Somewhere over Poynton Bog, Michael posed this question. The response elicited stories of Dering do and Pertex misadventures. Notable amongst these was Chris’s literal knockout incident on the Fairfield race when he misjudged the height of an outstanding rock which resulted in a dose of concussion. As he pointed out, he was able to continue his descent and finish the race, only to be awarded the Pertex trophy (for total incompetence on the hills) some months later. Having won it myself for getting lost and leading two others astray, on my home territory at a Glossop based Club Championships, I have also enjoyed the kudos (and shame) of this prestigious award. Other examples were presented, including Ashley spending time looking for a missing runner on a Grasmere race only to discover later that it was himself. Our esteemed leader is not without a Pertex experience, this time for swigging meths on the High Peak Marathon. There were quite a number of other examples which prompted Michael, the current Pertex incumbent, to suggest a collection of these Pertex incidents, a sort of handbook for training purposes, of course, to prevent any possible repeats.
Coming back to the original question, a list of races was given, Borrowdale, Wasdale, Ennerdale, Langdale, Duddon, Fairfield, Kentmere…………… At least, this question took our minds off the heavy Harmerian vegetation we were enjoying across the Bog and, on the way there, from Fairholmes. Hancock’s Pond was particularly muddy, sloppy and slippy (sloippy?) but the following very heathery and steep climb provided the ideal way of cleaning off all the clinging mud from our shoes. Here it was suggested, but ignored, that we take a bearing for our next target of Cogman’s Cabin. Having reached the brow of the hill, we did however take up the suggestion to avoid drifting into the stream below Greystones Moss. A couple of contours took us around to Cogman’s Cabin (below) for a civilised and welcome short rest.
We needed that rest for the climb up Cogman’s Clough to the delights of Poynton Bog where the diversions of the best Lakes races kept us entertained until we had to run (yes!) along tracks to Pike Low. This high point put us into an astronomical mood so the shout for “Lights out!” was called and many planets and stars were identified, apparently.
It was to be all easy downhill from our lofty star-studded position, back to Fairholmes, but, to shake us out of our complacency, a shoe cleaning steep and deep heathery descent was called for. Thus completed, and now with shiny shoes, there was, of course, one final surprise as we slid down a 20m long muddy slope through the trees to the road under the noisy and overflowing dam wall.
Recompense for all our adventures was the comfort of The Yorkshire Bridge Inn where some of us were able to gratefully recognise that the hard vegetation training was going to be useful for the gentlemen’s expedition to Bowland this coming Saturday. Tonight was a grand outing, as always!
Graham