so meelmore it is ;D
so meelmore it is ;D
is it ???
Dont think all the votes are in yet.
What about the caves?
So the public has spoken and Meelmore Summit it is, on the 15th January 2011. Meeting at Meelmore Lodge, times to be comfirmed.
QuoteSo the public has spoken and Meelmore Summit it is, on the 15th January 2011. Meeting at Meelmore Lodge, times to be comfirmed.
sounds good to me :-)
Is this going to be heading up late Saturday afternoon and back early Sunday morning? Or are you guys planning a longer walk?
QuoteSo the public has spoken and Meelmore Summit it is, on the 15th January 2011. Meeting at Meelmore Lodge, times to be comfirmed.
sounds good to me :-)
Is this going to be heading up late Saturday afternoon and back early Sunday morning? Or are you guys planning a longer walk?
My plan is just a quick overnighter, leaving late Saturday afternoon and back home Sunday morn. Probably leaving from Meelmore Lodge sometime between 3 & 4pm. Some folk who fancy doing a bit more walking usually head up a bit earlier and just rendezvous at the campsite.
Sounds good to me.
Do you guys have radios then? What kind are they? are they expensive?
Sounds good to me.
Do you guys have radios then? What kind are they? are they expensive?
These are the ones we are using: http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1320
I will be taking myself up. I have bad carma with someone going up Meelmore.
I will be taking myself up. I have bad carma with someone going up Meelmore.
do tell.
.... i'm in too...
I'm in too. Andy and Jonny, if you need a lift I think it is about time I drove you guy's down.
Matthew
I'm in too. Andy and Jonny, if you need a lift I think it is about time I drove you guy's down.
Matthew
QuoteSo the public has spoken and Meelmore Summit it is, on the 15th January 2011. Meeting at Meelmore Lodge, times to be comfirmed.
sounds good to me :-)
Is this going to be heading up late Saturday afternoon and back early Sunday morning? Or are you guys planning a longer walk?
My plan is just a quick overnighter, leaving late Saturday afternoon and back home Sunday morn. Probably leaving from Meelmore Lodge sometime between 3 & 4pm. Some folk who fancy doing a bit more walking usually head up a bit earlier and just rendezvous at the campsite.
[/quote
id have been well up for this but sadly no tent.
never slept overnight on the mountains.
I can lend you a tent (as long as you carry it up!)
i also have a spare bivvy bag if you want.
I'm in too. Andy and Jonny, if you need a lift I think it is about time I drove you guy's down.
Matthew
Nice one... I like the sound of that ;D
I'm going the other route Dowser.
Gonna go between Meelbeg and Meelmore
I'm going the other route Dowser.
Gonna go between Meelbeg and Meelmore
If your walking on your own on the 15th I will leave one of my Walkie Talkies at Meelmore Lodge for you to keep in touch with us. I'll PM you with where it will be.
It's been a while since you and I have been in the hills... We'll get a bit of craic and a catch-up round the hobo stove :)
Guys count me in as well, I'll prob take a different route in but i'll meet you's at camp.
looks as if half the forum will be there.
will there be enough room on the summit for us all. :D
i also have a spare bivvy bag if you want.
cheers mate.
which ever is easier to carry a tent or bivvy bag.
ill choose the one thats easier to carry.
im sure there is no real work to setting up a bivvy.
as i say thanks for the help chaps.
really appreciate it. :) :)
Bivvy bag is way easier but if the weather turns nasty it could get interesting! Also what sleeping bag are you bringing? You might need both!
looking forward to camping out in the mountains for the vry first time.
Bivvy bag is way easier but if the weather turns nasty it could get interesting! Also what sleeping bag are you bringing? You might need both!
QuoteBivvy bag is way easier but if the weather turns nasty it could get interesting! Also what sleeping bag are you bringing? You might need both!
;D How does a night in the bivvy compare to in a tent, for temp, wind, shelter etc?
Psycho killer always go for the ones in tents first.
