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The Mount Everest challenge/ Mount Maunganui.

  • Day 44

      24 March 2018
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    It's all happening this morning , there's a race on with competitors running up and over then around the Mount . A tent and Finnish line greet us at the base with runners tearing past at a great rate of knots , more than I could summon on my best day .

    I'm joined by and it's a real pleasure to have Grant and Ali accompany me on this climb . The climb up was one that with the chatter amongst us went way to fast and there was a group at the summit cheering the runners , they also gave me a rousing cheer ( I prompted them 😊).

    I should add we also had some heavy rain at times on the climb , kinda bookended this challenge given I started day one in rain and finnished on day 44 wet.

    More groups on the way down and some wonderful colourful lady's at the bottom shared a moment with me .

    This challenge has been just that and I've loved it .

    I've also loved seeing you donate to a very worthy cause ...

    My givealittle page will stay up for awhile yet so if you are thinking of donating please do ...

    https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/the-mount-everest-challenge-mount-maunganui

    In the immortal worlds of Sir Edmund Hillary....

    We've knocked the bastard off!

    Climb number 38 is now consigned to history, as is for me the 2018 Mount Everest challenge.

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Muse....

      24 March 2018
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    This morning over a cappachino before climb number 38 I find myself museing .

    I've left exactly 8kgs (17.637 pounds) on the Mountain going up and down the stairs 44,688 times.

    I've listened to spotify approximately 38-40 hrs including travel to and from the Mountain .

    I need new shoes ...but to put all that into perspective. I've found something on the climb. I've found a love for this Mountain that transcends mere rock , a love so deep it cuts though your heart and imbeds into your soul .

    A love that holds a mirror in front of you each time you climb and the love you find is none other than yourself as the Mountain brings you home ....

    Regards Dave .

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    • 27/03/2018 by Angela Angell

      I don't even have the word's to express . . . You've said them all for me. I started this challenge as a challenge and to raise money for a wonderful organisation, I didn't count on finding (and losing kgs) myself nor did I expect the power of this majestic Maunga to have the effect that it has. Mauao is forever imbedded in my soul. Thank you ❤

  • Day 43

      23 March 2018
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    I'm standing on the boardwalk by the surf club looking into a stiff onshore wind . The air is heavy with the smell of ocean and I'm thinking this is my precipice, this moment this climb , before me was all those climbs , the emotions , fears and elation.

    What seemed so far into ever was now tomorrow if I make it today and I'm thinking of you ....

    Your support has been amazing, your donations inspirational (keep them coming 😊) and I'm thinking thankyou!

    So this climb was for you .....

    Tomorrow morning all going well my challenge will have been accomplished and I'm hoping it will have inspired you to set your goals and then reach out to grab them....

    It's been a privilege to share this journey with you , thankyou for being beside me ....

    Tomorrow I intend to leave from the Mount surf club at 8.10-8.15 am and I'd be delighted if you could join me 😊

    Climb number 37 is now consigned to history.

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave

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  • Day 42

      22 March 2018
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    3.15 am and I'm looking at an email from givealittle, a donation has been made by a Dr Diane who's seen me in this challenge. Made my day , thankyou Dr Diane !

    Thankyou Nigel and Marg McConnochie and thankyou to the guest donaters!

    Later in the morning the tech help from givealittle emailed , I can again post updates , wonderful !

    3.58 pm and the sun is shinning , I've a climb to do and bugger me there's that Mumbai grin thing going on again ...

    I stop and relax at the teasers , take pictures and have a chat with a young lass who's just completed the Tongariro crossing - wow!

    The days smiling ....

    I stand upon the top and look out at life , pull it close in embrace and I whisper oh so quietly ..

    keep up ......

    if you can...

    The body feels great on the descent and the knees have settled down ...

    36 ...2 more ! and I'm feeling like I can chew powerpoles and spit out matchsticks , I haven't felt that for too long .

    Climb 36 is now consigned to history .

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

    keep up......

    if you can.....

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  • Day 41

      22 March 2018
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    Déjà Vu.....almost .

    Same kinda sunny day as yesterday so today's climb was just as enjoyable and isn't that a funny term to use ? Enjoyable and climbing the Mount in the same breath seems so wrong but that's how I feel ...I'm absolutely enjoying the climb now and yes it still hurts , more so today as I achieved another personal best time.

