Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Meets, places, trips and reviews => Topic started by: Typo-On on December 19, 2011
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From my other thread http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2726.0 (http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2726.0) there seems a bit of interest in this.
Talking with Mat at the weekend he pointed out a Friday night start would mean walking to silly o'clock which I didnt actually think of lol.
So a Sat/Sun combo seems the best idea, starting on the Sat. morning.
Hows the 28/29th for ppl? Gives a good bit for the post xmas stuffing to wear off and a chance to spend your xmas £ or vouchers on new shiny gear to bring with you ;)
After a bit of talk about this I think starting at Rostrevor and ending at Newcastle is the way to go. Meeting at Newcastle and getting a taxi to Rostrevor seems a pretty good idea too.
As the kids activities will have started again by then, I will be sponging a lift or getting dropped off so it doesnt really matter to me :)
Attending:
TypoOn
LennyJ
SuspectMonkey
Craigy123
RedLeader
Kayakgirl
Rumblebum (snubbing the footie ;))
Matthew
Maybe:
MourneMan(Sat night)
LandyLiam(Sat night)
Cerbera147(Sat night)
Spud(Sat night)
Daithi2004
Samm
AdamMcC5
MG1
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I'd certainley join you for part of the way.
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I'm in ;)
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think the wife would kill me during christmas week,but i'd love to join for a dander along the way,maybe i could meet up with Liam
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think the wife would kill me during christmas week,but i'd love to join for a dander along the way,maybe i could meet up with Liam
It would be the 28/01 not 28/12
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I'am in then,happy days
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I'd be up for doing this again, about time I got out and a two day trip sounds like the perfect re-introduction :)
I'd be keen to do it on a Sat/Sun as it would be a long night on Friday otherwise. It's also quite easy to lose the trail on the Western Mournes side in poor visibility as the path isn't particularly well defined and poorly waymarked if I recall.
I'm interested in the idea of starting in Rostrevor as it means you get the slog through the forest done at the start. It also means we could use Shimna Taxis to get from Donard Car Park to Rostrevor and walk back to our cars. Saves any hanging around in Rostrevor trying to get back when you just want to get home for a shower :)
Just a suggestion, I'm happy to go with the flow!
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I'm up for this pending wifely approval.
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This sounds great.
I'd love to join you all.
Am I correct in thinking it is the following route (Only in reverse?)
http://www.walkni.com/Walk.aspx?ID=194 (http://www.walkni.com/Walk.aspx?ID=194)
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I have always wanted to do the Mourne Way. Might be interested. Are you walking the whole route without staying over in a B & B or hostel? or will you be bivvying out?
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Camping out on the Saturday night david
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I'm a definite maybe for this one. About time I camped out in the Mournes, though I might see what the forecast is like closer to the time!!
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Anyone mind if i came along for the trip? :) (work permitting)
Give me a chance to put some faces to names...and try out some christmas goodies :)
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I would like to express an interest in this outing too. I have only attended a couple of your camps and it would be great to meet more of the NI-wild community.
Fred
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You feeling all Bah Humbug?
More the.........Cant bring myself to say it..so happier? :) Roll on the 26th so the crazy ends.
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Better turn that frown upside down or Santa might not come ;D
Yes :( Very grumpy today >:( Full on anti-social mode required - in office Ipod on.
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That is a very bar humbug mood there dave. I got my leave for this ;D
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lol. I could see you wearing a green santa hat
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I think a Xmas thread is called for.
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I enjoy the day. I just hate absolutely everything else associated with it.
My names Dave and Im the Grinch :-\
I agree with TypoOn, I enjoy the day. I just hate absolutely everything else associated with it.
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Could you add me to the maybe list Dave? If you don't mind.
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I would be interested in this and I might try and get my bro to tag along. Shame I couldn't borrow the mini bus from the YC as it would be handy to leave in Donard.
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Can you count me in? I did this hike not so long ago only the other way round plus I stayed in Meelmore lodge so roughing it a bit might be nice. Where are you considering camping?
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A group did the Mourne Way last year, they used a spot roughly half way round that was right by a river, can't remember exactly where though.
Will need to browse my map again, I was thinking simply camping at the mid point if it was going to be a good spot.
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Fofanny is roughly half way. There is a spot near by a river towards meelmore lodge.
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Is anyone doing any training for this?
I’m no marathon man. I’m hoping others are in the same boat.
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The kids camped at Leitrim Lodge and then Trassey track, both close to rivers.. but then they did this over 3 days.
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Is anyone doing any training for this?
I’m no marathon man. I’m hoping others are in the same boat.
Im with you Oisin. Im making an effort to get a bit fitter. 41km with heavy winter packs is no small undertaking but it is achievable.
I think that Fofanny is more than half way through the route but if we got that far on the first day we would be doing well. The section between there and Newcastle is probably less demanding.
fred
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Thought I'd look more closely at this trip. Obviously Dave and Lenny will be choosing the route etc so I just picked Fofanny Dam as a potential overnight spot meaning that most of the hard work will be done on day one and we'd be close to water and shelter. However when I plot the full hike it comes out at 22.5miles when most sources say it's 26 which is worrying, although Suspectmonkeys writeup puts it at 22 also.
