lowest snow so far

Monday overnight gave snow fall down to 600m and today it was a lot colder.

With temps down to freezing at 500-600m for next few days and at times lower this could be the sign of the mixed action. With the ground so wet,  once that freezes it will be quality turf .

With not a thick covering of snow, which is a good thing, that turf etc has a chance of being frozen.

On the summits on Sunday the puddles were frozen over.

Check out this link On the 16th November British alpinists Matt Helliker and Jon Bracey made what is probably the 2nd ascent ofPlein Sud (900m, VI, WI4+/5R, M6+) up the wild South Face of the Grandes Jorasses.

£250.000

Its great to see British companies investing in the future.

In recent months DMM have stumped up 1/4 million pounds to help them stay one of the world leaders in climbing kit manufacture.

More details follow link

Wet and very windy

That about sums up the last few days

Sprinkles

Thats what the hills look like today with a sprinkling of snow on the high tops.

First Aid for the climber

No sign of any more snow on the hills as of Saturday morning.

Just finished directing and running a 2-day Rescue and Emergency Care (REC) First Aid course for Blue Peris Mountain Centre.

These course are nationally recognised and the industry standard for the outdoors. They are ideal for newcomers to first aid, climbers,  walkers, mountaineers and established, instructors, teachers, youth workers, etc.

The course provides very hands on learning looking at realistic scenarios. This course is not about sitting in the classroom. It covers a very wide range of topics which’s are delivered in a friendly learning environment.

There is no exam and no fancy names for parts of the body for you to learn.

The course will prepare and give you confidence to treat and deal with a variety of incidents both In the hills, at home, work and out in your free time.

The next course is December,  13th and 14th  full details clink on link.

Details for REC first aid course.

Pictures courtesy of Blue Peris

Damp, wet and warm

That about sums up recent weather here. Monday started good, then it went downhill from then.

In the meantime,  check out Andy Turner's blog. He has been putting in some fine effort of late on the dry tooling scene.

First signs of the season of winter

This time of year is quite special for me. I am lucky that my drive to work in the morning means I can keep a look out for the first snow of the winter. Often it is a dusting, but its a sign and the mountains take a sudden change of appearance and that passion starts to light the fire inside. 

As you might be aware N Wales had its first dusting of snow last Thursday and Friday. With a great forecast for Sunday morning it was time to take to the hills to get some winter fitness in and get accustomed to all the other things again, such as crampons, moving on snowed up rock etc.

We parked at Pen y Pass and took the fox's path into Cwm Uchaf. This meant we were in the sun and had the pleasure of contouring around Grib Goch. Quite a cool path this, but you would not wish to take slip. Once in the Cwm we headed for the Parsons Nose.  With a 30m rope, a small rack, the odd pitch and moving together we were able to enjoy this grade 3 scramble without to much stress.  We put the poons on which meant we could move quicker, which actually proved a good move as there was quite a covering of snow on the ledges. 

From the top we went over Crib Goch, down the N Ridge of Crib Goch and back along the foxes' path to the car. 

We all wish for a good winter season but no one has a clue what the outcome will be. For me I just take it as it comes.  Getting out was a bonus as I only planned it at 11.30pm on Saturday evening driving back from the Dales. 

It was strange as we drove up the Pass as there was not 1 car parked in any of the lay byes and this was at 9.30am. The car park was also very empty. Therefore we did not see many people out.

Crib Goch

Snowdon

Glyders

Fox's Path

Cwm Uchaf - Parsons Nose

Bottom Gully of Parsons nose

Top of North Ridge