Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Meets, places, trips and reviews => Topic started by: Matthew on July 24, 2011
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Given the recent success of the camps and the good times easily accessed Donard Wood I was thinking we should arrange the summer camp. I was initially thinking mid August given the talk about the Red Arrows event on the 6th Aug in Newcastle and the trips to Donegal towards the end of August.
Thoughts on a postcard please!
Matthew
Attendees:
Matthew
Flipmeb (maybe+2)
Redleader (maybe+1)
Grace
Oisin
MG1 (maybe+1)
KayakGirl
Big E
Spartan001107 +1
Fourman+1
Hound of Ulster +3
Possibles
whoRya +2
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I am wanting a night in the Hammock too. I got a camo one from here
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tenth-Wonder-Compact-Green-Camping-Bushcraft-Hammock-/390326371007?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item5ae143c2bf
Provisional dates I would suggest are the 13th or the 20th
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I've ordered one in purple, cheap as chips!
Yeah count me in too.
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I've ordered one in purple, cheap as chips!
Yeah count me in too.
OMG there is a pink option and you didn't take it. WTF
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after my failure to bivvy i'll have to give the hammocking a try, full size midge net ordered ;D
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If its mid august il sadly not be able to make that one as il still be away, bummer dude, was it not the 20th august that you were thinking about gowin to donegal?
I was readin up about your wee bivi to orlock point there matt, i thinking about doing one up the north coast before the end of the summer so il keep you informed if your up for it.
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I was out in the hammock on friday night in donard wood, the midges where a real pain. So i've now got the insect repellent ordered ;) In the middle of the night a fox started screaming at us...sounded like this...http://sounds.bl.uk/View.aspx?item=022M-W1CDR0001502-0600V0.xml (http://sounds.bl.uk/View.aspx?item=022M-W1CDR0001502-0600V0.xml)
I'm up for this camp too.
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God that would have scared the bejaysus me..
Lenny decided to go for the Ultralight in the hammock so at the time the only option was purple. Sure it will go well with any of my other kit.
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Colour me in! I'm itching for a hammocking weekend.
Times an issue now. The Red Arrows are the 6/7 Aug and there was talk of a Donegal trip on the 20/21. If I do the Red Arrows then it would be complicated to get away again the following weekend meaning the 20/21 would be best for me. Other option is do both at once, camp in Donard Wood on the Red Arrows weekend!
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I should be able to make it. Plus the wee man.
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The weekend of the 20th suits me best for this as something has come up for the 13th
Matthew
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The weekend of the 20th suits me best for this as something has come up for the 13th
Matthew
You not coming to errigal?
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The weekend of the 20th suits me best for this as something has come up for the 13th
Matthew
You not coming to errigal?
No buddy not this time, I start back to work on the Tuesday and don't want to be broken.
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Me and Oisin were planning to come along to this one to try out our newly purchased hammocks also. So its defiantly the 20th? Who's all going?
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Yea it's definately the 20th, as for who is going I still don't know. Perhaps we should compile a list.... I'll start
Matthew
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Yeah count me in!
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Me and Oisin.
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would to try out my hammock but alas i'll be elsewhere :(
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Sounds good lads, I'll possibly be up for that. Been off the radar for a while and happy to be coming back (slowly!)..... ;D
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I'm hopefully up for this.
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Will anyone be passing or leaving from belfast for this that could give me and oisin a lift the rest of the way?
:)
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I'll have the small boy with me unless the weather looks particularly dodgy.
Is anyone bringing kids to this? Was thinking about bringing minime mark 2 as I promised her a camping trip but dont know as she is pretty young and I wouldnt want her to be the only young one there.
If I havent got her Im thinking of parking at meelmore and walking either the brandy pad then down into donard wood or following the wall from hares gap up and around, depending how energetic Im feeling.
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I'm out lads... Heading up to Hillsborough for a week at the sunflower festival, gona get mucky and do some (not so) serious gardening!! :P
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Not sure if me and Oisin will be able to come up as we can only get to belfast money wise on my buses :( does anyone know prices for belfast to newcastle?