It's defo not going to be an easy walk but should be totally doable, I'll not be racing it :)
Review of the last time the NI-Wilders did it:
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1488.0
You can see it on an interactive map here:
http://www.walkni.com/ulsterway/sections/mourne-way/
WalkNI info:
http://www.walkni.com/Walk.aspx?ID=194
TwentyClicks blog posts (where he walked it in a day!)
http://www.twentyclicks.co.uk/?tag=mourne-way
Here are some route maps / details:
Full Route (http://i.imgur.com/IWEVF.jpg) : 22.5miles / 1,155m ascent
Day 1 (http://i.imgur.com/uWFIX.jpg) : 13.2miles / 878 ascent
Day 2 (http://i.imgur.com/cYNZ0.jpg) : 9.2m / 276m ascent
Images:
Full route:
(http://i.imgur.com/IWEVF.jpg)
Day 1
(http://i.imgur.com/uWFIX.jpg)
Day 2
(http://i.imgur.com/cYNZ0.jpg)
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Fofanny is good for me :) I think we should aim for that as our camp.
When I marked it out it was 22 also (thought I was missing something lol)
'I love it when a plan comes together' - Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith ;)
You probably get a bit more with the twists of the path, but it's certainly a bit shorter than a marathon. The 26extreme race alters the route out of Tollymore into back of Donard and up past the quarry to get the distance up (and the ascent!). It also takes the road past Spelga. I think they're extremely accurate on the distance, so the regular route can't be too much shorter by the looks of it. I'd say it's close to 24miles.
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Hannibal approves of the route ;D
(http://images.wikia.com/a-team/images/f/f6/Orginal_John_Hannibal_Smith.jpg)
Fofanny is good for me :) I think we should aim for that as our camp.
When I marked it out it was 22 also (thought I was missing something lol)
'I love it when a plan comes together' - Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith ;)
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The route through tollymore is different on my 2 os maps.....using the newer one there is less in tollymore which might explain a mile or so. Distance aside its an awesome hike. Gonna bully my friend into lending me his light tent, my coleman is a bit heavy. coal men usually are :)
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My Gelert solo arrived today so I will be testing it out that weekend.
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Ok guys, Final plan is.
Meet in Donard wood carpark between 0900 - 0915 on the 28th. I will get a large taxi or several to take us to Rostrevor at 0930. The walk will then start at 1000.
The night before Dave and I will stash some fire logs and some shandys near Fofanny and will then camp at the picnic area at Donard Cove (about half a mile outside of south Newcastle) if anyone wants to join us.
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I'll have to have a look at the buses, I'm not sure if they run that early.
Good idea at stashing the firelogs though.
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Ok i give up, im in!
I can't let you lot have all the fun ;D
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Ok i give up, im in!
I can't let you lot have all the fun ;D
Good Man
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I'll have to miss this one out this time around, I couldn't make it into Newcastle for that time.
I'll be up for another one if anyone feels the need to do it again at some point.
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Going to do my best to make this,but I'am getting admitted to the Ulster hosptial tomorrow for surgery,don't know if i'll recover & be fit enough to carry a pack in time for the walk,but i'am going to try to do at least some of it with you's
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If people want the could meet us at Fofanny on sunday and walk from there or meet at rostrevor and walk to Fofanny.
I will leave the logistics in your hands if you want to do that.
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Going to do my best to make this,but I'am getting admitted to the Ulster hosptial tomorrow for surgery,don't know if i'll recover & be fit enough to carry a pack in time for the walk,but i'am going to try to do at least some of it with you's
Hi John , as lenny suggested, im gonna stash some gear at fofanny before meeting at donard wood, just a fire log and wine really but if you need anything left round then just let me know.
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I really fancy a go at this.. I have a tent, bag and a waterproof jacket. Still waiting on my bloody stove turning up, so I might have to try and blag using someones to cook with if it doesent turn up.
I'm not mega fit, but walked the towpath that's 10miles handy enough. So reckon with a bit of grit and some nice views this should be do-able.
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Im gonna try and meet u guys at fofanny on the sat night and do the walk on the sunday with yous, as am working on the sat, and also the small matter of Liverpool vs Utd in the cup!! lol
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Im gonna try and meet u guys at fofanny on the sat night and do the walk on the sunday with yous, as am working on the sat, and also the small matter of Liverpool vs Utd in the cup!! lol
Who are they, is there netball teams in liverpool? ;)
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Going to do my best to make this,but I'am getting admitted to the Ulster hosptial tomorrow for surgery,don't know if i'll recover & be fit enough to carry a pack in time for the walk,but i'am going to try to do at least some of it with you's
Hi John , as lenny suggested, im gonna stash some gear at fofanny before meeting at donard wood, just a fire log and wine really but if you need anything left round then just let me know.
