Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

Information => Introductions => Topic started by: simonjones on June 13, 2013

Title: Hello all
Post by: simonjones on June 13, 2013: Hello to all

I've been camping in the Mournes for donkey's years, and only just found out about this site. I've spent hours reading through the forums, it's brilliant to see so much enthusiasm and love for the mountains.

I plan to do my first summit camp just as soon as the weather breaks again - I've always kept to the rivers and valleys in the past but I think I'll tackle Bernagh for my first proper summit.

My favourite spot has always been a wee place beside the Annalong River, just came back from 2 nights there during that really hot weather. Nothing like a cold swim on a hot day, and the midges weren't too bad.

I've noticed a lot more rubbish than there used to be up along the Annalong valley which is very sad. The wood itself has always had its litter spots, but it's starting to creep up the valley. I fished a disposable bbq out of the river on my last trip.

I'm currently looking at combining my love of camping with my love of astronomy, and have ordered a great wee travel telescope for some mountaintop stargazing. I think and hope the extra weight will be worth it!

So if you spot some crazy guy setting up a telescope and strapping it down on the top of Bernagh in the next few weeks please give me a wave and a shout!
Title: Re: Hello all
Post by: ChuckMcB on June 13, 2013: Welcome Simon.
Title: Re: Hello all
Post by: Daithi2004 on June 14, 2013: Welcome Simon to the forum.
Title: Re: Hello all
Post by: t18con on June 14, 2013: welcome along. enjoy the forum
Title: Hello all
Post by: Spud on June 14, 2013: Welcome!
Title: Re: Hello all
Post by: Wolf_Larson on June 14, 2013: Welcome !
Title: Re: Hello all
Post by: whoRya on June 14, 2013: Welcome to NI Wild.
Title: Re: Hello all
Post by: KyleL on June 14, 2013: Welcome Simon. Enjoy Bernagh, shes a beauty.
Title: Re: Hello all
Post by: RedLeader on June 14, 2013: Welcome Simon. Telescope? Astronomical?
Title: Re: Hello all
Post by: Glenn B on June 14, 2013: Hello and welcome..
Title: Re: Hello all
Post by: Ed on June 14, 2013: Let us know when you plan on heading up, you mind find some of us lot could help you mule your equipment in exchange for a wee peer through the looking glass.

Stargazing atop mountains on clear nights sounds like an epic hobby combo
Title: Hello all
Post by: KyleL on June 14, 2013: Quote from: Aragorn on June 14, 2013
Let us know when you plan on heading up, you mind find some of us lot could help you mule your equipment in exchange for a wee peer through the looking glass.

Stargazing atop mountains on clear nights sounds like an epic hobby combo

+1 would be up for that
Title: Re: Hello all
Post by: Mourneman on June 14, 2013: Welcome simonjones
Title: Re: Hello all
Post by: simonjones on June 15, 2013: What a welcoming bunch you all are!

Yes it's an astronomical telescope (just about), this is it:
http://www.celestron.com/astronomy/celestron-travel-scope-70.html

It arrived yesterday and it really is a lovely bit of kit, it should pick out the moons of the brighter planets and on a nice clear still night it should pick out the polar caps of Mars and some detail of Jupiter.

My other scope is bigger ;) and totally isn't practical to camp with...

I'm still trying to figure out how to carry it, right now it's looking like strapping its own little rucksack onto my own will be the only way it'll work without squishing it.

Anyone who wants to join me and help me up Bernagh is most welcome! I'll post a thread in the main forum when I'm going to go up Bernagh with her. I might do a quick one nighter up the Annalong river some night next week if the weather clears up, dying to test it and some other new gear out.