Snowdonia and Scotland

Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd



JF - We have had a mountainous few weeks - first we moved to North Wales for my next vet job. It's in Caernarfon, a great location, virtually on the lower slopes of the Snowdonia National Park. It's lambing season, and the farmers drive their ewes straight to the clinic for veterinary attention. After performing nil sheep caesarians in my 5 years of NZ practice, I did 3 in a week!

North Wales - Despite centuries of rule by the English, the Welsh seem to have preserved their unique culture (particularly their language) very well in places like Caerarfon - the heart of Welsh nationalism. Approx. 90% of the population speak Welsh here, most as a first language. Sometimes the farmers I've met will struggle to think of uncommon English words. It's like being in another country (well I suppose it is!) I'd rather be a Kiwi than an Englishman in Wales!

Kate's father Peter visited for a few days, and he and Katie climbed Tryfan (pron. Triven) on a wet misty day. The next day Rory, Jane, Andy Short(NZ) Katie and I climbed the Horse-Shoe on Mt Snowdon.




Rory and Jamie on the Snowdon Horseshoe - a classic ridge walk. The mild winter means there's virtually no snow on the route this year.











Andy emerging out of the mist and walking the tightrope.


We will be in Wales from March 12 - May 5. Meanwhile we're on a 3 week trip to Scotland, looking for more mountains (surprise!) and for some white stuff! It's been a terrible snow year, so there are only a few places in condition for classic Scottish winter ice-climbing. I managed a trip on a rare clear day last week. After catching the gondala 700m uphill (to the almost bare Scottish ski-field!) we walked another 300m up to the "crag", a 100 m cliff which is plastered in snow and ice from the cold north winds. The picture below shows a crowd of ice-climbers descending Easy Gully to access their routes. We had to queue!

















The Van.


Oh dear, this was a big mistake! We were very keen to get a touring van to use on our trip to Scotland, and so planned a buying trip to London. Unfortunately we didn't leave much time, and as a result took a gamble on this cheap 20yr old Ford Transit. It's nicely kitted out inside for travelling, but we underestimated just how worn the engine was (Yes, a mechanics check would have saved us from this disaster!). We have therefore met a variety of mechanics since! Apart from regular signs of disrepair, the van used 1/2 of its engine oil, 1 1/2 litres of transmission fluid and 90 litres of gas (at 88p/l) in 430 miles! Our attempts to go carbon neutral have gone down the pipes for a while yet..
Our current plan is to nurse the van thru our holiday and to retire it (after stripping the camping gear) when we get back to Wales. Please pray for our failing battery and leaking radiator.