The Return of the Mountain Goat

Monday dawned bright and clear, the school run was sorted and the only question I had to answer was where should I go on such a lovely day.
I let Maisie decide on Coast or Mountain on the way to dropping her off at school and she chose mountain. I did feel a bit guilty about her helping me plan my epic day out on the way to spending the day at school, but I soon got over it! OK, who just said "Bad Mother"!?
So the choice was train to the top of Snowdon or walk part way up, wasn't confident I could get all the way to the top. I expected that the train would be full, it being such a gorgeous day, so Miner's track it was.

I paid my £5 parking for 4 hours and set off. I made the decision not to take photos on the way up. I have taken so many already on this stretch and I really wanted to enjoy the views, the walk and the weather. It is too easy to see all the grandeur around you through a lens and you can miss the sheer scale and beauty of your surroundings.

Before I knew it, and reasonably easily, I was at Glaslyn and it looked beautiful in the sunshine.

And there, displaying itself magnificently against the perfection of a deep blue sky untroubled by clouds, was the summit. And I thought "I can do that!"

My only previous conquering of Snowdon was about 18 months ago. The top half was in snow and fog, so I didn't have any views at all.

It has to be said that I am not an elegant climber. There was a lot of scrambling with arms and legs akimbo, a lot of red faced puffing and a not inconsiderable amount of time with my rear end being thrust heavenward. Pretty it wasn't!

Finally I got to the intersection of the Miner's and the Llanberis paths, only to see the approach of the train. I will admit to a fleeting feeling of smugness and superiority knowing that I had got up there under my own steam, but this was swiftly dealt with when I remembered that if it hadn't been full, that would have been me on that train!

Turning away from the train, I saw my destination. Still a long way off, but almost within touching distance. To look down and see the lakes I had walked around so far below was incredible. I can't begin to describe how breathtaking the views are from up there. No photo will ever do it justice. If you ever get the chance, go there, however you do it.

Last time, I didn't get to see these views because of the fog and it was amazing just how much sea can be seen. It hadn't really registered just how close we were to the water, on most sides.

I must at this point say that the facilities at the top are fabulous. There is a very posh cafe where you can top up the food and drink levels, plus the ever present gift shop! And joy of joys, posh flushable loos. These things are important to us ladies of a certain age!

Downside of it being a glorious day, it was packed. 2 different trains arrived within a few minutes of each other and the very pinnacle with the plaque had queues! Managed to get up eventually and it is a very special thought that me and the unknown woman who was standing beside me were the highest people in England and Wales at that time. 

Spent a very enjoyable half hour just taking in the views and preparing for the descent.

As I started on my way, the train passed me again and as I looked over the top of it, saw Anglesey across the Menai Strait, and there was Llandwyn, my very favourite place. I have always seen Snowdon from there, and it was just amazing to see it from Snowdon. It's wonderful when some things come together and just seem right.

Now the only decision was which way to go down. I have fancied having a go at the Pyg track as it is supposed to be quite challenging, so I thought it would be an idea to experience it going down, rather than up. Big Mistake!

The Miner's track has a swift, steep descent, then levels out but the Pyg was up and down all the way back. About 1/4 of the way back I felt my knees start to twinge. After about another 200 yds it turned from twinge to painful, swiftly followed by excrutiating. It was like someone had put a blade through my kneecaps and was turning it with every step. I won't dwell on this apart from to say that it took 3 hrs to go up and 3 1/2hrs to come down, much of it fighting back tears and yelps! I have never in all my life been so pleased to see my car, especially as I was 3 hours over my paid for parking and yet I hadn't been given a ticket!

As I drove home, my thoughts were that I would never be able to do that again. I have to accept my limitations and realise that the only part of my body that thinks it is still 35 is the section of my brain that deals with denial! But then I thought that even if that were the case and my mountaineering days were over, 2 years ago it never occurred to me that they would even have started! And certainly not that I would be taking selfies at the same time!

To celebrate the last climb to the top, I dyed my hair pink. Now I just have to decide what to do this time. Suggestions welcome!

Lessons Learned: Its not a new lesson this time, but the reaffirmation of something I have learned previously but had begun to doubt. I am Amazing! I have an constant ongoing battle with the wimp in me that doesn't think I can do stuff, but luckily, new Pink Haired Shaz, adventurer, explorer and all round crazy person keeps winning through! (and btw only me and one other person is allowed to call me Shaz, so please don't try it as I tend to snarl!)

Memory of pain fades quickly and I have since found myself planning how I am going to climb it next time. Currently going for Miner's up and train down!