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Here's a link to the timetable from Belfast to Newcastle.
http://www.translink.co.uk/Timetables/Ulsterbus-Timetables/Ulsterbus-Service-18-Outbound/# (http://www.translink.co.uk/Timetables/Ulsterbus-Timetables/Ulsterbus-Service-18-Outbound/#)
I'm not sure what the fares are like, they don't seem to list prices. I know Twentyclicks gets the bus down plenty, he could probably fill you in.
Would be a real shame to spend all that money on camping gear and not be able top afford the travel to use it!
Not sure if me and Oisin will be able to come up as we can only get to belfast money wise on my buses :( does anyone know prices for belfast to newcastle?
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Thank you. And I know, Id really like to come up too. Who is all going to use their hammocks?
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I am wanting to hammock it up. I had a wee play in it in Cairn Wood yesterday and it seems a go.
when I add in a tarp, the hammock, lines and bug net its nearly as heavy as my laser comp. (Sad Face)
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Not sure if me and Oisin will be able to come up as we can only get to belfast money wise on my buses :( does anyone know prices for belfast to newcastle?
Just phoned Translink there, for a return to Newcastle its 13.00
Matthew
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Thank you Matthew. Returns dont work if im going on the night and coming back next day do they? :/ And I know it gets heavy enough once you add in the tarp,pegs and rope. We tried ours out down by the lough there a few weeks ago. Not sure if we tied the ropes and all the right way but we didnt end up on the ground anyway lol.
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when I add in a tarp, the hammock, lines and bug net its nearly as heavy as my laser comp. (Sad Face)
i.e. really light (should be happy face?).
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when I add in a tarp, the hammock, lines and bug net its nearly as heavy as my laser comp. (Sad Face)
i.e. really light (should be happy face?).
I suppose you are correct lol
Thank you Matthew. Returns dont work if im going on the night and coming back next day do they? :/ And I know it gets heavy enough once you add in the tarp,pegs and rope. We tried ours out down by the lough there a few weeks ago. Not sure if we tied the ropes and all the right way but we didnt end up on the ground anyway lol.
I honestly do not know. Surely, it allows a return journey within at least a 24-hour window otherwise; the idea behind a return ticket is pointless. It would also be unfair to penalise someone by forcing them to buy two tickets that are more expensive just because they are travelling on different days.
Give Translink a phone 028 90 66 66 30
I am unsure of my own travel plans at the moment otherwise I would have offered to give you a lift.
Matthew
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I will give them a ring now and let you know afterwards. :)
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Nope return doesn't work. 7.20 single :l Damn. Im going to have a look i remember reading on a bus something about a ticket that does you all day for any service and it seemed cheap. Might work out cheaper as we need to get from antrim to belfast first. Ill check and then let you know.
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2. Summer Bus Rambler Ticket
A summer bus rambler day ticket will be available from 1st July to 31st August. This ticket offers passengers unlimited travel on all Ulsterbus, Goldline and Metro services within Northern Ireland Monday-Sunday after 9.15am.
FARE: Adult - £8, Child/Concession - £4
This may help some people.
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:) thanks
Has anyone seen any weather for the weekend? And if it rains will we still go?
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Very true lol. Would like to try these tarps out in the rain anyway think it would be a cool experience. Is there a time people are meeting or anything?
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I like the rain comment lol. If it is chucking it down ill, just forget the hammock and go for a bivvy under a tarp.
From the brief text's I have batted about and the usual ish times for a Donard wood camp 2pm would prob be a sensible enough time. It gives us enough time to get up there at a sensible pace and enjoy the day leaving time for some shelter building or whatever else we fancy.
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I tried the bivi but it just wasnt for me maybe ill give it ago some other time and will have a better experience. Me and Oisin might not be down til 4 or 5 depending on what time he has to work to first but ill let you know.
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No worries, just give us the heads up.
Matthew
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I'm considering joining you lot. I would definately be a '+#'. Looking like +2 so I need to think about whether I can really do it or not.
That's 3 x sleeping bags, sleeping mats, clothes, food, cooking stuff; a three-man tent (which I don't have)...I'll work on finding a sherpa to help me.
I know Red Leader's +1, what age are the other +1s? Mine are 4 and 6.
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I have a three man if you want to borrow mine, If you have a two man or less then I could use it instead.