    I think in part it's because the countdown really is on ..3 to go and I want to savour every climb and every emotion as I strive towards that end goal. I'm torn by conflicting emotions as I see the finnish so tantilizeing in front , such is the impact this challenge has had on me ....

    How was the climb ?

    Loved it!

    So now it's number 35 that finds itself consigned to history ...bring on tomorrow!

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave

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  • Day 40.

      22 March 2018
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    4.03 pm and I'm standing at the Mount surf club looking out at the beach and the blue South Pacific beyound. I'm looking with eyes wide open as a sence of wonderment has enveloped me and in that moment I'm in total awe . The day had a gleam about it , a gleam of summer that only Autumn can sprinkle at will upon a willing world ....people were smiling and laughing as they to were cocooned within moments of joy. I smiled also and continued to smile all the way up today and everyone smiled back .

    Some folks were hurting some were puffing and some were bent over in grip of the stitch or muscle pain or a hundred other ways of discomfort we bring upon ourselves....and everyone had found their happy place regardless of what this moment had brought....because they know that the top is as close as the next step , staircase or dream and we all share those as we strive upwards .

    Another special climb in which I met two people I know , much respect to both!

    I've known for awhile now but today I accepted it , this is the final push . There will be no stopping now until I'm standing there in my white challenge singlet holding up the majjjic number....I look forward to that moment .

    Number 34 now becomes consigned to history.

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place!

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 39

      22 March 2018
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    5.45 pm and I'm now starting in the shadow of the Mount , it's Autumn [sigh....] I set off with some bluesy harmonica laying great sounds though my earphones as I walk past the surf club ....

    Don't ask me why but as I'm walking past the motorcamp on the boardwalk and heading towards the tracks, I relise I'm grinning , not just a wee grin either this ones the real deal , flashing that Mumbi smile ....

    That was a great moment and with the music driving me the pace is fast ....springing up the stone staircase I find myself blowing hard at the top , I'll give ya five bucks for a shot of oxygen I think to myself as I steel myself upwards .....

    The teasers pass underfoot then it's the heatbreakers and at some point I look out from my Autumn climb to see summer still gracing the beach's below , glisting white sand and blue surf separated by lines of the swells tossed into whitecaps ....

    The bastards ....and I'm running up the last few stairs and then every stair after until the switchback where the boilers empty and I'm forced to walk ....and finally the summit . Another personal best but it's hurting as I swear quietly to myself ...well I hope it was quiet 😊.

    The descent is easy now I've reigned myself in , to run down now will only hurt and there's 5 more climbs to complete ....

    5 climbs and 10 days left , sounds easy but I don't take it as a given . Each climb now must be respected as I pace this body to the end result .....

    5 climbs left .....

    Climb 33 is now consigned to history.

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • The switchback...

      19 March 2018
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    Your almost at the top....

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  • Reflections...

      18 March 2018
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    I've been asked and to be fair I've pondered why I'm doing this challenge . Not one reason but many is my answer ....

    I want to leave a legacy my children and grandchildren can look at and be both inspired by and proud of . By example I hope that they see solutions and not problems . That my love for them transcends words by my actions.

    I want to inspire you to be a better person tomorrow than you are today, to never say never and giving up is not an option .

    I want to help put something back into the community that I share ...with you.

    I want to help Waipuna Hospice who helped Gaylene at her end of time ...they did so with such grace that it allowed Gaylene to retain her dignity . That was so important to both her and us as we stood with her in those final days. Days Gaylene spent at the hospice ,never was she alone as her life ebbed from her. With myself and family constantly at her side all possable by the facility provided by Waipuna Hospice.

    Later as a biker i learnt something new , it dosent matter how hard or how fast you ride, you carnt outride your tears......

    That was a dark time in our lives but Waipuna Hospice allowed a little light to shine though, enough that as a family myself my daughter's, son in law and grandchildren would heal and grow into good, honest and productive members of our Society ..

    I attribute that to the support we received in that time....

    Lastly I feel a great debt to Waipuna Hospice because of the reasons above ...such that I'm willing to put and have , my body on the line if it means I can ease the suffering of someone in need. We are getting close to the end now with 6 more climbs to complete the challenge ....still not a given but I'll crawl up if it means I can help someone ....if you are thinking of donating please do, I'm asking you to help me as it will mean so much to so many .

    Regards Dave Mitchell

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  • Day 38

      18 March 2018
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    Today's climb started out like trying to herd cats as we set about trying to find parks . The Mount was hopping with that happy happy vibe palatable to all who sought.

