Saturday 8 July 2017

A head for heights needed!

Toby Dryden, Chris Epton, Claire Vivian, Jo White.

Saturday 1 July.
Good weather and great company was had on this weekend. We stayed at the Bryn Conwy bunkhouse, which is right in the centre of Betws-y-Coed and therefore ideally situated for a weekend of walking and other outdoor pursuits around Snowdonia. Saturday saw us head up Snowdon via Crib Goch. This was an excellent route! By far my favourite of the routes I have taken to Snowdon. There is some exposure along the ridge and spectacular views. Typically, what had been a clear day, changed by the time we reached Snowdon and by the time we were stood on the summit, it was shrouded in cloud. Great pub meal out in the Royal Oak in Betws-y-Coed afterwards. Highly recommended!

Jo scrambling on Crib Goch
More scrambing
What a view!
Chris and Jo heading on up
Claire, Jo and Chris with Crib Goch in the background
On Snowdon summit
Sunday 2nd July. Gorge scrambling in the Afon Ddu gorge.
Fun! Fun! Fun! Getting wet climbing up waterfalls and splashing around in pools in the sunshine for a couple of hours. Chris, Jo and Claire headed to the gorge mid-morning arriving at the same time as a couple of mini-buses of children. But, no problems were had, as the leaders let us go ahead and after the first 10 minutes or so, we had the gorge to ourselves as we left the rest behind. This was an excellent trip - the smiles in the photos speak for themselves. All photos are by Jo or Chris.

Chris taking a run and jump
A nice cold shower

I believe I can fly!

Maybe not...




Jo sliding with style
Splashing down






Friday 7 July 2017

Local Update

Once again, plenty has been going on at and around SWCC. We recently had new provisional member, Lucy, spend a week in South Wales for some caving and walking fun. She met many new cavers, saw places she had not visited before in OFD, visited the Neath Valley waterfalls, Big Pit and Oakwood as well as trying out a local indoor climbing wall.
Paul, Lel, Iain, Barbara, Lucy and Glenys enjoying the food (and the view) at the Grape and Olive in Swansea.

Paul and Lucy ready to go in Top Entrance

Lucy near Speedy Caver

Shimmying along near Timo's Table

First bit of rope work underground (the climb above the Corkscrew).

Paul, Claire and Lucy following a successful trip
On the wall

At Scwd Gwladus (Photo: Paul Tarrant)
Four of us also had an evening trip to the Swamp Creek pitch this week (4.7.17). This had been ably rigged by Bob and Paul earlier in the day. It was the second time that I had visited the pitch, the first time being around 7 years ago when I had been unable to pass the rebelay a few feet down the pitch. But this time, I managed it. Thanks to Bob and Paul for the rigging, and Dan for the de-rigging. 
Lisa in the lead up to the pitch
Paul on the traverse


Dan at the bottom of the pitch


The team on the way out.