Tea, Flapjack and Ale.

Start as I mean to go on.

2012-01-17T22:30:00.003Z

After being busy working over New Year it has been good to get out during the last couple of weekends and catch up with friends. Sunday the 8th managed a quick rundown the Lower Tryweryn with Ben, great level to progress his paddling and having not been there for so long found it nicer than I remembered.The weekend just gone I managed to see my old partners in crime Pete and Kelv, we managed a couple of days in the hills one on foot one on wheels. Saturday a fantastic day on Pen yr Ole Wen. Sunday was spent on the hills above Llanfairfechan but not sure where as we dropped down on the wrong track running out of time to put right our mistake. Consequently had to return via the North Coast cycle way rather than through the hills.

The view from near the top of Pen yr Ole Wen.

Kelv having 5 minutes on the way down.
Pete making sure the world is ok without him.

The Orme in the background trying to work out where we are.

Given up and returning back to the van in the cycle way above the A55.

Happy New Year.

2012-01-01T13:14:00.003Z

The New Year saw me back at work with guests staying; they had a good party last night, I managed to finish by 2.30 which is pretty good. The group where all into their music so we had the party in the training room with the mini system pumping old school dance tunes. A good time off has been had over the Christmas break visiting family and friends for Christmas itself, returning to Llanberis for a sound system night with the Krooked Krew boys and a morning on the river with Matt.

A busy Rascals for Krooked Krew Vs Hi::def.

Matt on the Seiont, the grade IVish bit for his second go after stopping on a rock the first time.

Krooked Krew Vs Hi::def Sound System

2011-12-19T11:53:00.003Z

The next night in the Versus Hi::def Sound System Series sees us teaming up with the Krooked Krew. The night is taking place on Tuesday 27th December 2011, upstairs in Rascals. For more info on the the Sound System see the Facebook Page.

December so far.

2011-12-12T17:29:00.004Z

Normally December means slowing down but I seem to be busy so far. Thus far life has included some work instructing a family gorge scrambling and abseiling, a couple of days taking friends kayaking, lots of time out with Santa for Round Table and a night out with the Sound System.

Family group in the Afon Ddu Gorge. Abseiling in Vivian Quarry.
Quick swim for Ben and Kitty on the Llugwy.

Contemplating the jump.
Caernarfon Round Table on the road with Santa.

Kev following me down a rapid at Llangollen.

Flyer for the latest night.

The night in full swing.

ES18 BPH Build Continues.

2011-11-09T10:22:00.002Z

The latest build project from the Hi::def workshop is now moving along well. A couple more sessions in the workshop should see them making some noise.

FREEDOM/Hi::def Linkup.

2011-11-09T09:38:00.003Z

The FREEDOM/Hi::def Sound System linkup from Saturday's Party.

Allen & Heath Xone 62 for sale.

2011-10-31T13:57:00.006Z

Allen and Heath Xone 62 (Grey) for sale £225 posted.
Working but not perfectly.
Faults include: some crackly gain/eq pots, one of the cue buttons does not illuminate but works otherwise, screw missing for channel meter as plastic under is cracked but still operates and is secure in place, a bit grubby and well used.
I do not know if it is normal but when routing a channel through the cross fader the volume level is slightly lower than when bypassed never caused me a problem but worth being aware of, I assume this is normal.Have still been using this mixer out up to this weekend (was just used at Johnny Dawes book launch night) so is functional but needs a service. Most of the channel faders and cross fader are quite new with little usage, less than six months. After getting use to the Xone 92 this is getting less use and would prefer a mixer with a more adjustable cross fade curve.

This is quite a flattering picture does not show up the scratches that well.

No damaged connectors.

Very scuffed underside.

Afon Ddu and Pont Cyfyng.

2011-10-29T19:21:00.003+01:00

I managed to escape the office for my second gorge session of this week which makes for a nice change. Today I only had 4 clients all of whom were very able which means we made it up the Afon Ddu really quickly which left us time to stop of for some bigger jumps on the way home. Again a nice change as we do not normally get to visit the big jumps with clients due to time constraints.

In the gorge for a change.

2011-10-27T22:05:00.007+01:00

Amongst a quiet week otherwise only broken by a trip to Liverpool the day came to life today with a trip to the Afon Ddu with a group of family friends which included one of my old school teachers from when I was eight. I don’t remember much of her, more worrying is she seems to remember me, recounting that I use to sit at the front! Anyway the group kept me on my toes with varying needs as you would expect from a group that ranged from 7 or 8 to late sixties.

Group control of three excitable young ones.Thankfully small enough to move around by harness tails.
Scrambling towards the last climb.

And Breathe.

2011-10-22T10:18:00.003+01:00

Wow, what a busy couple of months, it seems as though my feet have not touched the ground. Since my last post it has been nonstop work with September full of Princes Trust, School groups and team building weekends. A busy October has seen big weekend groups of charity walkers, adventure weekends and some more training work with PDS and Totem. The raft in the picture below is the culmination of one of the team exercises on the lake. Now looking forward to a more relaxed half term week and then onto Snowdon Marathon weekend which again will pick up the pace of work.

Coasteering with Alpkit

2011-08-31T09:26:00.002+01:00

On bank holiday Monday Claire and I had a great day out at Porth Dafarch with the Alpkit, staff, family and friends. They were even nice enough to buy me lunch after, what a good day.

Me briefing my gang.

Me waiting for my group to come and join me.

Ty Coch Music Night.

2011-08-25T10:15:00.004+01:00

Last night was spent on the beach at Porth Dinllaen for another of the Ty Coch summer music nights. Hi::def Sound System was out in support of the FREEDOM Vs ::definition Sound Clash.

Callum on the decks. Chillin' on the beach.
Getting set up.

The view for the first beer.

Nefyn Coasteering.

2011-08-15T16:50:00.004+01:00

I was lucky enough to escape the office again today to find a beautiful sunny day at Porth Dinllaen. The day was then spent coasteering with Simon and Mandi before returning to Llanberis.

Simon in a classic jumping pose.

The climb out at the end.

Cubo 18 Build

2011-08-13T20:18:00.002+01:00

This evening has been spent in the workshop making a Cubo 18 for Greg. I have not made one of these before and am looking forward to hearing it.

Pete and Nicky Visit

2011-08-08T11:03:00.008+01:00

As Pete and Nicky were visiting this weekend I decided to take off my first weekend in months, I had definitely forgotten how nice it is. We managed to fit plenty in amongst a good few pints. Friday evening was spent messing about on Padarn Lake once I had finished the days kayak sessions. After eventually surfacing after a heavy night we managed to venture out onto Y Garn and the Glyders for Saturday afternoon for what must have been my first mountain walking day in four or five years. The weather was pretty grim but good to be out with mates.

