Snowdon

ANother bad drive up on Friday night -- left at 6, got to Bangor travelodge after 11, with the worst of the traffic around Coventry and Birmingham.

Saturday morning cloudy and raining but forecast was better for later in day, so off to a late start. Park-and-ride around 9:30, eventually left Pen-y-pass car park around 10:30. Totally in mist, but at least not cold nor raining.

40 minutes up crowded PYG track to the split off on right for Crib Goch. A few large groups but not too bad after that. Made good progress, although completely in cloud all the way. Some queuing to go along the ridge. Still always a bit surprised at how scary it really is.

Down the other side and then made an effort to stick to the central ridge heading up to Garnedd Ugain. Made the top this time (although Michael thinks we did manage it before but only by back-tracking). Still in cloud but feeling better.

Short hop down the other side and then onto the main path and more crowds. Cafe open at the top now ... quite a nice building with massive panorame windows (when there's a view) but rather messy inside due to mass of people snacking and littering. Queues too long to get a hot drink.

At the top around 4pm and it suddenly cleared, quite spectacularly with views all around and lumps of cloud below.

Started back down usual way but then stayed high on PYG track, as we left a couple of large school parties to the Miners track.

Back to car park by 6:15, straight onto a bus and back to park-and-ride.

Camp site in Capel Curing rather crowded although still managed a pitch on the fence which somehow seems preferable. £10 for the night for car, one tent and the two of us. Burnt sausages and beans for tea. Sunday we drove to Llyn Ogwen and walked up to the higher lake, round and back again ...a nice 2 - 3 hour trip in lovelly weather - got a little sunburnt in fact. Then to Mark's new house for a quick visit, as they've finally moved in, or at least are sleeping int he house. Back home by 10 ...quite a trip.