A Quick breakfast of Porridge, Toast and Meatloaf and Mike drops us off at the Rhyd Ddu path. When asked what Rhyd Ddu means Mike advises “Black Rhyd”. We tell him we should be back at the rangers path by 12.30.
Conditions on the mountain are difficult and getting worse and after about 3 hours in an almost white out the
majority of the group opt to return to base via the Rhyd Ddu path.
Rhys desperately wants to continue having walked the path some weeks early in good conditions and trys to persuade everyone to carry on.
It is at this point that the Commodore comes out with a classic line.. while stepping backwards nearer to the group
that wants to return to base he says “ I’ll sit on the fence and go with the majority”…it’s a moment of lightness in what was a difficult decision.
The 4 40+ climbers go back and Rhys and Gethin (Chi Chi) continue and make it to the summit in very, very difficult conditions. Rhys understates that there is 10 minutes of a scrambly bit then we'll be back on the path and it'll be fine.
Geth follows and off they go.
'Bwlch Main is a narrow col, and is extremely exposed to the wind. It is quite safe, in reasonable weather, and as long as you keep to the path. In snow and ice conditions, however, it is extremely dangerous, and should only be attempted by experienced mountaineers with the proper equipment.'
The 4 that return to base get back to the
bunkhouse by 11am and find that Mike has already left for his 12.30 rendezvous. When Andy catches up with him he ask Mike why did you leave the bunkhouse so early…” I’ve only been here half hour` says Mike even though we’ve waited from 11am till 1pm at the house..We pack up camp and by 2pm Andy and I are back on the bikes on our way to
Corris. The first leg is a long slow climb and while not 100% I feel better than I did and Andy continues to cycle strongly.
Rhys Joins us later and we arrive at Tal y Llyn lake near Corris around 5pm.
Tonight we stay at Braich Coch Bunkhouse and after having sorted the sleeping arrangements with Ian
`the nasal passage` in with Rhys and Gethin and Me Merv, Andy and Mikalis in the other
room, we meet at 6.30 for the trip into Machynlleth for food at the White Lion.
We have a pint or two and while Merv is checking in with home on his mobile he drops classic quote number two on us. While on the phone to Rae he’s also reading the menu…” I’d really like the ALL DAY breakfast, but I don’t know if they do it at this time of day”…
After food we head back to Braich Coch and a couple of pints in the bar. Andy and I get the
guitars out but I’m suffering still with my doggy chest and don’t feel in the mood.
Bed by 11pm and we’re up at 7ish for breakfast and shower before the off. 87 miles today all the way back to Laugharne.
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