When I was given a Virtual Reward, I wondered where to place it. At first, I thought about somewhere in New Zealand, where I live now, but nothing stood out. I finally realised that there could only really be one place where I'd want to put a Virtual cache. It's been my favourite mountain for over thirty years; I've climbed it so many times I've lost count; I've seen it in all its moods and all seasons; and, with slight variations, it has provided usernames and email addresses for twenty-odd years.
So, my Virtual Reward had to be Tryfan!
Even the easiest route is a scramble, with multiple route variations and a plethora of wonderful views. The best route is undoubtedly the North Ridge. You can either return via Bwlch Tryfan and Heather Terrace or, if your loins are sufficiently girded, continue up Bristly Ridge and across the Glyderau to descend via Twll Ddu, The Devil's Kitchen! Halfway up the North Ridge, you can test your courage by walking out along the Cannon. This may prepare you for what's to come.
As you reach the summit, you are rewarded, if the clouds don't intervene, by one of the finest views in Wales and, closer at hand, the twin monoliths of Adam and Eve (Siôn a Siân in Welsh). Days in the mountains don't get better than this!
Luckily, I was visiting the UK in July so managed to get over to Snowdonia. As far as I can see, virtually nothing has changed since my first climb over thirty years ago. Still brilliant!
So, what do you need to do to claim this Virtual? Firstly, and most simply, you have to climb to the summit of Tryfan!
Once there, take a photograph of yourself (or your GPS unit if you are shy!). There are three levels of difficulty:-
1. A photograph of yourself (or your equipment) leaning against Adam or Eve.
2. A photograph of yourself (or your equipment) sitting on top of Adam or Eve.
(OPTIONAL) These are perfectly acceptable BUT to truly claim this as a 5/5 cache requires a little more...
3. To claim The Freedom of Tryfan, you just need to jump from Adam to Eve (or vice versa). Only a small jump physically but psychologically huge. Photographic evidence would be nice but is not required. You are a geocacher therefore a person of your word.😁
I look forward to reading your logs and seeing your photos.
HOWEVER - A WORD OF WARNING!!!
Even in summer, this is a serious mountain expedition! The North Ridge and South Ridge routes are scrambles and all other routes are ROCK CLIMBS, requiring rope, harness, gear and EXPERIENCE! Make sure you are properly equipped and supplied and know the route you are going to take. Even on a summer's day, the weather can change in minutes. Go with someone with mountain experience and leave a note as to where you are going and when you expect to return. Take a map and compass and know how to use them. Make sure you have food, drink and emergency equipment. At other times of year, this becomes even more serious, with verglas on the rocks and crampons and ice axe are recommended in winter. I have well over 500 mountain days under my belt and even I managed to get cragfast on one of these mountains and had to be rescued once. Be prepared.
NOTE - If you are going to tackle the North Ridge route (which I recommend), there is roadside parking below Milestone Buttress. However, it does fill up quickly so best to be there early! Otherwise there is a car park at Idwal Cottage further down the road but it is about a 500m walk back to the start of the route.
Virtual Rewards 2.0 - 2019/2020
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between June 4, 2019 and June 4, 2020. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 2.0 on the Geocaching Blog.