EXPLORING LLANBERIS

 The journey from Bournemouth took just over five hours, and as a top co-pilot I only slept for about 20 minutes of the journey. Annoyingly this was just as we entered the rolling hills of the Welsh valleys, but I definitely made up for it by requesting a few little pit stops to stop and take pics. 

Leaving first thing in the morning meant a couple of stop offs for coffee were inevitable, but it meant we would have some time to explore Llanberis a little that afternoon. 

Once our bags were down and our bellies full of tea and cake (more on this later) we set off to explore a few of the local landmarks.

Never before have I been so far north in Wales and was albeit slightly naïve but fascinated to understand that the majority of the locals actually spoke Welsh!  

We ventured out to find the most breath taking waterfall and also an awesome castle (or what was left of it). The scenery itself was enough to keep you occupied, made even better by the slight appearance of Autumn. It was on this walk I had the first glimpse into wondering if the impending climb was a good idea as it was on the decent from the castle that I went ass over tit!!! Blaming my new walking boots, as it couldn't possibly be my renowned clumsiness we hiked on in search of what more Llanberis had to offer. 

Cue the part of continuing to chat about more about the cake. This section is something I could dedicate a whole blog post to as the hospitably we experienced from Elaine and Andy was like no other. The second we arrived at Glyn Afon Guest House we were greeted with a steaming pot of tea and the most delicious selection of cakes to help ourselves to. Both Elaine and Andy were so so welcoming and it instantly felt like a home from home. So much so that I realised I had already taken my boots off whilst we were chatting to them in the reception area. 

It felt like we were on some kind of baking and goodies retreat as at every given opportunity there was rocky road, lemon cake and any other cake you can imagine on offer. Even our rooms were stocked with little chocolate treats and also all the toiletry essentials you could possibly need for a weekend stay. 

If you have read my post about the actual climb you will know that I prevented a hangry midmountain meltdown by stocking my bag with lots of snacks. Now whilst I don't recommend going up without any kind of supplies but with an Elaine breakfast, let's just say you will be fuelled for hours. Fresh fruit and yoghurt, pancakes and then a full English meant our bellies were well and truly stocked up for the impending adventure. I mean 3 course breakfasts need to be become a thing right? Not to mention, you guessed it a little cake care package was on offer. 

The only one complaint we had was that Elaine couldn't up ship and head to Scotland so we could stay there when we do the next challenge up to Ben Nevis. 

Both evening meals we headed to two local pubs. The first, The Heights, was a proper "walkers" pub and whilst I was a little saddened not to be greeted with a big roaring fire the staff were lovely and friendly, and the food was super hearty and perfect the night before climbing Snowdon. The second The Gwynedd Inn was definitely the kind of pub you want to head to after conquering a mountain. My one piece of advise is to go hungry as the portions were HUGE!

Sadly the Slate Mine Museum and little Hospital Museum were closed so we couldn't venture around them, but the location made for such a beautiful and relaxing break.

We stayed for two night which I think gave the perfect amount of time to explore Llanberis. Next time I would love to head back to try the zipwire which was sadly closed whilst we were there. 

This was such a perfect little staycation and I am definitely going to be creating a list of more places in the UK to head to.... So send all your recommendations my way. 

Have you explored North Wales or Llanberis before? 

CLIMBING SNOWDON AND LIVING WITHOUT EXPECTATION

In true winging it style there was a two week time frame from being asked, to saying yes, and then taking on the Snowdon climb. I mean who needs to stop and take weeks or months to decide if they want to hike up a mountain without any prep? But what an awesome way to say goodbye to my 31st year and hello to the next! 

The night before we set off my walking buddy asked me what I was most looking forward to about the climb. I thought about it for a second and then admitted that I was heading into it with no expectation. No hopes of how it would go, or without preconceptions of what I expected. 

 One thing I did know for sure was that I needed to be armed with lots of snacks, as let's face it  no one wants to be hangry half way up a mountain. If the trip taught me anything it's that I'm now a firm contender for the next series of SAS Who Dares Wins after successfully reaching the summit of a mountain with 40kg of carbs in my Bergen rucksack. 

Tying up my walking boots on the morning of the climb I still had zero expectation of what laid before me. Soon into our adventure I was very grateful that I invested in a good pair of said walking boots and snug socks.. both come highly recommended. We passed a couple of hikers later on during our descent sporting a pair of Nikes and I'm not sure they would have had feet left by the end. 