Cheers guys,maybe do something like this
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Im gonna try and meet u guys at fofanny on the sat night and do the walk on the sunday with yous, as am working on the sat, and also the small matter of Liverpool vs Utd in the cup!! lol
Who are they, is there netball teams in liverpool? ;)
Oooh! ::) ;D
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Im gonna try and meet u guys at fofanny on the sat night and do the walk on the sunday with yous, as am working on the sat, and also the small matter of Liverpool vs Utd in the cup!! lol
Who are they, is there netball teams in liverpool? ;)
Oooh! ::) ;D
Dont worry spud, he'l not be laughin when he finds the rocks in his rucksack ;)
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Im gonna try and meet u guys at fofanny on the sat night and do the walk on the sunday with yous, as am working on the sat, and also the small matter of Liverpool vs Utd in the cup!! lol
Who are they, is there netball teams in liverpool? ;)
Oooh! ::) ;D
Dont worry spud, he'l not be laughin when he finds the rocks in his rucksack ;)
They'd better be weighed beforehand :D
Whereabouts is the camp on Saturday night? I'm toying with the idea of coming to the camp and walking the Sunday route :)
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The camps at Fofanny dam which is quite near meelmore lodge. Instead of going left to meelmore lodge from the bryansford road, take the next left onto the slievenaman road and stay straight on it till you see the dam on your left. You could park at the entrance to the dam overnight and then go to the camp, the next day move your car to the ott carpark, go for the walk and we can leave you back to it later on.
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Without putting the cat amongst the pigeons, did anyone consider parking a car a Meelmore and staying the night there? This would allow access to toilets and hot water for washing and cleaning. We could also leave a nice feed in the car and it would reduce the weight of kit. With careful planning, someone could park in Newcastle and ferry the drivers back to Meelmore.
For an additional 1.3 miles, I thought it was worth putting it out there.
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Without putting the cat amongst the pigeons, did anyone consider parking a car a Meelmore and staying the night there? This would allow access to toilets and hot water for washing and cleaning. We could also leave a nice feed in the car and it would reduce the weight of kit. With careful planning, someone could park in Newcastle and ferry the drivers back to Meelmore.
For an additional 1.3 miles, I thought it was worth putting it out there.
MATE,thats a classic,how dumb are we
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Yeah i dont mind really, i still quite like the idea of camping at Fofanny as its somewhere i havnt stayed at yet, somewhere a wee bit remote appeals to me,but like i say i dont mind.
Wine, steak, and a fire and im happy :)
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Thanks for bring it up Matt. My personnel option would be to keep this wild as this is a training trip for the TGO. When Dave and I are in the middle of Scotland we won't have such luxurys.
However if the people who are coming would like to stay at meelmore lodge then we could put it to a vote or the people who want to stay at fofanny could walk 200 yards round the Corner to silent valley car park and camp near there. There is a great spot about 50m past the stile at silent valley car park.
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Me too, I am just not sure of the legalities of staying the night there.
i still quite like the idea of camping at Fofanny
Thanks for bring it up Matt. My personnel option would be to keep this wild as this is a training trip for the TGO. When Dave and I are in the middle of Scotland we won't have such luxurys.
However if the people who are coming would like to stay at meelmore lodge then we could put it to a vote or the people who want to stay at fofanny could walk 200 yards round the Corner to silent valley car park and camp near there. There is a great spot about 50m past the stile at silent valley car park.
Of course, I actually don't mind where we stay I was looking at it today and thought Meelmore would be perfect.
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parking a car at Meelmore would be ideal for me,don't think i'll be able to carry much more than a daysac,so maybe leave all my kit either in a car at Meelmore or with the folk and the lodge,but i must say i do believe camping at fofanny would be ' wilder'
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You mean Happy Valley car park Lenny?
I'm not even going, just being nosey ;)
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You mean Happy Valley car park Lenny?
I'm not even going, just being nosey ;)
::) ;D :P yes
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You mean Happy Valley car park Lenny?
I'm not even going, just being nosey ;)
I haven't looked at the viewing stats 20c but I'm sure you're not alone! Well I've just proved you're not since I ain't going either. Don't even know why I'm bothering to look in here anyway, since all it does is make me depressed that I'm not going!
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I hope to be making an appearance at some point, hopefully at the campsite, would prefer fofanny myself but only because i haven't camped there yet, meelmore does make much more sense though.
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Some views of fofanny, my choice would be to camp here, such a spot!
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i334/redspud1/P1030582.jpg)
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i334/redspud1/P1030581.jpg)
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i334/redspud1/P1030579.jpg)
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Nice pics spud, if we got weather like that we'd be laughin!
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Nice pics spud, if we got weather like that we'd be laughin!
Aye let's hope for good weather! I'm definitely for camping on the sat night and doing the Sunday leg of the walk! :) what's the rough eta for you guys at fofanny?
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Good stuff, when was the last time you did an overnighter?
I think the plan is to start on the saturday around 10 am, if were covering about 12 miles id say it would take around 7 - 8 hours so at the campsite for after 5 sometime, i think. Maybe Dave or lenny would have a better idea.
Flip il need to bring enough wine.
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Good stuff, when was the last time you did an overnighter?