Me playing about on Llyn Padarn.

Pete and Nicky happy to be on the water.

Pete and Kelv route finding.
The gang refuelling.

Nicky hiding from the rain on the Gribin Ridge.

Baystock Festival 2011

2011-07-17T13:18:00.007+01:00

This Friday I was DJing alongside Dan as part of the ::definition crew at Baystock. Baystock was a festival organised in memory of the of a friend of the organisers and as a fund raiser for Help the Heroes. We had a really good night if a little weird and disjointed. It all started off with the drive there, the site was farmland along single track road but someone had rolled their car blocking this so we had to wait for the road to be cleared. After being set back by the accident we had to get set up quickly, easier said than done because by now the wind and rain had picked up. We ended up spending the whole night trying to keep the gear dry. I remember at its worst I was having to wipe the rain of records while they played. The trip home was no easier as we had to pick our way home around the back roads of Anglesey to avoid another accident on the way home. In the end made it home for 2am in time for sleep before getting the guest breakfast ready.

The view from a soggy and windy main stage at Baystock.

Dan (V.E.N.O.M) hiding behind our tarp.
Ebony trying to protect the laptop.

The crowd at Baystock 2011.

Sunday Soundboy Swim

2011-07-17T13:05:00.002+01:00

Last Sunday managed to get out coasteering at Porth Dafarch with a load of my DJ and Sound System friends which was good to be doing some outdoor stuff with people I usually only spend nights out with.

Ebony pondering one of the jumps.

Callum taking a leap.
The gang heading home.

Llyn Padarn Sunset.

2011-07-05T12:24:00.002+01:00

Last night gave us a lovely sunset over Llyn Padarn.

Busy Times.

2011-07-05T12:03:00.005+01:00

May and June seem to have been super busy months and work has been the focus of my life. So much so that I was having a think of about what adventures I have had and it seems as though it has only been one bike ride over Telegraph Valley.

Kelv of his bike in the ditch after a peddle malfunction.

Back on his feet again with Llanberis in the background.

New website gone live.

2011-05-04T09:05:00.004+01:00

We have been working on the new activities website http://www.adventuresinwales.co.uk/ for a while now but yesterday it went live. Thanks very much to Pete at http://chargingarc.com/ for the design of the site and Chris at http://www.freerangedevelopers.co.uk/ for making it work.

Busy Easter Holidays.

2011-05-02T10:40:00.003+01:00

Not really a holiday as I have been working but we are now coming out of a busy set of Bank Holidays. We have had loads of guests staying with us at Boulder Adventures which has been nice. Not run as many activities as I would have hoped but this does mean I have had time to get out and have some fun of my own. After a day’s kayaking with a group of air cadets managed an evening climb in the Llanberis Pass with Will. Also managed a trip out mountain biking over Betws way with Simon from the Dol peris, Pete from V12 and Sue from Joe Brown. We had an early off which meant the ride was cut short, regardless of this it was worth it to get out with a good gang. This Sunday just gone the Boulder staff decided we were bored in the office so went out for a coaster at the range the pictures are below.

Me at the Range

Claire at the Range
Kelly at the Range

Claire again

Soundcraft - Spares or Repair.

2011-04-29T21:27:00.001+01:00

One Soundcraft Spirit E8 for spares or repair, cover the postage cost and I will send it out or it goes in the skip.

Boulder Adventures Goes Canoeing.

2011-04-12T19:11:00.004+01:00

The following pictures are of one of our groups out on the lake today.

A most pleasent week.

2011-04-09T17:46:00.002+01:00

Spring is here and I have been let out of the office and spent two days on the lake, firstly with a group of public serivce students and then with a group of cadets. Now looking forward to more days like this now the busy season is upon us again.

My group and I getting onto Llyn Padarn. Playing ball tag.

Not playing ball tag any more!

2011 Adventure Leaflets

2011-03-30T14:22:00.003+01:00

The 2011 activity leaflets arrived in the office yesterday and are already making there way out around North Wales.

Tea Break

2011-03-24T17:45:00.003Z

A spare half hour gave time for a cuppa and a play on the BMX, it would be a shame to be in the office all day.

One busy week.

2011-02-20T20:56:00.003Z

After a busy start to the year I have just managed to squeeze in some time off to get out and play. It’s quite a busy list of what I have been up to as of late.
As from the Thursday the 10th I have managed:
An early morning run of the Seiont with Matt and Rich before work.
Friday morning was spent having a bike around the Marin trial with Martyn and Kelly.
Saturday was spent setting up and DJing The Shaker, Hands High.
Monday was a day in the van driving to see George and Jen in Lower Largo.
Tuesday was occupied with pushing Edward on the beach while out for a walk with Jen.
Wednesday headed further North to Aberfeldy to meet up with Frenchie and then on to paddle the Upper Braan.
Thursday spent on the river with Frenchie again this time on the Garry followed by the Upper Tummel.Today has concluded with a bike ride around Llyn Elsi with Will, back to work tomorrow for a rest.

Big D, Biscuit and Myself on the Braan.

Me surfing on the Garry.
Will descending from Llyn Elsi.

White Water Biking.

2011-01-19T09:52:00.001Z

On Saturday we decided despite the torrential rain that we should go biking, you couldn’t do much else outside that day even most of the river where too high for most. So the old team of Simon, Kelv, Brian and his lads and me all meet up in Llanberis to head across to Betws to meet up with Kelly and Dave. We ended up Biking up toward Llyn Elsi. By the end of the day we were all wetter than if we had been kayaking and had a swim when Kelly tumbled off a little bridge into the river.

We tried not to hang around here for too long.

A quick stop to see the Lledr in Full Flow.
The View of Cobdens on the way to bike was even bigger than this on the way home.

A busy week for activities.

2011-01-13T16:08:00.004Z

I have done well for adventures his week with a variety of friends. It all started last Saturday accompanied by Will for a quick blast though quarries beside Cefn Du, the hill behind the centre. Sunday was spent with Mark, Matt and Will on the Dee in Llangollen with the river measuring between 8 and 9 on the gauge at Paddleworks. Today I managed a bike ride at Conwy Mountain before work with Martyn, Claire, Kelly and Dave, very muddy but great fun.

Will on his way back to Llanberis.

Matt having a surf on the Dee.
Me trying to get back on the wave.

Mark enjoying himself.

Martyn and myself waiting for Kelly and Dave to join us. (Thanks for the picture Claire)

Finishing the muddy section back into Conwy.

First of the New Year.