    My guests today were none other than some of the most important people in my life , family . It's was a real pleasure to share this climb with daughter Teri Heathcote and son in law Carl Heathcote as well as grandchildren Kagan and Shivannah. You chose your friends and not family they say . I would choose these guys every time.

    On the climb up I had some wonderful moments like running with my grandson after the bastards , something I treasure.

    Glorious clear day today , the view on days like this are extraordinary so we lingered on the summit for a bit ...the descent via the 4WD track was fun and it was great to share these views with family ....

    32 is done and dusted, consigned to history....

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 37

      17 March 2018
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    The bastards in all their glory , if you look up while ascending these then your heart falls out of your shoe as you see stairs stretching into ever......I don't look up.

    Today I'm useing up another spare day in a calculated move looking towards the end goal , 38 climbs . I'm currently sitting on 31 and everything's a little tougher than it needs to be , a day off at this point I feel will help immensely as I push towards the end .

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 36.

      16 March 2018
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    I won't go into detail but ol Murphy did play his hand today and I could well be writing this from hospital. I'm not and thankfully today's climb was a beauty ! 4.10 pm I set off from the surf club , it's warm and with sun still denying Autumns grip it wasn't long before droplets of sweat hit the track underfoot .

    At the stone staircase I notice I'm almost springing up much like a goat ...old goat anyway 😊. It's amazing how the body is/has adapted to the demands this climb places on it . 25 mins later and I'm taking a picture of a young couple from Germany for them ....a wee chat with them as I point out interesting landmarks ETC and it's time to descend ....

    I've some very special guests joining me on Sunday , I'm very excited !

    Today's done ...the challenge remains .

    Climb no-31 is now consigned to history.

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 35....

      15 March 2018
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    5.15 pm ---ish and I'm looking up and winking at Ol Murphy , sometimes ya just have to know .

    I was feeling strong , that runaway freight train was coursing though my veins and David Gilmour was laying some fine music upon my soul . Hit the stairs and had to restrain myself as first the heatbreakers and then the bastards fell away behind me . It was then I could contain myself no longer as I started jogging up the rest of the sets of stairs ....by now my hair was drenched with the effort and the summit came way to soon .

    The descent was one in which I did show restraint as a nod to the knee braces .....good time , great climb and judging by the smiles that greeted me I wasn't the only one enthralled by the moment/s.

    So now I have 8 more climbs and 14 days to do them in ....if this was cricket and those were runs needed v balls left then your money would have to go on the batting team but this isn't cricket and Ol Murphy may still have a part to play ..

    Climb number 30 is now consigned to history!

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 34 .

      14 March 2018
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    I would love to be telling you what a fantastic climb I had tonight ....how I smashed personal best times and the body was feeling great . I would love to ....the reality is I fell asleep in my armchair while watching the

    6 O, Clock news , exhursted.

    This getting old ain't fer sissys !

    The toll this challange demands on both mind and body is relentless as it plays constantly on my mind . I felt the niggles I've picked up in the last few climbs early today and after 7 climbs in 6 days my body was protesting . With 9 climbs still to do I needed to listen so as nice as it would have been to have held up number 30 today that simply was never going to happen.

    So tonight is about rest , relax and recover ...

    Tomorrow becon's and I've days in hand so now the challange becomes how I use my head .. .

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 33.

      13 March 2018
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    Relief that's what I felt I got into the climb , all day my left knee had been troubling me ....to the point I wondered if it would halt my progress. As I climbed I had no pain at all so the knee brace is working . 5.15 pm start today and the tracks busy , geeze there's some fit people about . It's amazing to watch people running up the Mount .

    At the top I met a lady I'd talked to on one of my first climbs and she's done a simular amount of climbs so tracking well . Tomorrow I hope to get number 30 under my belt , I will have done 8 climbs in 7 days if that happens and 38 will be soooo much closer .

    So that's number 29 now consigned to history .

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 32.

      12 March 2018
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    Today was wet as we felt the effects of

    ex-cyclone Hola . As I rode towards the Mount the outline of Mount Maunganui was a clear silhouette contasted by the grey rain leaden sky . I didn't stay dry for long and though chilled by the ride it didn't take long to warm up.

    The track was a maze of streams as the water cascaded down hither de tither only stopping to deny gravity by forming puddles to slosh though .....of course nature would win eventual....until the next step became a puddle and so on 588 times..........