I think the plan is to start on the saturday around 10 am, if were covering about 12 miles id say it would take around 7 - 8 hours so at the campsite for after 5 sometime, i think. Maybe Dave or lenny would have a better idea.
Flip il need to bring enough wine.
Haven't been out camping since the summer! Due a trip! I'll be getting there about 5 or so. Looking forward to it!
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I'll be there at some point guy's even if it's just for a few miles,just outta surgery yesterday,home today,muscle reconstruction surgery in the groin,with mesh stitched into muscles so I'll do the best I can to meet up with you's along the way,maybe bring you folk a nice bottle of wine & some chips to the campsite :P
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so whats the final plan for the camp spot then lads?
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The Meelmore camp site aint bad, its only £6 and you do have access to the loos etc, however when I walked this from Newcastle to Rostrevor day one (stopping at Meelmore) was tiny compared to day two, both in terms or distance and difficulty. I seen spelga mentioned, in my opinion that would be pretty much half way and I suppose there is access to it from the road. maybe a little exposed. As for stashing fire logs, I'd be willing to leave my car there.... I'm happy where ever we stop, looking forward to a night under canvas...or siliconised ripstop nylon as it may be.
On a brighter note, I used this walk as an excuse to purchase some new gear. New jetboil flash, xplate, platypus and a few other bits and pieces.
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We are staying at Fofanny guys. This is NI-wild not NI-campsite.
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We are staying at Fofanny guys. This is NI-wild not NI-campsite.
LOL ;D well say Lenny
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What time will you arrive at Meelmore then? ;)
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thought spelga dam was the half way point lol
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We are staying at Fofanny guys. This is NI-wild not NI-campsite.
Well said that man, see yous at fofanny!
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Hi folks
Im afraid that I wont be able to join this trip on Saturday morning. I may be able to join you all at fofanny but no promises.
Hope you all have a great weekend.
fred
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Hoping my good mate "mountain goat" will come with me & meet some of you folk at the campsite.
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I'm still up for this.. Keep me posted with the details.
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I'm still up for this.. Keep me posted with the details.
I will be sending a PM to all on Thursday :)
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I'm still up for this.. Keep me posted with the details.
I will be sending a PM to all on Thursday :)
PM, can that stand for 'Pile of money'............'Pint of magners'?
No purple monkeys as i have some of them thanks.
I fear i am loosing it :-\
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I'm still up for this.. Keep me posted with the details.
I will be sending a PM to all on Thursday :)
PM, can that stand for 'Pile of money'............'Pint of magners'?
No purple monkeys as i have some of them thanks.
I fear i am loosing it :-\
Yep lol
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Anyone free this week during the day for a practice?
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Is it Saturday yet? :) what's everyone's food and drink plans? I'm going for a steak and mushrooms and a nice big hip flask of makers mark, plus porridge and various snacks for the Sunday!
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Is it Saturday yet? :) what's everyone's food and drink plans? I'm going for a steak and mushrooms and a nuce big hip flask of makers mark, plus porridge and various snacks for the Sunday!
I was thinking the same as im looking forward to it.
For me its a steak and mushrooms too, maybe some smash or pasta. Il have to bring a fry pan as its a bit much to jam into the lid of a mini trangia :D
I tried cous cous for the first time last night as i thought its light and easy to carry and make...................What the fla is the point of that stuff, it was like eatin sawdust! I will not be bringing cous cous!!!
Whats 'Makers Mark' spud, and will i enjoy drinking it on you 8)
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This is makers mark
http://www.thedrinkshop.com/products/nlpdetail.php?prodid=852&afwinid=90909
Great stuff altogether!
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I tried cous cous for the first time last night as i thought its light and easy to carry and make...................What the fla is the point of that stuff, it was like eatin sawdust! I will not be bringing cous cous!!!
Im right into cous cous ATM, you really need to flavour it but its really good for camping, boil a little water bung it in 5 minutes later you have your meal :) Its my lunch for Sat and Sun and perhaps my dinner for Sat night :P
Water, you need to use water? lol.
Dave, is that you?
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Water, you need to use water? lol.
Dave, is that you?
:P and yup, fancied a change
Its very colorful, im impressed . :)
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This is makers mark
http://www.thedrinkshop.com/products/nlpdetail.php?prodid=852&afwinid=90909
Great stuff altogether!
I bet you couldnt drink a pint of it! Go on, i dare ya! Chickennn...............buk buk buk (attempt at chicken noises)
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This is makers mark
http://www.thedrinkshop.com/products/nlpdetail.php?prodid=852&afwinid=90909
Great stuff altogether!
I bet you couldnt drink a pint of it! Go on, i dare ya! Chickennn...............buk buk buk (attempt at chicken noises)
Nobody, I repeat nobody, calls me chicken ;D I could drink a pint of it no probs! (as long as it wasnt all in one go! ) Lol
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Looks like the is to be snow forecast over the next few days.. Maybe I should pack my skis?
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What's everyone eating this weekend?
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What's everyone eating this weekend?
