A rock and a hard place

When people find out we are doing the UK Everest Challenge, they quite quickly make a split decision whether they approve or disapprove of our cause. The running groups state we’re hikers, walking groups bark we’re runners, friends of the environment [which we are] say they can’t support us because of the green issue of our event? I might add the same guy that stated we’re not green enough also went to Everest base camp and taken part in the Three Peaks challenge, let alone trips to the USA for hiking and drove from coast to coast - a bit of calling the kettle black I feel. The funniest email was from a camper, or rather a guy with a caravan, lives in Dorset and travels to Scotland regularly towing his beast. We'll be in tents on our challenge taking it all in.

Both Bryn and myself have approached this event carefully, car share at every opportunity, train locally to reduce travel. Use more expensive 100% recycled paper and envelopes for letters, 80% of our mailings are via email - less effective but less waste, refill our laser toner cartridges, all the tech is low power consumption, the list goes on and on.

Yes we'll be traveling around the UK and we're looking at ways to use public links where practical. Also trying to off-set some of our carbon footprint by signing up to tree planting.

We certainly appreciate all of the national parks with their unique rights of ways and follow the country code. When we are out training either walking, hiking or running, it's like being kids in a candy shop. Stopping to take pictures and taking in the views, there's something to see even in the pouring rain. We love it!

So to all the haters and people who are on the fence finding excuses, please donate a £1 for our charities and wish us well, we'll remember to shut gates, clean up after ourselves and will be on a hill near you every week no matter what the weather, enjoying - like you the great outdoors. - Darren
Stumble It!