2011-01-06T19:54:00.003Z

Finished work early today to bike the downhill route through the local quarries which always makes for a good ride, made all the more exciting by the patches of snow near the top. We had not really thought about the snow as you could not see it from Llanberis due to the blanket of cloud obscuring the mountains and this added excitement only became apparent as we approached having already agreed to meet the second Will on the way in.

It is safe to say exercise has been a little neglected over the festive period as the legs are feeling it tonight. I worked out that I did not venture out for over a month due to helping with the round table Christmas Float, followed immediately by the Llanberis Christmas Faye and then the thick blanket of snow kept me busy. The Round Table Float rose over £5000 this year and along with standing in Llanberis High Street listening to reggae through the sound system, eating chips with the snow falling has to be the highlight of Christmas this year.I hope as the year progresses there will be many more adventures to come but first to be planned the next Shaker event.

Autumn Drive.

2010-11-22T22:23:00.001Z

Elins Fancy Ride.

2010-11-18T13:55:00.005Z

This was another before work bike ride and took us on a tour of the hills above Betws y Coed. We did not follow the route as per the description in the Bikefax preferring, intentionally or not, to pick our own detours as we went. Most of the pictures are from Claire.

Kelly and myself on the long climb up out of Betws.

Just checking who has the muddiest face.
Mending my snapped chain.

One of the long downhill’s.

Agreement that we had taken one detour too many, this one could not be ridden (by us anyway).

Denon DN-X500 Mixer.

2010-11-09T17:03:00.003Z

Denon DN-X500 Mixer for sale £Sold

THE SHAKER - XXL

2010-11-08T22:42:00.001Z

Before Work Biking.

2010-11-05T17:50:00.002Z

With it being a quieter week at Boulder I have been fortunate enough to get out biking before work twice this week. On Thursday morning Will, Ivan, Kelly and myself managed a 10km ride in the Sychnant Pass just outside Conwy.
This morning spurred on by the excitement of Thursday Ivan, Kelly and myself were once again assembled on the drive at Bryn Du at 7am to begin the assault on Telegraph Valley, Snowdon Ranger Path, Waunfawr and back over the top to Llanberis. We made it back to start work for 10.15 with the day spent out with the saws tidying the garden and chopping firewood.

The Statistics for the ride from Ivan’s GPS.
Total distance-23.23km

Total time-2h49m

Moving time-2h12m

Max speed-49.5km/h
Average speed-8.2km/h

Average moving speed-10.5km/h

Height gain-730m

Lowest point-168m

Highest point-523m

Steepest downhill-16.9%

Steepest uphill-17.5%

Ivan forlornly looking over his noble steed at the top of Telegraph Valley.

Puncture repair time.

Damaged Peavey PV2600

2010-11-01T12:39:00.002Z

Last night one of my PV2600 amps made all the noises a bowl of Rice Krispies should and sent up a cloud of smoke. Poor thing is obviously confused as it was Halloween not fireworks night.

After it's little show it no longer works but I don't know what happened, seems to be a load of gunk amongst each set of the big black capacitors.

Answers on a post card please!

Thankfully this is not the one I have for sale, which was safely at home.

Hi::Def Sound System Clear Out.

2010-10-31T13:43:00.006Z

We are planning a jiggle of the system set up and now have some bits and pieces surplus to requirements. Please let Dan or myself know if you would like any off it, be quick as it’s all going on eBay soon. Everything is used but not abused and fully working. Might have some speakers soon as well.

Black 4U amp case front and rear rails. All catches working just general expected scuffs. £40.00

Behringer Super X Pro CX3400, perfect condition used once, has been our spare. Comes with original box and all paperwork. £sold

Peavey PV2600 Amp. Usual expected rack rash from this workhorse. 540W per side at 8ohms £sold

Cerwin Vega CV1800. Good condition. 400W per side at 8ohms £sold

Matrix STR3000. Awesome solid amp. 1000W per side at 8ohms £Sold

C-Mark MR2350. Good condition. 350W per side at 8ohms £110.00

::definition 2nd Birthday with Lynx and SixAM.

2010-10-31T11:24:00.003Z

This weekend I had the sound system out for ::definition’s second birthday.

::definition resident V.E.N.O.M

SixAM from Skanky Panky Records.
Lynx from Detail Recordings.

Mystery Speakon?

2010-10-12T16:02:00.003+01:00

I have copied the markings on the unit, if you zoom in you should be able to see the origonal moulded numbering. Are 2- and 1- back to front, they seem different to the last 7 speakons I just wired? Or am I going nuts?

ES18 BPH

2010-09-16T20:23:00.003+01:00

After a long afternoons work the latest addition to the sound system is taking shape nicely. I hope to have a pair of these ready for the ::definition party on the 24th September.

Hendre Hall Party

2010-09-07T08:23:00.002+01:00

The Saturday just gone saw the first outing for the hi::def sound system to Hendre Hall for Ebony’s 30th birthday bash. The whole night was a lovely friendly party vibe and the system sounded great. Hendre made for a great night out but is now changing its style for a bit and working with the students union while their works are underway so may not get to go back for some time. Below are some of the guys who provided the music for us on the night.

Colak during his mighty funk set.

Felix from roots collective bringing the nice vibe.
Captain Wang who scratched it up a treat.

The actors from next door who popped in after filming their war documentary.

Me a little worse for wear playing the last set of an 8 hour party.

Christmas Float Progress.

2010-09-01T10:47:00.002+01:00

I dropped the Caernarfon Round Table Christmas Float off with the mechanic elves last night so all seems to be moving along well. Once it has had its service time to get it re-clad and lights fitted. Hopefully two months is long enough for this.

The frame looking better for a couple of coats of paint.

Bank Holiday Coasteer

2010-09-01T10:03:00.003+01:00

I had quite a peaceful bank holiday weekend, it started with a coasteer at the Range on a beautiful Friday with Eddie and Sandy.

Sandy warming up on the jumps.

Eddie away.
Posing for pictures.
Sandy having just leapt from one of the bigger jumps of the day.

Round Table Float Day 2

2010-08-23T11:25:00.003+01:00

I managed a few more hours work on the float on Sunday afternoon. A couple more hours of grinding and scrubing and it should be ready for painting.

Birthday Coasteering.

2010-08-23T10:59:00.002+01:00

This weekend I had some friends visiting from Liverpool to go coasteering to celebrate Janine’s 30th. Anglesey was catching a big swell from the south west so we headed off to Morfa Nefyn to swim with seals and find calmer waters. Lots of swimming, jumping and laughing followed.

Everyone busy climbing up to one of the jumps.

Dragging ourselves out of the sea.

Another leap.

One of the seals that was following us.