    The climb itself was head down and grind out another number until.....

    At the top once the picture was taken the rain played havoc with the touch screen , programs were opening all over the place all except spotify . I swore lusterly and stowed the earphones away ...what a treat that turned out to be for as I walked down the pounding surf grew ever louder ....music indeed for the soul .

    Upon reaching the bottom i struck up a conversation with a woman and as it turned out this was her 38th climb !! How fantastic!! I heartily congratulated her on a wonderful achievement. I hope I can also get to experience that climb .

    With today's climb for me being number 28 I'm now 10 climbs away and I have 18 days to do them in .....

    Not a given I can assure you.. ..

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 31 .

      11 March 2018
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    8.00 am and with a cool breeze to greet me this Sunday morning I set off . My legs are quite fatigued and it took me back to not so many climbs ago when I struggled with sore legs ....I was thankful to get to the top of bastards as again the fatigue seems to abate then and I'm ok for the rest of the climb .

    A lot of people today and I took a photo for a family who's climb today finnished the group challenge for them , well done guys .

    The public awareness of this challenge is growing , that makes it great for any worthy cause being supported and that's really a pat on the back for you guys .

    Thankyou!

    Climb no-27 Is now consigned to history.

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Still day 30

      10 March 2018
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    and I said to myself , NO multiple climbs in one day as the risk of injurys is just to high to risk it .. the devil made me do it .

    1.00 ish might have been 1.30 pm and the sun was demanding as I set off for my second climb today . As the ounce of flesh was extracted I looked at the droplets hitting the path ....sweet blues was playing with my heart and my mind drifted back to the days I spent at Waipuna Hospice. Having seen first hand the miracle performed daily by the angels that work there I was and are humbled by the privilege afforded to me , to be a servant climbing the Mount in the hope any money raised can allow them to help others .

    It was a dark time made bearable for me and my family by Waipuna Hospice.....

    That said , this afternoon was glorious as Summer returned with vengeance to banish Autumn from the day ....spectacular and was being enjoyed by many .

    I resisted running down as 38 times is a number still in the distance and I plan to get there.....

    So there's number 26 now consigned to history today like 25 was earlier....and yes I can 😊.

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 30.

      10 March 2018
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    8.00 am and I turn on the sounds , the morning has a freshness about it as only early Autumn brings and as I climb so does the temperature......by the time I hit the Bush line the droplets of sweat are visible upon the track as the Mount extracts it's ounce of flesh from all .

    All are here as today is Saturday and the cafes are allready filling as we all try to hold on to that last vestige of summer....

    The track is busy today with some downhill runners a little careless or inconsiderate as they impatiently demanded right of way by force .....

    I run down effortlessly and bide my time with a smile as I await to pass folk when I can . I smile because I see the numbers of folk useing the track as a reason to rejoice , the Mount business community will thrive and with winter now bearing down on us then days like today serve to keep the chill from the door for them . All helping to keep the vibrancy we love alive at the Mount ....

    So I smile ....

    Climb no-25 Is now consigned to history, it was a good one .

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place

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  • Day 29.

      9 March 2018
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    What a difference a day makes ! Gone is whatever ailed me and in its place is a strength I haven't felt for some time ....

    630pm ish and I'm heading up the Mount like a runaway freight train , not even the dreaded bastards could halt my progress .

    Stopped at the top and after photos engaged in a wonderful conversation with a young couple from Hong Kong ....one of the unexpected delights in doing this challenge is the people I'm meeting .

    The trip down was pure majjjic.....the big rig rolled into top gear and started running on top . All sorts of questions were answered as I effortlessly transcended the path and at times felt like i was floating such was the delight i felt . Running has always been a joy but being of bigger build it's always come at great cost in terms of injurys. To allow myself the freedom to run unhinded by worry was liberating and now i know ....

    yes i can .....

    Climb no 24 was a watershed moment ...and now consigned to history.

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 28.

      8 March 2018
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    Your standing there looking at the main Mount beach sucking in big lungs ....air .

    That rock staircase is brutal and straght iaway puts you into oxygen deficit but the real issue is how your head has become woozy , the real reason your not at work and you probably should still be in bed ....your not looking at that beach .....no , your looking at your challange and you know in your heart if you give up now and walk back down then the challange is over. So I'm looking hard and just know I have to go on hoping i dont collapse under that brutal sun squeezing out that once of flesh ...droplets splatter the track underfoot , it's times like this we look for inspiration . I thought of the innings Ross Taylor played last night ....w0w.