Steak and bourbon! ;D
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I might be there before you guys on sat, do you have a specific area at fofanny planned for the campsite? The area in the photos i put up is a good spot, from memory I think there are some good pitches near the trees? What is the final number as regards tents?
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If anyone is going up to stash booze, would they mind dropping off a wee bottle for me, If you are in the Bangor area I can drop it off or if not I an square you up.. Just thinking of a wee bottle of red..
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I might be there before you guys on sat, do you have a specific area at fofanny planned for the campsite? The area in the photos i put up is a good spot, from memory I think there are some good pitches near the trees? What is the final number as regards tents?
Hey Spud, yeah the spot in photos looks like a good place to camp if its big enough, i had a quick look and it looks like there might be about 12 tents, i didnt think there was that many going.
It should be a good night for us all, hope it stays dry.
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I might be there before you guys on sat, do you have a specific area at fofanny planned for the campsite? The area in the photos i put up is a good spot, from memory I think there are some good pitches near the trees? What is the final number as regards tents?
Hey Spud, yeah the spot in photos looks like a good place to camp if its big enough, i had a quick look and it looks like there might be about 12 tents, i didnt think there was that many going.
It should be a good night for us all, hope it stays dry.
Yes hope it stays dry, am really looking forward to it! there is plenty of space around there, I'm sure we will all get pitched no probs! roll on saturday!!
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can someone give me the grid reference for campsite?
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can someone give me the grid reference for campsite?
C 344 172
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I'm sorry to do this, but I figured it might help some people with the kit list....
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/ni/warrenpoint_forecast_weather.html
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Good old Lenny,map & compass man like myself ;D
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Looks like sat is to be dry (ish) and then sat night and sun is to be wet! It's to be minus 4 in places tonight! Still looking forward to it immensely though! Good luck to all you guys doing tomorrow, stay safe and see yous at fofanny!
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can someone give me the grid reference for campsite?
C 344 172
are you sure about that grid ref ???
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I didn't like to say but it's miles away for me. Thought my software was acting up..
can someone give me the grid reference for campsite?
C 344 172
are you sure about that grid ref ???
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I didn't like to say but it's miles away for me. Thought my software was acting up..
can someone give me the grid reference for campsite?
C 344 172
are you sure about that grid ref ???
Going by my mourne activity map Fofanny is J 28X 28X (X = depends whereabouts you are actually camping)
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I will be honest I just went onto quo right clicked selecter OS map and copied and pasted it.
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:o :o :o
http://www.4ni.co.uk/northern_ireland_news.asp?id=139064
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:o :o :o
http://www.4ni.co.uk/northern_ireland_news.asp?id=139064
I took this from the story
Wintry showers, it is believed, will mainly affect counties Antrim and Londonderry.
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I'm awfully tempted but then the Jetboil wont suffice and the whole situation gets complex...
Ahh Its happened, I knew it would....
I have succumb to the idea of steak for dinner tomorrow ;D And I got one of those Rosti's Dowser was talking about a while ago :D But now I need to bring a plate :( Ah crap and a knife, double :( :(
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Hey suspect,i'am meeting you guys at the campsite about 5-6,do you want me to bring you some cutlery?
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Ahh Its happened, I knew it would....
I have succumb to the idea of steak for dinner tomorrow ;D
You know it makes sense.... ;)
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Me too!!
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Met office aint looking all that bad. Dry saturday then showers at night and the start of sunday...hmm pavking a tent in the rain, aint done that in a while. Packing my rucksac has made me decide I need to invest in some lighter weight kit. I'm haling 20kgs :( However the revised mourne way only takes in one peak so maybe not too bad. I'm quite excited, aint done this in ages with a full pack. not looking forward to being awake at 6 on a saturday, Its normally bed time on a saturday lol. see you all in 12 hours!!
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im laughing cus sooner or later somebody was gonna weigh their rucksac, you cracked first chris. im hauling around 16. :o
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think that grid reference is a bit mixed up( 344/172),take it you's are camping near the fish pass at the stile,so i make that ( 28/7- 29/3 )on a 125.000 scale,be calling in with Mountain goat for some "CRAC"
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Mines 12kg
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Have a great time everyone over the week-end on the Mourne Way hopefully next time for me.I intend doing the walk in March in one long day hike for charity,any tips on state of route etc. welcome next week.
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i dont see 20 as a bad thing...I see a perfectly valid excuse to spend more money ;D
Brian I'd be up for the one day hike if you want company. as long as it doesnt fall on the same day as the Moyle way hike. Why not give it a go in one day...26 miles over the antrim hills
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I'm haling 20kgs :( However the revised mourne way only takes in one peak so maybe not too bad.
Hi Craigy123
I'm don't know your capabilities but 20kg sounds like an awful lot for this 26 mile hike. Is there nothing you can remove to lighten your load? Are you carrying water or taking from rivers when you need it?
I would be trying desperately to reduce the weight a bit and leave any non-essentials behind. If you have a kit list handy we could have a look and possibly make some suggestions.
All my gear is Army Issue, and isn't renowned for being light weight, but I would have been aiming for around 10kg max if I was doing this trip.