All the photos from Will, thanks.

Round Table Christmas Float Rebuild Day 1

2010-08-20T19:40:00.004+01:00

The rain eased for a couple of hours today and that was all that was needed to start work on the Caernarfon Round Table Christmas Float. Kelly and Claire both keen for something to do after the rain put pay to any customers for outdoor activities kindly lent a hand. In the end we managed to get nearly all the frame stripped of the lights and old timber. Jobs at Boulder Adventures are certainly varied.

Kelly fighting with one of the old rotten side panels.

Claire telling it who's boss.
Me attacking rusted nuts and bolts.
The float at the end of the afternoon.

THE SHAKER - Heavyweight Sound

2010-08-18T13:14:00.002+01:00

Good Home Wanted.

2010-07-19T20:36:00.003+01:00

I have had a pair of speakers living in a local pub for a couple of months and it was inevitable that some DJ would rag the system eventually. Any how it’s happened and I now have a pair of 18 inch drivers that need a new home and more importantly a re-cone. Thankfully the pub have been decent about it all and made sure I have recouped most of the cost to replace the drivers with new as a quick turnaround was needed. This means I do not need to get rich of this but if anyone want them send me a message, cover my postage cost and give me a few beer tokens and they are all yours. If you want to get in contact best to do it by pm on speakerplans.

The drivers in good cosmetic condition other than a little beer on the left one.

P.Audio WN-18s, 8 ohm, 500 watt, Neo.
The other side.

Next Sound System Outing.

2010-07-18T15:20:00.002+01:00

Two more rides.

2010-07-14T18:21:00.005+01:00

It’s been a quiet week in the centre which means that I managed my third evening out mountain biking in as many days. Last night I visited the Llandegla trails and rode the red route with Martyn. There are some really nice smooth flowing sections but there are some bits that are a bit worn and rutted and these get a little tiresome considering its maintained trail. Worth the visit though, I may try to visit again and get on the black route when it’s not peeing it down. All the facilities looked good but only had time to pop in for change to feed the parking meter.Monday night was the more adventurous route when Kelv and I made it up Telegraph Valley, down the Snowdon Ranger path, along to Waunfawr then back over the hill to Llanberis. A great but rather nervous ride with my tyre packed out with cardboard after slashing it open on slate 50m off the tarmac.

Kelv making adjustments while I repair a puncture, Snowdon in the background.

Back on route up Telegraph Valley after repairs.

Llanberis Slate Biking.

2010-07-12T16:25:00.003+01:00

Feeling a little apathetic towards any serious exercise on a Sunday afternoon we decided a drive to near the top of the slate quarries was our best bang for the buck for down hilling with minimal up hilling. In the end 3km of up rewarded with 6km of great down hill.

Just coming off the first down hill section.

On the switch backs.
In amongst it all.

Near the bottom of the big middle section.

::definition Sound Test.

2010-06-26T22:09:00.003+01:00

On Friday night I was out in Bangor for the inaugural run of the latest manifestation of the Hi::def Sound System in Rascals with the ::definition crew. The rig which has largely been built by a couple of us seems to be surpassing all expectations for sound levels and clarity, the beast has been released. Best I can do is show a few pictures to really appreciate you will have to get to one of the nights!

Bless Up, the Reggae Man on warm up duties.

A faceful of Hi::def.
Go-Cat in a super studious mix.
Digital Organix ending the show.

I think they liked it.

Busy, Busy, Busy.

2010-06-22T11:03:00.002+01:00

Last week has seen two large groups through the centre and this week is the same, to give the staff a break we only ran some drop in activities the weekend just gone. This left enough time to take the newly built subs out for their test run. The system was out close to its entirety badged as the Hi::def System, DEPAR SOUNDS and ::definitions new joint project.

The night we did was a new concept for Dan and myself as we have only run DJ rigs before but this weekend saw two live bands playing through the system. As part of the Fricsans Summer music weekend the Dub Skas and Nucleus Roots both played a great event.

The event was filmed so if I can find the footage I shall put it here.

The picture below shows the four X1 subs which make up the bottom end of the system, on paper capable of producing 4K of sub bass typically from 35 Hz to 90Hz at which point the rest of the system takes over. The two middle ones of these where only finished two days before there fist gig, a real baptism of fire.

The next night the Hi::def system will be out doing its thing is ::definitions in Bangor on Friday 25th June.

Coasteering Yesterday.

2010-06-11T15:33:00.003+01:00

Not much better than a day out coasteering in the sun.

One of our guests up on the jumps.

Luke out on staff training with me.

Telegraph Valley.

2010-06-08T09:52:00.004+01:00

Last night was spent having a quick blast out of Llanberis, up then down Telegraph Valley. The riding up was pretty hard going as the back wheels where sliding out on the rock due to the rain. The 50 minutes of uphill were worth it for the great 10 minutes of downhill, in all about an 11km ride from the house and back again.

Kelv finishing the uphill.

Looking back down the valley.

Back Yard Biking.

2010-06-01T13:13:00.011+01:00

After a year of talking about biking Snowdon with Simon and Kelv I actually found a day when enough people wanted to do it and the weather was on our side. Amazingly it was also bank holiday Monday. We all meet up in met up at Boulder for 4 o’clock to roll down the hill to the Llanberis high street and the Dol Peris to meet up with the rest. After a couple of hours of mostly pushing to Snowdon Summit the crowd had subdued enough to ride and start the descent. If anyone else is thinking of doing this ride any time soon let me know as I am definitely up for another go.

Kelv and Simon pushing bikes up the stepped section.

Kelv looking back down towards Llyn Padarn and home.
Simon with the Llanberis Pass and the Slate Quarries in the background.
Brian, his two lads and Kelv at the back on the way down from Snowdon Summit.

On the way down with the Mountain Railway visable.

Simon setting the pace.

Mark on the lower sections of the Llanberis Path.

Brian followed by his lads with Cloggy in the background.

Music Please.

2010-05-21T20:18:00.004+01:00

The centre has been going nonstop now since Easter, consequently everyone else has needed time off which has meant I have not been able to get out much. Rather than sitting around twiddling my thumbs I thought it was best to start a new project. In an effort to increase the bass output of the sound system Dan and myself have started operation X1 mk2. The hope is to work on these in the odd free evening when we can get together but have them running by the end of June. By then we should have 2 1000watt sub bass speakers to add to the ones I already have.

The internal shot of the first of the new X1s.

Awaiting; filling, sanding, painting, driver, handles and rear hatch.

Splash, brrrrrrr!

