Saturday's climb on Snowdon was only the second time I have ever failed to get to the top of a mountain. The snow had compacted so hard that about 300ft from the top there were a series of mini ice fields that made it very difficult to climb and would have been even more difficult to descend later on. A slip could have meant a slide of a few hundred yards before we hit rocks - so discretion became the better part of valour. But it was still an exhilarating day with fabulous snowy views of the surrounding and more distant peaks. The weather was dry and not much wind which should have made for a successful climb - but we didn't reckon on meeting so much ice. Crampons have to be on my next e-bay search. I think a visit to a mountain boot shop is also coming fast as my present boots are starting to disintegrate. Pix of day on Snowdon on http://www.flickr.com/photos/13615080@N00/.
Previous failure to reach a summit was about this time last year when a hail storm and strong winds beat us on Pen Y Ghynt.
Snowing hard right now with the promise of lots more to come during the day - bring it on! Wonder if it will last till day off on Weds - great plan to go for walk with sledge on my back - find some really long hills in the dales and have some serious fun.
Monday, 2 February 2009
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