Clothes and boots nik waxed Check
Suitcase packed with said items and other essentials Check
Travel companion safely seated in car Check
A handful of nerves in tummy Check
This meant only one thing – ROAD TRIP
Destination….. Glendalough… Women with Altitude 2013 meet
OHHHH YES!
We had a pleasant journey down and were ecstatic to arrive at such a beautiful location.. After meandering around the graveyard and walking around the lake, we decided it was time for a beer…. Well, we were having a child-free weekend after all, and, trust me, that doesn’t happen often!
After a hassle-free registration, we were told there was going to be a spot of orienteering…. Uh Oh, never done this before?! After teaming up with the dynamite ladies, Pam & Gail, we set off in search of our markers. We were the first to set off closely followed by team two. After both teams missing our first two markers, things didn’t look to good. But, there was a true spirit of the event here, as we worked together to find the markers, telling each other when we located one. Teamwork!
When we located the last two (ahem 1st two) markers, it was a dash to the registration room to clock our time and catch our breath… 55 minutes, phew!
After some well deserved delicious sandwiches , the winners were announced, we had taken 2nd place! Very closely followed by team 2! We were all victorious in our own right, but no match for the ultra team at 45 minutes!
Next morning we assembled into our groups to see what the day held for us.. Brockagh mountain it was to be, with Helen, our very knowledgeable instructor for a short bus journey.
Arriving at our destination we had a quick recce of the area, and then it started, the rain I mean, and boy did it rain! But hey! Poor visibility + torrential rain = perfect navigation conditions! I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoyed it!
Now, you see, anyone that knows me, knows my passion for hill walking in the Mournes. I love to walk deep within them, but, my confidence to use navigation has always let me down. The Mourne Wall has always been my handrail, and I longed to be free from it.
On the day with Helen’s knowledge, guidance and patience I had an epiphany! (strange as it may seem lol) I finally realised were I was going wrong!
A quick mention about the weather on the day. Yes it was dire, but not once did anyone suggest we leave early from the mountain, we plodded along enjoying Helen’s expertise and knowledge, not only regarding navigation, but also plant life and wildlife, pointing out the smallest of interesting facts.
Everyone still in high spirits tramped back to the bus, soaked to the skin from top to bottom, no amount of nikwax could have endured that weather!
My boots were still slightly wet on the Tuesday after, but still filled with enthusiasm, and confident with my refreshed skills, I excitedly took to the hills. Fresh, confident and raring to go! Nothing too hectic, just around the lower Mournes.
I took multiple bearings, used features, contours, rivers, junctions etc
I did make one mistake, but saw this as constructive and corrected it effectively. I returned to my starting point jubilant and gave a quiet “Whoop Whoop”
This wouldn’t have happened had I not gone on the Women With Altitude weekend and had such great instruction!
Thank you to all involved, and lovely to meet other like-minded ladies!
See ya’ll next year
You can get more information on Women with Altitude here:
http://www.womenwithaltitude.ie/
