Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Meets, places, trips and reviews => Topic started by: RedLeader on August 25, 2010
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Leaving Carrick Little Car Park lateish Saturday afternoon (4ish probably) we'll scale the dizzying heights of Northern Irelands 3rd highest peak and have a camp on the summit. Then down first thing Sunday and home in time for the F1.
Allcomers welcome and as usual, no need to feel you have to come our route, come whatever way you please and we'll all meet on the top.
This will be a weather dependent one as I'll probably be bringing a younger type so on the off chance the forecast is dodgy we might move to Friday or Sunday night (as it's a bank hol on Monday)
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44879000/jpg/_44879328_11e2e807-2191-4eb6-9db7-aa50b125f3ff.jpg)
Reply to this thread if you have any thoughts or fancy coming
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I'm in - time to give this Rab Storm an airing!
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count me in, have you a route picked? you could go the long way up via Percy Bysshe caves, the younger one would like that if he hasn't been before
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Thought I might go direct as it will be a bit of a kick in the pants for him so I'm thinking of getting to the top asap. However, coming down that way Sunday is an idea!
count me in, have you a route picked? you could go the long way up via Percy Bysshe caves, the younger one would like that if he hasn't been before
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Ditto.
Parking: is Carrick Little not still a black spot? Anyone fancy making friends with one of the farmers up that lane (esp. now that they are hiring out the cottages there).
Anyone parked overnight in Silent Valley Car park? Can't see any official mention of them allowing it. But if you stuck a note on your windscreen saying that you are not going to be back and your mobile number they are less likely to call out the mountain rescue.
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I hear the same about Carrick Little. I was just going to chance it, although if someone damages the wifes car she'll kill me. I'm open to any other suggestions (you had some luck schmoozing the farmer at Bloody Bridge - fancy another go ::)) However, I'd want the easiest route possible up Binnian so I don't put the lad off.
Ditto.
Parking: is Carrick Little not still a black spot? Anyone fancy making friends with one of the farmers up that lane (esp. now that they are hiring out the cottages there).
Anyone parked overnight in Silent Valley Car park? Can't see any official mention of them allowing it. But if you stuck a note on your windscreen saying that you are not going to be back and your mobile number they are less likely to call out the mountain rescue.
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Looking forward to this trip! It will be my first true bivi experience!
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Crap im busy Sat night, Sunday is ok for me as I'm off Monday, just for a change. I'll keep an eye to see what i can do though as this would be a great day/night in the hills.
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I'd be up for this but my car is acting up so i might have to get it fixed at the weekend. :(
I've also been hearing it's "black saturday" in newcastle, which is a marching thing, so newcastle will be bunged and a nightmare to get through.
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I plan to meet you all on the top... I'll be bringing a wee one too and wont be able to get away from Bangor until 6pm. Hopefully see you all about 9ish...
Don't be burning all the fire logs till we get there ;)
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So who's defo going?
Including some peeps that haven't posted make it:
J+1
SuspectMonkey+2
Doswer+1
Fourman+1
Chuck
LandyLiam
Did I miss anyone?
Planning to leave Carrick Little @ 4pm Sat afternoon but we can all meet at the top either way.
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at this rate there'll be a race up to get the good spots ;D
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Wish I could make this but cant warrent going away 4 weekend in a row (wife would kill / leave me)
Maybe next one
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Bring her too!
Wish I could make this but cant warrent going away 4 weekend in a row (wife would kill / leave me)
Maybe next one
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I've also been hearing it's "black saturday" in newcastle, which is a marching thing, so newcastle will be bunged and a nightmare to get through.
Quite a few parades on Saturday in the Newcastle area (http://www.paradescommission.org/parades/?quick_search=newcastle&datefrom_Day=28%2F08%2F2010&dateto_Day=28%2F08%2F2010&quicksend=GO&search-datebutton.x=16&search-datebutton.y=9). Dont think there will be any obvious way of avoiding them though as the neighbouring towns such as Castlewellan have parades on as well.
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I've also been hearing it's "black saturday" in newcastle, which is a marching thing, so newcastle will be bunged and a nightmare to get through.
Quite a few parades on Saturday in the Newcastle area (http://www.paradescommission.org/parades/?quick_search=newcastle&datefrom_Day=28%2F08%2F2010&dateto_Day=28%2F08%2F2010&quicksend=GO&search-datebutton.x=16&search-datebutton.y=9). Dont think there will be any obvious way of avoiding them though as the neighbouring towns such as Castlewellan have parades on as well.
You could take the right turn after Dundrum heading towards Bransford then take the long way round the mountains to Carrick little car park.
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You could take the right turn after Dundrum heading towards Bransford then take the long way round the mountains to Carrick little car park.
