This weekend was the new Llanberis guidebook launch party, and although the forecast wasn’t great me, Pete and Little Jon piled down to Ynys on Friday night.
The hut was packed, but luckily there was just enough space left for the three of us on the top bunk. We woke up to clouds and dampness in the air – it had rained thoroughly over night. Looking west, we decided our best option would be Holyhead, possibly Castell Helen…
By the time we got there the wind had picked up. We ventured down towards the abseil point but before we got there we felt rain – at least we thought it was rain. It was actually the sea!!!!
We were blown back up the path, a quick chat with Richard and Simon, and we decided to make our way to Holyhead Mountain. Perhaps not the wisest choice, as it is always windy there, but we thought we’d at least manage to get one route in.
As a warm up, we decided to have a play on Stairs. Pete took the lead. Just as he approached the top the wind really picked up (as if it wasn’t already strong enough) and the rain started. It was freezing! But me and Jon followed without mishap.
We made it back to our bags and decided the next route would be Tea Route [grade XS] (technical crux being the wallet groove) at Cafe Crag. With our head’s down we took the long way round (took a wrong turn) back to the cafe and spent an hour or so warming up.
Saturday afternoon brightened up. But I festered and Pete was in a PSC meeting. Jon was the hero as he went out bouldering, sans beanie.
Saturday night was the launch party. An excellent evening with slides from Ray Wood – always good.
Sunday was not as forecast. It was still wet with no prospect of the sunny spells. After a leisurely start, with an undeserved portion of cream cake (and tea), we made our way to a limestone sport venue on the A55 (Penmaen Head) on the way home. Jon had some fun on a few routes which I struggled to follow (lots of tight rope and swinging about).
By the time we got home to the Lakes, the evening was beautiful – just enough time for a spot of gardening.
Despite only following a few routes this weekend my muscles are stiff – I really should do more training!
You have set a tough challenge for a weekend’s cafe food consumption. I look forward to another round of this competition.
Good photo of Jon; and Ian will particularly enjoy the view of the wind turbines behind him.