Welcome to the Web page for the CINEMA PEOPLE - SNOWDON 2006 fundraising event.
Success! The team reached the Snowdon summit at approximately 3.50pm on Saturday 25th March!
But nothing came easy. Here's the story of how everything was against us from the start:
1. Approximately 8 or 9pm, Friday 24th March. Part of the group arrive in Beddgelert village in three cars, in pouring rain, and check in to their B&B's. They promptly learn that the previous weekend the Llanberis mountain rescue team were called out five times in two days to various accidents on the mountain, including one fatal incident. The mountain rescue team are advising that nobody attempts the mountain without ice axes and crampons.
2. None of the team have ice axes or crampons. The remainder of the team arrive and everyone beds down for the night.
3. at 9.30am on the morning of the climb, (Sat 25th March) the team assemble in Beddgelert village, on the bridge, only to discover that the local bus to the start point of the climb isn't due until 11.20am. The team opt to walk to the start point, a car park near the village of Rhyd Ddu.
4. 11.30am. In overcast, but relatively dry weather, the team set out from the car park on the Rhyd Du path to the Snowdon summit. Walkers that the team pass along the way, descending the mountain, describe the conditions on the summit as "treacherous" and complain of falling over in the snow.
5. The cloud cover descends and the team become surrounded by hill fog. It begins to rain and the team become wet through. At roughly the halfway point, the team reach a stone wall cutting across the mountain. there is a snowdrift against the stones which has not melted in weeks. Still in good spirits, some slushy snowballs are thrown. This is the last time before the summit that any real "break" time is taken.
6. The team continue up to a zig-zag fence. The snow here is thick. Occasionally a heavy foot will penetrate the frozen layers and sink to knee deep. This makes the climbing much, much harder. There is a crisp wind that chills the skin. Later on, this throws hail at the team, which stings our bare faces and hands.
7. The team reach a part of the mountain known as Bwlch Main. A thin ridge joining the two wider parts of the mountain that the team must cross. On either side of the narrow ridge, vast cliffs descend into the fog. It is slippery and snow covered, so the team walk slowly and steadily across the ridge, trying to ignore the dangers on either side. with +30mph winds blowing right to left, this is as much a test of balance and care, as it is of nerves.
8. At approximately 3.50pm, more than 6 hours after leaving the village, the team reach the Snowdon summit and take a short break to open flasks and eat, before taking two photos with our Cancer Research banner on the roof of the Snowdon summit cafe. (One is shown here on this webpage)
9. Realizing that the Snowdon mountain railway (which is supposed to run from Mid march) will not be running, as it's tracks are buried beneath thick snow and ice, the team opt to set off down the train track to descend into Llanberis. After a few slips and slides by the team, across slopes of snow towards the train tracks edge, (and a steep bank down the left side) the team eventually manage to brave the harsh wind and remain upright long enough to come across the footpath to Llanberis and descend into the village. By 10pm that night, the team are back in Beddglert, toasting their success in the local pub.
THANKS: As I write this update, (3rd April, please note, this webpage will cease to exist sometime in early May) it seems only appropriate to include a few words of thanks to all those people who made this adventure possible:
To Anna and Peter, although I wanted to climb the mountain anyway, you guys gave us all a purpose for climbing it. I hope you are both proud, not only for the achievement of climbing the mountain, against your better judgement, but because thanks to you, we have raised over £1000 for Cancer Research.
To the rest of the team, well done. A phemomenal achievement in adverse conditions and we beat our target. Fantastic.
To Anuj, for sorting accomodation, as well as the idea and the added value of the Moulin Rouge screening & Raffle. Always mixing charity with entertainment!
To MP Tom Brake, who took publicity shots with the team and advertised the event on his personal website. I'm glad I'm in his constituency!
To Brian at Plas Gwyn B&B, and his son Daniel (Good luck with the studies) as well as the owners of Plas Colwyn and Plas Tan Y Graig B&B's in the village of Beddgelert. We were all well looked after and enjoyed our hearty breakfasts!
And lastly, to all our families and friends, work colleagues, supporters and sponsors. Without you all we would not have been able to do this. Thank you all...
Gordon Round (on behalf of the team)
Remember, if you know of anyone who might still like to contribute, this page will be terminating in May, but there's still time. LET THEM KNOW!
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us as Cancer Research UK will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be reclaimed and added to your gift at no cost to you.
Many thanks for your support.
Gordon Round. (on behalf of the team)
WEATHER INFO FOR SNOWDON: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/loutdoor/mountainsafety/snowdonia
http://www.fhc.co.uk/weather/weather.asp
OFFICIAL SNOWDON WEBSITE: http://www.snowdon.com/home.php
