We had started early as I had wanted. I had slept well after yesterdays hike ,but still woke with the tent being slapped by some hefty gusts of wind and driven rain. At times the sides slapped my face, it was either that or J getting his revenge for push him hard or for having a go at him for being.....a typical teenager. Anyway the tent put up with the gusts and gave us a dry secure night.
Porridge ,and the sweet tea ,which although Josh seemed to struggle eating it all I made sure he did as he would need it today.
The tent was dry which gave me a psycological boost with the thought of less weight. I had been pleased we were only carrying the needed, and necessary.
I had not done this route we were to take up to Y Garn before, so I had no idea what to expect. We set off picking up a clear path and after a spell the incline increased, mostly climbing stone steps zig-zag upwards. It was steep and I needed the odd brief stop as we were wrapped in hill cloud. Views below were limited and the further up the stronger the gusts. On two occasions we were knocked to the ground. A slatey steep incline near the clocked top decreased our speed. We gained the ridge and were instantly driven into cover to put full water proofs on, although damp it was more the wind which had us fighting our way forward leaning 45 degree into the constant blow.
We followed the ridge north west for half a click before dropping down. It was about two miles slog to the road,no path was that clear so I had to make my own. On arrival at Nant Peris village and we had hoped for a shop or tea but no luck, and being only 11.30 the pub was closed. We sat on a bench and ate the last of the lemon tea granules and J the chucks of cheese.
Luckily the walk up the road ,the two miles , to Llanberis was on path. We headed straight to the Snowdon Railway where I knew would have a cafe. Although expensive we shared a tuna panini and coffee plus a bar of choc each. I was tired and if the train had been cheaper I may of caught the train up ,but a £25 return ticket to the summit of Snowdon soon put dark thoughts away. We walked suitably refreshed back a little to take the Llanberis path up. We found a place to hide our packs and with clothes for a cold wind driven top we climbed the 4.5 miles to Snowdon. The well worn, and easiest path up Snowdon ,roughly followed the railway line and crossing it a few times. The trains went puffing by a few times with packed single carriages. A few dozen folk about were also walking up/down ,and the odd bod was running down. Various dress and nationalities were passed.
We finally reached the sparse top and had our photo taken by the Trig point before finding shelter in the top crowded cafe and top station. Hot drink then about 3 we started the return journey via the same route we came up. I have been up Snowdon over 15 times, never by train, but this ascent had been the first and descent about the third. I was alot younger when I used to sprint down but now I jogged, feeling I was holding Josh back I told him to go ahead. He would go ahead, stop, walk and as I caught up he shot ahead again. As we passed the half way station he shot off. Folk we had passed going up who were going down were passed again as we desended. It took us 1 hour 45 to climb and an hour to desend.
At Llanberis J had gathered our packs. We donned them and into town and bought chips eating whilst walking on along the Llyn Padarn.
3 miles on we started looking for a pitch site. We plucked brambles which seemed some sweet ,some sour ,some in flower or red unripe.
We passed a bunk barn was and returned to ask for a pitch. We had limited funds and due to a lack of pitch site the friendly lady gave us beds in the chalet half price. How could we refuse.
We showered and had a peaceful evening in the comfortable surroundings. The founder / owner popped into have a chat. Mr.James was his name and quite a character. He gave us a beer and chatted for some time about his bunk barn and innovative ideas with rightful pride. Apparently this was the fore runner to all bunk barns and was established in the 1960's. Great hosts, great place and with warm atmosphere - look it up JESSE JAMES BUNK HOUSE.
We were short of sugar which thankfully was supplied by our host.It is important that our tea and porridge was well sugared and that evening and the next morning it was.
We watched abit of tv, had the last of our spicy noodles with rice and cous cous. Again not the best of meals and I had to hassle J to eat it all, anyone would think my cooking was not edible. Beggers can't be picky.
Bed around 11. 18 miles covered.
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