Wednesday, September 27, 2006
My joy has been shortlived...
Still having internet problems here at home so I haven't been able to update my blog with my amazing walking in Wales stories and photos! But I'll bring my work PC home this weekend regardless so by Sunday at the latest I'll have something updated here!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
I love my boots!!
I thought of that heading for my intro blog about my weekend walking in Wales as I was negotiating the descent of Snowdon, picking my way down a steep slope over slippery scree and loose slate (in between avoiding the odd rock fall set off by a climber somewhere above us as well). My boots got me safely across Crib Goch, over the Traverse, round the Pinnacles, down Snowdon, back up two more peaks and finally back down to the car park. I love my boots! But read on – in date order so start further down…
And although I've included some photos in these entries there are lots more on Flikr - nicely sorted into sets! So do check them out as well!!
And although I've included some photos in these entries there are lots more on Flikr - nicely sorted into sets! So do check them out as well!!
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Lledr Valley
Woke up on Sunday to thunderstorms in the early morning and lots of rain. But by the time we’d had brekkie and did a bit more shopping in the outdoor shops it had stopped raining.
So we went off for an easier 8 mile walk (as opposed to a 7 mile climb!) which was just lovely. Missed one turning so we ended up doing a slightly shorter walk, but it was great. Wonderful views over towards Snowdon and then finishing through the most amazing forest. It was really damp (Wales being known for its wet weather...) and everything was covered with this incredible green moss. And again we were by ourselves and it was just beautiful. A fab walk to finish the weekend on.
So we went off for an easier 8 mile walk (as opposed to a 7 mile climb!) which was just lovely. Missed one turning so we ended up doing a slightly shorter walk, but it was great. Wonderful views over towards Snowdon and then finishing through the most amazing forest. It was really damp (Wales being known for its wet weather...) and everything was covered with this incredible green moss. And again we were by ourselves and it was just beautiful. A fab walk to finish the weekend on.
Lledr Valley - Snowdon view and walkers
Lledr Valley - Snowdon view and walkers
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
Craig and Julia in the distance, with the Snowdon Horseshoe visible even further in the distance!
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Safe & Sound with beer
SH-Safe & Sound with beer 2
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
Here we are back in the hotel with our pints of beer. Very tired but happy to be de-briefing!
The Snowdon Horseshoe
Where to start with this one? Even now I can’t quite believe that we did this – I think my mind has blocked it out somewhat! The guidebook described it thus – “A difficult but rewarding walk involving some scrambling. A head for heights is absolutely essential, particularly on the ascent of Crib Goch and the traverse of the Pinnacles. A slip on these sections could be fatal”. Another description from the internet says "The Snowdon Horseshoe is one of, if not the best ridge walk in Wales. Although there is not so much height gain as in some of the routes described, the terrain is highly interesting. The route should not be attempted by anyone with a fear of heights, since includes the knife-edge of Crib Goch, and for the same reason it should be avoided in high winds, and also in winter unless you are properly equipped and experienced. There is also a walk down a steep scree slope on the South East side of Snowdon." (From this site).
Although I had read that before we left, I didn’t really research the route much, and if I had there is no way I would have got up there. And while it was amazing, and we are all thrilled we did it, it was definitely a once-er. Never again!!
The track started off at Pen-y-Pass and pretty much leapt straight into going uphill. It was pretty busy as we were on the Pig Track, which is one of the other (easier and safer!) routes up Snowdon. Eventually after much huffing and puffing we got to the part where the track split and we had to make a decision. I looked up at Crib Goch and made it very clear to Julia and Craig that I wasn’t happy about it – it looked too much for me. However we made the decision to keep going until we got closer so we could make a more informed decision. Quite why it didn’t really occur to me that we might not be able to come back down again is one of life’s mysteries…
And then it was pretty much full on climbing. I can only direct you to look at the photos – it is so hard to describe. It was a tough climb up to Crib Goch – but there were kids doing it, people with dogs… but at that point I still wasn’t too unhappy. I stupidly thought when we got to the top of Crib Goch that that was the worst of it over. Oh no! There was still the Traverse to the Pinnacles to come. And that was what I really hated.
while we were crossing the Traverse I remember at one point asking Craig how long this section was and he said about 20-30 minutes, then asked me if I was ok. VERY TERSELY I replied that I was ok, but that I wasn’t enjoying it. Guidebook: “Ahead the ridge is knife-edged, and best negotiated on its left side away from the near-vertical drop into Cwm Uchaf’. I didn’t look up or down, but concentrated solely on where my next hand and foot was going – occasionally a very unpleasant thought would cross my mind about falling but I would immediately banish it and carry on. I was walking like a crab – bent frontwards over the ridge. Then that bit was over, and I thought that was the worst of it – but no! Then we had to get round (some went over but not us) the Pinnacles – even worse than the Traverse I thought – it seemed more difficult and I had dared to hope it was over… The climbing around the Pinnacles was even trickier than the Traverse, and it seemed a lot scarier - the drops were more 'straight down' than the Traverse had been. But even so there were mountain goat people who went over the top of them...