QuotePsycho killer always go for the ones in tents first.
That from experience? ;D
Thanks for the insight, it sounds like a night in the bivvy is not alot differnet than a tent heat wise, and i suppose its easier to find a place to set up!
Not getting involved in activities or using equipment that you are not properly experienced for
darren,
I'll pack the extra bivvi so you can give it a blast anyway.
Right next most important point make sure there's PLENTY of booze :)
Well someone did run out of coke at the Christmas camp ;D
darren,you could roll down the mountain if your too groggy mate.
I'll pack the extra bivvi so you can give it a blast anyway.
Right next most important point make sure there's PLENTY of booze :)
My own personal opinion would be there's very little difference. I suppose a tent does give you more of a feeling of protection and if the weather does turn nasty you can climb in, batten down the hatches and wait it out.
My own personal opinion would be there's very little difference. I suppose a tent does give you more of a feeling of protection and if the weather does turn nasty you can climb in, batten down the hatches and wait it out.
Have you ever actually slept in a tent Dowser?! You're always lying out in the grass with your gear scattered around you any time I've been out :P :D
I will most likely be in a tent as I'm wanting to give one I bought last year its first outing and a proper airing on top of a mountain. All in the name of gear testing you see ;) Besides, I like the raking I get for taking the luxury option!
Hope there's room in there for about 8 if it lashes :)
Does anybody know what its like going straight from the summit of Meelmore to the carpark?
Yay, someone to keep me company on the loo run lol!
Hope there is gonna be enough room up there.
Whos taking a tent?
I am my Gelert Solo
I know the Christmas season is now over, but would anyone mind if I shared my bottle of mulled wine at camp? ;D
I know the Christmas season is now over, but would anyone mind if I shared my bottle of mulled wine at camp? ;D
I might even bring a cheese board and a selection of cold meats..
Darren the cost will be 5 dolla!
Have you ever actually slept in a tent Dowser?!I actually bought three tents in quick succession before I realised that I was bivvyer at heart ???
You're always lying out in the grass with your gear scattered around you any time I've been out :P :DMaybe we should have changed the Photo Competition topic to "Summit Camp"... You could have sought inspiration from Tracey Emin (http://www.tate.org.uk/britain/turnerprize/history/1999.shtm) and got a good snap of my sleeping arrangements. ;D
Would anyone have any spare tarp I could borrow for the summit?
I know the Christmas season is now over, but would anyone mind if I shared my bottle of mulled wine at camp? ;D
Tis only a small bottle lol.. How many have we got for this gathering?
Looks like a bit of rain through the night
http://www.netweather.tv/index.cgi?action=uk7dayx2;page=5;type=free;ct=20475~Mourne%20Mountains;sess=#forecast (http://www.netweather.tv/index.cgi?action=uk7dayx2;page=5;type=free;ct=20475~Mourne%20Mountains;sess=#forecast)
At least the walls there for a bit of protection from the wind
We could rig up a few tarps round the hut and have a enclosed drinking area ;D
The weather forecast is a bit mental - is it not....Been watching this thread for a bit and I'm of a similar mind. Meelmore's flat, very exposed, Combine that with the promise of rain, and stong winds and a bit of a steep climb from the Bearnagh side, could make it quite into a bit of a slog, despite the promise of mulled wine :D ...the hard core around here will have no problem with it...but if anyone's not bivvied before, you really don't want this to be the first one...bring a tent. :D As for me...I'll probably come along for the walk...then skip off like a big ginny ann to the quarry building at the top of the Happy Valley.
As for me...I'll probably come along for the walk...then skip off like a big ginny ann to the quarry building at the top of the Happy Valley.
What time is everyone heading on Saturday. May as well travel in as much of a group as possible.
