Preparing for the peaks!

I enjoy a challenge, seeing what I am capable of and the fantastic sense of achievement that comes with it. A while ago it was suggested that to fundraise as part of our 20th anniversary celebrations a group of us should take on the Three Peaks Challenge. Keen to be involved I began to research exactly what the sponsored event would entail. It is well renowned for being one of the ultimate challenges in the United Kingdom consisting of; Ben Nevis at 1344m, Scafell Pike at 978m and Snowdon at 1085m amounting to 26 miles of rocky ascents and descents; so that is why they call it a challenge!

It very quickly became apparent how tough the Challenge was going to be and the huge amount of preparation that would be necessary. Although apprehensive (wondering if I was crazy to agree to this!) it did not put me off but made me even more determined to complete it. Safety is key in order to successfully climb the three mountains. It is essential to have the correct kit, be familiar with the routes, aware of the weather conditions and work as a team, even a small problem can mean you end up being in serious trouble.

With all this in mind it was time to get practicing, so I arranged a hike up Snowdon with Kim one of our placement students at Stapeley who is also taking on the challenge. We had everything ready the night before, however there is one thing you can not control- the weather!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The forecast was poor but we decided to go and if continue if the conditions were safe enough. On arrival it was raining but visibility was ok so we made the joint decision to go ahead. Kim set her watch to see how long it took then off we went. It is surprising how even a small incline makes a huge difference and was the best way to get insight to what the challenge will entail. The route started with a challenging rocky path however the last part was the hardest with a tricky steep ascent over rocks and boulders. We briefly stopped at the peak unfortunately we could not see much but enjoyed some snacks  and a drink. Then to complete the hike we headed straight back down Snowdon, we were no longer out of breath but it was still tough on the muscles. Once we had returned to the car (slightly soggy) we saw that we had finished the hike in just under three hours, a great achievement with the help of some Kendal mint cake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Success on Snowdon was encouraging but it is going to take a lot more training and practice sessions to be ready to take on the Challenge in June.

 

Please see our sponsorship page and support our hard efforts to raise much needed funds for the centre.

http://choices.rspca.org.uk/Platforms/RSPCAChoices/Fundraisers/Display.aspx?Title=three-peaks-challenge-walking-for-wildlife

 

By Michelle Bite

photos by Kim Bowman

 

 

Sponsors of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre and Cattery

 'Support RSPCA Stapeley Grange now by giving just £3, simply text RSPCA2 to 70007‘ 
Texts cost £3 + standard network rate

 

 

Sorry, what’s in the back of your van...?!

Last week I received a phone call from a desperate sounding RSPCA Inspector, who had in the back of his van...a skunk!!  ‘Would we house it temporarily?’ was his request to me one evening ‘...because nobody else will take it in or even come near me...!’, ‘Oh really!’ I replied, ‘I can’t think why!!’

Wild skunks are not native to this country, so we knew it must belong to somebody, and that what we were actually dealing with was a captive escapee. This was some ones pet. 

I was on duty with our vet nurse Sarah, who on agreeing to take in the skunk, hastily got on the internet to find out what we were to feed this unusual visitor. I set up a cubicle in the isolation unit with a cosy box, whilst Sarah went around gathering fruit and meal worms from our food store.

I have to admit, I was somewhat apprehensive about the skunk arriving and was concerned that if it became stressed, nervous, or felt threatened, then the inevitable may happen!!  Have heard that the only thing able to remove the foul smell of skunk spray is tomatoes, and all we had in our staff room was one tiny sachet of ketchup!

Due to the skunks’ late arrival, my shift had actually finished and I had left the hospital. I was a tiny bit relieved! Charlie, who works in our education department was on hand however to help and took some photos....

The owner (who lived two hours away) arrived the next day to collect her pet skunk. She informed us that the skunk was a female called Stompy, who had never sprayed whilst in her care(!) This passing guest was the first skunk, I am told, to have ever been at our hospital. Despite my initial reluctance about Stompy’s visit, I did give her a stroke and a fuss when she was collected, she was actually very sweet!

Who knows what will pass through our doors next?!

By Lynsey Cale

Sponsors of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre and Cattery

 'Support RSPCA Stapeley Grange now by giving just £3, simply text RSPCA2 to 70007‘ 
Texts cost £3 + standard network rate