Jimmy directed me as I drove from Great Orme GW/NW-070 on Sunday 4th July 2010.  We went through Llandudno Junction, Conwy and Rowen, up to the parking spot for Tal y Fan GW/NW-040. The pull-in nearest the stile was available, so we snagged that one and set off in light rain. The ground underfoot was firm - handy because both Liam and I had gone for this one in trainers - and the rain was being blasted across us from west to east. The notable effect of this was that the rainwater was beading on the right sleeves of our jackets, but wetting out on the left!

   

Rather than tackle the direct scramble to the summit on the ridge, we walked around it on the north side before cutting up a steep grassy bank. The weather was particularly grotty on the summit, with persistant rain and exposure to the very strong wind. It wasn't optimum for a VHF contest, but I had no option other than to elect a position to the east of the summit and about 5m lower to afford some kind of meagre shelter.

By the time the tent was up, and the 2m SOTA Beam, it was 55 minutes into the contest. It was generally slow going all the way through and conditions weren't great, but even so, 45 QSOs wasn't great! Jimmy made a handful of QSOs, mainly to grab the S2S contacts that were on offer. I normally finish second to Rhys GW4RWR/P in these contests, but I think I will be struggling to achieve that this time!

       

Soup of the day was Baxters Cullen Skink ("luxury cream of smoked haddock") which was excellent, plus various items from a stash of chocolate in Liam's rucksack. Liam sat in the tent happily playing on his DSi throughout the four hours, while Craig enjoyed the views from the summit once they cleared after 3pm.

Jimmy, Craig and I were packing everything away when I noticed that Liam had disappeared! Craig said "He went up there" pointing to the sheep track back up to the trig point. Aha - that would be the descent route. Remembering Liam's liking for beginning his descent when packing away starts, I sent Jimmy off in pursuit. Shortly, I received a call on S20 from Jimmy to say that Liam had been found, and was indeed on the descent route.

By 5pm, we were all reconvened at the car, and setting off for home. After dropping Craig off, I took the lads to the Weston Balti for a treat for their tea. A good day out, if a rather mediocre contest performance.  Thanks to: