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I did visit Wales once before, not too long ago. Due to personal reasons I was feeling very frustrated, angry and sad at the same time. Not too good a mix of emotions to do some proper preparations for an escapism holiday. As I soon found out. I didn't bring my cooking equipment, sleeping mat, a towel, or even my undies. Very unsettling as you can imagine. So on my way from Holland to Wales, I bought a sleeping mat in Birmingham Decathon, same place where I bought some nice long undies, bought a towel in who knows where, and some more undies in Betws-y-Coed.
And all of that effort for what? For three days of mist and rain. I even posted one or two photos on this site.
I was feeling more frustrated when I came back. So far for escapism.
So, last wednesday, some two months later, having 6 days off, no important appointments and good weather forecast for Wales, I decided to set off again. Fingers crossed.
I had planned 3 routes, the Snowdon horseshoe, the Glyders and Y Garn and the Carneddeau. So, on my first morning, ready to set of to Pen y Pass for the horseshoe, I put on one shoe. Oh yes, that great feeling of having great boots on your feet. I put on the other shoe. Oh yes,.....wait, why are my toes hurting in this one? Checked the size. I really did think I was better prepared than last time. Only to discover that I did bring one of my own boots, and the other was my girlfriend's. Good start.
So, off to Snowdon on my already worn out Puma sneakers, that don't even deserve the name sportshoe anymore. Falling apart while looking at them. So after the horseshoe I went to an outdoorshop. Bought some fairly cheap new shoes. Set off with them on day two of my visit. Great shoes. Until, luckily enough at the end of the walk, the whole sole came loose. Brought them back and got a refund. So I went to another outdoor shop and yet again bought a new pair of cheap boots. All three days on different not so good boots, while my brave Meindls where waiting for me. One in the back of the car, the other back home in Holland.
I did however get my revenge on Wales. The weather has been great, the walks have been fantastic, and the Whelsh have been nothing but friendly. I hope you enjoy my photos. This post contains day 1. I'll make a separate post for day 2.
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=57004
- Morning view on Tryfan. Same morning I found out about my boots.
- morning view while driving towards Pen y Pass
- view backwards while on my way up to the start of Crib Goch
- view inside the horseshoe, from where the way to Crib Goch separates from the Pyg track.
- view inside the horseshoe
- inside the horseshoe
- view backwards just before the scrambling begins
- looking forward to Crib Goch.
- view from Crib Goch
- Some Welshman I met with whom I've completed the horseshoe. Thanks again guys.
(But please send me the photos)
- looking down from Crib Goch
- standing on one pinnacle, looking to the next
- looking backwards on the less steep slope
- standing on top of one of the pinnacles
- looking down from the pinnacle
- again
- climbing one of the pinnacles
- Rest of the horseshoe after having finished Crib Goch
- view down the steep slopes of Y Lliwedd
- view down Lliwedd
- view down Lliwedd