Yeah, probably best way of avoiding Newcastle. There is a parade on in Bryansford but it looks fairly small in comparision!
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Looks like it's gonna be a windy one (http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/today.asp?zipcode=bt33).
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its always windy on the summits :P but at least there is plenty of shelter at the campsite, well for the first 4 or 5 up there anyway :D
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Looks like it's gonna be a windy one (http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/today.asp?zipcode=bt33).
Yeah, I've been keeping an eye on the weather and the wind had caught my attention. AccuWeather has the mountain forecast with 16 m/h winds for this afternoon/evening but with gusts up to 32 m/h. Its blowin' a gale in my rather sheltered back garden so I imagine its gonna be rather windy on top of Binnian. Still happy to go up there and check it out, but I can see a night in Annalong Wood coming up :D
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Will be good practice :)
Looks like it's gonna be a windy one (http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/today.asp?zipcode=bt33).
Yeah, I've been keeping an eye on the weather and the wind had caught my attention. AccuWeather has the mountain forecast with 16 m/h winds for this afternoon/evening but with gusts up to 32 m/h. Its blowin' a gale in my rather sheltered back garden so I imagine its gonna be rather windy on top of Binnian. Still happy to go up there and check it out, but I can see a night in Annalong Wood coming up :D
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anyone bringing a kite :D
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anyone bringing a kite :D
Believe it or not I have one packed!!! ;D
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So who's going over to Doan to catch Dowser on the way past (http://davidkiyokawa.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/up-movie-poster.jpg)? ;)
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So who's going over to Doan to catch Dowser on the way past (http://davidkiyokawa.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/up-movie-poster.jpg)? ;)
Rofl... Nice one Chuck :D
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excellent ;D
I have to drop my son off to work in Newcastle (will have fun with the traffic >:( ) so i reckon i'll be at the car park about 6.30pm, so if i go straight up the wall at the stile i reckon on hitting the summit about 8pm
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If I wasn't such a big girl, doing an overnight in the Persey Bysshe cave sheltering from the wind and rain would be pretty cool.
pps. any spare talkie walkies kicking about? Anyone fancy leaving one under a wheel arch in Carrick little?
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Yep, I'll leave one under the front drivers side arch. Channel 6.
If I wasn't such a big girl, doing an overnight in the Persey Bysshe cave sheltering from the wind and rain would be pretty cool.
pps. any spare talkie walkies kicking about? Anyone fancy leaving one under a wheel arch in Carrick little?
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Cheers J.
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Have fun guys gutted I'm missing this ..
J are you doing the pancakes ??
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Yep, pancakes for breakfast!!
Have fun guys gutted I'm missing this ..
J are you doing the pancakes ??
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Well i'm back down safely but can't vouch for the others as i left first (some where still in bed!) very enjoyable evening despite the occasional (i reckon every half hour) massive gust of wind, very relaxing lying beside the campfire on a survival bag with full waterproofs on, i might as well have been bivvying but i thought they were mad, although during the evening i decided i'll definitely give this bivvy thing go on one of my sevens if i get a calm night. Andy's innuendos had me in stiches when poor Kat & Suspectmonkey were trying to go to "bed".
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/3binnion/P8280694LargeSmall.jpg)
i'm glad i just brought sandwiches ;D
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/3binnion/P8280699LargeSmall.jpg)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/3binnion/P8280700LargeSmall.jpg)
Chucks magic blanket
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/3binnion/P8280702LargeSmall.jpg)
oh no, he gas is running out, i wish we'd brought sandwches like Liam
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/3binnion/P8280704LargeSmall.jpg)
Dowser should change his name to Guy Fawkes, he wants to light big fires but can't :P Chuck came to the rescue though
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/3binnion/P8280711LargeSmall.jpg)
they'll be getting the fire brigade out soon!
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/3binnion/P8280719LargeSmall.jpg)
now we know where the scotch went, someone must have put it on the fire
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/3binnion/P8290750LargeSmall.jpg)
who said we had no ladies in ni-wild, these lucky 2 had the choice of 8 men (one chose suspectmonkey and the other said the talent was better down the zoo ::) )
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/3binnion/P8290727LargeSmall.jpg)
a misty mourne mourning, all that way and the view was shite :'(
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/3binnion/P8290738LargeSmall.jpg)
Dowser need some hi viz stuff for christmas
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/3binnion/P8290740LargeSmall.jpg)
Chuck & Elaine seemed to sleep well
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/3binnion/P8290741LargeSmall.jpg)
my wee tent got a hammering
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/3binnion/P8290742LargeSmall.jpg)
Steven dreams of headroom
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/3binnion/P8290745LargeSmall.jpg)
the sun teased us for a few moments, then it rained :'( :'( :'(
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/3binnion/P8290746LargeSmall.jpg)
Have more photos, just PM me with an email address and i'm send them on
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Well i'm back down safely but can't vouch for the others as i left first (some where still in bed!) very enjoyable evening despite the occasional (i reckon every half hour) massive gust of wind, very relaxing lying beside the campfire on a survival bag with full waterproofs on, i might as well have been bivvying but i thought they were mad, although during the evening i decided i'll definitely give this bivvy thing go on one of my sevens if i get a calm night. Andy's innuendos had me in stiches when poor Kat & Suspectmonkey were trying to go to "bed".
