Stewart's Thoughts

It's been two weeks now since Derrick and I stepped onto the beach at Banyuls and into the Mediterranean sea. 47 days and 10 hours after stepping out of the Atlantic Ocean, 500 miles and a whole world away. We had planned to be there the next day, to be welcomed home by family and friends who had travelled out to France to greet us. But the Pyrenees would not release their grasp on us and on a day when we had started walking in a fierce, cold wind, heralding the change into autumn, we found ourselves in 44 degree furnace at 4pm the same day. With no water to be found at our elected campsite due to the hot summer drying up springs and rivers alike, the thought of spending a night on water rations in the heat with the end in sight was just too unedifying to contemplate, so we continued.

We finished as we started really, just the two of us, on a beach. Stepping into the sea was the final act in seven weeks of effort and marked the end. No crowds of cheering well wishers, no champagne corks. Just the pounding sea. I felt a little numb, not overcome with emotion as I thought. I had finished, that was it. I didn't need to think about tomorrow's route, what the weather was going to do, where to find water, did we have enough food. I didn't have to think about where to pitch the tent, washing my clothes, cooking the food, or what kit needed fixing. I almost felt robbed. The Pyrenees were all I had to think about for nearly seven weeks and now I was through them I didn't know what to do next. Two weeks later they still haven't released their grip on me.

I've been asked a lot of questions about the trip, and some keep cropping up over and over. I thought that I might share some of them with you, and my answers. When reading these please remember these are only my thoughts and Derrick may have other ideas. If you want to know his views you will have to ask him.

Q Did you ever think you wouldn't make it?

No. The thought never entered my head. I was fully committed to this and was aware of what I was getting into. I was physically and mentally prepared before leaving and in fact felt stronger and fitter as we covered more and more miles. To me, failing was not an option. Some days were really tough but that's when you just have to dig deep and get on with it. To me, pushing myself gave me a buzz.

Q Did you ever feel homesick?

Before leaving I had discussed with my wife things that could go wrong at home and had made contingency plans for events like the death of a relative. I had her full support in this adventure, as well as my parents in Scotland. I knew my wife would receive support from her family and close friends. This meant that I had a clear conscience and could focus on the challenge whilst not worrying about home. It was always good to hear about what was happening at home via text or the occasional phone call but we were only going to be away for seven weeks, not a lifetime.

Q Were there any scary moments?

Some of the sections are very steep and have to be almost climbed, which isn't easy with 20kg on your back. Some sections even have safety rope to assist on the rock face but even these sections are all crossable. These sections are all on well marked routes, albeit they might only be 6 inches wide in places. If hundreds of other walkers can do them then why should they be a problem to me?

Q There must have been bad days when things went wrong, how did you cope?

I don't believe in bad days. There are some that are just a little worse than others. If it's raining, just be glad it's not snowing. If it snows then just be glad there isn't thick mist as well. There was one day that it was very misty, raining which turned to hail and to top it all a thunderstorm whilst trying to climb a col over 2500m high. I did stop at one point and shout at the mountain out loud, "Give me a chance" and then burst out laughing. You can't get mad at nature, it will always win, you just have to work with what it gives you. The mountains have been there a long time, and will still be there when I'm long gone. Just give hem a bit of respect. If I was to get mad every time it rained I would have given up in the first week!

Q Would you do it again?

Yes. I might not do it the same way, perhaps taking a little more time to savour some of the scenery and staying at refuges rather than a tent. But this was for charity and the deal was to do it in 50 days. This was for charity, not for myself, although I have had a tremendous time doing it and I'm glad I have.

Since coming back people have described us completing the HRP as "amazing" and "brave." To me amazing and brave are words that better describe the dignity with which cancer sufferers conduct their lives when faced with death. I can't imagine what it must be like to suffer weeks of painful treatment and think myself lucky that I haven't had to. We live in times where sensational expressions are plastered continually on our newspaper front pages and we use them almost without thinking. Save the praise and rhetoric for those who really deserve it.

I know it's only a few answers but I hope it helps. I am more than willing to answer any other questions that anyone might have, just drop me a line through the site.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience in the mountains and I feel quite proud of our small achievement. Has it changed me? I'm told I don't talk as loud anymore, and I certainly appreciate the simpler things in life we take for granted every day. Clean water to drink. An abundance and variety of food and clean clothes immediately spring to mind. I'm fitter than I have been for years and feel sharper as a result of losing 19kg or 42 lbs in weight.

Thanks to everyone who has supported us over the length of the project. I'm not going to name names as the list would be like an Oscar speech. I just hope that small amount of money we have raised will be of some use to Cancer Research Wales, it's just a drop in the ocean to the amount they really need.

Derricks Return Post

I have spent many hours over the past few weeks wondering about the post I would write on the blog on my return. I know folk will want to know about the mountains, lakes, fauna, flora, the challenge, weather, food, health etc. etc. There is one question I have never been asked “what about the people?”
I must start this post with the people: From the first penny that was donated to our cause (supporting Cancer Research Wales) to my return to Caerwent my faith in humanity has been restored. When you look at what lays ahead when you have many mountains to climb we tend to think “how?” What I found was that there are so many people in this world who are not evil, selfish and greedy, but friendly, willing, helpful with kindness & generosity beyond belief. Whatever the mountain you have to climb in life your challenge will never be faced alone. Stewart would say to me “you always look at your mug as being half empty” I now know he was right, my mug is now half full! When we were in the “High Pyrenees” or “Pyrenees Proper” we would wake up being surrounded by high mountains, thinking how on earth do we get out? There are routes, its finding them and working hard to battle your way across the terrain, through the elements and over the summit or col. Endure and your objective will be met. “If you have the courage to begin, you have the courage to finish”. We have a thousand people to thank, from the folk that put a penny in one of our pots to the folk that donated a few hundred, from the friendly chat on the mountain side to the encouragement and advice. Family, friends and strangers alike!

