Firefighter Mountain Challenge 2023
DATE 20.05.2023 | DISTANCE approx 15KM | HIGHEST POINT 978M
Posted by Matt | Filed under lake district
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Last year we completed this chaLlenge and raised £2000 for east anglia air ambulance. This year, some more money raised and tougher conditions. just as we did last year, the challenge was to climb and descend scafell pike in full fire kit (minus boots) and carrying breathing apparatus. we hadn't seen anyone do this with b.a. sets on before.
last year we all managed to complete, but it was warmer this year and made for much more difficult conditions.
At Seathwaite farm. This time i wasn't taking part. i was there as their guide and support team member.
SMILES NOW BUT NOT FOR MUCH LONGER.
ONE DOWN ALREADY
HEADING FOR STOCKLEY BRIDGE, SEATHWAITE FELL IN THE DISTANCE.
Vic and Noah.
Gabriel
Ryan and his Wife Liane. Liane was part of the support team. The photo doesn't show it but she loves Ryan really.
Nate feeling positive
LOL A quick breather for Gabriel and Noah
The last time they would all be together today.
Nate and Ryan with some of the support team. Our support team consisted of EMT's and supply carriers.
Nate (AKA my current Fire Chief)
Looking back down the valley. By this point we had last 2 competitors. One had vomited so sent back down immediately and another had chose to throw in the towel and descend with him.
Nate pushing ahead and feeling cramp.
Gabriel just before he had to turn back too. Another feeling the heat from what was proving to be a grueling day.
The view down Grains Gill.
Nate reaching the base of Great End near Sprinkling Tarn.
Liane and Ryan
Looking back from Esk Hause.
Nate struggling with intense cramping
Shortly after taking this photo Nate had to tap-out too. The cramping was too much. The plan was to leave him here to rest and rejoin him on the way back from the summit.
Esk Pike
Harter Fell in the distance.
The summit of Scafell Pike in sight.
Looking out to Kirk Fell and Great Gable.
The drop from Broad Crag and the back up for the final push to Scafell Pike is hurty on a normal day. In firefighting PPE on a day like today it is brutal.
Ryan on the summit. This year he was the only one to complete.
The plan now was for the Ryan with support to continue the planned route down the Corridor Route. I headed back with Catherine the way we came to meet back up with Nate who was resting near Great End. Broad Crag ahead.
Great End to the left and at the back, Great Gable and Green Gable.
Back down Grains Gill to Seathwaite Farm. As we reached Stockley Bridge, Ryan and the others arrived from the Corridor Route. Perfect timing.
Next year we are doing it at night!