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb2/offroadireland/members%20folders/landyliam/sleepysevens/3binnion/P8290727LargeSmall.jpg)
a misty mourne mourning, all hat way and the view was shite :'(
Did you make it to the top? That pic looks like your at the style about half way up?
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Looks like an eventful night .. How did the kids find bivvying must of been an eye opener with the wind
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Looks like an eventful night .. How did the kids find bivvying must of been an eye opener with the wind
Jay got on very well... Wind and Rain didn't bother him in the slightest but he kept wiggling about and ending up at the bottom of the bivvi bag. I ended up sleeping it the same bag as him to keep him up at the top. He's all pleased with himself and has been telling everyone he meets he's been Bivvying... Hope the NSPCC don't find out. ::)
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Did you make it to the top?
wasn't enough space for us all at the top and the wind was a bit extreme for the kids, that style was about 650m high so only 100m from top, way more than half way :P its a summit camp in my book ;D
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Looks like an eventful night .. How did the kids find bivvying must of been an eye opener with the wind
Jay got on very well... Wind and Rain didn't bother him in the slightest but he kept wiggling about and ending up at the bottom of the bivvi bag. I ended up sleeping it the same bag as him to keep him up at the top. He's all pleased with himself and has been telling everyone he meets he's been Bivvying... Hope the NSPCC don't find out. ::)
He has a story to tell everyone when he gets back to school .was it a normal bivvy bag you used ?? And you sure you did not share a bag as you where using him as a hot water bottle :-) I will def try and get my lad up for a bivvy soon .
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He has a story to tell everyone when he gets back to school .was it a normal bivvy bag you used ?? And you sure you did not share a bag as you where using him as a hot water bottle :-) I will def try and get my lad up for a bivvy soon .
Surprise Surprise, It was a DPM British Army Issue Bivvi Bag (http://www.surplusandadventure.com/shop/camping-outdoor/sleeping-bags/military-sleeping-bags/new-british-army-style-breathable-300940.html/). Full-on Goretex job and wider than your normal Rab type bags. Think it's designed that way so that you can store your Rucksack and gear in with you. I just replaced my rucksack with Jay
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Cheers for posting up the photos Liam, gave me a laugh :)
Think after several hours I finally have my gear cleaned up and dried out ;)
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lol... nice pics..and am glad i wasnt the only one chuckling to the running commentary as poor Kat and Jonny tried to get to 'sleep' in their luxurious tarp and bivvy.... i have a funny feeling Kat might not ever bivvy again!!!!
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Great photos Liam! After 1 night away from the bivvy I MIGHT do it again....weather really permitting, it would have to be a clear starry night! :)
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Was a good night, was very pleased that you all stuck with it, with that wind (and precious cargo of kids) I was expecting you all to be down in Annalong Wood. (I know I would have been if I'd been solo)
Kat: Glad you are not totally put off. When the night is still and, as you say, cloud free, you *can* *not* beat it, much better than being stuck in a big plastic tent. (just dump the wire pens and get a load of yellow plastic ones, they are the ones that work best in the Mournes' peat...with enough of them in the ground you can get to sleep without the fear of the whole lot taking off...again... :P )
Andy: Famous last words: "Yea yea yea, I'll put the fire out" ;D
When I split from you guys I got soaked in a couple of rain showers, finally got breakfast at Binnian Lough (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcrobert/4942331208/in/set-72157624717047617/), then spent 2/3 hours drying everything out/asleep on a cracking bivvy spot on Douglas Crag (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcrobert/4942344088/in/set-72157624717047617/). Joined by my wife mid afternoon and stayed up there until 5pm...but the call of home was too strong. (couple more pics here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcrobert/sets/72157624717047617/), none from the bivvy I'm afraid)
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Andy: Famous last words: "Yea yea yea, I'll put the fire out" ;D
I put loads of damp moss on it and stood on it for 5 minutes finishing my scotch... All I can think is that I must have split a drop ;D
Finally got breakfast at Binnian Lough, then spent 2/3 hours drying everything out/asleep on a cracking bivvi spot on Douglas Crag (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcrobert/4942344088/in/set-72157624717047617/).