    I used to think sportsmen were hero,s ...that was until I met a real hero . I was married to her in fact and just recently I've met another, a young lad in America battling the same incurable brain tumor . Also fighting and winning battles with dignity but in the end the war is already lost. Young Luke's time grows short but long after he is called home his memory will live within us ....so looking at but not that beach I saw the hope that Luke graces us with and I picked him up and carried him in my heart to the top of that mountain .

    Coulda given up , had all valid reasons .....

    Thankyou Luke my little mate

    ....no-23 Is now consigned to history.

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 27.

      7 March 2018
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    No climb today as I've succumbed to illness , I seem to be stuck on 22 . Soooo now it gets interesting as I've used 5 of 12 available spare days and there's no guarantee I'll be able to climb tomorrow .

    Watch this space as this could turn into a tight finnish .

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 26 .

      6 March 2018
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    Another rest day , not what I wanted but forced upon me though a dental procedure . Probably not a bad thing at this stage as it will serve to refresh the muscles and allow a couple of niggles to settle.

    Hopeful I'm up for a climb tomorrow to keep those numbers ticking over .

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 25...

      5 March 2018
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    As they say , time flys when your having fun !

    We're now halfway though the allowed number of days to complete the challange (38 times in 50 days) . I'm very happy in how I'm tracking and view this endeavour for the end game ...to complete it . I have no desire to smash out a crazy amount of climbs in a short time as being over 50 I'm going to hurt myself and fail .....that said ....this getting old ain't fer sissys ...

    It's not getting any easier going up though I am getting quicker .

    Today summer returned and with temps of 30 degs C I chose to climb in the evening ...a lot of other people did to .

    Just for shits and giggles I decided to come down via the 4WD drive track then take the path that runs around the Nor West face so I could hold onto that sun for just a wee bit longer....the Cruise ship Queen Mary 2 was already out by the 5 mile or there abouts and the pilot boat was on its way back in ....

    Funny ol climb tonight but that feeling of accomplishment upon reaching the summit never diminishes.....

    Climb 22 now consigned to history....

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 24.

      4 March 2018
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    Awoke this morning early...to early , though I tossed and turned and tried to force myself back to sleep I was fooling no-one. The scent was in the air and as much as I tried to ignore it ...it simply got stronger and I knew as my feet hit the floor that adventure lay heavy upon the air this morning .....

    5.30am ish and it's a fools m00n I'm chasing up a mountain in the dark in the hope of catching a tale....

    As i climbed towards the bastards a quiet smile enveloped me, I realized I had the mountain almost to myself and like a child my eyes were wide open in amazement ...I was loving it .

    A climb I'll relish long ....

    No-21 now consigned to history.

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 23

      4 March 2018
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    Before I start I just want to say I appreciate your support as I attempt this challange . At

    Autumn has it's clasp upon us this morning as I set off. 9.00am ish and a blustery wind greeted me ,a brooding sky above . Ol Murphy was about as I was feeling just a touch off colour . Any thoughts of running some of the climb were quickly scuttled by the top of the stone staircase and I was doubting if I would even make it to the top . One foot after the other quickly took on a whole new meaning as I trudged onwards . The battle raged within as then my legs started to protest ....this went on until I reached the bastards also I s,spect called heatbreakers ....stairs so steep that if your foolish enough to look up then you see forever.....stairs.

    Upon the top how weird but every time the world becomes right and running should I wish possable ...

    Being a Saturday the track was very busy .

    Coming down with the sunglasses stowed away the sun made a cameo appearance laying a scent of summer upon us ...

    Now really into the guts of this challange and I'm being continually tested .. wouldn't like it any other way.

    Climb No- 20 is now consigned to history.

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place..

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 22

      2 March 2018
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    As I looked into the restless sea thrashing itself upon a windswept beach it was with a heavy heart that I knew today's climb would be special . March 2nd would have been my late wifes 51st birthday , it's also now the day I ride with Hugo for the last time before I lay him to rest this afternoon .

    With this in mind I did everything wrong upon waking ,Didn't eat and ran this body into those dark places looking for solice ...and as I walked up the Mount immersed within my memories it's was obvious that solice was with me all the time ...it was in the happy times spent with the people I cared for and the people I care for now .

    Climb no-19= halfway , rattle those purses folks because I'm feeling strong and getting stronger 😊.

