Slievenamaddy Snow camp - 27/3/13

[KyleL]

Love it! Always worth putting up with extra weight when in such cold weather - those little luxuries really help moral!

[ChuckMcB]

Nice one Liam.

[whoRya]

Sweeet.

[LandyLiam]

Thanks for all the nice comments     I forgot to add that i'd brough a firelog up to get a nice pic for the photo comp this month but it wasn't until i was going to bed that i remembered it when i pulled it out of my rucksack  . Also I think i'd be better putting the reflective matt above the inflatable one for better heat retention, just not sure how well it would stay in place with me wriggling about all night.

So some tips for snow camps:
Bring longs pegs, or use sticks if they are handy. (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/25-TENT-PEGS-CAMPING-AWNING-PEG-LONG-SERIES-12-inches-/350749442248?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_HikingCamping_Tents_JN&hash=item51aa4bc0c8)
Walking poles are pretty essential, can also be used as pegs, if really desperate 1 pole can make 3 big pegs.
The snow gets into the end of the tent poles making it difficult to get them into the lugs. Something pointing would be handy for clearing them out.
Warm your refreshments on the raditor before leaving, you can easily cool them down in the snow later if required.
Bring a stool if you can, saves you freezing your ass off in the snow. (for once i didn't bring mine!)
Bring hot water bottle and prefilled flask, pure heaven 


i'll add bits to the list as i remember

[KyleL]

Hot water bottle! Why haven't I thought of camping with one yet? I'm packing mine now.

As for a heat mat, I use the emergency heat blanket in my first aid kit and cover the whole floor, has a nice effect on heating the whole tent.

[rin44]

Hi Liam,  great wee write up, and brilliant pics. thats a spot i,ve meant to camp on for a while. i live just below your pitch on tullybrannigan rd.Have camped up by Commedagh summit a couple of times, but snow is a different ball game.but changes the character of the mournes. beautiful..so ta for posting

[LandyLiam]

Don't leave it too late if you want to camp there, that spot can be mad for the midges in the summer 

Heres some pics of the place in summer







and here's my route, it would be worth going slightly higher than i did to get a flatter pitch

[Big Dod]

Don't leave it too late if you want to camp there, that spot can be mad for the midges in the summer 

Was at that exact same spot last year during the summer and my dogs and me were covered in midges.
Wont be going back there again during warm weather - it was crazy.
Never experienced anything like it before.