We set off up the Miners path which gave us the opportunity to witness an everchanging scenery and was a perfect combination of more gentle (ish) terrain with some clambering. Shout out to my nail tech for all 10 of my nails staying fully intact. The higher we climbed the more beautiful it became as the landscape literally transformed before us. This particular path was also home to the most stunning and unexpected lakes. 

After reaching the summit we ventured back down the Llanberis route. I am by no means now claiming to be some sort of hiking expert but I would highly recommend doing this route if you're a first timer. It gave a real all round experience. 

On both the ascent and descent we experienced  moments where the mist immersed us into a blanket of zero visibility. Then within seconds, as if by magic, the wind blew and carried that blanket away revealing the most breath taking views. At no point did this change in conditions make us turn back. Our speed may have lessened but momentum up the mountain continued as we knew the path we were heading up. This got me thinking about life. How we are surrounded by such beauty and adventure yet sometimes something blocks our path, or clouds our outlook. Despite this meaning some things may have to be adapted it's always important to remember this time too shall pass. Life is still going on around us even if in that split second we can't quite see where we are heading.  

That said, as we reached the summit the mist shrouded us once again and we couldn't see a thing. Tom Hardy could have been standing nude at the top and I would have been none the wiser!! It was during this moment I realised having no expectation worked in my favour. It meant even after several hours of climbing up the side of a mountain I didn't feel failure or disappointment the fact we reached the summit and couldn't see a thing. All I felt was happiness and a sense of achievement in the fact we had reached the top. I didn't care that we couldn't see the views, or the fact it was blowing an absolute hoolie. I mean don't get me wrong it would have been nice to catch a glimpse of it, but I'm not complaining. 

I pinky promise this is me at the top and not just stood in front of a white wall in the B&B!! 

I've noticed a pattern of behaviour most of us adopt as we get older. The over planning and leading with presumption and preconception.  As a child we've yet to learn about consequences or being let down so everything is just one big adventure and excitement. Little ones never really head into anything thinking about what to expect. I realise this was exactly how I stepped into this challenge. How leading with an open mind and no expectations gave way to enjoying every part of the experience. The experience ended up being far greater and more precious this way as no matter what the outcome there is always something to be taken from it. Try it...I promise you won't be disappointed. 

This was an epic adventure that I'm so chuffed I said yes to and I can't wait to get my walking boots back out for the next one. 

I have also done a little post all about Llanberis itself which you can read about here. 

Here's to many more adventures. 

x

HELLO PUMPKIN

Visiting a Pumpkin Patch has been on my bucket list for years. The reason it's stayed unticked is the added detail that I wanted it to be in America!! Each year I've seen people heading to one and picking their perfect orange companion, and I guess I've always stayed a little stubborn to wanting to do it stateside. 

Adopting more of a yes man (or women) attitude lately I've been wanting to crack on and gain more life experiences. This has meant putting a stop to waiting for the right time or place but just saying yes and enjoying that individual moment. All these moments are ones that could be done again with a particular person, or in a particular place, but it means not denying myself of still having some fun. And fun was exactly what we had.  

We are fortunate enough to have a patch right on our doorstep, so in full Autumnal attire (I thought the pumpkin outfit might have been a bit overboard) we headed in search for our orange mate. 

The way in which the Cat and Fiddle Farm Shop has created the patch was so so wonderful and gave all the Autumnal vibes. Armed with a wheelbarrow that they provide you are given free reign to head out and pick pumpkins until your hearts content. There were literally big ones, small ones and some the size of your head (note I have a whacking great head!!). 

Once the chosen one had been paid for ,we grabbed one of the tables that had been set out to enjoy a delicious hot chocolate.

A controversial move but after seeing some gorgeous designs on Pinterest I'm actually going to be painting my pumpkin as opposed to carving... I mean who even am I? Keep an eye out on my Instagram where if it's not too much of a disaster I will be posting pics. 

 This particular patch is a pick your own all year round so I'm definitely going to be heading back next year for strawberries and whatever else they have to offer. 

Pumpkin Health and Safety Disclaimer: The stalks are super spikey and the big ones are deceivingly fricking heavy! Yes I am clumsy and a liability so witnessed both first hand!