Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Meets, places, trips and reviews => Topic started by: suspectmonkey on April 14, 2011
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What – Brandy and BBQ
When – 10am, Monday 25th April
Where – Bloody Bridge camp site
***FINAL DETAILS***
Meet at Bloody Bridge camp site at 10am tomorrow (Monday 25th April). Directions to camp site are here (http://www.bloodybridge.com/html/bloody_bridge.html). Transport to Trassey Track for the start of the walk will be arranged once we get there. If you would like to join us please let us know for definite in the thread so we don't leave anyone behind. If you will be joining us elsewhere or later on please feel free to drop either me or RedLeader a PM.
Thought it was about time we got the full Brandy Pad walked, and what better time to do it than when we are off for Easter. This was originally talked about (http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=800.0) early last year but I don’t think it ever happened. Idea would be for everyone to meet at Meelmore Lodge car park Bloody Bridge campsite. We will then take a couple of cars to ferry people over to Bloody Bridge car park Trassey Road and then walk the full Brandy Pad back to Meelmore Lodge Bloody Bridge. Once back we can all enjoy a BBQ* to round out the day! Obviously we would need someone to run the drivers back to their cars, but shouldn’t be too taxing to organise**.
This is an excellent opportunity, especially for some members who are newer to the hills, to get out for a quality day in the Mournes without having to worry about staggering up and down mountains. Once you get to Bog of Donard the route is fairly level to the top of Hares Gap and offers some stunning views of Slieve Donard, Annalong Valley, Devil’s Coachroad, The Castles, Hares Gap and Slieve Bearnagh. We never leave anyone behind so all paces will be catered for, but have a wee look at the NI-Wild Safety & Responsibility (http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=278.0) page if this is all new to you before deciding.
Some more information on the route can be found here. (http://walkni.com/Walk.aspx?ID=577)
A map of the route can be found here. (http://walkni.com/d/walks/577/Trassey%20to%20Bloody%20Bridge.pdf)
I haven’t pinned down a date yet as thought would see what suits the majority, but possible days include Monday 26th April, Tuesday 27th April or Friday 29th April. Easter Monday/Tuesday could be pretty busy both in the Mournes and at Meelmore Lodge, so it might be worth bearing that in mind. I've updated this post with a date of Monday 25th April to walk the Brandy Pad, which is Easter Monday. Some of us will be staying overnight on Easter Monday at Meelmore Lodge. If you plan to do so its well worth giving Meelmore Lodge a call and pre-booking as they are always busy over Easter. Everyone is welcome to stay overnight, but you will need to be responsible for your own campsite booking. If you are interested in going add your name to the thread!
Going:
suspectmonkey
Kat
RedLeader + 1
matthewrblack
LennyJ1 + 1 (Walk)
Liam (BBQ)
surfnscenic
fourman + 1
flipmeb
* bring your own BBQ and meat of choice, I'm not cooking for anyone :P ;D
** or, depending on how many people are interested in going, we could maybe arrange for one of those mini-bus type taxis to collect us from Meelmore Lodge and run us all over to Bloody Bridge. That means we could all meet at Meelmore Lodge and save any driving back and forth. The cost of a taxi split between us would probably offset any petrol costs.
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I would be up for that depending on dates and I am possibly moving into my new house over easter????
It would be good to see you all after Kili.
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It would be good to see you all after Kili.
Agreed, looking forward to hearing about Kili!
Is there any particular date would suit you, or would the whole trip be out of the question if you end up moving house?
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to be honest I could wiggle my way out of it for a few hours as lon as I work my arse off if it falls over the easter weekend. Monday the 25th would be my prefferd day of choice.
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I might come home from Donegal for this , I will keep an eye on the date chosen and work on brownie points now
Will there be any kids going ? Thinking of bringing a 6 year old
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Good chance i could make this. I'm planning on bringing my 4 year old camping over easter, this would tie in nicely.
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No problem bringing kids along, means I can stop and take a few photos without getting left behind ;) Although with the speed and endurance of the kids on here perhaps I will be getting left behind!
Flipmeb, more than welcome, would be a great walk after your trip up Donard!
I may actually end up camping at Meelmore the same evening as well just so can enjoy it without rushing home, means can have a cold one with my steak! If we can get a few people camping overnight as well all the better, the few of us that stayed at Meelmore Lodge for the Red Arrows last year had a great evening :)
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I'd be in wife permitting. Easter Friday, Monday or Tuesday would suit me best as I'll be off work.
