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Author Topic: What a difference a day makes....  (Read 5091 times)

Savage Parrot

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What a difference a day makes....
« on: May 08, 2012 »
I just thought I would share my experiences of the Mournes over the last two days as it shows the diversity and contrast the mountains in this country can provide.

On Monday we parked in Ott carpark, it was raining and a little bit coild but we braved it and ventured on, as we climbed to the wall at the foot of Slieve Lough Shannon the hail and snow began with the wind driving it straight into us, causing the hail and snow to feel like pins hitting our faces.  As we reached the wall we took the decision to stay low due to the weather.  We skirted passed Lough Shannon and around Meelbeg, as we walked back towards the saddle between Meelmore an dBernagh the fog cleared slightly which made the trip all worth while as the snow had settled on the slope of Bernagh and on the wall with the mist behind it, stunning.  (In case you are wondering, yes I did say snow in May!!).  On the route down the trassey the paths were like rivers and the rivers bore some of the most extreme whitewater I have ever seen!

Then today we again parked at Ott car park, the sun was splitting the stones and had a very calm and peaceful walk to the wall.  On this occasion we took the oppourtunity to gain some height following the wall to the summit of Slieve Lough Shannon, the clouds sitting in the distance at about 700 meters and clear skys ahead of us.  We then headed on peaking Meelbeg, sitting haveing lunch and looking at the peaks in the distance which still bore the signs of the snowfall.  We then crossed to Meelmore then down to the saddle.  Another pleasant walk down the Trassey with good flow on the rivers and dry stones at our feet.  Then out through Tollymore which was bursting after the fresh rain.

These two days have just reminded me of how lucky I am to live in this glorious country of ours.
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RedLeader

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Re: What a difference a day makes....
« Reply #1 on: May 10, 2012 »
The Mournes weather really can be changeable as hell, you never know what you're getting from one hour to the next.
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Mourneman

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Re: What a difference a day makes....
« Reply #2 on: May 11, 2012 »
A well written piece,just go's to show that carrying that wee bit of kit can be useful ;D,I've had many a day in the mountains were I've felt I had every season!
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