Having got past those bits we stopped for lunch on the summit of Crib-y-ddisgl and while we were there we saw a rescue helicopter flying around the Traverse. We decided it must be on a training exercise but found out when we got back to London that a guy had fallen about 500-600 feet from the Traverse (where we had just been) but had survived. Admittedly with critical injuries but he was ok. You cannot believe how relieved I was I didn’t know that at the time. As at 25th September he was stable.
Then it was on up to the summit of Snowdon which was a bit of a let down to be honest. It was so busy it was like being on Oxford Street so we didn’t linger long. Then it was down the other side (amidst much cursing from me, as yet again I had thought the worst was over, but no this was really difficult as well due to the loose scree) and on with the walk. We headed down over Bwlch y Saethau, the Pass of Arrows where legend has it King Arthur fought his final battle.
About this time I looked ahead and saw the two peaks in the distance and realized that my climbing was not yet done. My language was less than polite at this point! My legs were soooo tired and the thought of having to do more climbing was just soul destroying. But the thought was worse than the reality and getting up the twin peaks of Y Lliwedd wasn’t too difficult. Tiring, but not anything like Crib Goch. And on the highest peak we sat down for a while which was just fantastic and made the whole walk worthwhile. We were the only ones up there and we had the most amazing view around the horseshoe we had just walked, looking over to Crib Goch. Just brilliant.
Then it was just a painful descent down (legs were aching and sore by then) to get back to the car park, back to the hotel for a well earnt pint of beer and a bath!!
7 miles in 7 hours – it was a hell of a day!!
(As well as my photos on Flickr check out these ones as well - they are pretty amazing and bring it back to me a lot more!)
Although I had read that before we left, I didn’t really research the route much, and if I had there is no way I would have got up there. And while it was amazing, and we are all thrilled we did it, it was definitely a once-er. Never again!!
The track started off at Pen-y-Pass and pretty much leapt straight into going uphill. It was pretty busy as we were on the Pig Track, which is one of the other (easier and safer!) routes up Snowdon. Eventually after much huffing and puffing we got to the part where the track split and we had to make a decision. I looked up at Crib Goch and made it very clear to Julia and Craig that I wasn’t happy about it – it looked too much for me. However we made the decision to keep going until we got closer so we could make a more informed decision. Quite why it didn’t really occur to me that we might not be able to come back down again is one of life’s mysteries…
And then it was pretty much full on climbing. I can only direct you to look at the photos – it is so hard to describe. It was a tough climb up to Crib Goch – but there were kids doing it, people with dogs… but at that point I still wasn’t too unhappy. I stupidly thought when we got to the top of Crib Goch that that was the worst of it over. Oh no! There was still the Traverse to the Pinnacles to come. And that was what I really hated.
while we were crossing the Traverse I remember at one point asking Craig how long this section was and he said about 20-30 minutes, then asked me if I was ok. VERY TERSELY I replied that I was ok, but that I wasn’t enjoying it. Guidebook: “Ahead the ridge is knife-edged, and best negotiated on its left side away from the near-vertical drop into Cwm Uchaf’. I didn’t look up or down, but concentrated solely on where my next hand and foot was going – occasionally a very unpleasant thought would cross my mind about falling but I would immediately banish it and carry on. I was walking like a crab – bent frontwards over the ridge. Then that bit was over, and I thought that was the worst of it – but no! Then we had to get round (some went over but not us) the Pinnacles – even worse than the Traverse I thought – it seemed more difficult and I had dared to hope it was over… The climbing around the Pinnacles was even trickier than the Traverse, and it seemed a lot scarier - the drops were more 'straight down' than the Traverse had been. But even so there were mountain goat people who went over the top of them...
Having got past those bits we stopped for lunch on the summit of Crib-y-ddisgl and while we were there we saw a rescue helicopter flying around the Traverse. We decided it must be on a training exercise but found out when we got back to London that a guy had fallen about 500-600 feet from the Traverse (where we had just been) but had survived. Admittedly with critical injuries but he was ok. You cannot believe how relieved I was I didn’t know that at the time. As at 25th September he was stable.
Then it was on up to the summit of Snowdon which was a bit of a let down to be honest. It was so busy it was like being on Oxford Street so we didn’t linger long. Then it was down the other side (amidst much cursing from me, as yet again I had thought the worst was over, but no this was really difficult as well due to the loose scree) and on with the walk. We headed down over Bwlch y Saethau, the Pass of Arrows where legend has it King Arthur fought his final battle.
About this time I looked ahead and saw the two peaks in the distance and realized that my climbing was not yet done. My language was less than polite at this point! My legs were soooo tired and the thought of having to do more climbing was just soul destroying. But the thought was worse than the reality and getting up the twin peaks of Y Lliwedd wasn’t too difficult. Tiring, but not anything like Crib Goch. And on the highest peak we sat down for a while which was just fantastic and made the whole walk worthwhile. We were the only ones up there and we had the most amazing view around the horseshoe we had just walked, looking over to Crib Goch. Just brilliant.
