When we talk about the height of a mountain, we are refering to it's height above sea level so, we came up with the idea of doing just that - a walk from sea level to summit!
2nd January 2010, 07:30 - starting at the coast (zero meters above sea level) and walking to the summit of the mighty Puig Campana mountain (1408 meters above sea level) but of course that was not the finish, as we still had to come back down!
ZERO 1408 The Movie (8 mins)
(best viewed in full screen mode)
"There's no way round it. When it comes to Costa Blanca walking, Puig Campana is The One. Towering over everything else near the coast, its soaring dome fluted with turrets, towers and fanciful crenellations. The ascent looks daunting from a distance (from the south it's the long grey green scar in the middle of the mountain - yes, that one!) and it can get pretty daunting on the ground too." Charles Davis.
Date 2nd Jan 2010
Duration 10 hours 35 minutes
Length 23.34 km / 14.5 miles
Average Speed 2.25 kmh / 1.4 mph
Vertical Up 1527 m / 5010 ft
Vertical Down 1182 m / 3878 ft
Terry and I were wondering if you meant up the scree which neither of us are keen on! However, we'll almost certainly be with you.
ReplyDeleteGill said - Terry and I were wondering...
ReplyDeleteAlthough I do have a specific route in mind if, it may change as I am still looking for alternatives that will make it better (it is also possible that weather conditions on the day may force a change of plan).
Morning Steve
ReplyDeleteHave you ever woken up, having had a few beers the night before - slowly, the vague recollection of things done or said starts to become a little clearer, then suddenly, in a split second, BANG! the exact details fill your head?
I´m pretty sure your exact words were "I´ll be there"
Excellent news - at least I won't be on my own!
What date are you planning?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said - What date are you...
ReplyDeleteWe have not yet set a date (other than January!) and of course it will be subject to weather conditions and therefore may have to be changed at the last minute.
"Count me in!
ReplyDeleteMartin please get me started by taking me on some of the wonderfu challenging walks you do in Sella ......."
I might do it, but it depends how lacy I get over Christmas. Maybe I am not in shape early January:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea - we would love to play - a fantastic way to get rid of those pudding pounds. Got a feeling though I will have to do it from the comfort of my sofa. But I will be there in spirit (or drinking the spirit!)
ReplyDeleteWow - looks scary.
ReplyDeleteSend me the route and I'll do it from the armchair!
ReplyDeleteWe'll definitely do it with you.
ReplyDeleteSEA LEVEL TO SKY LEVEL!
ReplyDeleteWe would like to be there, but I doubt if we could manage the whole thing!
Love the video of the challenge walk
ReplyDeleteThe provisional date is Saturday 2nd Jan (subject to weather, which is looking OK at the moment). MHS
ReplyDeleteCertificates now available for all those who complete the challenge. MHS
ReplyDeleteAs most of you will know, trying to identify a route from the coast to the summit of Puig Campana has presented me with a slight challenge.
ReplyDelete1) the general area around La Cala/Carrefour does not make for the most attractive walking.
2) the need to find a safe place to cross the N332
3) the need to find a safe place to cross the railway
4) (the biggest challenge) the need to find a safe place to cross the motorway
Initial investigations were successful in as much as a safe and possible route was identified (starting at La Cala de Finestrat). However, the downside was that this route initially follows the road as if you were driving from La Cala towards Finestrat and finally leaving the road just after you have passed La Marina and gone under the motorway - a very uninspiring start!
However, after further investigations, I am pleased to say that a more attractive route has now been identified and proved out. The starting point will now be the much prettier and more remote Torres beach instead of La Cala de Finestrat.
There is of course a downside! By making this change the total distance has increased from 21.5Km to 23.6Km (14.66 miles) a walk in the park! An average of just 3Km/h over an 8 hour period.
Additional info.
Footwear - number one and most important, wear something comfortable that you are used to.
From a personal point of view I prefer to walk in trainers except when on rougher ground when I favor addtional ankle support. Because most of the route from the coast to Finestrat/Font Moli is on a combination of fairly good tracks and tarmac, I plan to where my trainers for this part of the walk and then change into my walking boots before we nip up the Puig.
Clothing - layers! Currently the top temperature being forecast is 16 degrees (however at 07:30 it will be a bit cooler than that) but with Winds from the SW at 16 km/h. Waterproofs are always a good idea (hopefully they will not be needed!). If at any point before or during the walk the weather gives cause for concern then we will make the necessary changes - in a worse case scenario this could mean abandon the walk and go down the pub!
Water - most people have a good idea about how much they tend to drink. There will be an opportunity to fill up at Font Moli, but after that, probably not another on until we finish. I reccommend a minimum of 1.5 litres. I personally will be taking 2 litres (but I do tend to drink more than most).
Insurance - obviously everyone will have taken out the appropriate insurance!
I think that covers most things but if anyone has any questions or concerns, just give me a shout.
GOOD LUCK
MHS
CONGRATULATIONS and thanks to everyone. A fantastic day out - roll on 2011!
ReplyDeleteIt was fantastic and very challenging for me but I can now say "I have done it"!! Thank you to Martin, Steve, Terry and Gill for your support and encouragement. Thank you MHS for thinking I could do it. Never say never.........
ReplyDeleteExcellent presentation - excellent day out. Legs still in shock, Alf not getting any walks from me...
ReplyDeleteI want to know who shot and missed at the end of the video, they are dead meat!
ReplyDelete