2010-05-07T21:56:00.003+01:00

I have been looking forward to coasteering starting off this year and Thursday was the day. Claire, John and I met our group at the water sports centre to get kitted up then headed across a rather murky Anglesey towards Holyhead. Although we had a cold northerly wind to contend with we managed to stay in the wind shadow of the cliffs for most of the couple of hours we were out which meant no shivers until right at the end, two wetsuits each helped as well.

::definition, Bank Holiday Weekend.

2010-05-01T18:35:00.003+01:00

Friday night just gone I had the pleasure of being out helping the definition crew with their night in Rascals, Bangor. Hip Hop, DnB, Reggae and Dubstep mayhem. The sound system is a collaboration of mine and Dan's kit.

Dan and Gags hard at work.

Staff Training Day.

2010-04-22T22:40:00.004+01:00

I seem to be spending a huge amount of time in the gorges at the minute which is nice while it is so warm. If I am lucky this will continue to be the case as we get this year’s training done for the Coasteering venues over the coming Month.

Today my staff were treated to a species identification and protection morning by one of the Countryside Council for Wales wardens responsible for a gorge we use. Ivan and Claire both found it really useful and when we get the chance more of the instructor team will visit. The morning has given us the ability to make for more informed decisions of how we manage our groups in these sensitive environments.

In the afternoon we went and jumped of waterfalls to practise the rope work used to look after our groups.

::definition 30-4-2010.

2010-04-21T19:48:00.003+01:00

Next night confirmed!

::definition

Facebook Page.

Biking and boating.

2010-04-18T20:15:00.008+01:00

I had forgotten about Pete coming to visit this weekend as he was in North Wales for a first aid course but it was the motivation to get me out biking on Saturday evening. If it wasn’t for this I may have just settled for Sundays kayaking for the weekend exercise definitely glad I did both.

Saturday saw me out about 2.30 after a quick catnap after a late Friday night, early Saturday breakfast and quick centre turnaround. I had agreed to meet Pete in Conwy to ride the Sychnant Pass and Conwy Mountain trail but this left just enough time to pop to the camera shop in Colwyn Bay for a new lens before he finished the first aid course.

Didn’t manage any good biking pictures but took some pictures of the boats in Conwy Marina while waiting for Pete to arrive, after all had a new toy which had to be used.

Sunday has been spent in Llangollon kayaking on the Dee. I have been promising to get out with Martyn for ages and Sion fancied giving it a go. The river levels where very low but it was good to see the others improving as the day went on despite a few bumps into rocks, I don’t think it would have been as much fun if it was any more pushy.

Sion working hard.

Martyn picking his line.

One of the other lads who was sharing eddies with us.

Puffing and Squawking.

2010-04-15T22:13:00.003+01:00

A real day of contrasts; blazing hot sun to make lugging kit around in wetsuits hard work and water cold enough to take the guests breath away, see the photo below of their faces when they realised how great a contrast we had in temperatures today. What a great day’s work, the gorge looked fantastic in the continued sun we are having at the moment.

Having fun on the Cresta Run.

The first time in the water for the group.
A different perspective on instructing from Martyn.
Touch down on the zip line (photo by Martyn).

All in a day’s work.

2010-04-14T20:39:00.001+01:00

The below picture is the Llanberis Pass this evening, I was lucky enough to be watching the sky change colours while lying on a rock below the Cromlech. All in an evening’s work along with pertaining to be an Eastern European spy by the name of Yuri overseeing a drop off of top secret information.

Where did I go?

2010-04-13T15:10:00.003+01:00

With such a prolonged spell of good weather it would have been criminal not to find some personal play time in addition to the coasteering and canyoning I have planned for work this week. Managed to get out biking with Martyn and Sarah so good to catch up with them even if it meant I was puffing a bit to keep up. All in all a lovely ride and excellent map reading skills from Sarah made for a good explore around the LLyn Elsi area above Betws y Coed, not exactly sure where I went though, although I recognised some bits of trails from previous rides. The big bonus of the day was that for what seems like the first ride in ages my bike doesn’t need another trip to the bike shop, home in one piece, the benefit of not riding the Llanberis slate quarries I guess.

One of only a few times Sarah was behind me to get a photo.

Llyn Padarn.

2010-04-11T21:11:00.003+01:00

Llyn Padarn with an evening sunset from tonight's wander.

Team Presentation Evening.

2010-04-09T19:46:00.002+01:00

Yesterday evening I had the pleasure of being able to attend Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters for a Princes Trust Team final presentation. This was the culmination of 12 weeks hard work by the team on personal development and community projects. I worked with them 10 weeks ago and it was really nice to see how they had all progressed and to hear all the stories and fond memories.

The Team 12 weeks on.

Wheeeeeee!

2010-04-09T17:48:00.001+01:00

Went to the pot on Thursday morning for some staff play time sliding off waterfalls.

Claire on her way.

Busy Easter.

2010-04-09T17:17:00.003+01:00

I have just come out of the far end of a very busy Easter, not much in the way of activities but the centre was very busy with some large groups staying. This does mean I have not managed to get out much but have managed to get another pair of speakers built for the sound system. The latest are Fane designed 125 litre reflex sub loaded with a Fane 15XB 800w Colossus.

The latest project finished.

Morning Dip

2010-03-26T23:35:00.006Z

Did not seem like there was much that needed doing immediately on Thursday morning so Boulder Adventures with Totem Development in tow went for a morning swim. It's what you do in March don't you know! A great way to start the day before an afternoon of meetings.

Claire during her morning swim.

Mark making his entrance with his usual flair.

Sam of exploring, as he does.

Gentle to Mental, the Afon Cynfal.

2010-03-25T17:27:00.003Z

For staff training on Wednesday we travelled over to the Afon Cynfal for a bit of play and exploration. This trip we made it further down the river than any of us had seen previously and where all amazed by how spectacular this gorge is. I will defiantly have to take others back so that I can explore more. This is a real experience of gentle twisting and turning flowing river dropping over massive waterfalls, I don’t think I would want to swim it as we did with any more water though.

Looking back at waterfalls which where not the largest we encountered during the day.

How cold was the water, this cold!
Wading on through.

The amazing rock pillar in the middle of the river. You could probably just perch a small car on top to give it some scale.

Escape from the Office.

2010-03-08T19:37:00.003Z

It was far to nice a day not to get out and do something today so I took the bike out for a quick spin around Cefn du.

This is the view before decending back into Llanberis.

The Shaker Friday 5th March 2010

2010-02-28T19:43:00.003Z

Not much time has gone by since the last night but we have been asked back. This time I have Tom Booth and the GoCat Dj's joining me in the Fricsan for the Shaker this Friday. Hope to see you there.

New Speakers for "The Shaker".

