For whatever reason, we've been struggling to shake off the lethargic feeling of jet lag this week and get back into a normal sleep pattern. Despite (or perhaps because of) being busy with various commitments back here in Wales, neither of us felt back on par since our return to The Cottage. With a few free hours this afternoon, we decided to take ourselves off for a quick blast in the mountains to try and shake the feeling off. Wind in our hair and some honest exercise should do us good we thought. The East Face of Tryfan was selected as a reasonable objective and nearly an hour after leaving the valley floor, we stopped for a bite to eat below the cliffs enjoying the feeling of having used our lungs and muscles.
Grooved Arete is probably the most famous climb of Tryfan, but we decided to go for First Pinnacle Rib, as it finishes on top of the mountain (and we accidentally walked past the start of Grooved Arete). As we were on a bit of a time limit, we went as fast as we could up the rock, which provided good jet lag therapy by giving enjoyment and concentration in equal parts.
It only took us an hour and a half to climb the six pitches to the summit. We had started off in the sunshine, but our speed increased near the top as clouds and a few drizzly raindrops were blowing in from the south.
Despite the look of impending doom, the clouds blew around us on the summit, but never got into rain mode. We took the line of least resistance to the summit rock, jumped between Adam and Eve and continued straight down the other side of the mountain.
As we left the top it looked like we would be getting a soaking. We had traveled light weight so only had a light softshell top each.
Thankfully, the clouds blew through and we stayed dry. By having only a small pack each, (a Lowe Alpine Spark 18 if you want to be precise), we had moved quite fast up and over the mountain. We were pleased with our efforts and even had time for coffee and cake back at The Cottage before our next appointments that evening.
We went to bed feeling tired for a reason that night, which felt good.
Tryfan East Face:
- First Pinnacle Rib, V.Diff***
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