“What a fantastic meet we were so blessed by the weather – dry, clear and cold. Andrew was in N Wales early and sent tantalising pictures of sun and cloud inversions on Friday, whetting everyone’s appetite for action.
On the meet were Ali, David, Caroline, Robin, Damien, John B, Katherine Taylor, Oscar, Phil, Adrew, Chris Mira, Mo and their friend Madina.
On Saturday Chris, Andrew, Mo and Mira climbed Sub-Cneifon rib (4 pitches of crimpy slabs). The slabs were freezing cold and they climbed in rock shoes. Mira wanted to bale out after the first pitch and while trying to find an escape route led the second pitch. After that they went on to Cneifon Arete a grade 3 scramble and topped out in time to enjoy the afternoon sunshine.
Meanwhile David, Oscar, John, Katherine and Damien were on a fantastic “enchainement” of Idwal Slabs, Cneifon Arete and Dolman Ridge. The rock was grippy and dry and the conditions superb. The team sun-bathed on the summit of Glyder Fach in glorious sunshine with the cloud spread out below. The group descended Bristly Ridge and got back in time for tea.
Caroline, Phil, Ali, John and Madina had a memorable trip up Snowdon via the Watkin Path and also experienced the amazing Alpine weather and cloud inversion. Madina said it was a fantastic experience, never to be forgotten!
On Sunday the weather was still dry but overcast and cold. Chris, Andrew, Mo and Mira climbed Dolman Ridge. They took a wrong turn and ended up pitching the chimney. They descended via Bristley Ridge. Damien, David and Oscar facing a tight meeting deadline to meet their lifts opted for Amphitheatre Buttress which nearly turned into an epic as the descent path was choked with snow-ice and treacherous. The climbing wasn’t too easy either in the cold and big boots. Oscar drove the team on finishing with a massive pitch and the boys made their rendevous at the service station with one minute to spare.
What a brilliant meet! Quoting Chris this has been the best club meet he has been on – so far! Mo and Mira second that. David agreed, fantastic company, fantastic walking and scrambling. Thanks to all.”
Meet report by David D, complied by Katherine T