So after months of planning, research and accumulating kit the Challenge arrives - and with a single swift  strike the ex destroys it all! With the financial settlement due for court soon I asked for the exchange of documents to be brought forwards to the day before leaving - but no, she knew jus how important the challenge is to me so insists on leaving it till the last available date, so making sure I can't go. Thursday morning dawned, and not only did I wake to the empty feeling of not being able to go, but still had to be up at 5 to deleiver Darren to what was supposed to be our joint lift then turn around and go home. That's divorce for you!

 

So with two weeks free and a pile of specialist kit and food attention turns to doing something else. The weather's typically bad for free time, but early next week should see me getting a few outings around the country in places I've neglected. South Wales is calling, along with the North Pennines - and some peace and solitude to reflect. After buying the PHD bag it's going to get some use, and this gives the perfect opportunity. It's also a chance to refresh scrambling skills and chack out a few new routes for OM.

 

With attention switched from the TGO now it's also time to return to keeping this blog up to date, with field tests, trip reports and general musings - so plenty more to come.