Decompression ...

As any diver will tell you …decompression stops you from getting hurt. In running and adventure terms, I reckon some kind of decompression after an event is good for the soul at least.

With the North Face 100km over, I opted for a side trip over to Alice Springs and a spot of time camping in the outback. With only three days to spare, Wayoutback Tours fitted the bill perfectly. After a night in Alice (as good a border town as they come), the 4x4 truck / tour bus arrived fairly prompt at 6am. We loaded up, made introductions and headed south. Next few days were spent visiting Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Kings Canyon – evenings were spent under the stars by the fire.

As seems to be the pattern, my first weekend back in Scotland did not pan out exactly as planned. But as with most things, it did give the opportunity for two excellent days in the mountains. Saturday saw Alan Anderson, Matthew and myself ascending the Meall na Leitreach & the Sow of Atholl (with an extension to take in Sgairneach Mhor for Matthew and myself). Sunday was a ridge run of Arran starting at Glen Sannox heading over / around the witches step, onto Cir Mhor, along the A’Chir ridge and onto Beinn Nuis before dropping back to Brodick in time for beer and chips (yes …in that order).

Maybe time to start planning again …or maybe not just yet.