Then it was just a painful descent down (legs were aching and sore by then) to get back to the car park, back to the hotel for a well earnt pint of beer and a bath!!
7 miles in 7 hours – it was a hell of a day!!
(As well as my photos on Flickr check out these ones as well - they are pretty amazing and bring it back to me a lot more!)
Crib Goch - the traverse to the Pinnacles
SH-Crib Goch - traverse
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
Once we reached the summit of Crib Goch this was the next hurdle... This was the bit I did like a crab - the drop on the right was sheer (you can see it in some other photos) so we crabbed along the left hand side of the ridge. Snowdon's summit is in the background.
Craig & Julia climbing up to Crib Goch
SH-C&J - ascending
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
And no, this isn't taken at an odd angle - this really was the type of climbing we were doing. I had to take a photo to prove it, as no words can really describe it!
Last Known Photo...
SH-Last Known Photo...
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
Following on from our Mt Brandon climb in Dingle, we now take our 'last known photo' before setting off...
Friday, September 22, 2006
Cwm Idwal
This was our short walk for Friday afternoon – only 3 miles and meant to be flat, but we ended up detouring and climbing over the bottom part of the Devil’s Kitchen so it was a bit more energetic than we thought. Beautiful views tho, and we saw the first of the crazy climbers miles up a very scary looking cliff. Not my idea of a good time at all.
There is a great story about a how the Cwm got its name, involving evil stupid cousin killing handsome talented cousin, and the guidebook mentioned how locals say no birds ever fly across the lake, and on misty days you can hear a despairing groaning from it – but it was fine when we were there so no groans were heard! There are more photos of this walk on my Flikr account as well.
There is a great story about a how the Cwm got its name, involving evil stupid cousin killing handsome talented cousin, and the guidebook mentioned how locals say no birds ever fly across the lake, and on misty days you can hear a despairing groaning from it – but it was fine when we were there so no groans were heard! There are more photos of this walk on my Flikr account as well.
London to Betws-y-Coed
Crack of dawn start for us – Julia and I had to meet Craig at Waterloo at 6.30am which meant a 5.57 train for me… :-( Not our idea of a good time at all. But we got to Betws-y-coed just after 11am which made the early start worth it.
We spent the entire weekend pronouncing it Betsy Co-ed which of course isn’t how it is pronounced at all – but it was one of the easier ways to say it! We were staying at the Craig-y-Dderwen hotel which was beautifully situated on a river. Lovely views (as seen in the photos). Betws-y-Coed was a beautiful town as well – not a lot to it – loads of B&Bs, hotels and outdoor shops, but the setting was lovely. And we were all very happy – so many outdoor shops to go in!! So we just had to buy some more equipment… new walking backpacks for Julia and I (and boy were we pleased the next day!), new tops for me and Julia and camping gear for Craig.
We spent the entire weekend pronouncing it Betsy Co-ed which of course isn’t how it is pronounced at all – but it was one of the easier ways to say it! We were staying at the Craig-y-Dderwen hotel which was beautifully situated on a river. Lovely views (as seen in the photos). Betws-y-Coed was a beautiful town as well – not a lot to it – loads of B&Bs, hotels and outdoor shops, but the setting was lovely. And we were all very happy – so many outdoor shops to go in!! So we just had to buy some more equipment… new walking backpacks for Julia and I (and boy were we pleased the next day!), new tops for me and Julia and camping gear for Craig.
Hotel view
Hotel view
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
View from the patio at the hotel - the weather was nice enough that we were able to sit out and enjoy this a couple of time!
Monday, September 18, 2006
A red letter day for the LG girlies...
The same day that the internet was 'healed' Maya found out she had got a job at the White Horse pub, just off Carnaby St. Great area to work in! She will be able to be found pulling pints at the pub which looks like this and this.
So it was a very Carnaby St filled few days as Carnaby St had featured so heavily in the Sixties Fashion exhibition as well!
So it was a very Carnaby St filled few days as Carnaby St had featured so heavily in the Sixties Fashion exhibition as well!
Still here...
I haven't fallen off the other end of the planet.... but I now have broadband internet access at home after many weeks of a non-functioning laptop I feel like I have access to the world again! So in the last few weeks I have been to Leith Hill with Kevin - climbed the tower and was amazed to see that we could see Canary Wharf from the top! Been to see Adrift (ok - not great) and this weekend I'm off up to Snowdonia to go walking with Craig and Julia. Not 100% sure where exactly where are going yet, but will update this soon with more detail!
On Saturday Maya and I went to see the Sixties Fashion exhibition at the V&A which was really good. I really liked the paper dresses! Not terribly practical but rather cool I thought...
On Saturday Maya and I went to see the Sixties Fashion exhibition at the V&A which was really good. I really liked the paper dresses! Not terribly practical but rather cool I thought...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)