Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => General Chat => Topic started by: Jimmy Ray on September 27, 2011
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Call me mad but im hoping to camp in the Mournes when the weather is a bit more extreme, Snow everywhere and beautifully white crisp mornings.
One night but longer is fine.
If anyone else is kitted for the occasion and is planning on going, or would like to come it would be great.
Seeing as we usually dont get snow its always just been frozen ground and frost.
Open to all suggestions and flexible of weekends to go!
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I think you may get a few wanting to do this.
I will be up for it dates depending.
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I'd like to do something similar. It's something I have never done.
It would probably cost me a bit getting down, but I'd love that chance to get some lovely photos for my Flickr.
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That's powerful already there's replies! The photo's in the snow are amazing, i got some a few years ago on Donard.
Im getting quite excited at the prospect of a proper snow covered mountains.
Soon as forecast hints at snow its time to start thinking dates.
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We've had a good few camps in the snow. I actually prefer winter camping to summer. Since it can be bloody cold on a clear night in summer my kitlist for winter isn't actually much heavier and I find the walking easier when it's not so warm.
Xmas dinner camp was pretty icy (nothing short of awesome)
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1500
Now we're in Autumn it shouldn't be long!
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I find usually you can see the sky alot better at night during winter. And in the mountians hopefully they will block out the light pollution. Always one of the benefits of sitting out in the freezing cold.
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Stargazing is better because the sun goes down earlier but also it goes down further. In Summer/Spring the sun doesn't go completely below the horizon leaving a glow that disrupts star gazing. In winter / autumn you don't get this.
We did do a bit of stargazing around Donard Wood and with long exposure photos there was still a glow from light pollution beyond the mountains that was only visible on long exposure photos. Probably the best spot to hit would be either around Doan or Spelga for a decent view of the night sky.
I find usually you can see the sky alot better at night during winter. And in the mountians hopefully they will block out the light pollution. Always one of the benefits of sitting out in the freezing cold.
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As i originate from coldest deepest parts of Grampian, Scotland (Banff) it was snow a whole lot of the time, might as well have been Banff, Canada....
The Snow is my friend lol, the flies in summer are horrible, the heat is uncomfortable.
Its just so much more fun in the snow.
Im looking forward to bringing the camera too as usually just use the good old geo tagging iPhone.
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It's always a decision whether or not to carry around the DSLR, especially in snow I can imagine.
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We'll be on Binnian towards the end of Oct. Why don't you come along - never know, might get some snow!
Thread is here:
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2464.0
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I spotted the trip up Binnian, looks good. Ill have to cart half pint up there too, she hasn't been on top of Binnian yet so it would be a good time to do it when were near there.
REDLEADER- I noticed a photo on here with a Winch & some rail tracks - looks like somewhere id like to go. it is easy to find so me and "The Machine" brother in-law could do it.
But where about is it?.....(i think you posted the photo? was last night so my memory is fading fast :-\
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Hmm. Only place I can think of is the side of Chimney Rock Mountain?
Thread was here: http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1269.msg11529#msg11529 (http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1269.msg11529#msg11529)
Don't remember any winch but there is definitely a cart and some track.
I spotted the trip up Binnian, looks good. Ill have to cart half pint up there too, she hasn't been on top of Binnian yet so it would be a good time to do it when were near there.
REDLEADER- I noticed a photo on here with a Winch & some rail tracks - looks like somewhere id like to go. it is easy to find so me and "The Machine" brother in-law could do it.
But where about is it?.....(i think you posted the photo? was last night so my memory is fading fast :-\
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http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2222.msg23615#msg23615
found the thread here! I never knew it was there - one for a day with no kids.
Hmm. Only place I can think of is the side of Chimney Rock Mountain?
Thread was here: http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1269.msg11529#msg11529 (http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1269.msg11529#msg11529)
Don't remember any winch but there is definitely a cart and some track.
I spotted the trip up Binnian, looks good. Ill have to cart half pint up there too, she hasn't been on top of Binnian yet so it would be a good time to do it when were near there.
REDLEADER- I noticed a photo on here with a Winch & some rail tracks - looks like somewhere id like to go. it is easy to find so me and "The Machine" brother in-law could do it.
But where about is it?.....(i think you posted the photo? was last night so my memory is fading fast :-\
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Just put a kit list together for this trip and thought I would try out my new nerdy spreadsheet with the weights on (GOD HOW SAD AM I TO GIVE IN TO WEIGHING YOUR KIT - I HAVE CHANGED :-\)
Final weight before food and water 7kg ;D
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That actually sounds like a cool idea. You could upload the spread sheet?
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7kg is great. What ruck?
Just put a kit list together for this trip and thought I would try out my new nerdy spreadsheet with the weights on (GOD HOW SAD AM I TO GIVE IN TO WEIGHING YOUR KIT - I HAVE CHANGED :-\)
Final weight before food and water 7kg ;D
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7kg is great. What ruck?