QuoteThe weather forecast is a bit mental - is it not....Been watching this thread for a bit and I'm of a similar mind. Meelmore's flat, very exposed, Combine that with the promise of rain, and stong winds and a bit of a steep climb from the Bearnagh side, could make it quite into a bit of a slog, despite the promise of mulled wine :D ...the hard core around here will have no problem with it...but if anyone's not bivvied before, you really don't want this to be the first one...bring a tent. :D As for me...I'll probably come along for the walk...then skip off like a big ginny ann to the quarry building at the top of the Happy Valley.
Sounds like the one above the happy valley car park, about half way up to the saddle, on left of the river. Sorry Chuck, did I give away your secret emergency spot :)
Not sure yet if I can stay over but hope to at least pop up for tea, leaving happy valley car park about 5ish.
There's nothing on my OS 25k. Do you have a grid ref - my interest is piqued now!Sounds like the one above the happy valley car park, about half way up to the saddle, on left of the river. Sorry Chuck, did I give away your secret emergency spot :)
Not sure yet if I can stay over but hope to at least pop up for tea, leaving happy valley car park about 5ish.
There's nothing on my OS 25k. Do you have a grid ref - my interest is piqued now!Sounds like the one above the happy valley car park, about half way up to the saddle, on left of the river. Sorry Chuck, did I give away your secret emergency spot :)
Not sure yet if I can stay over but hope to at least pop up for tea, leaving happy valley car park about 5ish.
I think this is the quarry building Chuck is referring to: http://mountainviews.ie/mv/index.php?PHPSESSID=2hg1cvqnfs6biopslfb4dd2qe6&mtnindex=138&findpage=true
Scroll down to the third post by "tsunami"
What time is everyone heading on Saturday. May as well travel in as much of a group as possible.
What time is everyone heading on Saturday. May as well travel in as much of a group as possible.
I can't get away from Bangor until 15:00 so I will be arriving at Meelmore Lodge approx 16:00 (16:20 if I get my traditional McD's on the way down).
Hopefully arriving at Meelmore summit about 17:30. Save me a nice 7ft x 3ft spot against the wall... Thanks ;)
Can everyone try and bring as much fuel for the fire as they can carry. I was gonna bring my hobo stove but if were going to have a crowd I might just bring my folding shovel instead and prepare a little fire pit which can be covered with the original layer of turf in the morning. It would give us a bit more scope for sitting round it and hopefully protect the fire being blown away in the strong winds forecast.
Great idea, I was going to collect some dead wood on my way up. tie it together and strap it to my pack.
Great idea, I was going to collect some dead wood on my way up. tie it together and strap it to my pack.
I would even suggest a fire log Lenny. Weight to Burn time ratio is far superior to wood and so much less bulky. Each fire log will burn for about 1hr 30mins so if everybody brought one we would have a nice fire for most of the evening.
Great idea, I was going to collect some dead wood on my way up. tie it together and strap it to my pack.
I would even suggest a fire log Lenny. Weight to Burn time ratio is far superior to wood and so much less bulky. Each fire log will burn for about 1hr 30mins so if everybody brought one we would have a nice fire for most of the evening.
Great idea, I was going to collect some dead wood on my way up. tie it together and strap it to my pack.
I would even suggest a fire log Lenny. Weight to Burn time ratio is far superior to wood and so much less bulky. Each fire log will burn for about 1hr 30mins so if everybody brought one we would have a nice fire for most of the evening.
fair point - but wood is free & fire logs arn't
This is gonna be a great test for my new rab storm bivvy. I'll probably be leaving meelmore lodge early in the morning to get a bit of a walk in before making my way to the camping spot, although I'm planning to do the mourne wall on Friday so I may not be fit for much by Saturday. I've a friend who wants to come along for the summit camp, hasn't been on the forum yet as he doesn't want it to distract him while he has exams, but he's finished on Thursday so he'll probably pop on and say hello before Saturday.
I'll see what I can do about bringing a firelog up
Great idea, I was going to collect some dead wood on my way up. tie it together and strap it to my pack.
