This is the last time I agree to an idea for an adventure thought up in the pub. I agreeded to join Viv, Mark and his dad Ray on a walk to the top of Pen-Y-Fan today, just after boxing day. We started at the Storey Arms Outdoor Centre and headed straight up the hill, before it levelled off half way up, then the final climb to the top of Cone-D. The picture was taken just before the final climb but as you can guess after the snow line started. Pretty soon after a bit more walking the snow turned to just ice and the going became a bit treacherous, with a strong tail wind (nearly 100 kph) and icy rocks. At the top of Cone D the wind was ripping across the top of the ridge with such force it tore Marks bini off and you could lean into the wind at nearly 45'. It was really exhilerating, but with a steep steep hill on either side there was a need to be aware of where you put your feet. Our stay on the top of Cone D did not last very long as the temperature in the wind had dropped a lot, so we decided to head down quick. The route down was a lot more treacherous than the way up as a change in direction caused the wind to come at us from our right. This ment that for every step forward I took, I slipped and slid a metre to the left. I thought it was great fun, an icy wind whipping in at you, icy slippery rocks and imminent death if you slip up. It was good until I became cold so we sheltered for a while in the lee of the hill before heading down the main route. Our journey down was uneventful and only windy up until we reached below the snow line. After that it was nice stroll along the road back to the car. The only other thing that we saw was the royal airforce rescue sea king hovering and exercising. It was a pretty cool day.
The rocks at the top.
Wads chillin at the top.
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