Exploring out along the Coast

Today was the first day since 2nd March that I've worked in the outdoors with students! In fact, it was the first day that I've traveled by car all the way along the coast to Llandudno! Quite an adventure in itself. With small groups, trying out our very best to keep more than 2m apart, we went up the hill above the town to get some views of the coast.

Clare biked out later in the evening and we met at the beach for a holiday evening. Phoning ahead, after walking along the promenade, we picked up a take-away pizza and sat by the deserted pier, enjoying the views.

On the way home, we stopped off at another beach as the tide was full and the water calm. It all felt rather quiet, tranquil and relaxing after a fun but exhausting day of having to actually interact with other humans for the first time in ages! 

Kayaking Time

The rain continued to pour down overnight. As anticipated the river was up and our kayaking kit was already packed and ready for us. In fact, the river was a bit higher than anticipated, providing a bit more excitement than what was expected to be a mellow run.

It was great to be back in a boat - the first time in quite a while. Luckily, this section of the Ogwen has a gentle start and plenty of time to get into the swing of things before the hard stuff. And the opportunity to get out before things get even more technical. 

We made our way down as a team of four, taking in turns to scout ahead. Some friends were just ahead of us, so it was reassuring to know that any major blockages would have been found by them first! With it being the summer and not the normal paddling season, the trees were much fuller and hanging lower, presenting additional obstacles and dangers than normal. We still got out to check and protect the main rapid. I shot through it so fast and with water in my eyes, that by the time I'd worked out where I was, I was past the bottom eddy and into the next rapid!

Despite being one of the best white water rivers in north Wales, down behind the village was the usual festival of river litter, where garbage has been tossed down the banks. In the photo below, you'll notice the additional hazard of some bike handlebars sticking out of the water.

There were a few good playwaves forming, which we stopped to surf on. We got out just above the Scout Hut Bridge. The usual egress is just below, but we decided not to disturb the fisherman who was fishing in the pool. 

Then, it was off to Llandudno for my first visit to the Outdoor Education Stores since March 2nd. It was very strange being back there - all my kit was in my locker as if I've just downed tools and left (which I pretty much had). The time that had passed was immediately apparent, not by the amount of spiders webs and dust, but by the fact that my ice axe was there, ready for use!

We had a really productive day fixing, cleaning, servicing canoes, kayaks, powerboats and getting ready to receive a few students tomorrow. As luck would have it, the tide and stormy winds, produced a few evening waves on the high tide as well. We had hope that this might be the case, so I'd kept my kayak with me. Taking advantage of legitimately being outside of our five-mile travel limit, with wet river kit in one bucket, I slipped into a warm furry wetsuit and we went for our second kayak trip of the day and caught some fantastic (if small), waves across the bay!

I kept missing the photo, but there was a big seal that kept popping up around here.

The skies stayed super dark and stormy.

It was actually warmer in the seawater than on the river. Great fun, great waves. Got home late, with a lot of wet kit to sort out! Exhausted....

Temperature Drop

A completely different day today! Temperatures have dropped by 18 degrees, the clouds are down and the skies full of rain and drizzle. By evening the showers had tended to ease off, so we got into our wetsuits at the house, took a chance and made a dash for the river.

I'd spent the afternoon sailing - around Sydney Harbour! Usually today, I'd be helping to run a sailing competition up at Llyn Brenig. Well, I was still helping out, but we ran the competition using a virtual sailing race simulator - so chose Australia as the venue! It was great fun, especially being able to talk to everyone as they raced.

With everyone safely back on virtual dry land, we escaped The Cottage, still with a few spots of rain in the air. Down by the water's edge, it certainly felt colder than the past few days. There was no time for procrastination; it was too cold and blustery - we had to get straight in or go home!

The pool was about 20cm higher than last week and although it looked calm, there was quite a strong current to swim against as we went upstream. We got to a narrowing where the water was flowing faster and ferry glided across the flow which was fun, before floating back towards the bags. 

The skies had turned really dark as we swam back and we rushed to get changed as the rain started to fall. Unlike previous days, we were both shaking and shivering uncontrollably. Getting changed was tricky with numb fingers and feet! We stumbled back up to the car as the heavens opened again. In a hot shower back at The Cottage, we tingled all over as we tried to warm back up.

Morning Stillness

We had the most incredible elecrtical storm during the night. We were both up at 3am watching bolts of lightning striking all around us and feeling The Cottage shake as the thunder shook through the sky above us. Rain accompanied the flashes and hammered down hard on the skylights. It was a real force of nature. By daybreak, quiet stillness and some big puddles were all that was left. Perfect for another pre-breakfast swim. The storm had dropped the temperatures a bit, but it still felt warmer than normal. As I cycled down a dip, my glassed fogged up completely as I rode through pockets of cold and them warm air. 

At the river, conditions were even more magical that I had hoped. There was not a breath of wind and the reflection of the clouds was pristine after the rain. I got off my bike and dived straight in. It didn't even feel cold and I did laps off the pool for as long as I dared before leaving it to late to make my morning meeting. Utterly glorious. It was a real moment of tranquility, floating on my back, looking up at the mountains.

On the ride home, I spotted a row of wild orchids on the side of the track.

The wind picked up through the day and by evening was shaking the trees and shaping some cool clouds. Today was our last full day of 'Online Outdoor Education' teaching. Quite a landmark...

A Double Dip Day

Possibly the hottest day I've ever known at The Cottage. I had quite a lot on 'online engagements, so had to plan around these to make the most of the conditions. Rolling out of bed was followed by rolling down the hill on my bike and a short ride to a new section of river that I'd been eyeing up as a potential swim spot.