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I'm not sure. I'll be up on the Saturday doing a recce along the Mourne Way, then probably do the Seven 7s on Sunday for training so may need to return to the big smoke to attend to matters (recover!)
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I'll be on call for work that week so can't wander too far from the car but certainley count me in for the BBQ and maybe a little walk.
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I've updated the original post with a date, Monday 25th April. Hopefully this suits most people wanting to go.
I've also added a couple of links to a route description and a route map. Oh, and I've added a disclaimer about the BBQ, i.e. BYO as I'm not cookin' ;D
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the 25th is more than likely going to be the best day for me.
Liam you could park at bloody bridge then walk to the quarry then go back down drive to meelmore the walk to hares gap and meet us to walk back down?
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Liam never needs much of an excuse to get the Land Rover out in the hills ;)
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with the current price of diesel i need a good excuse to use it these days :'(
Liam you could park at bloody bridge then walk to the quarry then go back down drive to meelmore the walk to hares gap and meet us to walk back down?
sounds like a plan, 25th suits me too, if i have the little un i'll maybe just to the hares gap walk and hope to spot you in the crowds ;D
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I too am up for this, it sounds class. I have a wedding on the Sunday so hangover dependant I'll be there.
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I'm out guys Easter Monday busy day for us.
I'll go later in the week either Tollymore or Meelmore with the wee man.
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Hi
would be interested in doing this, what sort of time would you be starting at and how long is this, experienced walker myself but might bring along friends who wouldn't be, so would this be ok for less experienced walkers
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yeah mate this walk would be fine for all level of walkers.
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The brandy pad is one of those walks anyone can do, but some will hurt more than others the next day ;D
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Hi
would be interested in doing this, what sort of time would you be starting at and how long is this, experienced walker myself but might bring along friends who wouldn't be, so would this be ok for less experienced walkers
Hi racer, not sure exactly what time we will be starting out. Will be sometime in the morning, but I'm not an early bird and going by the usual NI-Wild standard the time could be in double figures before we are setting foot on trail :) Once we know who all is going we will sort a time that suits everyone though!
As the other fellas have said the Brandy Pad is a fairly straightforward walk. The main ascent is from the Bloody Bridge car park to Bog of Donard, then its a fairly level going all the way to Hares Gap before dropping down to Meelmore Lodge. Here is the route map/profile:
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/suspectmonkey/Outdoors/BrandyPad.jpg)
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I don't want to throw a spanner into the works but what about walking from Meelmore to Bloody Bridge and camping at the Bloody Bridge Campsite. I've never stayed at it but I'd be interested in giving it a whirl and it could be a bit less crowded than Meelmore.
http://www.bloodybridge.com/html/campsites.html (http://www.bloodybridge.com/html/campsites.html)
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There's a pay and display meter, in the car park, it's £4 per night. If you're camping you can park by your tent and I don't think there's any charge other than for camping.
If camping at meelmore do you still have to pay to park? sounds a silly question in my head but cant shake the feeling for some reason.
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I am defo going to this now. Maybe bring the wife along as well.
Signed the contracts for the house yesterday so will not be getting the keys till next thursday.
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Hi guys, thought would try and get the finer details squared away today so we all know where we are staying and what time to meet up at. RedLeader suggested camping at Bloody Bridge which might be a good idea as it probably wouldn't be as busy as Meelmore Lodge. Personally I'm happy to stay at either site as the walk is the same either way, so we should probably go with the group concensus.
Also need to get an idea of who is definitely going, so can you post if you can make it and whether you'd prefer to camp at Meelmore Lodge or Bloody Bridge? I will update the original post with the names of those who are going etc. Ta :)
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I am happy with anywhere mate. If I had to be pushed I would say camp at meelemore as a taxi back from Bloody Bridge might be easier to get.
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im in. I would say start at meelmore the walk to Bloody bridge. If we do it that way round I may be interested in camping as well. ::)
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Was also thinking if we camp in Meelemore we can just carry day packs to BB then taxi back to the cars and our kit.
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Just so there's no confusion, I'm talking about camping at the Bloody Bridge Campsite which is an organised site like Meelmore Lodge. It isn't wild camping. I've never been and can't actually vouch for it but I'm keen to find out if it's any good so we can add it to our list of usable spots. I was also hoping it wouldn't be as full of plonkers as Meelmore is.
http://www.bloodybridge.com/html/campsites.html
I'm not adverse to camping at Meelmore either, I'm just bored of the place. Either way we'll likely be leaving our cars at a campsite and taxi-ing to the opposite side of the pad to walk back to the cars.
