Our Outdoor Adventures

Thursday, 14 April 2011

Tue 05 Apr 2011.....indoor bouldering

ES having his 1st session

Since our last climbing excursion in the local Crag, little Sis (TS) and little Bro (ES) have been persistently pestering to have "proper go"! Looks like they are hooked!!

TS learning to traverse

It has been easy coaching GS 1 to 1 out in the Crag; but with the other 2 tagging along, training in a more controlled environment was decided as prudent, at least until they have the confidence and basic skill under their belts.

GS moving with ease on the wall

Up until this point I have had a terrible phobia of indoor climbing facilities, as I have always thought myself to be a die-hard trad climber. But allowances must be made when you have a young family in tow who like to partake in your interests. So, with some apprehension I headed off to the local Bouldering Center with the kids and JL in tow.

instruction for GS on overhang

Also, to be quite honest, in hanging up my climbing boots for nearly 10years and over indulging in life's' unhealthy luxuries; since rekindling my climbing activities over the last 6months, I have found my core body strength to be non-existent!! So, bouldering may be the solution to rebuilding my core strength and endurance ...... or at least I have convinced myself of that to get myself through the door.

ES having fun

In entering the centre it was a surprisingly relaxed atmosphere with extremely friendly and helpful staff. They gave us a guided tour of the centre, which seemed well laid out and most importantly "quiet"!! The separate area that was dedicated for children was also well laid out and empty.....great!!

TS chasing the alphabet

The children had an excellent time on the walls! GS found the children's section and respective routes quite easy, and was interested in trying out the adults area!! Young ES and TS had great fun, and it proved to be a more controlled environment for me to give them appropriate instruction in.

GS looking happy with his ability

All in all the trip to the centre proved well worthwhile, and we hope to utilise the facilities at least twice a week for training ~ one day for the young ones and one day for the adults. I registered myself as a member at the end of the session!!

a few more photos:

GS & TS working the same route

ES looking very happy

ES confidently climbing on his own

TS working on her traversing skills

ES seemed to like "chalking up"

Wednesday, 13 April 2011

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

Monday, 11 April 2011

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: