Pre-Christmas meet at Tan Yr Wyddfa

7 of us met for the pre-Christmas meet Mick, Cath Bill, Mike, Tom Pete and myself. Despite the forecast of 2 named storms in a weekend, it was dry when we arrived at the hut. It was good to catch up with people we hadn't seen for some time and to meet Tom the president. Plans were made for the following day when Westerly winds with 60 to 70mph on the summits were forecast. After a wet and misty start the rain eased off and visibility improved.

Bill and Tom's Excellent Adventure on Saturday was an attempt to mountain bike up Snowdon but at 850m they had to turn back due to the high winds. Mike went bird watching on Anglesey and brought his tally of species closer to his target of 200 before the New Year.

Mick opted for a walk towards the col overlooking Llanberis but had to retreat at a roaring torrent that looked difficult to ford. However, he had the fire lit, to welcome us, on our return to the hut, where Cath made mulled wine and hot mince pies.

Given the wind strength Pete and I decided to head for the coast, and Cath decided to join us. We parked at Borth-y-Gest SH565374 (free parking in December) and walked up through the woods then up to the trig point on Moel-y-Gest where there were great views of the estuary and Tremadog Bay. It was quite breezy on the summit and the rocks were quite greasy so care was needed to traverse the summit ridge. It was about 3 pm when we got back to the car, but the sun had come out we had a very pleasant walk along the coast path and beach, past Garreg Goch.

Saturday evening we had an excellent joint meal, lentil Ragusa, vegetable Wellington and beef chilli followed by 2 desserts and cheese and biscuits.

Sunday morning the rain started at 9 am as forecast . Tom opted for Mountain biking at Coed-y-brennin. Mike to return to Anglesey for some bird watching, Cath was going to a nature reserve near Conwy. Mick was calling at Chester to meet up with Nikki and family Nikki had been Morris dancing on Saturday evening. Bill was heading to Capel Curig. After a visit to Capel Curig Pete and I went to visit friends in Betws-y-Coed and to watch the lantern parade, which took place despite a torrential downpour.