The weather forecast was terrible for today. Gusts of 57 mph and wind windchill factor to -11 degrees. The guidebook said this was the most challenging section of the north wales coastal path!
As I travelled down from Caernarfon, Priscilla was buffeted around in the wind and I could see huge waves crashing on the beach.
I wrapped up with warm jacket, hat and gloves and took my walking poles and set off. I must say I had a feeling of apprehension today.
The first bit was on paved track but was steep uphill with the mountain of Yr Eifl looming ahead of me. This part was relatively sheltered with hedgerows on either side of the track, but I could still hear the wind howling and whining around me.
I gained height quite quickly and I had fantastic views across the bay around which I had walked yesterday. My heart was soon pounding in my chest as a response to climbing a steep hill.
Once I got to the top of the hill, the wind hit me full force head on. This was fine as I was on a wide path but still kept blowing me from one side to the other. However, once I got over the more exposed areas I couldn’t stay on my feet. The wind was blowing me quite literally off my feet. What a strange sensation to have little control over the direction of travel. The weather forecast was for sea level so I guess the wind speed was even greater higher up where I was.
I tried opening a farm gate and it took me a couple of minutes using my whole strength and several goes to push it open enough to get through. I had to be very careful making sure it didn’t close back on any part of me and crush me.
I took a brief respite behind a wall. But the second I stood up again the full force of the wind almost pushed me over.
Eventually, I decided I had to abort the mission for today so I looked for an alternative route down towards the road. I contacted Alex to say I needed rescuing. Eventually after much physical effort I made it through a couple of fields and one more gate. The cows were looking at me in disbelief!
I thought about walking along the road down into Morfa Nefyn but noticed that many of the overhead power cables have been blown off and were whipping around in the wind. Also after a few steps I was blown across the road so decided that that was a dangerous option too.
I found a large stone by the roadside and hunkered down behind it sitting cross legged on the ground. I sent my coordinates to Alex. Thank goodness, I had my hand warmers with me today.
I thought what a strange thing it was to be a 61 year old woman sitting by the roadside in the middle of winter in gale force winds. Strangely enough none of the cars that went past me even slowed down let alone stopped to check I was ok!!
Thirty minutes later Alex arrived like a knight in shining armour, well in a black Audi!We went to collect Priscilla and then on to Awelon where Jackie was waiting with a much needed cuppa. Then the remainder of the day was spent taking a shower, eating, drinking and chatting.
Best bits: walking in the wind, Alex collecting me
Worse bits: having to abort the section
Distance: 3.6 miles
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