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I was trying to work out how I could get away for an overnighter on Monday but brother was available so this is an excellent opportunity to get and meet some of you guys, put faces to names etc. I have to do a lift from Anahilt to Crossgar for my daughter and friends to a Duke of Ed event, time not known but hoping it's early AM. STOP PRESS just been told I am no longer required. ;D
The linear route and camp site idea is very attractive as it means, as MatthewRBlack has said all items don't have to be carried. Bloody Bridge site would be my preferred option as I never stayed there.
I'll keep an eye to this thread and particularly the logistics of getting from the end of the walk back to the chosen overnight location. I'm thinking that if there are two groups then if numbers dictated and a larger taxi-bus/MPV was available then the driver could make a decent run by doing a return trip. Might also get a litle discount?
Now need to start getting kit out for inspection and thinking of snacks and grub. Starting to feel happy already.
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Just a bit of further info; I phoned Shimna Taxis this morning and they will have two 8 seater taxis running on Easter Monday. An 8 seater between Meelmore Lodge and Bloody Bridge would cost £15, so less than £2 per head.
What I would suggest is all meeting in the one place (either Meelmore Lodge or Bloody Bridge) and getting a taxi in the morning to our start point. That means we can walk back to the cars and campsite and don't have to rush or worry about getting back at the end of the day. Sound good?
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Surf, would be great to have you on board, more than welcome! I've added your name to the list :)
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Also camping at the Bloody Bridge would mean anyone feeling a little adventurous could do a spot of bouldering...I might well be up for that.
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i would b up for this also , i ll keep an eye on the site for details . meelmore has secure parking and if u talk nicely to the farmers daughter she might let u leave your bbq stuff in the fridge at the lodge chilled beers etc , not sure if bloodybridge site has such facilities.
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i would b up for this also , i ll keep an eye on the site for details . meelmore has secure parking and if u talk nicely to the farmers daughter she might let u leave your bbq stuff in the fridge at the lodge chilled beers etc , not sure if bloodybridge site has such facilities.
I am sure we could just park in the bloody bridge carpark and I have a cool bag that could be used.
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Just a bit of further info; I phoned Shimna Taxis this morning and they will have two 8 seater taxis running on Easter Monday. An 8 seater between Meelmore Lodge and Bloody Bridge would cost £15, so less than £2 per head.
What I would suggest is all meeting in the one place (either Meelmore Lodge or Bloody Bridge) and getting a taxi in the morning to our start point. That means we can walk back to the cars and campsite and don't have to rush or worry about getting back at the end of the day. Sound good?
I might be able to take a drive down to see if it's practical for cars like a Corsa as opposed to a Landrover or similar, to drive up into the campsite so to avoid parking at the public car park. I think it would be safer and less worrying.
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Is there any consensus as to the camp site, I would suggest we need to be booking in somewhere soon.
Matthew
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I'm going to take a spin down tomorrow afternoon to check it out. Hopefully I'll get a chat with the chap that runs the place.
Is there any consensus as to the camp site, I would suggest we need to be booking in somewhere soon.
Matthew
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I like the idea of camping at Bloody Bridge for a change (although as i won't be camping my vote doesn't count :D )
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No worries, we will wait and see what RedLeader makes of the place today. I'm keen to stay there but only if I can get my car up into the campsite easily. Will firm up the plans tonight :)
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It's a public campsite so normal cars should have no problems at all. Or else how would the place ever operate.
No worries, we will wait and see what RedLeader makes of the place today. I'm keen to stay there but only if I can get my car up into the campsite easily. Will firm up the plans tonight :)
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I went down today and had a good chat with Frank. He's happy to have us and there's plenty of room up there. It's £6 per person and we just need to let him know if we want to BBQ. For £5 he'll do us a bag of logs (or firelog) and basically he's okay with people having a fire as long as he knows and you get your stuff from him. The lane is pretty uneven but I saw a Corsa up there so getting any normal road car up would be fine (but I wouldn't get mine up as it's too low).
I was over at Meelmore too and apparently they had the police out last night - didn't get the full story - anyone heard anything?
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Sounds good Red, I'm game to give Bloody Bridge a go, think that's the general consensus anyway? A bag of logs sounds good as well, nothing beats the smell of a burning log :)
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Sounds good Red, I'm game to give Bloody Bridge a go, think that's the general consensus anyway? A bag of logs sounds good as well, nothing beats the smell of a burning log :)
Gotta watch that spicy food jonny...... ::)
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Any kids going? I could head down after work but i'll be bringing my wee fella.