Grid references please... I love scenic spots like that with cracking rock formations for solo camping. The photos look great. :)
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Grid ref is about J 329 241. On a shelf to the left of Douglas Crag highlighted here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcrobert/4942352792/) and here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcrobert/4941749379/in/set-72157624717047617/) (put your mouse over the pic to see the box). There are two levels to it, with rocky 'steps' at the top, the lower level is almost on the clip edge and gives you this view (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcrobert/4942344088/in/photostream/) . There are two levels to it, with rocky 'steps' deviding, the lower level is almost on the clip edge and gives you this view (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcrobert/4942344088/in/photostream/) of Cove. It's a soggy but short walk up from the corner of Annalong Wood.
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Grid ref is about J 329 241. On a shelf to the left of Douglas Crag highlighted here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcrobert/4942352792/) and here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcrobert/4941749379/in/set-72157624717047617/) (put your mouse over the pic to see the box). There are two levels to it, with rocky 'steps' at the top, the lower level is almost on the clip edge and gives you this view (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcrobert/4942344088/in/photostream/) . There are two levels to it, with rocky 'steps' deviding, the lower level is almost on the clip edge and gives you this view (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcrobert/4942344088/in/photostream/) of Cove. It's a soggy but short walk up from the corner of Annalong Wood.
Thanks for that Chuck... I'll be heading up there the next chance I get. You must have been an Army Scout in a previous life ;D
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That looks like an awesome spot. Very accessible too.
Grid ref is about J 329 241. On a shelf to the left of Douglas Crag highlighted here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcrobert/4942352792/) and here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcrobert/4941749379/in/set-72157624717047617/) (put your mouse over the pic to see the box). There are two levels to it, with rocky 'steps' at the top, the lower level is almost on the clip edge and gives you this view (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcrobert/4942344088/in/photostream/) . There are two levels to it, with rocky 'steps' deviding, the lower level is almost on the clip edge and gives you this view (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcrobert/4942344088/in/photostream/) of Cove. It's a soggy but short walk up from the corner of Annalong Wood.
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Kat- ur a brave girl if you go bivvying in that weather again!!!
The kids were brill on Sat- im embarrased i was in a tent when 4-yr old Jay was bivvying out!!
Much fun. definitely one for my mountain log book..... Thanks guys :)
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That really was one wild trip. Definitely the windiest I've seen yet. Think a smaller tarp and some foul weather practice is called for!
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That really was one wild trip. Definitely the windiest I've seen yet. Think a smaller tarp and some foul weather practice is called for!
I have to say, looking back on it I'm quite pleased with how things went. Alright, I did have a slight tarp malfunction but I still reckon it wouldn't of collapsed if I hadn't of had to get up and put the fire out :P I think a set of V-pegs like Chuck suggested would have held it all night, but my slippy alloy pegs were just sliding out of the peaty ground too easily.
On a plus side, I got to try out my Rab Storm properly! Lived up to its name rather well, I was fully zipped in with a small air gap and I stayed dry and had plenty of room. The inner of the bivvy did have a fine film of moisture over it from condensation, but no drips or puddles and my down bag survived well. Only thing I would consider next time is swapping my self inflating mat for a Ridge Rest like Kat used and I've seen Mr. 6-Pack using in the past. Or bringing a tent ;D
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It was a tough one, especially with the kids there but tbh it's not put me off - quite the opposite - just need more experience.
Your parting words to me of "Don't call us, we'll call you" made me laugh" :)
That really was one wild trip. Definitely the windiest I've seen yet. Think a smaller tarp and some foul weather practice is called for!
I have to say, looking back on it I'm quite pleased with how things went. Alright, I did have a slight tarp malfunction but I still reckon it wouldn't of collapsed if I hadn't of had to get up and put the fire out :P I think a set of V-pegs like Chuck suggested would have held it all night, but my slippy alloy pegs were just sliding out of the peaty ground too easily.
On a plus side, I got to try out my Rab Storm properly! Lived up to its name rather well, I was fully zipped in with a small air gap and I stayed dry and had plenty of room. The inner of the bivvy did have a fine film of moisture over it from condensation, but no drips or puddles and my down bag survived well. Only thing I would consider next time is swapping my self inflating mat for a Ridge Rest like Kat used and I've seen Mr. 6-Pack using in the past. Or bringing a tent ;D
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Looks like a great night had by all despite the wind. Thats a nice find with that bivvy spot chuck.
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great photos the banshee 200 stood up well to the wind my first trip hopefully not the last wont be buying a bivvie just yet
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That weekend wasn't a great advert for bivvying :) Still, when the weathers nice you can't beat a night sleeping under the stars.
great photos the banshee 200 stood up well to the wind my first trip hopefully not the last wont be buying a bivvie just yet