Five years ago today I became an MIC when I gained my Mountain Instructors Certificate after a fantastic week of assessment, winter climbing in the Scottish Highlands. Apart from a few lingering snow patches, there wasn't much in the way of winter to be seen in Wales today. It was sixteen degrees in the valley and barely a cloud to be seen. It was certainly a day to get into the hills - especially with the threat of a few days of rain on the way. I almost ended up going climbing with Rusty who was on the same MIC assessment as me and who'd sent me a 'happy five-year annivesary' text. However, Tim was also keen to get out into the sunshine so not wanting to drive too far, choose the closest cliffs to The Cottage.
Well on the map they are close, but they still involve a beast of an uphill hike to get to them! It was totally worth it though as many of the cliffs in Ogwen are still in the shade at this time of year. We, on the other hand were in full glorious sunshine as we set off up the Central Route (Severe) on Red Slab in perfect conditions.
There's not a great deal of gear to fiddle in, but the angle is kind and the friction is as good as the views. We did a couple of pitches on Red Slab then walked over to the base of Atlantic Slab proper, where we climbed Left Edge (V.Diff). When we got there, there was a shadow edging its way across the Cwm, towards the rock, so we decided to move together for speed, which meant for swift upwards progress and allowed us to stay in the sun right to the summit.
Back at The Cottage that night, (as we happened to have a bottle of Champagne in the fridge), we toasted to five years of being an MIC. I could barely believe that it was that long ago! It was good to reminisce again. Made a mega pizza, enjoyed the bubbles and wondered if today marked the start of summer climbing?...
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