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Any kids going? I could head down after work but i'll be bringing my wee fella.
Yep. Defo be kids there.
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I might have missed it but is there a time for meeting up at Bloody Bridge campsite/setting off by taxi to Meelmore? I still hoping to be able to get out to this event. :-\
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We hadn't totally firmed up times yet. I think Suspectmonkey should be along tonight to post the finer details I think.
I might have missed it but is there a time for meeting up at Bloody Bridge campsite/setting off by taxi to Meelmore? I still hoping to be able to get out to this event. :-\
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Okay, think these are our final details, Suspectmonkey can let me know if I've got anything wrong.
Either :
Meet at my house at 10am to stop at McDs for a quick breakfast aiming to be at Bloody Bridge Campsite for 1130am and get a taxi to the Trassey at 1230pm.
or
Just meet @ Bloody Bridge Campsite at 1130am or meet at the Trassey at 1230pm.
Anyone that needs my address or mobile number PM me
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I'm not camping so I will park in bloody bridge car park and walk up to camp site.
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If you're not staying over you could save yourself a taxi and meet us at Cecil Newman Carpark.
I'm not camping so I will park in bloody bridge car park and walk up to camp site.
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Was just thinking that 1230 is a late start. Do you want to bring every thing you said forward a hour?
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We need enough time to get up and packed plus get pitched at Bloody Bridge. Will probably be tight with the timings we have.
Was just thinking that 1230 is a late start. Do you want to bring every thing you said forward a hour?
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Actually, if you're not camping but are hanging around for a bite to eat in the evening then you would need to park at Bloody Bridge. Wasn't thinking!
If you're not staying over you could save yourself a taxi and meet us at Cecil Newman Carpark.
I'm not camping so I will park in bloody bridge car park and walk up to camp site.
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Okay, slightly modified plan. Someone has pointed out that Newcastle might be busy tomorrow so it's better to be down early so we'll aim to be at Bloody Bridge between 10-1030 and sort the rest after that. If people could post or PM so we know who's defo coming and where they're meeting!
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What I'm saying is could u not leave home a hour early?
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Yep, we're going to aim for an hour earlier.
What I'm saying is could u not leave home a hour early?
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Bloomin' heck, I'm going to need a bigger diary ;D
Okay, so if everyone could meet at the Bloody Bridge camp site at 10am tomorrow. We will sort out transport to Trassey Road when we get there. If you are planning on going please let us know by posting in the thread to say you are definitely in, just so we don't leave anyone behind!
Updated the original post with details as well.
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I'm ready to go. Tent pitched last night for checking and packed away again this morning. Day ruck packed and overnight kit into a grip plus some luxuries in the boot. I'm travelling solo from Anahilt if there's anyone with this locality who needs a lift I'm happy to oblige.
Is the booking in any particular name so that if I'm there earlier than others I can pitch up in the appropriate place?
Surfnscenic :)
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Is the booking in any particular name so that if I'm there earlier than others I can pitch up in the appropriate place?
If you meet the owner, Frank, just tell him you are with NI-Wild. RedLeader was speaking to him earlier in the week so he knows we are coming. I've never been to the place before so if you are there before everyone else feel free to pick out a nice pitch for us all, will leave it to your discretion ;) See you tomorrow!
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How many are you expecting to attend so far?
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Have just read page one again and can see that there ought to be around 10-12 bods.
Loking forward to see you all. ;)
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I'll be meeting you lot somewhere at the start, the end, or maybe even in the middle :) my daughter isn't too well at the moment so not sure if she's up for the walk, i might start at bloody bridge later and jog towards you, legs are bit sore after yesterdays Donard epic :'(
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Awesome, we'll see you somewhere. I'll have a walkie talkie on.
I'll be meeting you lot somewhere at the start, the end, or maybe even in the middle :) my daughter isn't too well at the moment so not sure if she's up for the walk, i might start at bloody bridge later and jog towards you, legs are bit sore after yesterdays Donard epic :'(
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i,ll b at bloody bridge at approx 10 am , i have a seven seater so me and the kid can take 5 others to meelmore , so if a passenger can give me a lift back to bb in the morning that will b it sorted.
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once again my plans have been thwarted, wifie booked a digger man to do some work in the garden today, thought he'd be here at 9am but he's only just arrived >:( i might still get down to the campsite later for a burger
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once again my plans have been thwarted, wifie booked a digger man to do some work in the garden today, thought he'd be here at 9am but he's only just arrived >:( i might still get down to the campsite later for a burger
We're just sitting in the sun. Plough on up!
