Checking the weather forecast is something that I seem to spent quite a lot of my time doing, but it's all for good reason. The mountains were wet. cold and windy today, but I still managed to take my students scrambling under blue skies!
In glorious sunshine, we got dropped out near Penmaenmawr, where we made a complete traverse of Conwy Mountain, via the A55 Arete.
Only after the bus had driven off, did we realise that we'd left the packed lunches on the front passenger seat. We were committed to the climb! Our pick-up and only source of food was some distance away in Conwy and there was nowhere on route to resupply. Although this wasn't an ideal situation, it actually created a fantastic challenge that the lads really got into - partly by necessity, part by reality and part from overactive imaginations. We climbed the ridge at a good speed, stopping briefly at the point where I usually retreat back to the base. I bigged this up as 'the point of no return' and having passed it, we were committed to the summit!
On reaching the top, our bellies rumbled as we huddled behind some boulders to share out the old cheese sandwich that I had left in my pack from yesterday. We discussed the option of biving the night, but decided that collectively we had enough energy to reach the distant civilization of Conwy.
The sight of the Castle Walls spurred us on, especially as rain clouds were fast approaching from the south. Feeling like triumphant explorers staggering back into base camp after multiple days on a remote mountain face, the lads navigated splendidly into the nearest chippy. On discovering that we had no cash between us, we were delighted to discover the College Credit Card in the lid of my rucksack. It seemed an appropriate use and perfectly valid to purchase the necessary celebratory sustenance, while we waited for our ride home to arrive. A great adventure indeed...
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