It was already in the mid-twenties and blissfully still in the valley with no one around. Totally magic. The river was only waist deep, but was flowing so provided a wonderfully cool kind of swim treadmill as I sawm against the flow. A fantastic start to the day. My hair had just about dried as I lifted the lid of my laptop.

And the temperatures kept rising...

Even the horses in the field next to us were huddled in the shade.

Between afternoon sessions online, I nipped back out up the valley and swam without cooling down at all. I only got out due to time restrictions and when I did, I barely felt any cooler than when I'd go in. The wind had picked up though making it quite choppy. Amazing weather.

Ride and Swim Combo

Summer temperatures are back for a few days. An evening ride up the valley took us to yet another new swim zone. We'd actually planned on going further, but a broken bike chain meant that the end of the ride, which luckily put us here!

The water felt totally ok, and barely cooled me down. There was also a convenient deep channel leading out into the lake. Plenty of fish too.

We didn't go too far out but really enjoyed being in and surrounded by the mountains.

I left Clare relaxing, drying off on a hot slate, then sped home to pick up the car as although it's almost all downhill back The Cottage, there would also be a fair amount of pushing too. It was too hot for that, so we open for a rescue vehicle.

Evening Slates

A blustery and wet start to the day made it look as though the clouds might never leave this morning.

But by late afternoon, they seemed to vanish within a few minutes, leaving completely clear blue skies and with the temperatures climbing high again. We went out to see some friends for a 'garden chat', but on the way, stopped off at the quarry for a quick climb.

It felt more like old times an much more tranquil that at the weekend.

We just did one route, taking our time and enjoying the warmth and the views before carrying on our way.

Oh, and in the afternoon found these little eggs on a leaf? Not sure who or what they belong too?....

Bus Stop Quarry:

- Equinox, VS,4c**

Cottage Sunday

With strong winds and heavy showers forecast and still feeling a little disorientated, today was designated as an official Cottage Day. It was great. Morning brews in the chalet, catching up with friends by email and text was a much needed relaxing start to the day. After a midday brunch, we walked up the slates and went strawberry picking, but only found one! And some colourful heather.

We gave The Cottage some love in the afternoon, sorting out and tidying various rooms and jobs that had been stacking up. The rain came through in intense sudden showers that only lasted a few minutes, but put down several millimeters of rain each time. It began to brighten up before dinner, so we walked out along to the river.

The clouds had literally lifted and it felt like it too,

We both felt refreshed mentally and physically. It's good to have a bit of downtime every now and then...

Warm Slate Recovery

The last few days have flown past in a blur. Thunderstorms, lightening and a 24 hour dash to London to be at Robin's Funeral had left me in a bit of a haze. Only had the energy for a few strolls down to the river in the evenings between the downpours.

On Saturday, things picked up though and the warm was back in the air. After a morning of online teaching about knots, we went out and tied some for real.

It was great to be back on the rock, but the vibe in the quarry had changed since last time. Admididly, we were closer to the main track that leads through it, but we were both really surprised at how busy and noisy it was. Bikers, dog walkers, groups and climbers all passed by and even though they we 50m away the sound seemed to really travel. Afterwards, we wondered if it was because we are never really off together on a Saturday or if everyone else has just had enough of lockdown!

It wasn't the usual tranquil experience, so we only did a couple of routes. It's hard not to be a bit annoyed when the car parks is overflowing other climbers are there talking about how they felt travel sick on the motorway on the drive here?!

Anyway, we kept ourselves away from others and did the two climbs we'd come to do and I was still really tired, so we returned home in time to catch a bit of sunshine in the garden. I was very happy to flake out on the blanket for a bit.

An evening tour of the garden revelled that we have some wild redcurrants on the way. I say wild, in that we did not plant them!

Finished the day off with a drink with Aled - he turns 40 tomorrow and would usually be away on expedition. Having made sure he's be in the UK for the celebration, he now can't have a party! Was great to catch up in person though and we had some good belly laughs.

Llanberis Slate: 

- Fresh Air, 6a***

- Seamstress, VS, 4c**

Thunder in the Hills

Dark skies all day. Rumbles of thunder through the afternoon. Torrential downpours. Stayed Cottage bound...

Run Swim Discovery

Classic British summertime weather today, with a forecast of a wet afternoon and thundershowers. Having been invited to a lunchtime BBQ, we decided to have an active start to our day and set out on a 5km jog. The temperatures were stifling and we arrived back completely overheating. After last night's snorkeling adventure and having just run home past the deserted, mirror calm and tranquil swimming spot, we got straight in the car and drove the two minutes back there. This time no wetsuits were required. It felt like being in an athlete's ice bath as I stood thigh-deep for a few minutes before diving in headfirst. The cooldown was lovely and tingled all over. Once sufficiently cold - which didn't take very long, we went straight back home for breakfast and blueberry smoothies. An invigorating start to the day!

The afternoon had another holiday vibe as we spent a brilliant few hours in a friend's garden, catching up on each others news over a delicious BBQ. It was incredible to realise that we hadn't actually seen each other since winter! As we arrived, the weather changed in true BBQ style. We left The Cottage where the temperature was a staggering (and possibly a record) 29.2 degrees. In the time it took to drive the few short miles over the mountain, we lost 12 degrees and rain had started falling! Thankfully, it stopped soon after and became wonderfully warm again. 

Good times with good people. Looking forward to a bit more of this over the summer, as for the first time ever, it looks like we won't be too far away!