A rather hectic weekend. Had our very belated Housewarming on Friday, which went really well. A good mix of people, lots of beer, sprout gin and apricot brandy. About 25 ish people came down which was ace, and about 10 crashed over for the night. Due to work committments Kate couldn’t make it which was a real shame, so I think she’s going to have another one at some point.
Drank some booze. Well, quite a lot really. But not as much as Martin. I think after he got his foul Czech spirit out (after the brandy and whiskey), Maria then convinced him to move onto wine.
Hence his rather slow start on Saturday morning. Every time we turned around he was asleep again. He finally appeared into the world at 12:30, then went home (allegedly to get stuff to go climbing) and fell asleep again. After a world of yes/no conversations, we decided to head to Wales with Maria P and her feller. A chat with Heather confirmed that we could crash at the Bryn Glas cottage ( as long as I took the guitar), so we headed on over.
Decided to get a route in on the way there – after eating etc it was about 8pm when we got to Ogwyn, so decided on Llyn on Gribin Facet, a HS** single pitch route. Headed over there, kitted up, led up it. Nice, if a little damp. Couple of thrutchy bits on it – set up belay, brought Martin up. He was carrying a rucsac with our trainers in, so was at a disadvantage to me, but still seemed to be having issues getting up it. When he finally got to the top, he stopped responding to my questions – which was a little odd – and kept grabbing the rock and clinging to it. And turned yellow (a bad colour to turn). Looked like death, any question I asked got no response. (I hasten to point out that although it’s described as 1 pitch, it finishes 1/2 way up a different climb – another pitch of Diff to go.). About 5 mins pass, (now 21:30, getting dark, starting to worry), so I suggest soloing the next bit trailing the rope, then bringing him up, and got a grunt in response – which was good enough for me. Storm up the top, get a belay in, drag him up.
Yellowness disappearing, Martin speaks and explains that nearly passed out several times, purple flashing lights in front of eyes, thinking it’s due to massive dehydration. We find a tiny stream and he slurps away, and within a couple of mins is right as rain again. Very bizzare.
Round to the cottage, and spend (yet another) happy evening/night at Bryn Glas, chatting about the world with Heather til 03:30. Realised that crags beckon, so hit the sack.
Sunday took Martin up Flying Buttress, a classic VD on Dinas Cromlech. he’d got best part of £200 of new shiney climbing kit that needed smacking about, which I gladly did. Topped out, got off, headed home, sorted kit, then out to Gathering meeting to announce we’ve estimated numbers of 600 for (a LOT more than normal).
Then last night (Tues) managed to fail to climb with Fitz at Wilton (piss wet when I got there after work – only takes 20 mins – winner!), so we went for a run round Appley bridge/beacon instead. Did 12 km, mostly off-road which was ace. Ache now though!