“There’s a moment, just as the first light of dawn breaks over the horizon, when everything feels possible”.
That was the moment I found myself in as I loaded up the van with my nine-year-old son and my two younger brothers, ready to embark on a journey we’d been dreaming about for years. Our destination: The Summit of Snowdon, the highest peak in England and Wales. It was more than just a mountain to climb—it was a chance to reconnect with the people I love most and to create memories that would last a lifetime.
The drive through the Welsh countryside was filled with anticipation. My son, eyes wide with excitement, peppered us with questions about the mountain and the adventure ahead. My brothers, both younger but no less eager, shared stories of past hikes and the challenges we might face. For me, this trip was about more than just the climb. It was about showing my son the beauty of the world beyond screens and schoolbooks, and about reconnecting with my brothers in a way we hadn’t done since we were kids ourselves.
We arrived at the foot of Snowdon just as the sun began to rise, casting a golden hue over the rugged landscape. The mountain loomed above us, both inviting and intimidating. As we laced up our boots and adjusted our packs, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride and excitement. This was the start of something special.
The climb itself was everything I’d hoped for. My son led the way with an energy that seemed endless, his laughter echoing off the rocks as he scrambled up the path. My brothers and I followed, sharing knowing glances and quiet conversations about life, work, and the bonds that tie us together. Each step up the mountain was a step away from the distractions of everyday life and a step closer to something pure and real.
As we climbed higher, the landscape changed, becoming more rugged and wild. The views were breathtaking—rolling hills gave way to rocky outcrops, with the summit of Snowdon always just within reach. There were moments of struggle—a steep incline that tested our legs, a rocky path that required careful navigation—but these challenges only added to the experience. I watched my son tackle each one with determination, his spirit undaunted, and I felt a swell of pride. This was what I wanted him to see: that the best things in life don’t come easy, but they’re worth every bit of effort.
When we finally reached the summit, we found ourselves completely enveloped in clouds. The endless panorama we had hoped for was hidden, replaced by a blanket of mist that seemed to stretch in every direction. We stood there, the four of us, surrounded by nothing but swirling clouds, and in that moment, I felt a different kind of awe. It wasn’t the view we had imagined, but it was no less powerful. The mountain had its own way of reminding us that sometimes, the journey itself is the reward.
There was a quietness to the summit of Snowdon, a sense of being suspended between the earth and sky. We couldn’t see the world below, but in that cloud-covered peak, we found something even more profound—a connection to the mountain, to each other, and to the experience we had just shared. It was a moment of pure joy and triumph, not because of what we saw, but because of what we felt. I knew then that this was a memory that would stay with us forever.
As we sat down to rest, sharing a simple coffee and hot chocolate, I felt a deep sense of contentment. There was something profoundly humbling about eating on top of the world, surrounded by those I loved most, even if we couldn’t see the landscape below. We talked about the climb, the challenges we’d faced, and the memories we’d created. My son, usually so absorbed in his own world, was fully present, engaging with his uncles and asking thoughtful questions about the journey. It was a side of him I hadn’t seen in a while, and it filled my heart with quiet pride.
The descent was easier, but no less meaningful. The light was fading, and the landscape around us shifted into shades of grey, echoing the black-and-white photographs we’d later develop—a perfect metaphor for the clarity and simplicity I felt after our day on the mountain. We returned to our campsite tired but fulfilled, ready to continue our adventure in Wales, but knowing that this experience had already become a defining moment for our family.
As we drove away from Snowdon, the mountain shrinking in the rearview mirror, I found myself reflecting on the journey. It wasn’t just about reaching the summit; it was about every step along the way—the laughter, the struggle, the quiet moments of connection. It was about showing my son that life’s true rewards come from the journeys we take and the memories we create with those we love.
At Oak and Tide, we believe in the power of these moments. We believe in the journeys that shape us, the stories that inspire us, and the communities that sustain us. This trip to Snowdon reminded me of that in the most profound way. Whether we’re hiking up a mountain, paddling along a river, or skating down a city street, it’s the people we share these moments with that make them truly special.
Here’s to the next adventure, and to the countless memories still waiting to be made.
