With apologies to Carshare for invading his blog, it only seems fair that the whole club (and not just the Facebook cognoscenti) should get to comment on this one.
We are deeply indebted to both Adi Davis and Jim Fulton for providing the tracks that allow us to pose the questions:
1. which track is Ashley's?
2. is this finally the proof we needed that great fell running minds (Jim and Ashley's) think entirely alike?
3. if 2. is conceded, then how can genetics account for the occasionally inspired variations upon variations upon a route which these two magnificent tracks reveal?
No cheating now; only answers backed up with a plausible explanation can be accepted - so don't just refer to the tracks on the website for your answer. A pint for the best set of answers, in the Carshare comments section below (comments on Facebook also welcome, though these will not qualify for beer).
6 comments
Ashelys track is the blue one and he looks like he overshot bleaklow stones and then navigated perfectly up to the stones (amazing). However, this was due to a very lucky (for Ashely) meeting with me as our paths crossed at 90 degrees in thick mist, since they were heading directly for the pennine way and snake pass, or even glossop! With no idea were they where claiming that Willy wasn't at the Bleaklow stones which they had visited some time ago (clearly Grina stones). Even then the draw of the snake proved irresistible and only Alport river saved them. They track also explains why they never visited the hole in the wall check point. They were very close then chose to veer away at the last minute to find a unique way down. I am sure these tracks would provide valuable data to scientists on the homing ability of humans. Still a great day out was had by all.
wtf. If ever there was a reason to put my new suunto in the bin this is it. What's wrong with just having a good run
I have a few spare places on my navigation course on the 24th December if anyone is interested?
The upper part of the route reminds me of a sleeping cat with its right paw resting on the Horse Stone. The two tracks follow the cats head perfectly. This is not a mistake, some greater force has been at play. The Egyptian cat god, Bast has been summoned. Bast personified the playfulness, grace, affection, and cunning of a cat as well as the fierce power of a lioness. I think that sums up the combined talents of Jim and Ashley.
Great minds do think alike, but in this case I think there has been some collusion. Perhaps a bit of following the leader?
Actually, thinking about this. The 'Batman' is a good way to trace the life of a fell runner. In the early years, you rise through the ranks until you hit your peak you then get complacent and dip a little before bobbling along for a few years, dreaming of the day when you can make your comeback. You train hard for this comeback but when you finally peak, it feels like a hollow victory and instead of a comeback, it becomes your swansong and you quickly descend into the mediocre, you start riding bikes, looking at the Totley AC website and thinking Dave's Stella look appetising. It will come to us all :-( and on that cheery note, I've got to plan my training for the weekend, I'm making a comeback. :-)
In the financial trading world I believe the top half of of this track is called a 'batman' and it generally means the stock is going to tank and it's better to get out while you can! I know who took the direct line to horse stone so I will exempt myself from the chance of a pint.