The Cwm was calling!

I headed out with Ali today again and we were originally bound for the 

Snowdon area, however, the road on the pass had other ideas for Ali's van. 

Snow had been blown  onto the road from about the quartz stone corner 

and was succeeding in turning back folks. So with tails between our legs 

and now half an hour behind the crowds, we retreated and headed 

for Cwm Idwal. Sure enough, it was busy with plenty deep queues on 

most of the visible ice routes and a few others too. We opted for a little 

less climbed option, Sub Wall Route (IV) on Idwal Slabs. 

The first pitch was initially a bit of powder swimming, but soon got a 

little fruity. I took on the second pitch, which proved a bit sparse on gear 

and solid placements for crampon or axe. Lots of the snow consisted 

of sugary snow/ice loosely bonded to the slab, mostly with air! There is 

a nice little step and slab which maintains the interest of the leader. 

Ali stepped up for a more consolidated 3rd pitch and i took on the 

fourth. I am not sure it is a route i would rush out and repeat, but 

we did have it to ourselves on a very busy day. 

Maybe that is something to be said of the route we chose??!!  

This is Ali stepping out around the undercling at the beginning of the 3rd pitch. 

Welsh Winter Day

Well, been all over the past few months, running 5 star kayak courses in the Lakes, picked up my 

new Surf Kayak from my Sponsor, Surf Kayaking in Morroco, Skiing and ice climbing in the Alps 

for a few weeks and lots more, which unfortunately means that i have neglected the Blog.

Some pictures to follow soon.

Anyway, I was out on Yr Esgair today with Ali Othen, ok conditions, turf not that frozen but

holding enough. It was a bit windy at the notch and a few places further up with some spindrift adding to the feel! Definately a winter route! There were a few other solo folks and parties about, but by no means crowded. We bumped into John and Malcolm from Conway Centre who were headed for The Curver, who looked like they were enjoying it, so, after topping out of Yr Esgair ridge we headed down Easy Gully and headed for The Curver. In agreement with Tim Jepson, it is a bit longer than the 170m in the guide. We bumped in to a party of three on the route who were enjoying their "new experience". Some interesting cornice shapes on the scarp slope at the top of the route and some amazing views in every direction! Lots of windslab on the E and SE aspects on the descent back to Ogwen.

Back out tommorrow!