Diet Diary: I can climb mountains and battle against overwhelming pain, but can't resist cake. Diet is not going well

Rambling Record: Currently standing at 913 miles this year. Can't quite believe it. Aim is to have the 1000 done by the end of October. Watch this space!

Week 2 Mountain hikes and minimalism

Determined this week to get out as much as possible before the threatened wintery weather appears. I am quite happy to hike in all sorts of conditions, but I do hate it when its icy. I have absolutely no sense of balance and it only takes the smallest patch of something slippy to send me head over heels. One of my life's regrets is that I have never been able to ice skate or roller skate, and that surfing will always only ever be a spectator sport. (Although if I am honest, that might be more to do with the thought of trying to squeeze myself into a wetsuit!)

So, with this in mind I head into the mountains. I knew there was snow on the higher ground but I thought I'd be ok. It is the most amazing approach, you turn a corner and suddenly the snow capped mountains are spread out in front of you. It is really completely breathtaking.

My photo doesn't do it justice at all, but if you want to see one that does, follow this link to see one of Stewart's. I can only aspire!

The weather was ok so I thought I would head to Llyn Idwal and walk around the lake to get some miles in, plus some wonderful photo opportunities. I had one of those brainwaves you have when it seems like such a good idea at the time. I parked at the very far end of Llyn Ogwen and walked a mile or so to the visitor centre at Llyn Idwal and then up to the bridge over the waterfall.

I love this bridge and the walk to Idwal is beautiful and quite forgiving to the lapsed hiker! In the dull light, the colours were very dramatic. I have tweaked a bit in Lightroom just to enhance the clarity, but haven't done a lot. Continued up to the lake which was looking fabulous.

However at this point the wind came up and it started to rain, as you can see from the splodges on the lens! Raindrops on roses, fine. Raindrops on lenses, not so much. So decision to make. Take a chance and walk round the lake or wimp out and head back to a flask of soup in the car. Wimped out.

Actually it was a good thing I did as the weather got steadily worse and I walked most of it in hail and horizontal wind. Now this is going to surprise regular readers, but I actually had a complete change of clothes in the car, all the way from ladies "unmentionables", to another coat (the one I bought last time I forgot a coat). So after a certain amount of undignified wriggling in a confined space (well you try changing trousers in a car!) I sat there warm and dry sipping on piping hot soup. Smug doesn't even come close!

On the way home I even managed to take a photo ready for Derelict Sunday on Blip. One of the disused farm buildings on the road from Capel Curig.

All in all a pretty fabulous day with well over 5 miles walked.

In the 52 in 2016 challenge, this week's theme is minimalism. I've never really had a go at this and not sure if I really understand the brief, but here is my effort.

It's hard enough trying to take a good photo with what's in front of you, but to have to put it there yourself in the first place is a whole new challenge. I had a go at a few different things but nothing worked until I found my bottles. It's the positive side effect of being a crafter and hoarder, there is all sorts of junk treasure in the house to shoot!

Lessons Learned: Remember to put the clean dry clothes back in the car for next time!
Never throw anything away as you never know when you might need to photograph it!

Diet Diary: Still feeling determined, so its going well. The trouble is that the hiking makes me hungry, so it's hard trying to find the balance.

Rambling Record: At the end of week 2 I have done nearly 47 miles, with a target of just 40, so well ahead. Gives me a bit of wobble room.

The Watkin's Path

So, today, first major hike to a new place in ages. After brief stop at Misty Mere (see previous post) I headed for Snowdonia. 
After the obligatory coffee, but no cake:-( at Cadwaladers headed for the Watkin's Path. This is supposedly the hardest walk to the summit of Snowdon but I have been told (thank you Adrian) about a beautiful waterfall there, long before it starts to get really hard going. Plus, it's been ages since I have been anywhere new on my Snowdonia App!
After the Summer, my fitness levels have dropped, so will work up to the top another time.
On the way there I pass Llyn Gwynant, and as ever distracted by something pretty, I stop to take a couple of shots.

I took a few of just the lake, the reflection and the hills, but felt that they were lacking something, so gingerly crossed some swampy ground to get a different angle and something in the foreground and I think it works so much better. The water was quite still and the sunshine just lifted all the colours so I am really pleased with this shot.

Headed then to the Watkin's Path. The walk starts off gently through some beautiful light dappled woodlands and over a small waterfall. 

The sun was out and quite strong by this time, so it was lovely and cool in the woods. However, at the end of this part of the walk, the vista opened up and the scenery was breathtaking. To one side of you the waterfall, to the other valleys and mountains. With the sun shining and a beautiful blue sky, it was heavenly. 