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What animal are we going to attempt to cook at this camp? After Dowser's alien rabbit and the lamb, I vote chicken.
Thoughts?
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If you were lending whoRya your 3 man I could lend you a solo.
I have a three man if you want to borrow mine, If you have a two man or less then I could use it instead.
What are you thinking of doing with the chicken - whole chicken on a spit or something simpler?
What animal are we going to attempt to cook at this camp? After Dowser's alien rabbit and the lamb, I vote chicken.
Thoughts?
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Hope guys myself and the young lad will be tagging along for this. I refuse to sit on and watch Crap Factor.
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Good stuff, more the merrier!
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Yea I'm thinking of cooking it at home, splitting it down the middle and finishing it off over the fire buddy.
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Looking forward to this. Think me and oisin were considering leaving off cup a soups and smash this weekend but unsure now youve said about chicken .
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The Hound hopes to be there plus 3. These hammocks need an outing and as I am now jobless there is no excuse. :D
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Top stuff, it's been a while!
The Hound hopes to be there plus 3. These hammocks need an outing and as I am now jobless there is no excuse. :D
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Hope theres plenty of trees for these hammocks as I'm bringing mine.
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You'll not be disappointed - it's a big forest!
Hope theres plenty of trees for these hammocks as I'm bringing mine.
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Me and oisin will be arriving about 4ish as he has to go to work in the morning but do you guys know where abouts you will be? or will be someone be able to meet us somewhere. You guys probably have the best idea :)
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Really looking forward to this now, just been made redundant so a bit of me time is called for. Work life balance has not been what you'd call ideal so maybe this is a time to re evaluate.
Anyone want to buy a car, jet ski, scooter ;)
Hope to get up early Saturday, not our usual time whey hey freedom.
What's needed for cooking, do we have a list.
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Here's a map of where we'll be:
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1514.0
Basically from Donard Car Park in Newcastle walk up the Glen River as if you were going to climb Slieve Donard, then as you come out of the trees you'll see a bit of a run down gate and the Ice House on the left hand side of the river, we'll be in the Forest on the right hand side of the river. Once you walk in you'll see us. If you want more info and/or my mobile number send me a PM.
Me and oisin will be arriving about 4ish as he has to go to work in the morning but do you guys know where abouts you will be? or will be someone be able to meet us somewhere. You guys probably have the best idea :)
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What time is everyone heading up, are we meeting in the car park at any particular time. I was thinking off being at the carpark for about 10am??
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What time is everyone heading up, are we meeting in the car park at any particular time. I was thinking off being at the carpark for about 10am??
Was thinking the same myself, but only because I am so unfit now it's going to take me till 4 to reach Donard Wood.... >:( :'(
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If you were lending whoRya your 3 man I could lend you a solo.
That would be great, do you want me to pick it up tomorrow night?
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Yep, I've dug it out. Is a Gelert Solo.
If you were lending whoRya your 3 man I could lend you a solo.
That would be great, do you want me to pick it up tomorrow night?
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yeap weather looks good me and the wee fella shud make it , but i think wee bro, s not .Good to hear some other kids are going .looking forward to another momentous niwild camp!!
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Spoke to the boss and she says I can go early, so myself and the young lad will be at Donard carpark about 10am. If any one else wants to meet me there and walk up with us then just lookout for the silver Kia Sportage with the big roof box. See you then. Brian
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Me and Matt will be aiming to be in in the forest for 2pm so leaving Newcastle at 1pm or so. Obviously we're usually late ::)
We'll have the NI-Wild official flag flying (skull & crossbones) once we get setup.
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(http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr288/APStewart86/WhatHeSaid.gif)
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I'll probably aim to be leaving the car park about 3pm. See you all at some point.
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Could someone give the mountain rescue a heads up, Whorya's got enough stuff for a week with him and i dont think even a bar of kendal mint cake will help him on this one!
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Wont be at the carpark until 11am now, missus had to go to tesco's first. see you there :D
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raging, I've an essay to do for mon/tues but think im going to head up midweek for a few days a break is def called for at the minute.
got waterproof, rucksac, tent and bag all sorted. so just need a stove, ebay has been rubbish for cheap trangias.