I would even suggest a fire log Lenny. Weight to Burn time ratio is far superior to wood and so much less bulky. Each fire log will burn for about 1hr 30mins so if everybody brought one we would have a nice fire for most of the evening.
fair point - but wood is free & fire logs arn't
Best fire log available, and I've tested a few, is from B&M Bargains for 99p
You wouldn't want a 3kg bundle of wood ruining your Meelmore Summit attempt... again ;) You'd end up having bad Karma with trees too!!!
Great idea, I was going to collect some dead wood on my way up. tie it together and strap it to my pack.
I would even suggest a fire log Lenny. Weight to Burn time ratio is far superior to wood and so much less bulky. Each fire log will burn for about 1hr 30mins so if everybody brought one we would have a nice fire for most of the evening.
fair point - but wood is free & fire logs arn't
Best fire log available, and I've tested a few, is from B&M Bargains for 99p
You wouldn't want a 3kg bundle of wood ruining your Meelmore Summit attempt... again ;) You'd end up having bad Karma with trees too!!!
Your pickin a good time off the year for the mourne wall mate. The area from Silent valley to Slieve loughshanna will be really really boggy! Happy trails ;)
Right, the nazi side of me coming out here..... but I say, if you don't bring a firelog, don't expect to sit by the fire!
Its not fair that some people bring them and some dont - thought everyone has their reasons - not wanting to carry it being the main one!
Comments plz !
Right, the nazi side of me coming out here..... but I say, if you don't bring a firelog, don't expect to sit by the fire!
Its not fair that some people bring them and some dont - thought everyone has their reasons - not wanting to carry it being the main one!
Comments plz !
Right, the nazi side of me coming out here..... but I say, if you don't bring a firelog, don't expect to sit by the fire!
Its not fair that some people bring them and some dont - thought everyone has their reasons - not wanting to carry it being the main one!
Comments plz !
If you can't get a fire log then bring a bottle of wine for the group :)
Or if you bring neither you have to cook breakfast for everyone ;D
Liam has it sussed ;D
I think Mike has a point in that it does tend to be the same people who end up bringing the firelogs. We all enjoy a light pack, but the camps definitely wouldn't be the same without a bit of a fire to sit around. If we all went lightweight we would end up congregated around a couple of glow sticks!
As RedLeader has pointed out, 14 firelogs may be a tad many, but as Mike says we could split a few in half at the car park to share the load between us.
First timers are exempt ;)
Mind you Mike, don't be bringing one of those grate packs with you again! Can't believe you lugged a bag of coal to Lough Shannagh :P
Yes Suspect, you can see where I'm coming from then! I have bad memories of lugging that bag of coal around (and trying to 'control' the dog) and being out of shape !
Im also going up the yellow route but the other side of the river.
What time are you heading up at?Im also going up the yellow route but the other side of the river.
At least Meelmore has plenty of walls on it, so shelter should be available somewhere. If you do decide to change the camp location, and someone has signal, just send me a wee message. Redleader and MikeD have my number.
There are a few routes I might take so may not notice the lights and cheer if visibility is bad and the wind is up; it'll save me looking for you all :)
What time do you think you'll be up at?At least Meelmore has plenty of walls on it, so shelter should be available somewhere. If you do decide to change the camp location, and someone has signal, just send me a wee message. Redleader and MikeD have my number.
There are a few routes I might take so may not notice the lights and cheer if visibility is bad and the wind is up; it'll save me looking for you all :)
Final plan...
1Matt, Suspectmonkey, Kat, Me and Shamara (to date) are meeting at Meelmore Lodge at 1400. Sundown is at 1620pm ish so this gives us enough time for a leisurely plod to the summit. Anyone who wants to come with us make yourself known either by post or PM, allcomers welcome.
2Anyone who wants my mobile number PM me (although no guarantees it will work on the summit).
3Everyone should also be aware that this could well be a proper wet and windy one. Personally I'm not bothered by it, lets you know you're alive and on the top of a mountain but you'll want to be prepared as the Scouts say.