THEY'VE DONE IT!

At 6.52pm I recieved a phone call from dad to say that he and mum and Jackie and Stewart had met. The guys cant be praised enough for what they have achieved and I know that families and friends cant wait to see them back home! We are all SO amazingly proud of them both! They are now going to enjoy a few days rest with close friends and hopefully pop some of the weight they have lost back on! Please feel free to leave your messages of congratulations etc, I know they will love to know they have had your support all the way! WELL DONE DERRICK AND STEWART, you are amazing people and the money you have raised will no doubt help loads of others, as always, always thinking of others!

FIRST TO SEE THE SEA

Well I am sure as children you all played that game as you were nearing your holiday destination,who is first to see the sea. Well its very close for the boys now. Day 44 climbed Roc de Frausa, also called Roc de France. Day 45 headed for Las Illas and spent the night in the bar/restaurant dels Trabucayres. Have decided to take advantage of a more comfortable bed for the last few nights and eat in restaurants so not needing to carry so much food with them.The weather much improved 34 degrees at the weekend and the high 20's today. Unfortunately have been experiencing bad stomachs and requiring lots of toilet stops last few days. Not sure if this due to eating proper meals again. They say they are OK and craving food so can't be too serious. Hope this improves before the party begins on Thursday.
Day 46 passed through Le Perthus, the border village between France and Spain.They didn't mention if they had bought us any duty free goods. Tonight at gite d'etape on the Col de l'Ouillat.
Tomorrow they head off on the very last leg of this amazing journey. The plan is to leave just a short trek on Thursday morning to meet us at Banyuls-sur Mer. We all can't wait now. We are truly proud of their achievements and the fantastic sum of money that has been raised and the money is still coming in which is great.
This blog site is open until the 1st Oct so please continue to log on as I am sure Stewart and Derrick will want to write and tell you all about their adventures in their own words.

NEARLY THERE!

WEEK 6 CONQUERED CANIGOU HOMEWARD BOUND

Day 34 Today started great feeling fresh in their lovely clean clothes but it wasn't long until the heavens opened and they were soaked through again as it rained all day. Somebody sent us a comment this week who has done HRP and is off again soon and said boys have been very unfortunate with all this wet weather for the time of year.
Day 35Today they climbed Pic Carlit (2921m). They even managed to stop off for a beer before heading to a lake to pitch the tent for the night in the area of Font Romeu. The sun finally shining this evening as they sit down for another evening meal of pasta and soup. They were joined for dinner by a couple of friendly horses!!
Day 36 as they now have time to play with are taking it easy today. They were trying to relax in the tent in the morning but had yet another thunderstorm so they decided to go into Font Romeu to the shops. It is nice to hear familiar place names now so I know it wont be long till they finish but can also picture where they are as Stewart and I skied in Font Romeu two years ago. There is a fabulous coffee shop that sells great cakes and crepes and apparently that is their first port of call.They were discussing finishing the walk today and said they can't wait to come around the final bend and see Liz, myself ,Mr V, Val and Stu G on the beach waiting for them. What they don't know is that there should be a much bigger crowd waiting to welcome them back and hear all the stories and share a few beers. The sun shone again this evening.
Day 37 A hot one today 39 degrees. Fortunately they had only planned a very short walk They walked through Eyne village and headed for Cabane de l'Orri Baix (2040m) where they pitched the tent for the night.
Day 38 and 39 no info other than they are now heading towards Pic de Canigou(2784m) the last high obstacle before the Mediterranean. Today they had to walk an extra 5 hours to find water not sure why this happened. They have a new motto it was said to them by a lady in the mountains "Don't stop now until you get your feet wet"
Day 40 started to climb Canigou today but the barometer plummeted and they could see the storm coming so they pitched the tent for the day for safety.
Day 41 reached the top of Canigou as you can see from photo looks like a lovely day Tonight at Mines de Batere. Unfortunately the solar charger is not functioning properly now and Stewart does not have much charge left on his phone so is saving it for emergencies but said they would try to ring from villages if they can so we may not be able to update progress any further until they come home.
The plan is to go to Amelie-le Bain tomorrow and rest up there for 48hours and then head for Roc de Frausa on Sunday day 44. Only a couple of days walking from there but we are making them stay in mountains till Thursday day 48 so we can form a welcoming party. Sounds cruel as I am sure they will be ready for soak in the bath and chill but after all they have been through its only right we are there to give them a heroes welcome.

WEEK 5

Day 31 decided to take a well earned rest today. Only walked for one hour from El Serrat to the Refuge de Sorteny. They met a lovely French couple Marie and Michel, who have emailed us and kindly sent us the pictures that you can see on the blog.
Day 32 walked through the north of Andorra. Climbed to the Collada dels Meners (2713m). Weather poor again. Had snow,rain,mist and hail. Didn't quite finish the day where they had planned instead pitched the tent at Camping d'Incles.
Day 33 passed numerous lakes in Andorra and then back into France today at Port de l'Albe (2539m). Arrived in L'Hospitalet-pres-l'Andorre village this evening and booked into the gite d'etape. This evening they are able to wash their clothes in a washing machine the first proper wash since leaving home. They usually use a river. Hopefully the fresh clothes will make them feel more comfortable tomorrow and spur them on.
They are now moving into the final section of the walk.This is described as a long walk, the longest section of them all. They have to encounter Pic Carlit (2921m) the highest summit of the eastern Pyrenees. They have plenty of time though as their goal was to complete this challenge in 50 days and at present are well on target and can afford to take some time out to rest.