8)
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My name is spud, and tonight I weighed my rucksack for the first time.... I didn't do anything like this before, but I fell in with a crowd on the Internet, and peer pressure got the better of me.... ;D Ps it weighed 18 including water ;)
Roll on tomorrow!
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Unfortunately my tent and sleeping bag are both quite heavy.
Tent
Sleeping bag
spare t shirt and dry socks
food 4 boil in bag meals
jet boil
750ml platypus
2l Platypus
ti knife, fork & spoon
head torch
all purpose soap....30ml
I know 20 is a lot, but I look back at the 4 day hikes Ive done and i'm sure I carried more in a crap rucksac.
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Unfortunately my tent and sleeping bag are both quite heavy.
Tent
Sleeping bag
spare t shirt and dry socks
food 4 boil in bag meals
jet boil
750ml platypus
2l Platypus
ti knife, fork & spoon
head torch
all purpose soap....30ml
I know 20 is a lot, but I look back at the 4 day hikes Ive done and i'm sure I carried more in a crap rucksac.
Sorry Craigy123, I got caught on the phone there ::)
Looking through your kit there really isn't a lot to leave behind. I was expecting a couple of fire logs, a litre bottle of Scotch and a bag of Spuds :D
Seems it is mainly your tent and sleeping bag that may be causing the additional weight so these might be the first items to consider replacing with lighter alternatives.
The only other thing are the Platypus, Platypuses, platypi... If you are carrying them full then they are going to be near 3kg alone. If your not keen on drinking water straight from the rivers in the Mournes then possibly invest in some type of Travel Tap (http://www.drinksafe-systems.co.uk/products.php)
I'm sure you'll have a great trip regardless of weight and if you want to ditch some gear for day two there's a chance I might be meeting up with you all on Saturday night, travelling by car, and staying over.
8)
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Its a 2 man tent, need to invest in a much smaller and lighter 1 man, thinking coleman cobra? any thoughts? My sleeping bag in a fairly heavy one and I am looking at replacing it. Stop talking me in to buying expensive kit ;D Might ditch the 2ls of water and pick some up on route. I'll see how the first leg goes with the water in there.
Thoughts????
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/product/rab-neutrino-400/fuseaction/products.detail/code/81410034/id_colour/157
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Its a 2 man tent, need to invest in a much smaller and lighter 1 man, thinking coleman cobra? any thoughts? My sleeping bag in a fairly heavy one and I am looking at replacing it. Stop talking me in to buying expensive kit ;D Might ditch the 2ls of water and pick some up on route. I'll see how the first leg goes with the water in there.
I would definitely be taking the 2lt platypus empty and just filling as needed. I have never purified in the Mournes in all my years and I'm still here to tell the tale. There has been a few discussions about it though and everybody has their own thoughts. You can get a chat with the guys and girls on Saturday and see what they suggest.
As for one man tents I can highly recommend the Gelert Solo (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00322QRQE/ref=asc_df_B00322QRQE6303776?smid=A20UFIL7MHKG1J&tag=hydra0b-21&linkCode=asn&creative=22218&creativeASIN=B00322QRQE). It's not an expensive tent, but it is excellent quality and extremely weather/wind proof. It's only 1.5kg too but that can be reduced further if you replace the steel pegs that come with it to aluminum (Bought on ebay for about £2). Drops the weight to about 1.3kg.
Again have a chat with them all on Saturday and I'm sure you will get recommendations for at least another three one man tents :D
8)
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Mournes were looking great on my way to work this morning, I'm sure its chilly up there tho!
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have a great weekend to all on mourne way. looking forward to pics as im still stuck in bed with pneumonia, well fed up,when better chloe wants to camp at foffany dam after seeing pics of it
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Good luck on your expedition. Looking forward to seeing the photos. Would like to do it in one day thereby not having to worry about big rucksacs.