Just put a kit list together for this trip and thought I would try out my new nerdy spreadsheet with the weights on (GOD HOW SAD AM I TO GIVE IN TO WEIGHING YOUR KIT - I HAVE CHANGED :-\)
Final weight before food and water 7kg ;D
Osprey 33. It was a tight squeeze
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7kg is great. What ruck?
Just put a kit list together for this trip and thought I would try out my new nerdy spreadsheet with the weights on (GOD HOW SAD AM I TO GIVE IN TO WEIGHING YOUR KIT - I HAVE CHANGED :-\)
Final weight before food and water 7kg ;D
Osprey 33. It was a tight squeeze
That should be Osprey Talon 33
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Im up for an over nighter in the snow, well keep an eye on the weather and you say when and where.
Thisl be an experience!
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Will definitely be in for a good few overnighters if there's snow and some decent sub-zero temperatures. Hoping to get a good bit of ice climbing in this year in preparation for Scotland in January.
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7kg !!! i'll be carrying about 18kg if there's snow around, will be bringing luxury everything ;D i chickened out of snow camping last year, hopefully will feel a bit braver this year :)
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Nothing wrong with that, I prefer carried up myself!
7kg !!! i'll be carrying about 18kg if there's snow around, will be bringing luxury everything ;D i chickened out of snow camping last year, hopefully will feel a bit braver this year :)
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I would be quite keen on winter camping, the higher and colder the better! I would also be willing to build snow shelters if we get enough of the white stuff.
I personally think the mountains are at their best in winter.
Fred
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We actually made plans last year for a snow shelter weekend. Can't remember what happened but we didn't do it.
I would be quite keen on winter camping, the higher and colder the better! I would also be willing to build snow shelters if we get enough of the white stuff.
I personally think the mountains are at their best in winter.
Fred
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In my experience, the local snow is usually either too shallow or not consolidated enough to cut into blocks. Snow holing is good fun and not as nearly as unpleasant as most people think. I dream of building an igloo in the mournes - someday!
fred
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Dowser did one last year with the kids:
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1607.0
In my experience, the local snow is usually either too shallow or not consolidated enough to cut into blocks. Snow holing is good fun and not as nearly as unpleasant as most people think. I dream of building an igloo in the mournes - someday!
fred
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I've already started thinking about the Christmas Dinner camp 2011 :) Just the thought of last years turkey and trimmings has me drooling over me keyboard... mmmm...
Xmas dinner camp was pretty icy (nothing short of awesome)
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1500
Now we're in Autumn it shouldn't be long!
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We actually made plans last year for a snow shelter weekend. Can't remember what happened but we didn't do it.
I would be quite keen on winter camping, the higher and colder the better! I would also be willing to build snow shelters if we get enough of the white stuff.
I personally think the mountains are at their best in winter.
Fred
The snow melted before we got there. MikeD and I had even kitted ourselves out with Army Issue Folding Shovels >:(
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Dowser, that was an impressive igloo that you and your little helpers constructed. I had seen a couple of half finished attempts around south Belfast but your one is much better. I have a snow shovel and saw on standby just in case we get a big winter.
Fred
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I am up for some cold weather, sick of the midges if they are still around.
How do I go about getting touch with a group?
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I am up for some cold weather, sick of the midges if they are still around.
How do I go about getting touch with a group?
Do you mean how do you get in touch with a group going out? If so you've done it ;) and what a fine group it is too!!!
Hi Dean1970, Welcome to NI-Wild.
As Flipmeb has already said, If your looking to get back into the hills all year round then your in the right place. Log in regularly and Trips and Outings are usually posted on the Home Page. Now that your signed up you will also receive a regular email highlighting what's been happening and upcoming events.
If you have any questions or would like any advice about equipment/gear etc don't be shy and put up a few posts. Our members love nothing more than chatting about gear.
Hope to see you in the hills soon
8)
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Hi Dean1970..
Its good to see another new face, i was the latest addition for a day or two. Should be good opportunity here to get away from the midges & see some picturesque camping scenes.
I never knew there were so many people here that share the need to camp in the snow and away from the campsite & midges.
Jimmy Ray
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Hi
I like kit. I carry way to much.
I would struggle with specialist winter gear but what I have is fine. Got a good bag and bivvy but not used in really cold. Only 2 man vango tent. Bit heavy for one.
Winter is better, clean and fresh
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Just adding my interest to the list. Only snow camp last year was a back-garden bivvy :)
Now I have ridiculous plastic boots, crampons and ice axe I'm ready for anything!
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Black stairs. I'll stand at the bottom and watch.
Just adding my interest to the list. Only snow camp last year was a back-garden bivvy :)
Now I have ridiculous plastic boots, crampons and ice axe I'm ready for anything!
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Black stairs. I'll stand at the bottom and watch.
May need 2 tech axes... new bed... pair of tech axes... new bed... pair of tech axes... ???