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 21

      1 March 2018

    Rest and recovery today after 7 days and 7 climbs ... I would have liked to have stopped at 19 (halfway ) but prudiance won that battle .

    Tomorrow will hopefully see that milestone achieved and I'm excited to be soooo close to logging climbs numbering 20 and beyound . Seemed a lifetime away 3 weeks ago.

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 20.

      28 February 2018
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    I really had to push myself to the starting line today , I had a hundred different reasons to take the night off and each one was plausible enough to have me convinced I should . Only problem is when you give in to the voice in your head saying it's ok to take the easy road is you get to live with those regrets, shoulda , coulda and bugger...

    So I stood at that starting line and looked into a moody sea , the onshore breeze was heavy with the scent of salt and something more....autumns breath .

    As i looked into that sea flinging itself upon the shore with careless abandon I had no great hopes for the climb ahead , had it become another chore ?

    I couldn't of being more wrong because as my breathe settled into its heavy gait the smile began to purse my lips and I knew then ...I was and am relishing this challange .

    Number 18 now becomes consigned to history.

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 19

      27 February 2018
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    The climb today just felt a little subdued, maybe it was the grey sky's, the threat of showers or that at 3.30 pm the number of people on the track was a lot less . The end result is I was left with a feeling of Autumn closing in on the Mount and I'm not ready to give up that wonderful vibe that is like the pulse of summer ....

    With sounds turned up I set off for the summit and .music loud and head down I surprised myself at the pace I had no trouble maintaining and once past those dreaded stairs that break sooooo many hearts I started jogging up ....obligatory photo at the top before running back down ....

    In all this my mind turns towards this challange at what it means to me and I'm delighted that I'm able to bring a little ray of joy into some people's lives by such a simple act as reaching out and saying hey , this one's for you . If there's someone you think would like me to climb for them then please leave a name in the comments .

    Climb number 17 is now consigned to history.

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 18

      26 February 2018
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    Luke is a young American lad battling a brain tumor so tonight's climb was for Luke , if your the praying kind I know Luke and his family would be grateful for any prayers sent their way .

    Tonight's climb was a good one , calves a little tight and sore but once past the set of stairs we all have our name for and most not fit to publish 😁 they eased up and I was able to up the pace.

    I'm starting to meet some really nice people also doing this challange .

    A little cooler tonight and starting at 5.00 pm I'm thinking I'm not ready to give up summer yet . Hopefully we get a bit more before Autumn makes her presence felt .

    Climb number 16 is now consigned to history.

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 17

      25 February 2018
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    Absolutely gorgeous sunrise this morning with views that sucked the breath right out of me , whenever nature preens I'm always humbled by my little place and role in this universe....that said , today's climb was a tough one with my legs protesting at each step . I stopped to stretch and that felt better ....coming down a d my legs felt great! I resisted running down to try and preserve the legs for the next few days . Now starting to rack up the numbers and I know I'm savoring each climb as I'm now getting towards halfway . 38 is now 23 and that's a great feeling as we climb towards this goal .

    So that's climb no-15 consigned to history.

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 17

      25 February 2018
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    Absolutely gorgeous sunrise this morning with views that sucked the breath right out of me , whenever nature preens I'm always humbled by my little place and role in this universe....that said , today's climb was a tough one with my legs protesting at each step . I stopped to stretch and that felt better ....coming down a d my legs felt great! I resisted running down to try and preserve the legs for the next few days . Now starting to rack up the numbers and I know I'm savoring each climb as I'm now getting towards halfway . 38 is now 23 and that's a great feeling as we climb towards this goal .

    So that's climb no-15 consigned to history.

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 16

      24 February 2018
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    Today I was delighted to have the owner of my favourite seafood restaurant Fish Face join me http://fish-face.co.nz/ . Fee Brando is a marvelous hostess marking your dinning experiance one to remember fondly by her graceful and warm manner . Today we started at about 9.45am and climbed into a beautiful summers day here in the bay . The track was very busy but secretly I was thankful as it allowed me to catch my breath at times 😊. Another view into ever with the horizon way over there ----->.

    I'm now running down consistently and it feels good to get the big rig rumbling down that mountain .....

    A fantastic climb thanks to my guest today , thankyou Fee for shareing your time and your support as I undertake this challenge.

    Climb no-14 is now consigned to history.

