The eagerly anticipated Christmas Llanberis Walk & Dinner at the Royal Victoria Hotel.

Forty five keen members signed up to come & most braved the rain to walk with Guto & Vikki, valiantly back marking. He took us a 4 mile circuit from the hotel CP, passing Castell Dolbadarn, the top end of Llyn Padarn,[b]crossing the main road, through Llanberis, up a narrow lane, steep enough to string us out breathlessly. Thankfully Guto waited for all to make it. Then traversing high above habitation to the Snowdon Mountain Railway by the waterfall whose stream powers the giant museum wheel. We had magnificent views all the way, despite intermitant drizzle, & of course we had to pick our way round muddy bits, but the waterfall was at its best... even spilling over the shoot,down the front face, thundering awesomely. We got back dripping wet, leaving boots & overtrousers in cars. The hotel had just the place to safely hang soaking coats, & Guto had thoughtfully booked bedrooms to spruce up in. Transformed, we were soon filling the bar, every seat taken, conversation crecendoing, Christmas cards swapping, hunger nicely sharpened by brisk walking. Those who had got wet the day before on the Ramblers' designing walks course, & had ducked out of a second soaking, now melded in, ready for eagerly anticipated feasting. The meal was both gargantuan & gourmet, beautifully set with crackers, party poppers, & balloons , getting us off to a merry start. Spoilt for menue choices, we plumped for favourites & were not disappointed. The long thin balloons challenged biggest lungs, but once some had been sucessfully launched accross the room, snaking noisily above heads, others followed triumphantly. Altogether a Christmas cellebration to remember!! & the best of company! Thank you Guto & Vikkie & all the hotel staff who made it so enjoyable!!.....Rachel.