2010-02-11T17:47:00.003Z

The speakers I have been working on are coming along nicely now, should be ready in time for the Shaker next weekend. Would probably have got more done but have made the most of the nice weather this week by getting out for a couple of mountain bike rides.

The cabinets based on Fane 2-Way Trapezoidal 12 Reflex Enclosure design.

The Shaker, Friday 19th February, Y Fricsan

2010-02-06T16:22:00.002Z

Depar Sounds Presents "The Shaker" on its custom built system which is one of the best quality systems in the area. This night will be pounding to Drum and Bass, Hip Hop and Reggae. The night will feature DJC from Depar Sounds alongside long-term partner in sound L-JAY making the trip to North Wales from Suffolk. We are also proud to welcome back Creami Rizla and her delightful blend of big reggae bass lines that wooed the Fricsan during her last performance. The night will be kicking off from 8.30 on Friday 19th February in Y Fricsan, Cwm y Glo.

Back Again.

2010-02-05T22:29:00.002Z

Last two weeks have been busy working with Princes Trust teams again so out with plenty of climbing, gorge scrambling and bushcraft sessions. I have really been enjoying my recent spell of working with groups again. Weekend in the middle of the two weeks was good with the Friday spent at definition in Bangor who where hosting Marcus Intalex followed by biking with Kelv on the Saturday. We chose to bike from Beddgerlert forest up towards Bwlch Cwm Llan until the snow and ice stopped us at which point we rode down to Rhyd Du and round into the back of the forest for the return leg to the van. The last couple of kilometres were spent jogging pushing my bike after the front wheel blow out in the picture below. This weekend will be spent in the centre on duty but more importantly catching up with the Six Nations at every opportunity.

Marker pen sticking through the blowout in my front tyre.

Long time no see.

2010-01-24T23:39:00.002Z

It has been while since the blog has seen any changes, not because I have not left the house but because I do not seem to have spent much time in it to let you know what has been going on. Weekend of the 16/17th was spent in Stoke catching up with friends over there and a day’s biking in Cannock Chase with my brother.The last week I decided it was time to run a week long course and worked with a Princes Trust team taking them climbing, up in the mountains and teaching them bushcraft plus plenty of emphasis on team work.

The water on to boil during a bushcraft session.

This weekend has been spent in the Fricsan running the sound system for two different nights. Saturday was the busiest of these with Byd Mawr and their global grooves with guest DJ Bethan Elfyn from Radio 1. I tried to take a picture but the camera was too cold and the lens suffered from condensation. After collecting all the remaining sound system I have been lucky enough to spend the rest of Sunday afternoon in the workshop cutting the panels for my new speaker build.

Using the router to cut the front baffle.

It’s still snowing.

2010-01-05T12:25:00.001Z

It really is a winter wonderland in Llanberis today. The snow falling at the minute is heavy enough to obscure the view of Llyn Padarn from my office. This morning’s footsteps on the driveway have disappeared under the fresh snow since I took the pictures below.

A picturesque day.

2010-01-03T20:16:00.001Z

I decided on a nice easy day today, a short local walk in the snow with the camera.

The Llanberis Pass at Night.

2010-01-02T18:41:00.002Z

I had been wanting to take some pictures of the mountains in the snow as they have been looking so beautiful for the last few days but am obviously still in holiday mode as I didn't seem to get out while there was enough light!

The end of the Year.

2010-01-02T18:28:00.002Z

After it seeming like ages since I managed to get out and play in the outdoors I was not going to let the snow stop me. Amongst lots of New Years drinking Kelv, Pete and I managed to get two bike rides in, as nothing else took our fancy. On the 30th we managed to get around some of the loops in Beddgelert forest as most of it was below the snow line and on New Year’s Eve we had a short ride in the hills just outside Conwy. The Conwy ride was really good fun in deep snow but very hard going not being able to see what was under tyre, this seemed to lead to more time rolling in the snow, or more painfully the gorse bushes, than on the bikes. We did start to think it was not the most appropriate route choice when on our decent we went past walkers with their ice axes out! As an additional note Kelv also discovered that SPDs do not work when frozen up with compacted snow.

Kelv happy with his chocolate break.

Pete apparently enjoying himself on the Beddgelert trials.

The rest of the world stood still.

2009-12-19T00:07:00.004Z

For the last two days it seemed as though the rest of the country was focusing on delays caused by the predicted cold snap. To us this just presented a greater challenge to prove ourselves worthy Bushmen.

Boulder was hosting a Stone Soup course with Totem to provide staff skill updates. A Stone soup course allows each participant the chance to present to the others on a given topic and in our case to then promote discussion on best practise in delivery. Ten people presented on a variety of topics broadly summarised by: tools, shelters and fire, followed by the associated topics of safety, appropriateness and environmental considerations. What really surprised me was how much can be learnt from people you work with everyday if prompted in a suitably hosted atmosphere. Thanks to Sam from Totem for the idea and to all the hard work that went into the presentations.

Sparks being used to light fire.

Claire, Ivan and Matt making use of a wire saw during shelter building.

Claire and Kelly in what looked like a 1 man shelter for most.

Presentation Night.

2009-12-05T14:07:00.003Z

Thursday night I was fortunate enough to have been invited to a presentation night for one of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Services EARLY courses. This was the second celebratory presentation I have been able to go to this week in Liverpool; both very heartening. Boulder Adventures delivers week two out of the Team’s 12 week development course. The EARLY courses are just like the Prince's Trust courses which the fire service also deliver. They are designed to improve the lives of the participants by building up confidence, reliability and personal motivation leading to greater employability prospects. In fact four of the team who had started the course had managed to find jobs so did not make it to the end of the twelve week course, a quicker turnaround than anyone could hope for - well done them.I am very proud to have built up such a productive working relationship with the fire service as the skills that our courses can highlight are so well reinforced by the rest of their hard work and values. I really feel we are part of something worthwhile. Hopefully I will be in the position to witness more of the remarkable transformations these courses can make soon.

Morning.

2009-11-27T12:41:00.004Z

Today for the first time in a long while a gang of us managed to get out kayaking before work. So that we did not waste too much time journeying we chose the Seiont as its on our doorstep. The five of us meet up at Seiont Nurseries for 7.45 to sort the kit out. From here drove up to the get in under the pylons and made it to the get out by 9.30. The Seiont really is a wonderful river made all the better by the fact that there were no wires across any of the bridges for a change. I also have to recommend the cafe at the garden centre we found it very pleasant to take in tea on coffee at the end off the river.

Forthcoming Depar Sounds Nights.

