So my welsh is becoming gently more proficient (at least when it comes to map reading)!
It's been an amazing 10days so far - mainly highs. Last week we stayed in a shed type roundhouse/ger. It's was 60% waterproof and we were sleeping on wooden planks for beds but it was pretty magical. Went on a massive walk up a mountain in 60-80mph winds which we had to abort near the top. In hindsight it was fairly tricky (although id stress that i never felt in danger) I have to admit that it was great fun. Unfortunately one of the fellas - Jim - badly sprained his ankle on the way down so me and Jack (affectionately known as man-beast) carried him down. THAT was tough. We learned first aid and legal responsibilities and packed and repacked our kit all in between keeping a fire going constantly to cook on, dry out clothes near and generally huddle round. Possibly one of the greatest weeks of my life amongst 'strangers' - soon to be friends.
Week 2 has been backdropped by llanberis, the blue/White peris outdoor activities centre and ML (Mountain leader) training. Warm, dry, ALMOST plush. Our days have been punctuated by climbs into to surrounding mountains - Crympiau, Tryfam and Cwm Idwal. I can happily admit my fear of heights having gently conquered them in the gully 800metres up the side of Tryfam. Definitely a mind over matter moment. Will I do it again? Probably MANY times over the next few months. Yesterday we concentrated on rope work without a harness. PROPERLY cool. Always wanted to learned stuff like that and the South African harness is A-MAZING.
I've been very fortunate to be doing what I am doing fir the near future and I hope the people who helped me to get here know how important they are to me. I wake up every morning and after I've wiped the sleep from my eyes, I get to mutter my favourite phrase - LIFE IS GOOD. I find myself saying that a LOT. I feel very lucky to be able say that so often.
I'm nit going to be able to update often and to be honest, nor do I want to but I just thought I'd say hi...
Take it easy everyone.
Biglove and Bearhugs
