Camping Weekend - 8th May 10

[Kirth]

What time is everyone planning to head down at?

[RedLeader]

Hasn't really been discussed yet. We usually aim to be at camp by lunch-ish. However this time out we're considering finding another spot (still in Donard wood) as our usual place is popular. Might take a bounce up over the weekend and have a bit of a reccie.

What time is everyone planning to head down at?

[Dowser]

I'm probably gonna be down quite early.  To get the rabbits I'll be down that direction about 7am then gonna stop in Newcastle for a bit of breakfast with my kid before heading up into the hills.  If you do get down this weekend for a Reccie, take your Garmin with you and maybe you could get some co-ordinates, if you decide on a good site. I'd like to ditch my gear and get bit of a walk squeezed in while waiting for everyone else arriving.

[twentyclicks]

Thought I could get down after work for this, but I've a late (night) job booked for this day too  

I will get out eventually with you guys.  Have fun!

[RedLeader]

Will do.

I'm probably gonna be down quite early.  To get the rabbits I'll be down that direction about 7am then gonna stop in Newcastle for a bit of breakfast with my kid before heading up into the hills.  If you do get down this weekend for a Reccie, take your Garmin with you and maybe you could get some co-ordinates, if you decide on a good site. I'd like to ditch my gear and get bit of a walk squeezed in while waiting for everyone else arriving.

[Hound of Ulster]

  Hound of Ulster and family hope to make this.

I have a hammock to learn  how to put up and sleep in

[RedLeader]

Absolutely awesome. We were wondering where you'd got to - hope you're all well!

Hound of Ulster and family hope to make this.

I have a hammock to learn  how to put up and sleep in

[Kirth]

I will be leaving Belfast around 5.30 to head down, so If anybody need a lift, Just shout.

[Hound of Ulster]

Yeah were all fine. Work was getting in the way for me especially. I would love 8-4 mon - frid but hey ho not many jobs out there  for an unskilled person.

Need to sort out a tent for the boys and dog, midges you know. Mrs and I have now got hammocks, never been used but hoping the weekend will be fruitful as a learning experience for the hammocks. Will bring tarp just in case

David and Rita

[suspectmonkey]

I will be aiming to be there around lunch time as well, but sure can fire round a few PM's nearer the time and arrange to meet up with you guys in Donard car park.  Will be coming from Bangor area and probably have room for an extra body or two if any one needs a lift.

[Matthew]

I'm planning on leaving Bangor at 10:00-10:30 to be there for lunch time, a stop at Tesco and to find a space to dump the car.

[Eamonn]

hey i will be down too...sounds fun. Wish i had a hammock to try out, don't think i'll be able to get one for the weekend so i'm going to use the Lidl tent. I'll be coming from Downpatrick so if anyone needs a lift let me know.

all being well I'm in.
Chris how about doing Donard via the black stairs and then cross to Commadagh and down the long way to meet the guys?

What time are you guys planning to do the Black Stairs at...i'd like to tag along if that's ok? I've never been up that way.

[Eamonn]

Hey my friend Samantha is coming too. She'll have a hammock and will prob need some tips on putting it up.

[Amy_85]

I will be there with Rebecca!

[RedLeader]

We had a good scout round Donard Forest on Sunday and couldn't really find anywhere more suitable for a big group than where we usually camp. There was one other good spot with plenty of wood but it was really messy and had loads of broken glass and didn't seem like we could have cleared it up enough to be comfortable there with kids plundering around.

So all other things being equal we'll head for our usual spot. Firewood might be an issue as the local area has been pretty much picked clean and any ready supply was further than comfortable. Any suggestions welcome!

Also, I think if someone brought a bow saw it might help as then we can get shot of some of the bigger stuff lying about.