Final plan...
Matt, Suspectmonkey, Kat, Me and Shamara (to date) are meeting at Meelmore Lodge at 1400. Sundown is at 1620pm ish so this gives us enough time for a leisurely plod to the summit. Anyone who wants to come with us make yourself known either by post or PM, allcomers welcome.
Anyone not able to make it for 2pm or who wants to take an alternative route just meet at the summit whenever you like. Our planned route is below, we'll have radios (http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1320) on channel 6 for anyone that has one, I have a spare if someone can get it from me.
Dowser will probably be leaving Meelmore Lodge at around 1630, you can PM him if you're interested, he'll have a radio also.
Anyone who wants my mobile number PM me (although no guarantees it will work on the summit). Everyone should be sure they have their plans logged with someone responsible who isn't going to be there - once we're on the summit in the dark we wont be coming down to look for people who may or may not have actually come (unless they're potentially carrying copious amounts of booze or bacon)!
In the evening once pitched we'll probably have a night hike in a Meelbeg / Slieveloughshannagh / Doan direction but we'll organise that at the time depending on the conditions.
Everyone should also be aware that this could well be a proper wet and windy one. Personally I'm not bothered by it, lets you know you're alive and on the top of a mountain but you'll want to be prepared as the Scouts say.
Remember to tell us if you want to come with the 2pm group, don't just assume we'll know
As ever, review the NI-Wild Terms/Disclaimer here : http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=278
Final plan...
Matt, Suspectmonkey, Kat, Me and Shamara (to date) are meeting at Meelmore Lodge at 1400. Sundown is at 1620pm ish so this gives us enough time for a leisurely plod to the summit. Anyone who wants to come with us make yourself known either by post or PM, allcomers welcome.
Anyone not able to make it for 2pm or who wants to take an alternative route just meet at the summit whenever you like. Our planned route is below, we'll have radios (http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1320) on channel 6 for anyone that has one, I have a spare if someone can get it from me.
Dowser will probably be leaving Meelmore Lodge at around 1630, you can PM him if you're interested, he'll have a radio also.
Anyone who wants my mobile number PM me (although no guarantees it will work on the summit). Everyone should be sure they have their plans logged with someone responsible who isn't going to be there - once we're on the summit in the dark we wont be coming down to look for people who may or may not have actually come (unless they're potentially carrying copious amounts of booze or bacon)!
In the evening once pitched we'll probably have a night hike in a Meelbeg / Slieveloughshannagh / Doan direction but we'll organise that at the time depending on the conditions.
Everyone should also be aware that this could well be a proper wet and windy one. Personally I'm not bothered by it, lets you know you're alive and on the top of a mountain but you'll want to be prepared as the Scouts say.
Remember to tell us if you want to come with the 2pm group, don't just assume we'll know
As ever, review the NI-Wild Terms/Disclaimer here : http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=278
hi mate ill be there for 2pm.
im getting a lift over from portadown from a local member.
so put me down on the list too please RL.
Believe it or not the BBC weather forecast appears to have changed from Heavy Rain to Light Rain... woohoo :D
Looking at a few different weather websites there could be heavy showers Saturday afternoon that will clear away leaving some scattered showers or light rain overnight. Which I suppose is pretty normal for the Mournes! Looks like it will definitely be a windy one though, with the wind dying down overnight going into Sunday morning. Temperatures are pretty high though!
Believe it or not the BBC weather forecast appears to have changed from Heavy Rain to Light Rain... woohoo :Dsupposed to be mild over the weekend.
Looking at a few different weather websites there could be heavy showers Saturday afternoon that will clear away leaving some scattered showers or light rain overnight. Which I suppose is pretty normal for the Mournes! Looks like it will definitely be a windy one though, with the wind dying down overnight going into Sunday morning. Temperatures are pretty high though!
