Day 9 – The ascent of Snowdon

We have decided to do two paths – Up on the Watkins path and down on the Snowdon Ranger path.

The path up started at quite a gentle incline


and then got steeper.

and then got very steep indeed with everyone having to climb up a slate shale incline using our hand as
well as legs.

Halfway up we stopped on the ridge for a rest and to take in the spectacular views. The weather was good
and we could see for miles.




Finally we made it to the top before the cloud came over.

even Stephen made it !

And Jess's uncle has promised to sponsor her if she did a hand stand on the summit. Cough up uncle!

The journey down was pleasant and sunny.

And every one was happy to arrive back at our hostel for the night.




So out for a meal to celebrate!


Yes it is a chocolate pizza with ice cream, cream, toffee chunks and marshmallow
(ughh)

Quote of the day
Why don't you put one there
Lyric of the day
He'll be coming round the mount when he comes (The kids singing about Stephen)
Road kill of the day – No deaths to report

Day 8 – In Snowdonia – Rest day

Having spent 7 days walking here, today is a rest day and tomorrow we will climb Snowdon and
complete our adventure
After a late start (8:00) we lounged around the hostel kitchen playing cards

Then this was followed by some light shopping in Porthmadog (Food and fashion clothes)



In the afternoon we travelled over to Llanberis and the teenagers spent a leisurely afternoon on the
high ropes.





This evening we have eaten in Llanberis and returned to the hostel early and await the late arrival of
Nicholas (Ceri's brother), who will be accompanying us on our ascent tomorrow up the Watkins
pass to the summit of Snowdon.
Quotes of the day
Halfway up the swing – 'Can I get off now :('

Day 7 Harlech to Bryn Gwynant

Today was the last day of the first phase of our adventure to climb Snowdon.
The day started when the members sleeping in the tent awoke to find they had gained a lodger in the
night

The weather was not good when it came to pack away (Wet & Windy), so we had to hang onto the
tent as we took it down, not easy!


Finally everything was packed away into the car.


Jess helped Steve get dressed (as the walk has gone on he has need more help as he has regressed to
his childhood). Jess looked very pleased at having dressed him, but Simon was miffed as it was his job.








Finally everyone was ready to start the final walk

The days walk was mainly along a very narrow track with just enough room for one car


But the scenery was very good and even the rain went away for a while and Jess perfected her elf
impression by hiding behind a tree.


As our journey neared its end we descended from the hill back to the main road.


Our late lunch was at a converted chapel which still had its pulpit


As we were unable to check in to the Youth Hostel we are to be staying at for the rest of our time in
Snowdon, we went down to Llanberis were everyone sat in the car and fell asleep

This evening we went do to Beddgelert and had a very good meal at a pizza restaurant with lots of
salad and garlic bread and lots of lettuce!




Quotes of the day
Can I have a doggy bag for my lettuce please
How did Stephen get is swollen finger?
Road kill of the day =5 – 4 frogs & 1 squirrel.
Lyric of the day
If all the rain drops were lemon drops

Day 6 Barmouth to Harlech

The day started with a walk across the Barmouth railway bridge into Barmouth.


On the way across amongst the spectacular scenery, Jess & Ceri were only interested in listening to
Radio 1. There's no accounting for youth.


We walked through Barmouth and along the front.
An were lucky to see a main line steam train passing through.


Lunch was again at the road side alfresco.

Stephen did not have the most successful of afternoons. It started by him lagging slightly behind the
main walkers. They passed through a gate with no problem, but Stephen could not master the
complex mechanism of the latch (lift and pull) and had to resort to climbing over!

It did not get any better for him when he completely missing a large blue direction sign and getting
lost in Harlech (He reckons he was not lost, everyone else was).

Today we passed into the Snowdonia National park.

And we made it to the camp site early afternoon and pitched up.

And we made it to the camp site early afternoon and pitched up.

To cap Stephen's day of mishaps he managed to order only four meals this evening instead of five
( I think he has trouble counting )

Quotes of the day
I new I wasn't lost as I was outside the library - He should have gone to Specsavers – I did!!
Hardly any sleep again due to partying, unfortunately it wasn't ours.
Lyric of the day
Build me up buttercup
Road kill – 1 bird
Possibly 1 giant green hedge rabbit

Day 5 - Aberystwyth to Ynyslas & Aberdyfi to Tonfanau

The first foto of life in the tent at night, with Jess & Ceri relaxing before Jess went on her walkabout!



Today was a glorious walk along the coast with spectacular views over Cardigan bay.

The climb was steep in places and Stephen especially struggled with down hill sections



Some posing pictures along the cliff tops
Jess on the edge

Ceri & Stephen on a decent



Simon how've you changed


By the time we got to Borth we were hot and bothered


So and ice cream was called for!

And then on again on the wall defences for several more miles

Until we finished the days walking on a beautiful pebbled beach, tired but happy.



Quote of the day.
Do we have to keep on walking or can't we just go for a paddle!
Road kill - 1 burnt leg of lamb with maggots (uggg!)