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well have you all arrived safely at camp? doesn't look like i'll make it out tonight (unless it snows in which case i'll be there in 30 mins) will try and tag onto tomorrows walk
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well have you all arrived safely at camp? doesn't look like i'll make it out tonight (unless it snows in which case i'll be there in 30 mins) will try and tag onto tomorrows walk
They arrived down off Butter Mountain about 6pm looking and sounding a bit battle weary. A night round the fire will lift the spirits and they'll be up for another 12 mile tomorrow bright and breezy ;D
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All havin a great night round the fire, craic is 90! ( or 1,2,3 or 4 depending on who you are talking to! ;))
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Following Lenny's co-ordernates i called over to see the guys in" Tibet ",Fofanny this evening with Mountain goat,must say very impressed with the campsite,good job for whoever discovered it.Think the guys had a hard day in the hills which ended with the last few miles throught bog-land & wet feet for everyone,Matthew & Lenny were both giving it load's about" sore bits".Just got to the campsite as the guys were cooking dinner,few of them had these fancy boil in the bag meals,but i much preferred Dave's & Rubblebum's steak dinners.Good to meet some new face's as well ,also few of the lads had the good idea of stashing some gear earlier in day at the campsite so they did not have to carry it,left them as the bottles came out.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6778155619_0ea72cf852.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70169151@N05/6778155619/)
DSCN0708 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70169151@N05/6778155619/) by shannaghan (http://www.flickr.com/people/70169151@N05/), on Flickr(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6778146971_bb775620de.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70169151@N05/6778146971/)
DSCN0691 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70169151@N05/6778146971/) by shannaghan (http://www.flickr.com/people/70169151@N05/), on Flickr(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6778128975_ac3b485c2b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70169151@N05/6778128975/)
DSCN0712 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70169151@N05/6778128975/) by shannaghan (http://www.flickr.com/people/70169151@N05/), on Flickr(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6778136887_9d6c046840.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70169151@N05/6778136887/)
DSCN0698 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70169151@N05/6778136887/) by shannaghan (http://www.flickr.com/people/70169151@N05/), on Flickr
friends of the earth even called round
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6778109087_a01ac7e338.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70169151@N05/6778109087/)
DSCN0707 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70169151@N05/6778109087/) by shannaghan (http://www.flickr.com/people/70169151@N05/), on Flickr(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6778119063_187ea1c44b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70169151@N05/6778119063/)
DSCN0682 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70169151@N05/6778119063/) by shannaghan (http://www.flickr.com/people/70169151@N05/), on Flickr(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6778100009_eefe556945.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70169151@N05/6778100009/)
DSCN0710 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70169151@N05/6778100009/) by shannaghan (http://www.flickr.com/people/70169151@N05/), on Flickr
this steak of rubblebums was great
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6778089681_5939e9665c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70169151@N05/6778089681/)
DSCN0694 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70169151@N05/6778089681/) by shannaghan (http://www.flickr.com/people/70169151@N05/), on Flickr
Matthews cure for sore legs
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looks like thier in for a top night,hope the rain stays away till late for them as they like to stay outfor campfire chat
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remember its day 2 that the pain really starts ;D bit wet out there today, wonder if they'll stop at melmore lodge for breaffast ::)
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big fry and coffee at meelmore sounds just the ticket but the guys and gals out will tell you they are `hardcore`. me ,id be of to meelmore
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big fry and coffee at meelmore sounds just the ticket but the guys and gals out will tell you they are `hardcore`. me ,id be of to meelmore
Don't think there will be too many feeling hardcore this morning. I'm guessing it will be a long wet trek on an empty stomach in order to get home to a hot bath asap ;)
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the weather can ruin almost any trip but the achievment,the tick list, that 1 magic view, the thought of the next outing in good weather , that special wild canpsite and like this weekend spent with likeminded friends will leave great memories no matter what the weather
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the weather can ruin almost any trip but the achievment,the tick list, that 1 magic view, the thought of the next outing in good weather , that special wild canpsite and like this weekend spent with likeminded friends will leave great memories no matter what the weather
well sayed wee gaz ;D
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now that looks like a bunch of happy campers. well done to all who took part. how many where there altogether
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Fantastic (but wet) 2 days. Thanks to everyone involved. I'll be keeping an eye on potential camp sites and stash points for the Moyle way now. Might ever book some sunshine!
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Excellent trip, well the first day up to the incline at Spelga pass, when my first dealing with cramp set in right down the inside of my right thigh. A break sorted this out but that was really the name of the game from then on in, stop start stop start.
Just like the last time I did this walk, some navigational errors crept in and this can be seen from GPS info.
Red is the Mourne way route
Blue Black our route
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/matthewrblack/mountains/1-1.jpg)
As soon as we had our camp setup and a good feed in us my mood brightened and forgetting the rain it was a good night to sat around a fire with a bunch of good mates. On the other side my Rab neutrino sleeping bag was excellent and am very impressed after its first outing.
Well done to all the guys for finishing in ardours conditions.
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On the sofa after a huge sunday dinner, think i have just about dried out! Cracking night and day, despite the weather today! Well done to all who participated, was good to meet you all! Thanks to Alan and Liam for the lifts, to Chris for the tea and dave for the pint! Gents all! Hope to get out with yous all again in the future (when my legs recover! ;D)
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I parked at meelmore lodge this morning and dandered towards fofanny knowing there was a fair to middlin chance i would bump into the ni-wild posse.
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/20120129%20mourneway/P1110936Small.jpg)
the murky view from meelmore
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/20120129%20mourneway/P1110939Small.jpg)
met them near the happy valley car park
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/20120129%20mourneway/P1110942Small.jpg)
this was the easier of the river crossings
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/20120129%20mourneway/P1110973Small.jpg)
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/20120129%20mourneway/P1110977Small.jpg)
i talked them into a little detour (i didn't have to ask twice ;D )
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/20120129%20mourneway/P1110979Small.jpg)
drool
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/20120129%20mourneway/P1110980Small.jpg)
there were 3 of them before June cooked the fry :o
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/20120129%20mourneway/P1110983Small.jpg)
onwards into tollymore forest
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/20120129%20mourneway/P1110988Small.jpg)
a quick check of the map (i find forests very hard to navigate in)
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/20120129%20mourneway/P1110991Small.jpg)
in many parts the mourne way is poorly marked, but here it just gets ridiculous ;D
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/20120129%20mourneway/P1120011Small.jpg)
craigy dances across the stepping stones in spectacular style
(look close to see the level of that water against his foot!)
