(http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/images/2015_christmas_camp_large.jpg)
What : Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings
When : Saturday/Sunday 5th/6th December 2015
Where : Annalong Wood (http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3791.0) (Secure parking at Carrick Plant Hire)
Who : Everyone
As ever, everyone needs to read and understand the safety and responsibility notice linked here if they want to attend. You agreed to this when you signed up for the forum but you must read it again in case it has changed. If there's anything in there you don't agree to you mustn't come:
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/forum-news-information-and-help/ni-wild-meets-safety-and-responsibilty/
UPDATE Dec 1st : The weather over the last few weeks has been dire, chances are this weekend will be no different. Definitely make sure you have suitable gear and experience for a night out in winter. If anyone wants any advice just PM. Please do not come if you are not well prepared and 100% capable of looking after yourself in potentially wet and cold conditions!
More updates here (and beyond):
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=5080.msg53350#msg53350
So you've sat around an open fire, maybe toasted a few marshmallows or pushed the boat out and cooked a steak on the campfire? Well if you think that's outdoor eating then you're in for a surprise when you get yourself to a Christmas Camp.
A full turkey dinner with all the fixings, washed down with hot mulled wine followed by a variety of desserts and all accompanied by the pulling of crackers under trees festooned with fairy lights and in-front of a roaring fire - that's how you eat outdoors!
There's been a Christmas dinner in the Mournes every year since 2010 which each time has without exception been the highlight of the outdoor year. Everyone brings a part of the feast, complex foods are prepared at home for heating over the fire, simpler foods are cooked up there. We all scurry around a huge campfire organising our own portion of the meal which is then served to all who have joined us. When the main course is done we tuck into Xmas pudding, mince pies and anything else that thoughtful people have brought and we have a merry old evening by the fire listening to festive tunes and giggling into the night before retiring to tents and bivvies for a relaxing nights sleep.
If you haven't tried it then you haven't lived - join us and you'll be sitting at the table on Christmas Day looking at the turkey and remembering how much better a Christmas Dinner tastes when you're eating it round an open fire with like minded friends.
There's plenty of room to camp but if you want to come for the meal and head home after that's fine too.
As usual, all suggestions welcomed!
Reply to the post to be added to the list and remember to say what you'll be bringing for the meal
Please remember we NEED FOOD so try and put your name down for food before other items
Also, if you're intending to come or on the fence, please have your name added as at least tentative so we can account for potential numbers. Is better to have too much than too little.
Here's last years shindig.
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=4838.0
PM me with any issues!
| Item | Person |
| Turkey & Stuffing | Rumblebum |
| Gravy | Rumblebum |
| Ham | Whorya |
| Extra Ham | |
| Quorn Roast (Vegetarian Option) | specimanYak |
| Mashed Potatoes | seanbranagh |
| Roast Potatoes | Glenn B |
| Chipolatas wrapped in Bacon | Glenn B |
| Roast Parsnips | Phil_b |
| Sprouts | Red Leader |
| Mushy Peas | Red Leader |
| Carrots | Phil_b |
| Christmas Pudding & Custard | Tjc |
| Mince Pies and Cream | |
| Mulled Wine | Ed |
| Cheese Board and Biscuits for Cheese | |
| Christmas Cake | Red Leader |
| Whiskey | LandyLiam |
| Port | Mourneman |
| Cranberry | Red Leader |
| Non Food | |
| Christmas Crackers | Doctor Who |
| Christmas decorations | |
| Christmas lights | LandyLiam |
Attendees
Redleader
Rumblebum
Whorya
Landyliam
Glenn B
specimanYak
Mourneman
Ed
Doctor Who +1
Phil_b
Seanbranagh
Tjc
Dowser
Spud
(http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/images/xmas_coll_2014.jpg)
Update 3
I've only camped at Fofanny once when we did the Mourne Way (or half of it ::)). I Can't for the life or me remember how it's laid out. I'm pretty sure where the forest meets the reservoir there's a good bit of flat space, I'd guess that's the best spot. If anyone has any more specific information feel free to chime in. If anyone has any pics of the area then please post them.
There are 3 car parks close by, all marked on the map. The most northerly is Meelmore which has secure parking, the other two are just normal unlit areas but considering the weather, I'd expect the weasel thieves would be at home tucked up with a warm Buckfast. Again if I remember correctly, the time we were there Shamara just parked at the side of the road just above the forest. There are access roads around Fofanny its-self but no actual public car parks. Even if parking at any of the car parks it should be possible to drive right to Fofanny and drop off gear, so maybe a few bags of logs / fire logs might be possible and save rootling around for deadwood.
(http://i.imgur.com/5uyDIgk.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/VpSVnHg.jpg)
Google maps route from Newcastle
https://goo.gl/maps/7EHmJe1aiTD2