After several false starts from the word go, due to missing students, blocked in buses and a whole list of other micro-problems, we eventually found a parking space in the Ogwen Valley and set off up into the mountains. The hassles of the morning soon faded away as we soaked up the fantastic winter conditions and ambience that had appeared overnight.
As a consequence of the late departure, I worked the group of lads hard, as time was now going to be tight. We marched uphill at a good pace and with minimal stops and despite the traffic in the valley, were soon delighted to find ourselves in an almost empty cwm.
As always when working in the mountains, you have to have several plans to allow for the 'unknown' factors. After breaking a trail through the snow around the edge of the lake, we geared up and set our sights on the wide slopes of 'Hourglass Gully'.
Harnesses and helmets were donned and I got to give the Rab 'Guide Gloves' another outing. They really feel solid and I had warm, dry hands all day.
After a bit of short roping, we climbed the route in several long pitched rope lengths.
As we came up onto the final slopes, the views began to open up and soon we broke over the ridge, into the glorious sunshine!
As time was against us, we descended towards Capel Curig, rather than continuing up the ridge to the summit of Pen yr Ole Wen.
The sun was glaring off the snowy slopes, so I was especially pleased to find a pair of sunglasses tucked behind a rock on the way down! A great day to be working in the great outdoors...
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