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/20120129%20mourneway/P1120020Small.jpg)
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/20120129%20mourneway/P1120028Small.jpg)
THE END :)
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I love Matthews new name. It seems I have become the NI wild action man....or circus monkey. I'll leave that one open. I laugh in the face of the bog of despair.
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Excellent work guys! Good to see you all finish and have a bit of fun despite the drenching.
Very sneaky detour though... wonder can I order a sausage/bacon bap to be ready for me at the end of the meelmore lane when I pass in June ;D
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Damp Gelert solo for sale.. Only used once needs new poles lol..
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Some pics I took on my phone, quality not great!
Chat round the fire
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i334/redspud1/fofanny%20camp/IMG_0591.jpg)
Day slowly breaks
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i334/redspud1/fofanny%20camp/IMG_0595.jpg)
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i334/redspud1/fofanny%20camp/IMG_0596.jpg)
Alan and Dave doing their dishes
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i334/redspud1/fofanny%20camp/IMG_0597.jpg)
Hotel Fofanny
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i334/redspud1/fofanny%20camp/IMG_0598.jpg)
The forest suite
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i334/redspud1/fofanny%20camp/IMG_0599.jpg)
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i334/redspud1/fofanny%20camp/IMG_0600.jpg)
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i334/redspud1/fofanny%20camp/IMG_0601.jpg)
Follow the arrows
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i334/redspud1/fofanny%20camp/IMG_0602.jpg)
View from nearer the reservoir
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i334/redspud1/fofanny%20camp/IMG_0603.jpg)
Another potential campspot
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i334/redspud1/fofanny%20camp/IMG_0604.jpg)
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i334/redspud1/fofanny%20camp/IMG_0606.jpg)
On site spa with jacuzzi and power shower :)
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i334/redspud1/fofanny%20camp/IMG_0607.jpg)
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A big thank you to all who made it this weekend, we really did have some serious crack between us. That was 1badass day lol, but im ready for our next adventure :)
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A big thank you to all who made it this weekend, we really did have some serious crack between us. That was 1badass day lol, but im ready for our next adventure :)
Well said that man!
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(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6782348107_76947bdd4b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipmeb/6782348107/)
Jeepers lads looks like you ended up back in that Headhunters bar, as happy as he may look, yer man is a rocket, glad you got out ok!
(http://images4.static-bluray.com/reviews/1696_2.jpg)
;) ;D
Sounds like a good trip folks, always interesting to read/hear the craic. I was very jealous yesterday, when I looked out today...not so much! Fair play all of you.
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I went to Newcastle today, the weather was horrific :o
quick change of plan, and I have to say the classic car show in the Slieve Donard hotel was great :)
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Great stuff guys, looks like we missed a cracker on Sunday, interesting to see Liam managed to join the group somewhere between the hard part of the walk and the boozer ;)
I was pretty pleased with Saturdays dander, was just short of 14 miles and although my feet were sore the last 4 miles or so, I was dandy once I got a seat. Man was I jealous of the steaks though, the dried food just isn't a substitute and should be saved for endurance events and zombie invasion!
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That last bit of saturday was a killer to go up, my legs are feeling it today, was weird taking of my pack on sunday, almost floated away.
Would go back and do it tomorrow. ;) (after a 2 lol)
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Hi,
Congrats. to all -I'm sure that even with the sore legs and all you look back and get that great sence of achievement and can't wait for the next one .I'm jealous ! I was looking any advice on route as I'm planning a charity hike of full route in one day in March.I will be travelling a lot lighter than yourselves and will probably have a few friends along with me .I intend doing the route from Newcastle back to Rostrevor and would appreciate any first hand knowledge.Is route good as it is marked or should I make any detours?
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my shoulders hurt today, which is strange as i wasn't carrying a rucksack :o so god knows how you poor guys feel ;D
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Not so sure about newcastle to rostrevor,but what about Carricklittle to newcastle or the other way about,a fantastic walk taking in the best the Mournes has to offer,Binnian,Lamagan,Cove,Beg,castles,Commedagh,shanlieve.
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Ah, matthew mate, love the name change! ;D :D
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Ha ha normal service will resume soon. I had a longer new name typed but what I have is the forum limit.
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Well done guys looks like a bit of an enduro event , a chest infection ruled me out this time .
I would be interested to hear how the kit put up with the wet conditions, experiencing rain like that is a real tester!
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have to say all my undergarments stayed bone dry :) my berghaus deluge trousers were excellent (thanks 20clicks ;) ) anything in my coat pockets was soaked through though, feet stayed dry despite some shin deep bogholes, as i wasn't carrying a rucksack i didn't have any problems with sweat so i only really had to test the waterproofness and not so much the breathability of the gear