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Hi Guy's
How was bloody bridge campsite?
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Bloody Bridge camp site was great Andy, the owner Frank was very welcoming and runs the place well. Excellent location as well, will definitely be making a return visit!
Cheers for yet another top trip guys, was great to meet everyone again along with a couple of new faces! Both Kat and I had a great time. Will hopefully get some photos up tonight :)
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Where are all the photos that were taken? I've sent some to Red Leader to be posted as I, for some reason am unable to do so.
All my gear has been washed or hung out to air to try and get rid of that pungent smokey smell from the BBQ and fire.
All sitting nicely in the garage just waiting to go. See seperate thread.
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Yup have all mine stored away again, except my tent which I need to dry the ground sheet just need to motivate myself to go get it out of its bag.
That reminds me, I still have all my kit to unpack!
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Don't forget you've a peg to straighten out. At 6 quid a touch you'll need to go careful.
When I got home I tried fitting the gas canister and burner into the Trangia base and it fits quiet snug. It does add a bit of weight over the meths burner though.
I'll have to give the lightweight approach some serious consideration. A bit of practice and adjustment will bring rewards I suppose?
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Gah, me to. Dread to think how smelly it is..
I still have all the photos, sorry about that, the week got totally away from me. Maybe it was royal wedding excitement :)
Yup have all mine stored away again, except my tent which I need to dry the ground sheet just need to motivate myself to go get it out of its bag.
That reminds me, I still have all my kit to unpack!
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Just ordered myself a Trangia 27, liked the look of the ones on the trip and the advice supplied although rightly or wrongly I went for the non-stick version as I totally detest scrubbing anything.
Good job, it'll serve you well! I love my Trangia, and whilst I do tend to mix and match between it and the Jetboil I would never sell the Trangia. When you actually want to cook (rather than boil!) something it's hard to beat. The non-stick stuff is really handy as well, I also detest pot scrubbing but I had a Primus pot with non-stick that was excellent. You could just run it under a tap and it was clean. Just be careful not to use metal cutlery as it can damage the non-stick surface, I tend to use a plastic Spork instead.
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That reminds me, I still have all my kit to unpack!
Tsk tsk! I had my tent nicely dried and aired before we even left Bloody Bridge and the rest of my kit hanging out on the line once I got home ::) It's now all neatly filed away in its relevant drawer... yes, I know, I have problems :D
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I'm guessing I'm at very least going to regret not digging out the frying pan and cleaning it :o
That reminds me, I still have all my kit to unpack!
Tsk tsk! I had my tent nicely dried and aired before we even left Bloody Bridge and the rest of my kit hanging out on the line once I got home ::) It's now all neatly filed away in its relevant drawer... yes, I know, I have problems :D
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(http://i.imgur.com/AZLPX.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/wHlxP.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Y0QfC.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/pDMq8.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/7Jkxx.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/W99QR.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/cUmLm.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/kRbfz.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/LCkqF.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/S6Ru7.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/G5b2F.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/qOOuE.jpg)
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Great photo's. Looked like you all had a good time.
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photos look great , dan and i had a great day and plenty of craic round the fire afterwards . It was an unusual day temperature wise , one minute warm the next there was quite a chilly northerly wind blowing especialy back at the campsite that evening, but "franks planks" kept the cold at bay, good campsite no hassle from late night revelers and it was good to see frank doing the rounds and keeping it all family friendly.Will defo get a return visit .
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How're your knees?
It was a cracking day and evening. I really enjoyed it. I'm still living off the memories as I haven't been able to get out since. Might go out to garage for a rummage and kit check for something to do. Was going to put my older Vango tent up to see how it is but it's raining. :(
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knees r fine ,i just take it steady and i no my limits , I hope ur achilles has recovered, and ready for the next time.
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Looks like a good time was had by all :)
Will there be a repeat of this anytime soon? Just thinking of something relaxed and chance to meet you lot ;D
TBH, I'd rather do something 'wilder' like Donard Wood. I've got a new tent to trial here ;D
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I smell a Donard Wood somewhere in our near future. It's been too long!
Looks like a good time was had by all :)
Will there be a repeat of this anytime soon? Just thinking of something relaxed and chance to meet you lot ;D
TBH, I'd rather do something 'wilder' like Donard Wood. I've got a new tent to trial here ;D
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Cor blimey, that was a fast reply :o
I'm all for that; I'm sure we'll not be only ones ;D