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Morgan and I had a great eveninmg with you guys and finally got to meet you guys. Sorry for the early departure this mornin but Morgan had had enough at 6am lol. See you guys soon i hope.
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Top stuff guys, another splendid weekend. Great to see that even in the age of the internet if you give a crowd of kids a tree they're still happy to go sit in it for a few hours :D
I can't imagine how hard it was for Flipmeb and Whorya to get up there carrying all the stuff for a couple of young childrens, nice one guys, you have more stamina than me :D
I didn't take a single picture, did anyone else get some?
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Great weekend, really enjoyed myself. Good to meet some nice people who love the outdoors.
And flipmeb I really enjoyed being best friends with Amiee and Meghan, they are lovely little girls and I still cant get over how great they were at walking up and down.
Thank you for offering lifts redleader,matthew black. We got home with whorya who I also have to thank you for being so kind to leaving us off in Antrim, was greatly appreciated as we were not looking forward to the buses home.
We got some pictures but it was only off the kids geocaching at the ice house, totally slipped our minds.
Hopefully hound of ulster's dog recovered okay from the swarms of midges attacking her.
Looking forward to the next camp, if the summit camp goes ahead me and Oisin would like to try that out.
Again thanks everyone for the great weekend.
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Right, I've just finished getting some photos onto Flickr. I only took a handful, so apologies if you cant see yourself.
And more apologies if the image doesnt show up, I still havent got the hand of it.
(http://)http://www.flickr.com/photos/oisin_patenall/6069726933/in/photostream(http://[img]http://www.flickr.com/photos/oisin_patenall/6070328764/in/photostream)
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/oisin_patenall/6070287034/in/photostream)
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/oisin_patenall/6070299708/in/photostream)
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/oisin_patenall/6069792827/in/photostream)
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/oisin_patenall/6070316748/in/photostream)
I had a great time, and a had an even better nights sleep.
Lovely expericence, and nice meeting everyone.
EDIT** I cant seem to get the images to work, here is a direct link to the Set **
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oisin_patenall/sets/72157627369551739/
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it was a perfect evening for it and an even better morning , jus wish i,d kept a clear head as it wud have been a good morning for a summit .The kids all got along great but i still never found out what kept them up that tree all that time .Nice to see some new faces also and i,m looking forward to the next camp, cheers guys.
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Yeah guys, had a top time. Fantastic weather too. It was a great place for the kids to explore and I know my kids certainly enjoyed the company of the other kids. I'm with TypoOn, the next time I'm out it would be nice to be only carrying my own gear!
A special thank you to the guys that kept the fire fuelled, allowing the rest of us to make sure our kids didn't follow their marshmallows into it.
I mostly took snaps of my kids but here are a few other random ones.
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6071302624_086ce1348d.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/whorya/6071302624/)
Clouds over Newcastle bay
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6196/6071305206_0519da02cc.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/whorya/6071305206/)
The kids giving Hound of Ulster some pointers about the best way to pack away the hammocks.
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6184/6070764005_e9f2dd8695.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/whorya/6070764005/)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6085/6071311868_d8e9728a7f.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/whorya/6071311868/)
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I hope you took the kids back home with you mate, remember, leave no trace!!!!
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Now that you mention it I did leave something behind.....your tent! Sorry mate, you want to see what else I had to carry :P
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Did anyone go for a night hike up Donard. I was bivving on the top of Bernagh and could see lights coming down Donard at about 11 or so. It was a good night for some star gazing, seen the space station, a satellite and a shooting star. :)
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Seen the lights myself on Donard when out star gazing, awesome night and a red moon.
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Did anyone go for a night hike up Donard. I was bivving on the top of Bernagh and could see lights coming down Donard at about 11 or so. It was a good night for some star gazing, seen the space station, a satellite and a shooting star. :)
How can you tell what is the space station and what is a satellite? The last time I was out looking at the sky there was something with lights that seemed to streak across the sky, it seemed every 20 minutes or so. It wasn't Christmas Eve that I was out ;)
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How can you tell what is the space station and what is a satellite? The last time I was out looking at the sky there was something with lights that seemed to streak across the sky, it seemed every 20 minutes or so. It wasn't Christmas Eve that I was out ;)
The space station is like a super bright star moving across the sky. Normal satellites aren’t that bright.