Sunday 19 February 2012

Thawsday


Then after the thaw comes   ........MUD

A lady from Connecticut U.S.A. once told me that in the New England area of America they have five seasons. Spring, summer, autumn, winter and  the 'mud season'. 

I am not sure if she likes mud but Billy and I enjoy going out to run/play in it. What is not to like? It is an excuse to put fell running shoes on, even for our from the door runs. Mud is softer to run on, it doesn't rattle my knackered joints as much and Billy gets to play the Hippo game.



We used to have a black dog











Saturday 11 February 2012

S.A.D. part 2



What a difference a couple of days make. After near perfect conditions on my first S.A.D. run the weather could not have been more different. The run starts from Minffordd again but this time instead of taking the usual ridge up, I follow the footpath around the edge of Llyn Cau and strait up Crag Cau.

Once up on the ridge it is 'clag central' with some slightly scary gusts of wind. It is good to get out of it and take refuge in the summit shelter. I scoff a cereal bar, take a bearing and head off into the miasma.

 From here things went wrong. Instead of following the bearing I decided to trust my mountain memory and gut feelings...... Fool.

Next time the cloud clears, I am heading down a spur towards Lyn y Gadair. The clag closes in again. My first thoughts are "I hope I don't have to call Mountain Rescue. The shame." 

 Map out, belay jacket on and have a think. Unlike the weather, all becomes clear.

Up and running again, it seems to take an age to reach Mynydd Moel, where I can confirm I am in the right place. Phew! From here it is just a soggy jog, back to join Mrs sbrt and Billy for brunch.