Sun 27 Mar 2011 ..... a local walk

the "crew" heading down the trail

After a hectic week gone by, we were not up to an extensive mountaineering excursion this Sunday.

GS, ES, & TS

We all met up at a local pub in a nearby village for a traditional Sunday lunch, a few beers, and then decided to head-off on a local ramble.

KL, KT, & the boys leading the way

This time the whole team was together ~ JL, TS, and little ES plus KT joined us after a long absance as well!!

TS & JL

We followed the River Taf along its embankment from Pontypridd to the Upper Boat and then returned via the Taff Trail back to Pontypridd.  It was an approximate 4mile journey.

KT is back!!

Even though the day was overcast but mild, it was throughly enjoyed by all in good company.

Did not take many photos though :(

Sat 26 Mar 2011.....rock climbing

GS &  I on route

We returned to our local Crag for another session. A beautiful sunny day made our climb thoroughly enjoyable.

GS & I moving up the face

However, this time we had some spectators ~ Mom (JL), little Sis (TS) and little Bro (EJ) come to watch GS climb.

GS starting a free climb

 Mom was in charge of photography. TS and EJ tried their hand at a bit of climbing and seemed to enjoy it.

GS with little Sis (TS) & little Bro (EJ)

A few hours of climbing accompanied by a small picnic on the rocks made a great afternoon which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.










 a few more photographs:

GS & I progressing up the face

ES trying some traversing on "easy ground"

TS being cautious descending

GS working on his traversing

GS traversing across a complex section of the face

GS rigging up to abseil back down the face

Sun 20 Mar 2011.....Fan Frynych 629m (2,063ft)

Central Brecon Beacons in Wales.....

the route map

We set out on an approximate 4mile circular excursion over the Graig Cerrig Gleisiad National Nature Reserve.

GS leading up Craig Cerrig-gleisiad

We started out from the lay by car park on the A470 and headed through the picnic area in a westerly direction up the steep climb over Craig Cerrig-gleisiad heading over the ridge towards the western face of Fan Frynych.

KL & GS at the OSBM on Fan Frynych

After a short break of our usual soup and rolls on the western face of Fan Frynych directly over looking Coed y Fan, we then headed in a north by north-easterly direction to the OSBM629 on Fan Frynych and continued on to Twyn Dylluan-ddu.

a south-westerly view from Fan Frynych

It was an overcast but mild day and we only saw two other climbers and a dog walker in the distance over the whole journey.

GS & KL on descent

Once we reached Twyn Dylluan-ddu we then descended back down to the A470 in a south by south-easterly direction following a well formed footpath.

All in all it was a short (compared to our usual excursions) but excellent excursion thoroughly enjoyed by all.













a few more photos:

GS & KL at the start

a north by north-easterly view from the base of Craig Cerrig-gleisiad

GS & KL starting up Craig Cerrig-gleisiad

an easterly view from the base of Craig Cerrig-gleisiad

a south by south-easterly view from Craig Cerrig-gleisiad

KL & one of the boys half-way up Craig Cerrig-gleisiad

KL & GS heading over Craig Cerrig-gleisiad

a north by north-easterly view from the top of Craig Cerrig-gleisiad

KL, the boys, & GS at the Cairn on Fan Frynych

a south by south-westerly view from Fan Frynych

a westerly view from the top of Fan Frynych

a north by north-westerly view from the top of Fan Frynych

a northerly view over Twyn Dylluan-ddu

GS & KL on route back to the car

an easterly view on the way back

a north by north-westerly view on the way back

wow......that was hard!!

no pleeease......not again

a panoramic view of Craig Cerrig-gleisiad (please excuse the stitching!!)

Sat 19 Mar 2011.....on the rocks "again"

KL, GS, & I on top of the Crag

We set-off for a midday session at our local Crag in the Woods behind our house.

KL taping up

KL joins us today ~ fully geared up ~ his 1st day on the rocks.

KL & GS traversing the face

After a few basic pointers KL was away. He seems to have a natural talent ..... good holds, footwork, and balance.

GS free climbing a hard section

GS continued to work on his traversing and holds. His confidence seems to progress from strength to strength.

GS moving up the face

All in all an excellent afternoons climbing in glorious weather.

















a few more photos.....

KL moving up the face

GS working on traversing

KL working out a bouldering problem

Wed 16th March 2011.....on the rocks

GS & I at the start of the session

GS and I returned to the local Crag in the Woods behind our house for an evening session.

GS starting up the crag

The weather was good and all went well.

GS continued to experiment with his footwork and holds.

He is progressing well.

starting off.....

We hope to climb at least twice a week outdoors, and hopefully have a few sessions at an indoor climbing wall as well.









a few more photos.....

GS working his way up

GS nearly at the top

 

 

me.....topping out