How it Started:
In 2009 at a meeting of my BNI Guildford networking group, Barry Starling of Love Your Logo announced an event to raise money for our nominated charity The Surrey Air Ambulance. He proposed that a group of people aim to raise £3000 by walking up Snowdon. The walk took place that August and a staggering £9000+ was the final total.
Three years later he proposed we do it again, make the walking group larger and aim for £10,000. The walk was scheduled for 14 July 2012 and fundraising began….
The Journey and CAMPING!
Friday the 13th….
My partner and I with a chocka full car headed off to Snowdonia. I hadn’t camped since I was a child and was looking forward to it with anticipation. We had a 2 man tent and an air bed which I was told made us “glampers”. The BF did a lot of “wild” camping and has told me of his poo trowel…that deserves a blog post of its own…we won’t go there.
We arrived at Riverside Camping around 4pm and ready to glamp away…and saw this…
All of a sudden our 2 man tent and single tent for “stuff” seemed very wild indeed…and we forgot chairs! A quick trip into the nearby town changed that and we settled into the evenings social. It rained, we dressed for it and consumed a few vinos, beers, burgers and greeted the newcomers as they arrived.
Bed time and alarms set (WHY??? Sunlight penetrates a tent???!!!) we retired for the night and gathered sleep for the next day’s exploit:
Saturday July 14 – The Walk:
There were 2 chosen routes, Llanberis and the Pyg Track. We gathered for a briefing at 8am and each group went to the start point, slapped each other on the back and started walking.
The climb was sunny, cloudy and rainy – typical of mountain weather. But at least it wasn’t cold. Spirits were high and different walking paces began to emerge. I’m no mountain goat, and must admit, did a lot of stopping and staring, and pulled out the camera a couple of times. Visibility wasn’t great on the way up but the scenery was stunning!
We reached the ridge in total fog and was greeted by the train going up to the summit – we looked smugly at the passengers – we’d WALKED!!
About 15 minutes later the summit emerged as a shadow in the fog, and we rendezvoused with our fellow walkers happy, wet and proud. We’d done it! now for a cup of tea and a Welsh pasty in the cafe…then our summit photo:
We then went back down the mountain and lets just say there was some fun and “high” jinx on the Pyg track…
The After(math)Party:
We returned to the camp site, cleansed and had a slap up celebration meal provided by Riverside Camping. A speech from Barry and Julie Jenkinson (SAA) was met with a huge cheer as we were at a £13,300 total in the fundraising!
The evening developed into more vino, beer and some home grown music provided by the deft fingers of fellow walker Andy Catford.
Later in the evening he was joined by Barry in an amazing rendition of “Wonderwall” which we all duly waved our arms to and joined in. Well done to Baz for getting up in front of everyone!
It was a fabulous evening, a great weekend and a wonderful achievement. As I write this the funds raised total at over £14,000. We’d really love to see that finish at £15,000 so if you would like to sponsor the Surrey Strollers in supporting the The Surrey Air Ambulance, you can make your donation by clicking here.
Thanks to everyone who has supported us so far! Thanks for reading…and if anyone needs advice on poo trowels….
Ingrid Weel 
Tell us more about the poo trowel!
I want pictures of Tilly, Barry’s pooch: top climbing of the canine kind. Sorry I can’t be with you guys at the hotel in a few weeks but well done everyone for raising a mahoosive amount for a fatastic cause.
Nice thread! I will certainly save it for future reference.
!