An Invigorating trip..

I'm currently on a training course through work. So far I've done four weeks out of seven, in a classroom with no windows, supplied with foul supposedly conditioned air. Not only that, but the course is presented on computers..so for much of the day the room is dark and I'm looking at a laptop screen. To keep from falling asleep I'm drinking far too much chemical coffee and hot choc from a vending machine. I'm getting up early to study...plus doing another three hours or so at night...all on laptops! Normally my work is varied and I'm sort of free range with big bright horizons, with plenty to do. So not surprisingly I'm starting to suffer and badly needed a day out!
Spectacular view of Llyn Ogwen from the shoulder below Tryfan's North Ridge

So with an unexpected free day..grasped the opportunity and headed for the hills..after picking up a good friend, Giles, who I would guide for the day! Feels like it's been grey for weeks. Imagine the sight of blue skies across the Irish Sea in one direction and snow capped mountains their summits defined keenly against the sky in the other. I really had to concentrate on driving, as it was so tempting to admire the view!
This guy, with no gear and little idea(Giles) kept following me! Could have left him to the goats, but gave him half my hot choc instead..

The snow was a surprise and not forecast. So my plans for the day had to be adjusted accordingly. I had intended a walk to the top of Tryfan following the same route to the far South Peak via the Heather Terrace path, that I walked back in June with Liz. I had picked the Heather terrace as a loose connection to the horse I have loaned and lost this week. The path with the flower of her name is fittingly beautiful, yet as rocky and hard as the mare herself. A fitting tribute.
Tryfan's goats seem to have had a good year, with plenty of young kids..

We had the place to ourselves. As we gained height towards the North Ridge the snow became deeper. No footprints. So the snow was fresh..last nights..so not icy and a delight to crunch through. Unfortunately this made the route-finding all the more tricky and I was aware of a worsening weather forecast. Eventually we found the elusive path...well the terrace and made our way along. By the time we'd got to the South end the cloud was descending and snow was being blown in the increasing wind. No time for bravery..after attempting to make snow angels on a precarious slab and nearly falling off. We decided to get to the valley floor and head home.

My attempt at making mountain snow angels nearly ended up with me flying off the side!