Decent into deception
| 14:48 UK time, Thursday, 5 June 2008
We arrive at the foot of Snowndon with waterproofs on. I manage to perfect my Michelin Man look & off we go.
We were joined by our expert, ranger Hywel, and we were soon climbing. My breathing was that of a 100 year old man - I'M SO UNFIT. But onward and upward - and soon we began to see the point of this task.
Hywel pointed out various plants including a bog plant called sundew which, to my joy, with memories of midges still fresh in my mind, was an insect catcher, killer & eater. I LOVE THIS PLANT - bit like a very very tiny reddish yellow Venus fly trap but much better, as this was right in front of me, in Wales, and on Snowdon.
Hywel then took us up close and personal with a rock face and pointed out some yellow globe plants clinging to the side, away from the sheep. I'm quickly warming to Iolo's view on sheep. Too many, too smelly and bad for the environment. They chomp their way through every thing, no matter how rare or endangered and that's without any mention of all the POO!
On to part two of the challenge - abseiling. Now I really thought that this was going to be a piece of pie. HOW WRONG WAS I?
Julie was clearly distressed and I really thought for a while she would say NO WAY. I felt I needed to be a positive friend and although by then I was in full panic mode, this would not have helped, so I kept quiet. Julie is made of stronger stuff and overcame her fear as she completed a safe abseil - INCREDIBLE.
Now Kate was also unsure, but again, first class no problems. The husband and wife team :0) of Lloyd and Carly were FEARLESS. Good on 'em.
This left, Abul and me. The Muslim and the Christian, IN SOLIDARITY.
Abul was a little unsure, but we agreed to ascend together. It was a good job I was not wearing a heart monitor, It would have been OFF THE SCALE.
As Abul descended, I waiting at half way hanging on the rock face, suddenly very at ease. At the bottom Abul celebrated in a very enthusiastic manner, as I quietly left the scene. Inside I was jumping too, but this was Abul's moment.
I was missed out in the interviews and when asked, I confessed I had been terrified. I was surprised that most people seemed to think I was fine - maybe I'm a better actor than I thought :0)
I was so pleased we all made it & on my second go I confirmed to myself, that I too had overcome a fear, one I never knew I had. JOB DONE.
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