2009-11-26T16:56:00.002Z

This Friday night (27th Nov) I have a busy night. You can see me DJing at ::definition in Rascals, Bangor. After this I am running the sound system at a private 21st party at Glan Gwna. Both of these are shaping up to be very good nights.
In a fortnight’s time I am at the Fricsan with VENOM, GoCat and L-Jay, see the poster below.

Knives for a pro!

2009-11-17T17:16:00.004Z

At work we are getting more interest in bushcraft style sessions. So today I had been out buying knives, saws and axes. These will be used for preparing firewood, whittling and shelter building. I am quite pleased with what I have managed to find locally to me without having to mail order the tools of the trade from miles away as this seems to defeat the principle of preparing of the land. All this combined with a trip to the bank, it’s OK I went to the bank before buying the tools.

In my selection I now have: a Gerber (rather worryingly named) sport axe, must be for the American market, the good thing about this axe is that it comes supplied with a tough cordura head cover. A Bahco Laplander folding saw which is the same as the Sandvik version recommended in Ray Mears' Essential Bushcraft book. I have also chosen Mora knives as student knives since they have seemingly good quality blades for the money and are bright blue, with ugly handle which means that they should be seen if left on the ground. The Mora knives are also at a price where we can afford to replace as needed, so students get given sharp tools thus reducing the pressure that needs to be exerted to make a cut; safer in my opinion. I also treated myself to a new Helle Godbit knife which is the one in the photo with the attractive wooden handle.

I am really looking forward to getting out into the centre grounds and trying these out. I should also be organising a day or two of training for staff and friends in bushcraft skills in December. I hope these will be mini seminar based where each person attending presents on a different subject, a Stone Soup course as Sam from Totem Development calls it.

Will and Vicki's Wedding.

2009-11-16T12:16:00.009Z

This weekend Boulder Adventures hosted the wedding reception for two off our very good friends. It was a spectacular weekend with everyone who attended seemingly having a really wonderful time. It was really pleasing to be able to offer friends such a wedding gift.

I was rather busy during the proceedings so did not manage any photos other than the ones below showing the setting up.

The dining room, not bad for an adventure centre!

The table place chutney.

The wedding cake made by Will's mother.
Champagne glasses ready for the reception.

The dining room awaiting guests.

Party Power Purple Moose!

Five Months!

2009-11-03T15:22:00.005Z

Five months of lost business.
Five months of inconvenience.
Five months of increased business costs.
Five months of worry.
Five months of Blue/Green Algae.

I hope five months has been long enough for the authorities to put a plan in place to make sure this does not happen to Llyn Padarn again. They do seem to realise that improvements are needed. Welsh Water are trying to find a more effective position in the treatment process for the removal of phosphate, this should give an improvement on previous performance. Welsh Water are also carrying out maintenance work on the sewers on the way to Llanberis water treatment works to prevent the infiltration of lake water into the system, this should save the treatment works being hindered by the high flow rates it has been experiencing. The Environment Agency is also reviewing the different capacities of Llyn Padarn for things like phosphates. I am sure that they will also update the discharge consent level for the treatments works and bring it down to lake levels rather than continuing to allow discharge at river levels.

At least the lake is now clear of this menace.

Round Table Christmas Float.

2009-10-30T08:26:00.002Z

Last week I picked up the Round Table Christmas Float. Hopefully this weekend I will get the opportunity to clean it up for a very special person who will be joining us on our charity collections in the lead up to Christmas.

The float in all its glory.

Time to improve.

2009-10-27T12:37:00.003Z

My business is continuing to be impacted upon by the Padarn Lake algae outbreak which has meant I have decided to re-evaluate the cleaning products used in the centre and the damage they have on the environment I work in. In my business environmental statement I say that although I do not always get it right first time, as I am educated I will make improvements as I can. As a result I have found an important area in which to make changes.

The new cleaning product range for Boulder Adventures

In an effort to reduce my output of harmful cleaning agents I am now trialling different cleaning products from ECOVER and ECOLEAF. I have also found that although these products seem more expensive, with reasonable planning; bulk buying, reusing containers and monitoring the amounts used to ensure correct dilution for the job, prices can be relatively comparable; it just takes a bit more effort. In thinking through my practices I have found that I should reduce the road miles for products to the centre because I can buy in bulk and reduce my waste by reusing the dispensing containers, in theory one step better than recycling.

Wedding Pictures.

2009-10-23T17:52:00.008+01:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, last weekend I visited the Isle of Man for my brother, George and Jens’ wedding. It was a fabulous weekend for all involved. Some of my pictures follow.

George and Jen leaving the church. George and Jen as husband and wife. The best man, Big Phil. The Crombie family, with the new addition! Michael no doubt recounting his youth once more.

Snowdon makes it into the news ....... again.

2009-10-20T14:18:00.008+01:00

Normally stories like the ones below make it round the village of Llanberis quite quickly, seemingly there is something making the news from the mountain every week. It often seems to be charity walking groups making the headlines for the wrong reasons causing as much trouble as the good they planned to do. This is often because they lack any significant mountain experience or leadership and more often than not, in my experience of working with these groups, being very poorly equipped.

This weekend I was not at home in the village to hear any stories first hand but read them in the Sunday Telegraph on the ferry from the Isle of Man on the way home from my brother’s wedding, Pictures and details of the wedding to follow shortly.

Charity climb team member left behind.

The harm caused by mass organised mountain accents.

New advice from the Environment Agency.

2009-10-07T15:15:00.006+01:00

In June of this year the EA and Gwynedd Council gave warning that Llyn Padarn had high levels of toxic blue/green algae. This is naturally occurring but never, as far as I have known, been present in dangerous levels in Llyn Padarn. As the algae presented a health risk to people and animals I decided that it would be unacceptable for me to make the decision to expose my customers to this risk. From June onwards I have not used LLyn Padarn for any of my kayaking, canoeing or raft building activities. This is despite having a centre directly on the shores of the lake. As I write, this now totals four months of increased hassle and cost of running my business with no immediate end in sight.

What now wrangles is that the environment agency is now recommending that people should be switching to more ecologically sound detergents to help limit the level of nutrients making it through the water system into the lake. This education in its own right is commendable but costs me more in my operating costs. Surely it is also an admission that the sewage treatment works for Llanberis cannot cope with current demand, although Welsh Water claim this not to be the case. A report compiled in June by the EA noted it was likely that improvements to the Llanberis treatment works would be needed to ensure that the lake meet the requirements of the EC Water Framework Directive. Why on earth are we now trying to sort out a problem like this when the lake is apparently monitored so regularly? The EA advice could have been given earlier or Welsh Water should have ensured their treatment works was capable of dealing with increased levels of nutrients.

