Mission Report: Operation Yr Wyddfa – Preparatory Ascent for Norfolk's Illusive Mountain

Objective: Ascent of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) via Rhyd Ddu path, to gain high-altitude experience in preparation for future Norfolk mountain reconnaissance.

Mission Commencement:

Yt Wyddfa (Snowdon)

Operation Yr Wyddfa began at 0700 hours from the base of the Rhyd Ddu path. Weather conditions were unverified due to lack of internet connection, but heavy fog provided limited visibility—leading to the assessment that it was, in fact, foggy.

Phase 1 – Cattle Encounter:

The initial ascent was briefly delayed by a herd of cows, stationed directly in front of a gate on the Rhyd Ddu path. Hostile behavior was not observed; temperament was notably similar to that of Labradoodles. Allied with the cattle, personnel successfully moved past the gate and continued with the operation. No injuries sustained.

Phase 2 – Scrambling Test:

At 0730 hours, an unscheduled diversion from the main path was undertaken to test the commander’s scrambling capabilities on a minor ridge. The exercise resulted in soaked footwear, as the Vivobarefoot shoes—while ideal for Norfolk terrain—proved ill-suited for Welsh rocks and puddles. Despite this setback, scrambling skills were deemed adequate for future Norfolk peak attempts.

Phase 3 – Vertigo on the Ridge:

At approximately 0800 hours, personnel experienced vertigo during the exposed sections of the ridge. As a Norfolk native unaccustomed to vertical elevation, the sight of drops on both sides of the ridge caused momentary disorientation. Nonetheless, the commander pressed forward.

Phase 4 – Summit Protocol:

Foggy visuals and enthusiasm on Yr Wyddfa's summit.

Due to significant wind and continued poor visibility at higher altitudes, a tactical decision was made to kneel, rather than stand, upon reaching the summit at 0900 hours. This provided stability and mitigated the risk of being blown off-course. The summit was thus officially achieved, though views were non-existent due to fog cover.

Phase 5 – Descent and Foot Damage:

Descent commenced at 0915 hours, utilizing the same route. Total descent time was 45 minutes. However, complications arose from foot damage sustained during the previous day’s training exercise on one of Wales' lesser inclines. This had led to severe discomfort, compounded by the strain of the Snowdon ascent. It should be noted that, despite personal grievances with the Vivobarefoot footwear, they remain in daily use, albeit with a rising sense of bitterness.

Debrief:

Operation Yr Wyddfa was successfully completed within the set timeframe. Though the summit was shrouded in fog and the footwear underperformed in wet conditions, valuable high-altitude experience was gained. Lessons learned from the encounter with cows and the exposure to scrambling and vertigo will be instrumental when the elusive Norfolk mountain is eventually located.

This preparatory exercise proves that Norfolk residents, when properly trained, can handle extreme (by Norfolk standards) elevation and unpredictable weather conditions. Further operations to locate Norfolk's peak are greenlit based on this successful reconnaissance.

End of Report