Just a waiting game

Poised ready for the off!

Where do we go next?

Its a hard knock life for drivers Garvie and Ian. Working out the route to our next conquest.

Garvie says go right, Ian says turn left....tossed a coin to make decision but coin rolled into a ditch!!!

Snaefell

One of our fellow teams at the top of Snaefell (Isle of Man). Can you guess what their team name is from the costumes? Guesses in the comments...

My undying admiration and respect to the winner (ie. No actual prize)

Day 1, Isle of Man

I'm typing this post from the (relative) comfort of our luxury cabin birth on board the ferry from the Isle of Man to Heysham, England.

 

We completed the first climb today, the relatively modest 600 and a bit metres of the picturesque Snaefell on the Isle of Man. Of the Isle itself it certainly is a beautiful setting and the weather gave us an equally beautiful start on what made for a lovely start to the challenge! We managed to walk with the other groups for much of the walk, with people from all walks of life and all regions of the UK as well. It started with a gentle bumble along the river and then ramped up with. Very steep climb to finish. With outlet ferry not till 7:45 we even managed to find time for ice cream and more importantly beer at the end of the day. Tomorrow, I think, will prove to be far more challenging with a 5AM start for snowdon in the morning and the the challenge of England's highest, Scafell Pike, in the afternoon/evening!

The start of the Challenge

Sorry about radio silence - the Isle of Man is beautiful but not mobile phone friendly.

So here everyone is, itching to get going. The excitement is written all over Andy's face:

We arrived in Laxey at 10am, and went to the Methodist Church for a briefing. No idea what we were told but there was a fantastic spread. Alexander and Jacob managed to try all 5 different desserts, before hobbling around holding their bellies.

We then went down to the harbour for photos and the start. Here the Hampton Hikers.

At the risk of ruining the suspense of future posts, we then climbed Snaefell, ticking off the first of the six peaks. An enjoyable sunny beer was then consumed, and the last showers of the rest of the tour were had. Photos of the peak to follow, once Raghu has had something to eat to soothe his mood!

Morcambe Bay

Local wildlife keeping an eye on GBM drivers.

And before anyone blogs back, NO those are not our minibuses parked out in the bay!

Meeting old friends

Eric buys GBM some ice creams.

Speed trap!

After good nights sleep for drivers the day started badly with Peter & Bob being caught for speeding!