Idwal Stream - 7th January 2010

Posted on January 10th, 2010 by Adrian Japp

A fine Thursday to take a day off work, the plan to go (back) to Ogwen and have a go at Idwal Stream whilst conditions looked favourable.


Under starters orders.

Four of us arrived, (one behind the camera of course!)

Promising

Cwm Idwal was completely frozen, which boded well, and all looked well up to wards the slabs and Devil's Kitchen. We'd opted to take the path, following last week's swimming lesson.

Blue skies

The sun was rising, and the day looked good.

Which route?

A quick look at what was on offer, and an opportunity to take a layer or two off. There was virtually no breeze, and despite being in the shadow of the glyders, it was quite warm.

Idwal Stream

Following Marek's recommendation the previous week, how could we resist?

Also, following James Cameron's (aka Marek's) excellent videography from last week, (see Marek' site Steven Spielberg (aka John), swapped his camera into video mode. The results are below.

The start of the route. The start of John's directorial/camera operator career. (Ignore the comment's Marek. I feel guilty now.)

Ian followed with great gusto.

'Lovely neve', said John, from the chair. Action.


Even managed to place an ice screw for practice.

Ian made easy work of the pitch.

Gear removed, and onward.
Lovely ice

Lovely ice, and..

..the nicest move of the route, expertly made, but evidence of the sheer grace and skill of the climber not captured(!)

Woohoo.

Ian then finds the challenge of the move, and attacks it.

A good flow of water rushing under the ice at the belay stance.
The director ascends

Spielberg ascends.

Rushing water

Rushing water..