Hopefully Llanberis can lower its output of phosphates and nutrients to a point where they are manageable by the manmade and natural water systems that have to deal with them. If not, the worst case scenario may be that another hot summer may produce the same results. So far the algal blooms must have affected most outdoor centres and providers in North West Snowdonia. Three of these have a centre on the shores of Llyn Padarn with many more no more than fifteen minutes drive away. The blooms have also had a major impact of the fisheries of the Seiont River meaning two significant tourism industries have been restricted in operating when the recession is causing additional demands already.

Surely now that it is apparent that the local council, Welsh Water, the Environment Agency and the Welsh Assembly all know about this very serious problem, it is time for all involved to take responsibility for this environmental disaster and cure the problem causing it.

Depar Sounds, X1 build.

2009-09-29T10:45:00.008+01:00

After Tom from the local climbing wall manufactures had CNC’ed the ply for me, this weekend just gone is the first opportunity I have had to build my new sub bass speakers, speakerplans.com, X1's.

To get prepared Friday meant a visit to Definitions night in Bangor was in order for some beer and drum and bass. This meant Saturday was the day to get going and I spent 11 hours in the workshop with 8 hours from Michael. Sunday was the longest day with 15 hours spent at it, another 4 from Michael and 2 hours from Tom. Thanks Tom I hate all the sanding and preparing. Below are some pictures from the project at different stages for the two different cabinets. All the ply is top quality 18mm birch ply and they are now loaded with Void V18 1000’s.

The pictures are all very good but what you really what is to hear these monsters, I hope to see you out when they are playing soon.

The internals of cabinet number 1.

The internals of cabinet number 2 during construction.

Cabinet number 1 awaiting at paint job.

Number 1 after a couple of coats of paint.

Number 2 all ready for painting, with the removable speaker access panel showing.

The finished articles.

Two years on.

2009-09-21T20:02:00.011+01:00

Two years ago some friends and I went to explore the Cynfal Gorge, we only made it as far as Rhaeadr y Cwm. We felt the prudent choice was to come back another time when the water levels were not rising and we had not underestimated the length of rope needed. The Sunday just gone about two years since we last visited some of the original party returned for another go. On this occasion Will, Mark and I made the journey from above Rhaeadr y Cwm to Rhaeadr Cynfal.

This is a spectacular gorge as you can hopefully see in the photos below and a great committing adventure. If you go to do it take a good amount of rope as we previously found a single 50m to potentially be a little short. This time we took 120m which was defiantly more than needed but was what was in stores on the day. Also don’t forget some tat and old crabs to leave behind on the abseils, some of the kit left from others looks very faded with river debris wrapped around it.

Will abseiling in.

Mark feeling drained after retrieving the abseil rope on Rhaeadr y Cwm.
Will leaping from the bottom Rhaeadr y Cwm.
Mark and Will repacking the ample rope after abseiling the fall above.
Mark (closest) and Will wading on downstream.

Will on a slide between Bont-Newydd and the Viaduct.

The sun is back.

2009-09-14T12:22:00.005+01:00

Summer seems to be here again after having a break for August. This was great as it coincided with a day’s coasteering I was running for the RAF. What a great group to work with as we managed to get loads done covering a massive distance with plenty of swimming as it was such a still day.

The group climbing up to the jumps.

The view down the headland at Nefyn Golf Course.

It was also great that it was such a nice weekend as I was spending the Saturday night camping up in Yorkshire for my brothers stag do. Once the coasteering was finished it was back home shower, change vans and a four hour drive to the home of Black Sheep Ale, Masham. I think you can take a fairly good guess as to the events proceedings; needless to say the gang had late breakfast on Sunday before we all departed. This made for a good nights drinking for me, a good day of quad biking, brewery tours and drinking for the rest.

The Black Sheep Ale.

Unfortunately there is a downside to the nice weather as it seems like the toxic blue green algae in Llyn Padarn may benefiting from the sunshine after giving the impression that it was starting to disappear. This problem of the algae first came to light in June of this year and three months on there still seems to be no conclusive answers as to what has caused the problem. I do know however that is having a noticeable effect on local business and residents. This morning I have had a meeting with Alun Ffred Jones the local AM to express my concerns and hope to hear more from him soon.

Depar Sounds, improvements underway.

2009-09-07T22:26:00.003+01:00

As a drum and bass DJ a good sounding system that can handle the bass lines, especially as the modern ones that are getting heavier is important. I have recently decided make my own (read, with the help of few others) subs to increase the output of the current Depar Sounds system. I decided to make a pair of X1’s and today most of the parts arrived from Pro Audio Parts, the most impressive being the 20Kg Void V18 1000 driver which will sit in the heart of the cabinet.

The Void V18 1000 and complimentary mouse mat.

The last 500m are the hardest.

2009-09-07T19:40:00.004+01:00

The week following the August bank holiday was pretty quiet personal adventure wise because work was very busy. The centre had a group in which required a lot of attention so I worked in addition to the planned staff. The weekend did start early however, the group went home on the Thursday, an unplanned early departure. This just meant I had time to do all the jobs I should done earlier week before a days work of Canyoning on the Saturday.

After a family get together on the Saturday night this left enough time for a Sunday mountain bike ride. So after a heavy family night drinking and no serious exercise since being ill what did we choose I hear you ask? Well 30kms of the Penmachno trials is the answer.

What a great ride it was, I would have to recommend these routes although Nia and Kelv were a tough act to keep up with. I think the tiredness of 29.6km may well have attributed to my crash, thankfully only cut shins from peddles and bruised pride. I guess this will teach me, I should have thought more carefully before taking the mickey out of Kelv for his crash 500m from the van!

The days proudly worn war wounds.

August Bank Holiday DJing

2009-08-31T09:53:00.007+01:00

The bank holiday has been a busy weekend with two nights of DJing out. Not much to be done in the outdoors although mates were staying and hoping to get out but the weather was very "Welsh bank holiday", not much of a surprise. The Summer Sounds night at Rascals in Bangor was a great night with a really diverse range of Drum and Bass sets played by all the DJ's on the Friday. Saturday saw me back starting the night at Fricstock, the Fricsan for Tom Booth and Simon S to finish of the night with a big set keeping the dance floor bouncing until 1.30 in the morning.

D.J.C (me) behind the decks in Rascals on Summer Sounds night.

Summer Sounds.

2009-08-24T22:36:00.005+01:00

Summer Sounds is this Friday in Rascals, Bangor from 8pm. Line up includes: VENOM, Cautious, Tom Booth, Jumpin' Jon Butler and D.J.C(me). I hope to see you there as it's not all that often North Wales has dedicated Drum and Bass nights, should be good.