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 15

      23 February 2018
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    This one was for Hugo , we lost him last night and I found out today . Hugo was the founder , owner and a skipper of one of our local charter fishing company's Blue Ocean Charters . Blue Ocean Charters until recently ran 3 boats and are a local icon providing joyful memorys for many though the years . I was fortunate enough to spend many many hours at sea with Hugh as we fished the deep waters of Mayor Island and surrounds. A man whose zest for life was obvious to all by the gleam is his eyes.

    A great Kauri fell and the forest lays stunned , echoes only now pass though the land and his legand is now born .

    RIP my friend , our adventures together are no more until we meet again .

    Regards Dave.

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  • Day 14.

      22 February 2018
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    Stairs ....Today was all about stairs and how many we climb each time we reach the summit, 588 infact . 588 × 38 ? I'll let you do the math because to me I'm starting to really enjoy the stairs , my legs hurt and I've yet to be able to run up them but each stair brings immense rewards as I work towards that goal .

    I'm now right into the heart of this challange and like a batsman building an innings dureing a game of cricket so must I focus , not balls but climbs and give each one it's due respect as I build up the numbers .

    3.30ish start today and while warm the heat wasn't as intense as past climbs and I feel strong ....to even consider running some part of the climb up . I didn't but it's now only a number away .

    No-12 is now consigned to history.

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards

    Dave.

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  • Day 13

      21 February 2018
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    Today was a recovery day for me as I had completed 6 days and 6 climbs in a row . What do you do on a recovery Day? Personally I took a leisurely stroll *around* the Mount and just enjoyed the special place it is , there a spiritual connection that's felt and when ever I see the Mount a warmth envelops my heart and I know I'm home.

    Summer had returned and it was a treat to embrace the richness that prevails as the world sparkles , almost as if mother nature let's us see that gleam within her eyes....smiles abounded as we all shared her .majesty.

    Tomorrow sees the start of a 7 day run God willing and I've a very special guest to join me on Saturday , I'm hoping I can keep up as she's a regular climber and also a very charming and nice person .

    Thankyou for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards

    Dave.

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  • Day 12

      20 February 2018
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    Climbed into the storm tonight and loved it , I was going to play the doors but decided nature was the best option and I wasn't disappointed.

    Climbing up to the first gate was into a stiff Nor Wester but once the track ambled into the brush and trees the wind became a second part player as the movement of the foliage took center stage .

    Again my legs hurt going up and as tonight was the 6th day in a row I guess it's expected to be a little fatigued. Once I reached the summit a rain squal joined me but a little surprising I found was the lack of wind .....I didn't venture to the 4WD track to find it 😊. I ran back down and the track had streams running with me , the stairs had become puddles and I threw caution to the wind and let the big rig rumble into 3rd. One of the more eventful climbs that will be remembered fondly for a long time .

    No-11 is now consigned to history

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards

    Dave.

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  • Day 11

      19 February 2018
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    Today's climb was a rough one , I had to battle cramp in both calves and when wondering why I realised I hadn't drunk any water. This was a bad oversight on my part and battling though adversity I swore one I would not repeat . The climb itself started out quite temperate until I reached the Bush line and then it became very humid. A lot of people on the track today at 3.30pm but with the Beach Boys playing in my ears and head down I grimly stuck to task of one foot after the other...

    Climb number 10 is now consigned to history . Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards

    Dave.

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  • Day 10.

      18 February 2018
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    This morning's climb was a rather special one as instead of having a guest climb with me the role was reversed, I was very privileged to be the guest . These guys have been friends for many years and on a Sunday morning they get together and climb the Mount , to me that's just so inspirational. Instead of going straight up the stairs as I normally do we took the track to the right that goes across the North face and joins the 4WD track . I find this way tough so I was working hard ....as always the reward is at the top in both view and sence of accomplishment. 7.30am ish start and it was still very humid .

    Number 9 now becomes consigned to history.

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards

    Dave.

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  • Day 9

      17 February 2018
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    11.30am and already the heat is intense , breathe now heavy as I laboured upwards towards a summit that seemed to be harder to reach ....tried running up the stairs but my legs wouldn't co-operate. Today's sounds is David Gilmour and rattle that lock . Coming down running and there is a lot of people on the track today and some of them from the cruise boats in port , fantastic that we get to share our wee special place in the world . Climb number 8 is now consigned to history .

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards

    Dave.

