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| Johana approaching The Old Man of |
Part three of the last three years picks up on the start of one BIG Adventure, with Around Wales in 2010 through to the 2018 Roof of Britain expedition and the preparation involved.
In the Beginning
It was back in 2010 when Roger first thought of a big commercial expedition. He was keen to share a significant experience, an adventure with others. The reality is sometimes our friends are not interested in making a BIG trip, and he wondered if there would be enough interest. Roger was also hoping that the experience could be a springboard towards greater independence.
Around Wales in 2011, with Di, Sue, Paul and Sonja in van support for the canal section. Di named the expedition and wrote in two parts an article "Eat, Sleep Paddle -part 1" and part 2. It certainly got Roger thinking about the future potential with something more remote and the Roof of Britain seemed to tick the boxes!
To catch up you can read about the two previous RoB expeditions on a blog for the 2015 and 2017. The 2015 blog was written by the group.
The Roof of Britain 2018
The third Roof of Britain was with two very focused Swedish paddlers - Johanna and Anders. We had a few super windy days, and down to the in-depth preparation from both Johanna and Anders, we managed a few huge days. This which meant we stayed ahead of the storms.
We had some fantastic weather at times and the last couple of days down the Great Glen were outstanding. The short film below catches a few of the highlights.
Preparation
With each of the BIG expeditions, preparation has been a critical component, with time on the water, putting the miles down in training, checking kit and equipment is up for the job and considering food. What tastes good, provides the calories and also agrees with me. With around Wales, Roger got a great deal on energy bars. But, they all tasted the same - variety, for me, is the key!
Cross-training becomes super useful from getting out on that bike or a run and putting down the distance to yoga and core work in a class, gym, your own or online practice. It's about getting the body and mind in the right place. They are both linked after all. Roger has found that if he knows he can paddle 50km in a Beaufort force (Bf) 4/5 tailwind before atrip, his confidence is in a realistic and robust place. This, for example, allows him to manage a (Bf) f5/6, 30km downwind paddle. He thinks of the time spent in 2mt waves playing in that tide race, responding to hits and the dynamic rough water. It comes back to physical and mental capacity, which Roger mentioned in the previous blog.
In my next blog, I'll look at my Stand up Paddleboard (SUP) around Anglesey, the third person in total and the first person solo. What motivated me, and why?
The morning after!