Something I have found with my photographs is that they can't capture a magnificent landscape adequately. You don't get the true feeling of distance and depth, so I am not happy with most. This one is actually near the top of the path, after the water fall, but gives an idea of the view.

As I approached the waterfall, the path seemed to veer away from it, which was not good. So I jumped a wall and headed down through the undergrowth to get closer. OK, maybe not jumped, more inelegantly clambered over. But it was worth it.

It was so beautiful. The water cascaded down into beautiful crystal clear pools and the noise was deafening. I decided to forego the path and follow the waterfall to the top, crossing over the "bridge" pictured above. Being a bit accident prone of late, it was with some nervous trepidation that I slowly walked across it, but luckily emerged unscathed and more importantly, dry!

As I climbed further up, more waterfall appeared, there were layers upon layers of beautiful pools and wild flowing water. It was a sight to behold.

The pools were deep and clear and thought they would be ideal for this "wild swimming" I have heard about. It was so hot, I was tempted myself. Even got so far as taking off a boot and sock and dangling my foot in the flow. It was really, and I mean really, cold. So I went no further as blue isn't a good look for me!

As you climb higher, there are the ruins of slate quarry buildings, including the quarry managers house. Apparently, during the war, the fighter pilots used to use this house as shooting practice, and you can see the bullet holes along the walls. The quarry manager had moved out by this time of course.

It was one of those days and places where I had to keep stopping and looking around and just let it all sink it. The weather was perfect, the scenery staggering, the waterfalls so powerful and best of all practically no one else around! 

The waterfall seemed to flow from a small windy stream and it was hard to see how such a small amount of water could turn into the raging torrent I had followed.

Now the walk turned serious. I climbed up to the slate workers barracks and followed a very steep path towards Snowdon. It was hard going and very hot. I had filled my water bottle a couple of times from the waterfall, so at least I had plenty to drink. There is something very special about drinking fresh mountain water at source!

I paced myself and got quite high, with the top of Snowdon tantalisingly close, on the left of the following picture.

Wasn't the sky amazing! However, it got to the stage where I was having to rest and recover for longer than I was walking, so decided that was probably enough for one day. 

This is now my favourite walk ever, it has replaced the Precipice Walk in my affections, I'm afraid that I am fickle like that! Always looking for something new to tempt me!

This will be revisited often, and now that I have the replacement adaptor for my tripod (£9.99 for something the size of a pound coin!) I will go again soon and play around with some silky water shots.

I now have a companion on all my hikes who will be featuring in their own page. Look out soon for the Chronicles of Bert.

Lessons Learned: Know when to stop. Don't want to risk causing damage or injury to myself or the poor soul who is sent out to rescue me!

Diet Diary: Not been brilliant. Had a good week, bad, bad weekend. Hope the hike has helped.

Snowdon Conquered!

I did it! Got to the top of Snowdon. Can't quite believe it and if it wasn't for the fact that I can barely move this morning, I'd think I'd dreamed it!

It was a very spur of the moment decision. Woke up in the morning and decided to go for it. I have been making excuses for ages why I couldn't do it, but no more.

Got to the base about 11am and saw that there was still snow at the top which might change things, but I thought I would just see how far I could go whilst keeping safe.

The weather was perfect, bright but not hot so I set off up the Miners Path. I really like this path, I may have mentioned before that it is very forgiving of an inexperienced walker and the scenery of course is breathtaking.

I had more or less emptied my backpack of everything except food, just bringing my camera but no spare lenses or tripod as this trip was about the hike. 

I had previously got as far as Llyn Glaswyn, the top lake on the approach to the summit, which was a bit less than half way up. It seemed easier getting to it this time, which was very gratifying and I really started to think that I could do it. Although looking up at the mountain, the top seemed an awful long way off.

From here the climb started to get a lot more difficult. I soon hit snow which made the going a lot slower, but in some ways I think that might have helped because it made me take my time. I stopped quite a few times to rest and get my breath back, but I wasn't in a hurry. 

A couple of times I almost lost the path, but there were a couple of groups climbing, so I just waited, pretending to take photos, until they'd passed, then followed them!

I hope this doesn't sound mean, but it was very gratifying to see people half my age wheezing with the climb, more so than I was! I think all this time that I have been underestimating my capabilities!

Finally passed the intersection with the Pyg track, then on to where it meets the Llanberis Path.

The views are simply spectacular and from this point for the first time I could see the views of the other side of the mountain. Unfortunately before I could take a picture, the cloud dropped and I could see nothing.

Visibility was about 20ft, but I felt that it was safe enough to go on, having come so far. It was slippy underfoot and I think if I hadn't had my hiking sticks with me, I'd have ended up sitting on more than one occasion. The closer I got to the top, the stronger the winds became until it felt like they were guarding the summit and were trying to blow the intruder off her feet!