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  • Day 8

      16 February 2018
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    5.15 pm start and helped up courtesy of listening to Roy Buchanan...exalent ! 7th time up and im getting quicker , still hard yakker though .Im hopeing to do number 10 by the end of the weekend but we'll see how it goes

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards

    Dave.

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  • Day 7

      15 February 2018
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    3.30 pm and there's just one word , brutal ! The sun beamed upon us with ruthless intent ....the trail was littered in sweat and the view from the top was a look into ever such was the clarity . Climb no-6 is now resigned to history and to date the most challenging and rewarding ...let's do it again ! As allways together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards

    Dave.

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  • Day 6

      14 February 2018

    Today is a rest day as a prior dinner arrangement simply left me with no time . Not such a bad thing after climbing the Mount the last 5 days in a row and has given me the opportunity to ponder the challange and in fact challanges! What I mean is it's becoming apparent there are challanges within the challange. First was the physical challange of climbing the Mount and I certainly have no wish to appear confident , a mild tendon twinge yesterday keeps my feet firmly on the ground but ....there's that number . 38 is a lot in anyone's language, factor in time commitments, parking and traffic and the reality is it's not easy . Then there's the can I? Can I run up ? Faster ? and can I run around as well as up ? All questions that only time will now tell and I'm betting if not all most people attempting this change all have their own personal challanges and more questions than answers ....I salute them all !

    As always together, let's make our community a better place .

    Regards

    Dave

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  • Day 5

      13 February 2018
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    Today's climb was very similar to yesterday's in being very humid and steamy once you hit the Bush line . Views were the same as from an airplane flying though cloud 😊. No-5 done and dusted ! Today's sound track via spotify was the Bee Gees , seemed a good fit for today . Still seeing a lot of people on the track , all ages and shapes and sizes . A big good on ya mate to all 👍.

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards

    Dave.

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  • Day 4

      12 February 2018
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    4th time up today and it was a very humid climb , red faced I continued forth and believe I'm starting to get the hang of this (knock on wood ). In saying that 38 is now more than a number as reality starts to kick ....38 seems a lifetime away . I'm still happy with how I'm tracking and have just started to get the big rig into second gear coming down the mountain . Being ever fearful of injury I'm not prepared to give myself the luxury of running without holding back but that's only a matter of time if I can remain injury free.

    I've a few guests to invite yet , really looking forward to chatting with them . Feel free to pop your hand up if you would like to join me....

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards

    Dave.

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  • Day 3

      11 February 2018
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    Today was a trifecta of threes, 3rd day , 3rd climb and three years ago today my late wife passed away in the care of Waipuna hospice . Today's climb was tough as the legs are a bit fatigued, I decided not to run down to preserve them for tomorrow's climb . I had hoped to complete two climbs yesterday and today but that as it turns out is unrealistic. You can see by the pictures the rain continues so the hot water cupboard is very handy to dry the shoes ETC....all up I'm happy with how I'm tracking regards the physical challange and grateful to be injury free at this point .

    Thanks for reading and together let's make our community a better place.

    Regards

    Dave

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  • Day 2

      10 February 2018
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    10/2/2018

    Today I was privileged to have Ken Tanner as my guest climber . Ken is a business owner and has over 200 staff employed myself included and at 73 he had this 55 yr old working hard to keep up with him . Another damp climb but thoughly enjoyable . Allways surprised at how popular the tracks on and up the Mount are which I think is wonderful for the area and community . Today's climb makes it twice up thus far with 36 more to go . If your not already on board with donating to this extremely worthy cause then please do and together let's make our community a better place.

    Thanks for reading 😊

    Regards

    Dave.

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  • Day 1

      9 February 2018
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    Finally day 1 has arrived and like a lot of people I'm guessing ,I was dead kean to get this one under the belt . A bit of a damp start but I quite enjoyed that as I didn't have to battle the heat . From time to time I will have guest climbers join me starting tomorrow and I'm in for a real treat . This person is someone I have a huge amount of respect for so I was delighted when they said yes to my invitation. It could be you next 😊.

    Thanks for reading and please share and together let's make our community a better place .

    Regards

    Dave

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  • Training

      6 February 2018
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    Today was my last training session for the challange ahead , I climbed the Mount in the midday heat and it was tough ....brutal infact which only reinforces the challange that lays ahead . 3 days from now and it begins , I'll be posting pictures and daily updates from then . Please share this page around so together we can make a difference in our community. Thanks for reading and being a part of this very worthwhile cause ....

    Regards

    Dave.

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