With the current conditions in Snowdonia, i wasted no time in getting back in the groove and took the axes over to Idwal cwm to get a couple of routes in, as i previously heard things were lookin well. Dan and i got an earlyish start as we knew today was going to be pretty busy. We plodded into the Cwm, where as most areas in Snowdonia, has a huge ammount of snow at preseent, our aim was to head for one of the steeper lines, but more importantly, one that didnt have a queue at the bottom!
We headeed for a look in the Devils Kitchen, but after reaching the rear of the Kitchen it was apparent this was one of the few routes that isnt yet in condition. Far too thin, and far too much water for my liking!
We moved round to the Devils Pasteure which was in good shape, Dan took the honours on the 1st steep pitch and dispatched that without any problems, I then led the 2nd chimney pitch which brought us to the top of the crag.
Time for a quick coffee, then round to have a look at the Devils Cellar (IV). On arrival, teams were on both the left and right hand lines, and after a short wait we opted for the right hand line, which was much less of a bowling alley of ice from the above climbers. I took the sharp end for the first steep pitch, which was brilliantly steep and sustaining, then Dan took the lead for the second pitch which was in stonking condition, with a pretty tricky finnish.
That wrapped a fantastic day for us, a bit surreal for me, having been relaxing in 30 degree heat 2 days ago, and today i was getting plastered, mid pitch, with lengthy bursts of spindrift!
I really dont know which i prefer!!
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