped revive before hitting Mauds for IV Panini + caffeine. New kit worked well. Expecting R to join the montane minimus men soon.  Missed call from Andy while out on the hill... freaky... was he watching Ralph’s video nasty?

RG met Andy at Maxol station for a boot of the car consultation late afternoon. Just fantastic to have such expertise with the team.

I email with my left cankle submerged in icewater...much to my colleagues amusement. The MEM today seems like an even bigger ask. Yesterday was good training 8.6miles 3hrs 3mins+a good teamwork learning experience...thanks to A+R+A for patience and help.

Kindest regards

 

RG