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 #62 Re: TR: Wales - Between a Rock and a Soft Place Posted 01/03/2010 @ 12:22 |
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Diolch yn fawr Mike. Dydd gwyl ddewi hapus  |
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I've been all over the world, Ibiza, Magaluf, Blackpool etc and Tamworth was by far the best for snowsports!! It's intense man!!! You're totally gripped when you're at the top and looking down...
Snowboard Wales Facebook Group |
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Mid Glamorgan |
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| #63 Re: TR: Wales - Between a Rock and a Soft Place Posted 24/03/2010 @ 16:14 |
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Revision #1 (Last edited: 24/03/2010 @ 16:15) |
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TUESDAY 02 MARCH 2010 THROUGH TO WEDNESDAY 24 MARCH 2010
Cold and dry for the most part with a recent period of rain.
7 day window left to record 5 consecutive months of turns in The Beacons, and The Oracle has spoken
Derek
QUOTE (ChrissyD77 - 01/03/2010 @ 12:22) Well it's turned milder recently, the daffodils are blooming, but after a very dry start spring has sprung a leak! The gardens and allotments have all had a good watering and there is more rain on the way this week but with winds blowing from the south, temperatures will be above average in most places, especially on the North Wales coast. Mind you, something tells me we haven't seen the last of winter yet and there is a hint that it may turn colder next week. Low pressure will be bringing rain and strong winds, and as temperatures drop I wouldn't rule out some sleet and snow!
Fingers, legs and eyes crossed |
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MIKE RICHARDS
Passing on the Passion for Powder since 2002
CSIA (Canada) Level 2 Ski Instructor
PSIA (United States) Level 2 Ski Instructor
Canadian Avalanche Association Level 1 - Ski Operations |
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Mid Glamorgan |
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| #64 Re: TR: Wales - Between a Rock and a Soft Place Posted 02/04/2010 @ 18:33 |
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| In reply to post #63
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THURSDAY 25 MARCH 2010 THROUGH TO THURSDAY 01 APRIL 2010
March came in like a lamb, but went out like a lion.
Cold, dry, sunny days made way for milder temperatures and torrential rain. The normal Welsh winter.
But late March / early April often offers up quick, dramatic winter storms and this year was no exception.
Derek had called it weeks ago and come the 29th colder temperatures returned and the rain slowly shifted to sleet and then snow on the higher ground.
The hope had been to let the snow accumulate on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning, and for me to get up there on Wednesday afternoon, the last day of March, to log 5 consecutive months of skiing in The Beacons.
Unfortunately commitments at home kept me from the mountains on Wednesday and Thursday and all I could do was sit and watch the storms roll in, changing from rain to sleet to snow and back again.
FRIDAY 02 APRIL 2010
After a tumultuous night, this morning broke calmer, grey and damp. There was still snow on the hills around my home, so after getting my Dad set up in front of the Super 14 rugby double header on Sky I set off into the gloom.
By the time I got to Penderyn the drizzle had become a drizzle sleet mix, and when I parked up in the Toilets car park the intensity had picked up coupled with a wind to rival Patagonia.
But the snowline was at the bridge and it looked like I could pick my way back later.
After a couple of days teaching in the rain in Niseko my first two winters there, when I went out on my own last winter I told my clients that if it was raining I wasn't teaching.
And yet here I was heading up in the freezing rain. Needs must.
A third of the way up I met Telegenic, and his dog Loki, from the Dark Snow forum heading down. He'd driven over from Bristol and was contemplating going back up with me but discretion was definitely the better part of valour this time.
Telegenic doing his best Strider / Vigo impression heading home to brews and a barbecue. Wise move
I passed his tracks heading up and at first I thought they were skin tracks. I later worked out that he'd pretty much straightlined it from Bwlch Duwynt!
After taking Telegenic's pic the camera stayed in the bag, which meant I got to the Bwlch Duwynt saddle in 30 mins. At this altitude it was more snow than rain, with around 50-60cm depth in places.
I'd anticipated heading over to Pen-y-Fan, but the wind howling over the saddle nearly knocked me on my arse. By far the windiest I've experienced up there.
Turned tail, and then clicked in ready for the descent. But not before chatting with a father and daughter from south of Sydney, Australia who were on a 4-week walking tour of Britain. They were dressed for the weather, but they certainly hadn't expected conditions like this during British Summer Time.
Passed a number of families and groups out walking on the way down. Despite the weather, the path was busy.
The snow was slow, but very skiable and I managed to pick my way back to the bridge. Didn't fancy walking out.
There's been as much rain as snow during this storm. If the temperatures were closer to those of January, there would be 1.5 to 2m up there. Bloody Gulf Stream.
As is the case, this afternoon has been sunny and clear and tomorrow morning promises to be the same.
Good Friday?
Even with the rain, the wind and being soaked through a Great Friday. |
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MIKE RICHARDS
Passing on the Passion for Powder since 2002
CSIA (Canada) Level 2 Ski Instructor
PSIA (United States) Level 2 Ski Instructor
Canadian Avalanche Association Level 1 - Ski Operations |
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| Posts: 1129 |
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Mid Glamorgan |
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| #65 Re: TR: Wales - Between a Rock and a Soft Place Posted 05/04/2010 @ 13:19 |
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| #66 Re: TR: Wales - Between a Rock and a Soft Place Posted 06/04/2010 @ 11:14 |
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Still lovely photos though! |
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Mid Glamorgan |
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| #67 Re: TR: Wales - Between a Rock and a Soft Place Posted 06/04/2010 @ 11:49 |
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Forum Mod |
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Kirkcudbrightshire |
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| #68 Re: TR: Wales - Between a Rock and a Soft Place Posted 07/04/2010 @ 20:45 |
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Excellent Mike, for me this has been the thread of the season.  |
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Mid Glamorgan |
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| #69 Re: TR: Wales - Between a Rock and a Soft Place Posted 08/04/2010 @ 09:26 |
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| #70 Re: TR: Wales - Between a Rock and a Soft Place Posted 07/05/2010 @ 09:30 |
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Heads up Mike. It's dumping here in Ebbw and seems to be heading straight at Pen Y Fan. May turns on their way |
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I've been all over the world, Ibiza, Magaluf, Blackpool etc and Tamworth was by far the best for snowsports!! It's intense man!!! You're totally gripped when you're at the top and looking down...
Snowboard Wales Facebook Group |
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| #71 Re: TR: Wales - Between a Rock and a Soft Place Posted 07/05/2010 @ 14:57 |
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Mid Glamorgan |
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| #72 Re: TR: Wales - Between a Rock and a Soft Place Posted 07/05/2010 @ 23:55 |
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Cheers Chris
Heading up tomorrow |
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MIKE RICHARDS
Passing on the Passion for Powder since 2002
CSIA (Canada) Level 2 Ski Instructor
PSIA (United States) Level 2 Ski Instructor
Canadian Avalanche Association Level 1 - Ski Operations |
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| Posts: 1129 |
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Mid Glamorgan |
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| #73 Re: TR: Wales - Between a Rock and a Soft Place Posted 08/05/2010 @ 09:24 |
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