Stunning Snowdonia

I suppose that those of us who are fortunate enough to live in or close to Snowdonia, may become a little complacent as to what we have got. Although I live about a twenty minute drive away, it nevertheless always gives me butterflies when I get to Deiniolen and the Snowdon masif comes into view. The sight of Snowdon, Moel Cynghorion and the Moel Eilio horseshoe is my idea of the perfect picture. Whatever the weather or whatever the reason for my visit, I always feel that I am about to undertake an adventure, like a plot from an Enid Blyton book. You see, whilst the alluring beauty of Snowdonia invites you to play, the underlying risks of region are never far away. Whether you are on a 3000' peak or enjoying yourself around the shores of Llyn Padarn or Llyn Cwellyn, there is always one thing that brings the dangers to the forefront of your mind. It is a sound, a low repetitve beat, getting louder and louder as it approaches invariably from the West. That sound is that of the roterblades of the sea king hellicopter. Immediately, people stop and look up, in anticipation of its impending destination as if expecting the worst. I may be atop one of those peaks but I always find myself trying to pick out the aircraft as its sound lingers throughout the valleys for what seem's an age. Eventually, its gone but it doesn't really leave your mind completely. You are imagining the worst, where, who, why.....We all love Snowdonia, we love the views, the walks, the peaks and of course the cafe's. But lets not forget the associated dangers, the risks. Even I have made the odd error of judgement, attempting a run over Snowdon when clear, only to find the descent covered in ice and treacherous. I don't want to become a statistic, even as an experienced fell runner, I am not invincible. Next time I am going to think a little harder beforehand. I love 'my' Snowdonia, I respect it......I enjoy it....I savour every minute in it........I am not wanting to be another casualty of the sting in its tail.......Lets all love it together and return to it, time and time again....And lets not forget those members of the various rescue agencies who risk their own lives to allow to enjoy the region...Thank you all and thank god for Snowdonia!