Changing Routines

With online teaching in full swing now, I seem to be spending most of the day sat at my desk - it's certainly a new routine for me. I'm trying to make sure that I swap positions regularly andget away from the screen for breaks during the day. I'm grateful at least, that there is a good view from the skylight above me.

My team and I have been taking turns presenting various Outdoor Education modules - this week it's been all about how to have an expedition at home. It's been a real team effort getting the resources and tech all running smoothly. I think we should start a radio show!

My only 'outs' this week have been just before sunset when the moon and stars have just been coming out.

The other shocker has been the drastic change in the weather on Tuesday! It's gone back to winter here! I'm sure the ground is happy with some rain, but we are less so! No more coffee breaks in the sun!

There was a break in the rain on Tuesday eve, so we had a nice walk down to the river at dusk and saw a new section we'd never got down to. The fish were jumping for flies.

Wednesday evening, we went out despite the rain to get some air. The horses were all sheltering under the trees on the hill.

Then, between the rain, there have been moments of amazing clarity! Just not for long! Ha ha! 

It's hard to stop working when there is so much to do and your work is all at home - can be hard to get away for it sometimes. We're working out how to keep a healthy routine. Good to mix things up eh!...

The Sycamore Opening Ceremony 2020

For the last two weeks, I've taken a photo looking up at the tree in our driveway. It's been nice to watch the leaves open up. From bare twigs to full bloom in just thirteen days. Isn't nature wonderful...

Back Yard Bivi

Of all the bivi and camps that I've done over my lifetime, last night probably had the shortest walk-in, comfiest facilities and one of the flatter pitches I've ever laid down on. We had a good selection of stars and satellites to watch too as we fell asleep. It was lovely to wake up to clear skies and the sound of the birds - although the wood pigeon and I gave each other a scare as I woke up with it about 50cm away from my face! All it was lacking was a big cliff to climb afterward. However, a hot shower and fresh pancakes made up for that pretty well. It was 24.5degrees at 09:30.

After another day of tech work, we stretched our legs with a shortish ride above the coast.

The A55 remains pretty quite.

The temperatures are simply unbelievable. It's hazing over though a lot - you could almost not see Anglesey across the straits.

First Swim of the Year

Friday afternoon saw the last 'broadcast' of this week's run of online teaching on the hottest day we've had so far. Once all the de-briefing was done, we jumped on the bikes and set off up the valley to the swimming hole. It's not far away, so we peddled extra hard to maximize our exercising time.

We were not sure if April would be too early for a dip, but the water was crystal clear and so inviting, so we made a brief stop. We soon cooled down! Freezing but refreshing.

It didn't take long to dry off - just before the sun dipped below the mountains. As we were about to leave, we heard to the cuckoo for the first time this year. It must have been very close, but we didn't see it. Swallows were also flying up and down the river.

Then we got back on our way, enjoying the views as we made our way home.

We had to keep out big jackets on to stay warm on the return journey! 

Back at The Cottage, we enjoyed outside pre-dinner drinks and finished the day by biving in the back garden, so that we could watch the stars again. Super happy.

Online Outdoor Education is Live

All the rehearsals, planning, creating and learning went live this week for our first-ever week of Online Outdoor Education lessons. Having the skills to operate the tech and finding a balance between off-screen and on-screen activities has been a huge challenge, but one that I feel that we rose to well. As with learning any new skill, it has become easier with practice. After the first day, I was utterly exhausted! Much harder than climbing mountains, when you are not yet consciously competent!

The weather continues to provide the best Spring weather ever. We've had a few nice evening walks up the hill at the end of the day to wind down and get away from my desk.

In the sheds we have three busy wasps thinking they've got squatters rights. 

The Cottage Bluebells are just about in full bloom.

And we've got various trees popping up all over the place. This Oak and Ash are competing for space in the front garden.

And there's also been a meteor shower most evenings, so we made sure we saw some shooting stars too.

Walked up onto the Slates on Monday eve and Tuesday went up Yr Ocra to Mynydd.

'The Ride' - A private ascent of the Llanberis Pass

Today we completed something that we feel might have been a once in a life time ride around the National Park. We'd always been put off from this obvious challenge by the thought of the dangers and unpleasantness of passing traffic, but in these strange times, the traffic has all but been eliminated. Just the challenge and lure of the ride remained. Having building up our bike fitness over the last few months, the weather looked set for optimum conditions on Sunday morning. Light winds and clearing skies. We set off at 08:45 from The Cottage, straight up the hill to get the steepest section over as soon as possible. From there, it was downhill to Llanberis.

We skirted around the village, staying close to the lake shore. By this point, we had only seen six cars. We didn't see another until we were past Capel Curig over an hour later!

As we set off up the Llanberis Pass, there was still a bit of cloud hugging the summits.

Soon enough, we passed the Cromlech Boulders and the crags above.

Just above the boulders, the road conditions changed to super-smooth new tarmac. All was quiet as we made steady uphill progress, side by side, with a road lane each to cycle in. It was as if the Pass had been closed off for a private viewing!

Finally, the high point of Pen y Pass Youth Hostel came into sight.

No cars in the Snowdon Car Park today....

We had a brief sip of water, before enjoying miles and miles of empty winding downhill riding. Incredible.

The skies were also looking amazing as we continued to Capel Curig.

Soon, Snowdon was a distant view as we passed a deserted Plas y Brenin.

You never notice them in a car, but there are old milestones all the way along the A5.

The odd car came past on the home stretch, but mostly, we could concentrate on enjoying the views.

Tryfan looked particularly fine as we passed by the base of the North Ridge.

Goats were the only signs of like at Ogwen Cottage.

We were back home just after midday, with a 46km ride done. 660m of vertical ascent as well. A afternoon of relaxing in the sun filled back garden was completely justified and very much enjoyed too. Amazing Ride. Incredible conditions. Feeling well pleased!