Believe it or not the BBC weather forecast appears to have changed from Heavy Rain to Light Rain... woohoo :D
Looking at a few different weather websites there could be heavy showers Saturday afternoon that will clear away leaving some scattered showers or light rain overnight. Which I suppose is pretty normal for the Mournes! Looks like it will definitely be a windy one though, with the wind dying down overnight going into Sunday morning. Temperatures are pretty high though!
You should get Kat a pair of these... She'd be sorted for any weather :o
(http://i.imgur.com/0hB3o.jpg)
hmm, plenty of grip for the downhill slopes :D
here's a wee pic of meelmore summit
(http://user26557.vs.easily.co.uk/landrover/team-blrc/graphics/photos/2010/sleepy7s/1meelmore/P8240756%20(Small).JPG)
(sorry if i spoilt for the surprise for anyone!)
Plenty of space & plenty of sheep poo along the flat bits by the wall which is why i parked a wee bit out.
The "lodge" at the end smells of wee so emergency use only ;)
but with an L shaped wall you should be able to get protection from most wind directions but you'll really be wanting a westerly (forecast is for a southwesterly)
p.s. any chance people could stop quoting whole posts, its a real bugger to read them on my phone >:( :'( :D
Definitely going to be windy and wet but there's no actual weather warning for NI. Good times :)
Do you think there is any hope of trying to create a windbreak with an extra 3 metre x 3 metre tarp - we'd need two really strong poles (prob not walking poles) to hold it up ?
Do you think there is any hope of trying to create a windbreak with an extra 3 metre x 3 metre tarp - we'd need two really strong poles (prob not walking poles) to hold it up ?
Shame, there's nothing like green rain to give the gear a testing :D
Shame, there's nothing like green rain to give the gear a testing :D
You bad boy, no no no. not green we want Yellow
Do you think there is any hope of trying to create a windbreak with an extra 3 metre x 3 metre tarp - we'd need two really strong poles (prob not walking poles) to hold it up ?Lash it to the wall, no poles needed...erm...ahh..naw, never mind...(judging by the state of the wall) someone's already tried that ;D
Chuck, if we lash one end to the wall, how would we secure the other end? We'd want to keep the height of the tarp.......Lash it top and bottom flat against the wall....creates a massive wind break....possibly secured on the upwind side of the wall. Put one on either side of the summit building and one of these at the entrance:
...but realisticly I think the wind's just going to be too much for any structure to survive..
Forecast for The Mournes for Saturday
Cloudy with outbreaks of rain, although a drier interlude likely early afternoon. Gale or severe gale force southwesterly summit winds.
latest forecast :oQuoteForecast for The Mournes for Saturday
Cloudy with outbreaks of rain, although a drier interlude likely early afternoon. Gale or severe gale force southwesterly summit winds.
Was very rough up there, whoever has stayed is abrave(reckless) man.
I will never tarp in the mournes again, its just too windy !
Was very rough up there, whoever has stayed is abrave(reckless) man.
I came to the same decision a while back Mike... If it's calm it's a nice luxury to have, but winds over 30mph its just not worth the hassle. A good bivvy bag and a nice hollow to climb into, or wall to cling too, is just perfect and it also means you can camp anywhere, and I really mean anywhere. A summit would be no bother in any weather!!!
Looks like you all had a interesting night! Fair play for sticking it out, you must have been soaked through!! ;DQuoteI came to the same decision a while back Mike... If it's calm it's a nice luxury to have, but winds over 30mph its just not worth the hassle. A good bivvy bag and a nice hollow to climb into, or wall to cling too, is just perfect and it also means you can camp anywhere, and I really mean anywhere. A summit would be no bother in any weather!!!
How do you stay completely dry when just sleeping with the bivvy without a tarp? I assume you have to leave a hole open to breathe!!?? do you just turn this facing the ground?
On the breathing point, how much to you guys seal the tarp up, i have one with a draw string so it doesnt close completely but it suddenly occured to me that you obviously have to leave it open to a point to not sufficate!!?
Andy