But I persevered and I got there!

The above plaque is on a plinth at the top of some steps and I clung to it for about 5 mins because the wind had got so strong that I couldn't stand and I had the feeling that I might soon be finding a very quick way to the bottom! It was the only time on any of my travels that I have felt genuinely scared. 

The wind briefly dropped and I was able to get down the steps, but I had a decision to make. I didn't think I would safely make it back down the miners track as it was pretty scary climbing up. If I followed the Llanberis track, it would be easier, but I would end up miles from the car.

But this time, for once in my life, common sense and self preservation kicked in and I followed the Llanberis Path.

It was certainly easier, but good heavens its long! About 4.5m, which might not seem too long, but when you have just climbed a mountain, its long. I had snow still until about half way down, then it got easier. However, I really started having trouble with my knees and by the time I got to the end, I was in quite a bit of pain.

Just when I thought I would struggle to go much further, I saw a sign "Taxis booked from here". Almost cried!

It was a fabulous tea house called Pen Ceunant (www.snowdoncafe.com) and I was welcomed by the owner Steve who was amazing. After sending me off to freshen up, he booked me a taxi and then made me a cup of tea free of charge! He said it would be the best cup of tea I have ever had, and after all that walking, it certainly was.

The Tea House is a gorgeous building. All roaring fires and 18th Century furnishings. He caters for walkers, which he welcomes, and if you are doing the Llanberis Path, you can park for free there and he doesn't mind if you sit and eat your own sandwiches. I can't recommend him highly enough.

So feeling refreshed, completely chuffed and amazed with myself, I got the taxi back to the car about 9 miles away!

Lessons Learned: I am generally a coffee drinker, but sometimes only a nice cup of tea will do.

I can actually do anything I set my mind to. No more believing that I can't. Now if only I can apply the same mindset to the diet!

Diet Diary
Camera bag 1 - 5 1/4lb lost 4 3/4 to go

Snowdon

The weather forecast was looking promising so I felt a hike coming on. There has been a bit of snow recently so I thought that Snowdon would be the place to go.

I haven't been there since October and decided it was about time I did.

I had no intention of climbing to the top, conditions and fitness levels won't allow that yet.

I followed the Miners Track which is a fabulous, tarmac'd path. It is also very forgiving. You have a bit of a steep climb, then it levels out for a bit, giving the unfit a chance to recover, before it heads up again.

I had the tripod with me, but found that as it was quite bright, I didn't actually need it. All the photos were taken with my standard lens. I tried with the telephoto, but somehow completely lost the scale of where I was.

Again, there was barely a soul around apart from 2 wardens who trundled past in a small truck. You think they'd offer a girl a lift!

I climbed up to Llyn Llydaw which is the first lake on the journey and it is beautiful and serene.

There is something so amazing about standing beside a crystal clear lake with mountains looking down on you. At that moment, you wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world.

I started the climb up to Llyn Glaslyn but it started to get really icy as I got higher and so decided that this maybe wasn't something that I should be doing as I was not really dressed appropriately for the ice. So I followed the path back down again. An 11,485 step round trip. Yep, still got the Fitbug going.

I am going to get to the top of Snowdon one day soon, and not by train. A year ago the thought would not have been allowed into my head but things change. I am not the middle aged overweight couch potato I was then. Ok so I am still middle aged and a tad overweight, but couch potato no longer!

I am finding the hiking getting gradually easier the more I do and my fitness levels are improving slowly. This is with just being out and enjoying myself, rather than any pre-determined fitness regime. So I will be fit enough to conquer Snowdon before the end of the Summer. And that's a really scary thought!

Lessons Learned: Wise words, change what you can (size, fitness, state of mind), accept what you can't (age).

If they built a Cadwaladers on the summit, I'd be up there like a shot!

Snowdonia and Anglesey Late December

After the excesses of Christmas I felt that I needed a long and wild day out so headed for Snowdonia.

It was a completely gorgeous morning. So cold but really bright and crisp. I knew exactly the spot I wanted to get to and arrived at about the right time for the sunrise. There were already quite a few photographers there lined up with their tripods, but was able to find a good spot. So what is the collective name for them? A flash of photographers, an exposure of photographers? Answers on a postcard please!

Very pleased with how the pics turned out. Almost worth the frostbite! The colours on the mountains were just glorious. You definitely need a tripod for this as my fingers were shaking so much with the cold. -5. Thank heaven for thermals!

