Just back from a training weekend with the trek gang in darkest Wales (the Brecon Beacons).
The purpose was mainly to get to know the group a bit better but also to try out some of the kit we will be using on the ice.
We can now all put up the tents (see here) as well as light one of the special stoves that will heat the water we will need to hydrate the food packs and to make tea etc.
The weather wasn't bad for January. On the Saturday we did a bunch of bonding exercises before trying our hand at a spot of light canyoning. This involved sliding down various waterfalls on a very cold and fast running mountain river. We had no wetsuits, so you can imagine what it was like to sit under a waterfall while tonnes of icy water cascade onto your head. Actually, unless you have done it, you can't imagine what it is like. The phrase "takes the breath away" is much used, but sitting under a frigid torrent, I actually found it very hard to draw breath.
But the funny think was that after getting out of the river, and screaming every curse imaginable, my body actually started to get warm again. Out waterproof walking gear acted a bit like a wetsuit in that the water trapped between the skin and the nylon did heat up quite quickly. That is not to say that I will be willing to repeat the experience any time in the near future. Actually, I would rather dance the foxtrot with a polar bear that do that again.
Anyhow, we all now know what it is like to fix camp while cold and wet and tired.
Yesterday we went for a 10 mile hike on the Beacons, which in comparison with the Saturday, was straightforward and a good guage of fitness. On that note, I discovered that one of my team mates has been taking his training very seriously: He has taken up smoking again. And that's it. Another compadre is still lighting up at every opportunity but has stepped up his yoga classes. I guess that means he will still be able to hold a One-Legged King Pigeon position while he freezes to death.

I also went skiing two weeks ago, which did wonders to toughen up the thighs. However the gallons of red wine in the chalet may have offset any benefits. Hello to Sarah and Katherine, who did their best to kill me by taking me down Mont Vallon in a whiteout.

The celeb-tastic trek launch party is happening very soon. Email/message me at andymw@gmail.com if you want to come along.