Fire and Ice Report

Well what can I say, this being my first trip with some members of the Fire and Ice mountaineering club, someone that shall remain nameless (Neil), thought it would be a good idea if I wrote a short précis of the trip.

SO HERE GOES NOTHING

We arranged to meet up in the Pinnacle café in Capel Curig, on the Friday morning where I was introduced to everyone by Adrian (Woolly). Friday morning, after an early start is not a good time to remember names, needless to say I persevered and by the end of the weekend I got everyone’s names right even the twins – I think………...

After breakfast we were introduced to our rather salubrious accommodation, which for £12 per night included, a SMALL breakfast, hot water in the shower, (nettles and spongy floor were at no extra cost), a T.V. and video (which even the twins couldn’t get to work) and a small convector heater for everyone’s comfort. – If you require further details on the accommodation or simply want to know where to avoid, I’m sure Adrian won’t mind chatting with you…………………..

From here five of us headed towards Tryfan, for the first days scrambling, we parked down the road from Ogwen cottages and headed up and around the rear of Tryfan, the snow was good as was the weather. Although cold, visibility was reasonable until we reached the Heather terrace, where the cloud was low at times and the wind fresh. It took us the rest of the day to traverse along the Heather terrace trying to establish its exact path in the snow did prove a little challenging at times. As we descended the face of Tryfan to get back to the cars, the going got a little tougher, loose rock and scree along with sheet ice and the night drawing in soon took their toll.

Neil and Martin decided that they would undertake a mixed route on Idwal slabs then onto Seniors ridge.

Friday night saw us, driving to Llanberis, for a slap up meal at Pete’s Eats, what can I say, I couldn’t even take up Graham on his offer of dessert, I was that full. However I did manage to force a pint and a couple of single malts down at the nearest hostelry when we got back to Capel Curig.

Saturday was more challenging; Neil, Martin and I decided that we would tackle Bristly Ridge which was described as a medium grade scramble/climb. After a brief prep’ session in the car park of our accommodation we packed the crampons, ice axes etc. and headed off.

The start of the walk was exactly the same as the previous day. We walked to the start of the ridge where we turned our back to Tryfan and headed up. Not a hugely technical climb but care and nerve were needed because of the icy conditions; Neil led the way with Martin taking tail end Charlie and the new kid in the middle. Well I certainly had a grin on my face, not sure if it was the result of pleasure or fear; however the sheet ice, vertical drops and glorious weather made for one hell of a climb.

We reached the top in one piece and no word can describe how beautiful it was, clear blue skies, snow and glorious sun, what more could a man ask for……………………….

Our route back to the car park which required all the available daylight hours, took in a traverse along the Glyders to Y garn, from where we took the East Ridge back down to the car at Ogwen cottages.

Adrian, Graham and the twins undertook a slightly less challenging, but no less rewarding trip up to Bryn Mawr and then took the east ridge route (I think it is) up to the summit of Pen yr Olwen from there they traversed around to take in Carnedd Dafydd and further along the Carneddau ridge taking in the views of Yr Elen and the Glyders before dropping back down into Bryn Mawr. A great crisp and snow fun filled day was had by all.

The day was rounded off with a visit to Betswy Coed, where numerous giant mixed grills were demolished along with sensible portions of the local brew and then a trip to listen to a local group making what could only be described as music at a local hotel.

Sunday saw me back with Adrian, Graham and the twins. We had decided to tackle some local crags. We headed out to Carreg Mianog in the Ogwen Valley, where we set up a climb, although the sun shone it was bitterly cold and windy. The twins full of bravado and ‘I’m better than you Dad’ soon met there match; I on the other hand decided that at least one ‘old fella’ had better show the twins how to do it. Adrian and Graham graciously belayed the three of us from above, whilst slowly freezing in the Baltic conditions.

Neil and Martin had decided that they too would climb and took themselves off to undertake a Grade 2 route on Crag Lloer (Carnedd Liyweilyn), which I trust was enjoyable.

The end of the climbing drew a quick end to a fantastic weekend, which I personally, thoroughly enjoyed. So much so that I have been planning at least the next 3 trips, not that I will be able to make them all, but I can’t help trying.