        

            

After that I drove towards Beddgelert and took some shots along that road. It goes along the valley and a low mist just hung in the middle of it. So very pleased with how this photo came out.

       

I wanted to explore further as it was still very early, so decided to find the Twr Mawr Lighthouse on Anglesey. It is situated on Llanddwyn Island, just outside of Newborough on Anglesey and is the most gorgeous place. It starts off like a bit of a nature reserve in that you drive through protected forests where there is supposedly an abundance of wildlife including red squirrels. After a couple of miles you come to the beach and it is spectacular. The water is the Menai Straits and the other side of that is Snowdonia, so you have sea and mountains in one view with forests behind.

You walk for over a mile to one end and that is when you come to the Llanddwyn Island which is cut off from the mainland by really high tides. On this Island are 2 lighthouses and a small ruin. There are many secluded bays and lots of hills to clamber up so I took so many photos. Well worth a visit if you haven't been there.         

  

 

The light has been just about perfect all day so I have felt very inspired and I am hoping that shows in the photos. Trying to concentrate on focal points in my scenes and playing around with settings to make the best of the light.            

 

Spent about 3 hours just walking the beach and lighthouses and it was almost sunset by this time so I set up the tripod and snapped away. And isn't it amazing when there is a boat exactly where you need one to be!

Lessons Learned: Brave the elements and don't assume how the day starts will be how it finishes.

An unexpected adventure December 2014

Decided to have a go at something different today, so headed to the Llanberis Slate Museum.

New challenge of the day. See what sort of a day I can have with 22p in loose change, plus 8 opal fruits and a walnut whip. Quite a good one actually.

 

Of course that wasn't my original intention, but when I got out the car at the Llanberis Slate Museum and realised that I had left my purse on the dining room table, I had to improvise! I think I may have mentioned it before, but I really shouldn't be let out on my own without adult supervision.

 

So what could I do that was free and that you didn't have to pay to park to do it! Luckily I had about half a tank of petrol, so was good to go exploring which I did. I just drove where it looked interesting and took photos where I could safe in the knowledge that my sat nav would get me home from anywhere. It was actually quite liberating but I probably could never find any of the places I went to again. Had to get back for the school run, so not a full day, but certainly an interesting one. Saw this beautiful statue in a cemetery and just loved it. It was too old to be able to read the inscription, but you certainly got the feeling that whoever it was for was much loved.

 

 

Saw my first proper snow topped mountain, although there wasn't enough snow on it to really take it off my bucket list (climb to the top of, and photograph a snow capped mountain)

   

So Llanberis Slate Mine pencilled in for another day. 

Lessons Learned: Leave a pot of change in the car so that at least you can pay to park somewhere.

Be adaptable and prepared to work with whatever life throws at you.

 

Snowdon October 20th

On my last venture I didn't manage to get to Snowdon so thought today that I would try to find it. (Highest point in Wales, even I should be able to find it!) The idea was to take a few pics from the base and then move on. However, once I got there, I felt the urge to climb coming on. Had a look at the Pyg track but common sense prevailed and I decided that might be a bit adventurous for me at the moment. Although I have been walking upright for an undisclosed amount of years, for the purposes of the Pyg, I am a beginner.

                                          

 

So I followed the Miners Track which was a bit more forgiving of my inexperience. The scenery on the way up is breathtaking and every time I went round a corner, a whole new vista opened up. It almost seemed unreal, so I just had to keep going. The wind was extremely strong, up to 70mph I believe and it drizzled a bit, but on the whole it was manageable. Besides, I have new waterproof trousers now!

 

I am loving waterfalls at the moment, and with all the recent rain, they were everywhere. The sound was incredible. Its a shame you can't put a soundtrack to photos. 

I followed the track up to Llyn Glaslyn and this bit was probably the hardest. Very steep, long and quite uneven. I followed it to the intersection with the Pyg Track which according to my Snowdonia App (hope you are impressed that not only do I know what an App is, but that I actually have one!) is a 3 mile walk and halfway up the mountain. I decided that this was probably far enough for my first time, so headed back.

 

                                          

One of the best things about it all is the solitude. Apart from a few random hikers and a couple of school parties, there was barely anyone around. (With the weather forecast, they all probably had more sense than me!). I found that it was wonderful just being able to concentrate on the walking and letting my mind wander wherever it wanted to go.

 

Deep thoughts were being had, so much so that I sometimes forgot to take photos!

 

Lessons Learned: Keep a hairbrush in your camera bag if the wind is likely to be wild. There's only one person the Ken Dodd look suits and that isn't going to be you.

Don't make it all about the photos. Remember to really appreciate what is before you, so that when you see the photos, they bring back real memories.