Thursday 31 December 2009

Its getting like the Alps here and just look at the Ladders

What a fine day here, with the sun cutting across the mountains and crags which are really white high up you could have felt your in the Alps at times.

There is going to be quite a covering of snow high on certain aspects. No doubt this will be soft and powder like in places, but also slabby in places so be careful especially in the tops of Gullys where they open up.

Snow is down to 250m,s and the lake at Ogwen is starting to freeze over.

Ice in Idwal is getting back into good nick.

As for Me, well I was on sledging duty today

Hey Baggy,

Decided to pay Foel Goch a visit today, did The Curver (III) - fantastic route, never too tricky but lots of interest, good mix of verglas, rimed rock, frozen turf and consolidated snow; next up was Red Gully (I/II) - the major gully line that steepens near the top. Then went up 2 routes which aren't in the Welsh Winter Climbs book/ Welsh Wiki website, not sure if they have been done before. I will get a topo done and send it over to show routes. Cornices at the top of routes were all very solid. Descent via Easy Gully (I) is just that... easy! Had the whole Cwm to myself, lovely peaceful place.

Happy New Year!

Chris Hooper

Hi Baggy,

Up at Cloggy soloing today, backed off Eastern Terrace Direct as the ice wasn't great, so went up Eastern Terrace instead which needs lots more snow to bring it down to its grade. At the moment there is a section of steep thin ice, or sketchy mixed just before its joins the terrace proper which is definitely not grade I.

Trinity Face was totally plastered, so white the spider just blended in with the rock. I thought it'd be busy but only one other party there so i ran up Central Trinity which was great, a bit of a soft slog to start but better than i expected.

Finally i couldn't resist the Icefall on Garn Goch on the way down. It was in great condition, far better than the ice on Cloggy and a lovely solo as the sun went down.

Torquil

Rob has been on the ladders today see this link for more info

Huw ( alongside Rob above ) also climbed Pyramid Gully on the ladders today and said good v good nick with lots of snow on the approach and easy angled gullies

The current Welsh Meca



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