Ok, that's the last time I will use a hackneyed Christmas title I promise. Between Christmas and New Year, Derrick and myself decided to blow a few cobwebs out by popping up to the Brecon Beacons for a bit of a jaunt.We set out in the dark from sleepy Caerwent with Bob, our personal trainer who just happens to be Derrick's collie dog (see pic). We were one of the first to arrive at the storey Arms, we new it was early, not even the burger bar was open. The weather was, just as we expected, with the mist down and the rain pouring, just perfect.
Off we went, up towards the summit of Corn Dhu, coughing and spluttering as I went, still haven't managed to shake off a bit of flu, and feeling as week as a kitten. The weather was surprisingly cold and soon and I could feel my fingers being nipped. The soil erosion on this part of the Brecon beacons is particularly bad, and most of it is now to some extent paved, making a lot of it a bit of a "towny" walk. My new boots soon a bit of mud on them and I felt better that I had managed to prise them out of the box that morning and finally use them. With one peak out of the way and only half of my supply of turkey sandwiches gone we descended by a different route (just in case of ambush) and were met along the way by various groups and individuals making the climb upwards. A lot of new clothing seemed to abound on the walkers, Christmas no doubt, and I couldn't help wondering if this might be the only outing some of it might get, best intentions towards the New Year and all that. The garish coloured fleeces were most likely to be used between the car and the supermarket for the rest of their lives.
Fan Fawr then, across the road and away from the madding crowd. Just a few sheep and for a few seconds, sunshine. Derrick decided we should pop a "bit of a slope" which had me expelling phlegm from my lungs every 50m in lumps as big as bars of soap. Bob meanwhile was employed as a kind of drag lift for Derrick, worth his weight in dog food, however he is apparently unavailable for our trip to the Pyrenees due to a previously arranged appointment.
On the way down, Derrick did balk at the idea of going down a section he did say was too steep and dangerous for him and Bob, although Bob's opinion was not asked that I remember. It was then I had to inform him that it was the way he had made me come up!
So, two small hills and a jolly day out, thanks to the couple who took our pic for us, and I'm sure you will be glad to know, my boots look as though they will be a good fit.
