The final trek of January

After a few weeks of missed training we decided to seise the opportunity for a long walk in the mountains. The weather was dull but warm enough and no significant wind this time, much better than the last outing! We decided to climb Slieve Commedagh starting at the Trassey Road car park. Following the Trassey trail and as we parked we met this lovely looking fella. He didn't seem too bothered by us and even posed for a photo.

We were surprised to see so much snow on top of the mountains and even more surprised at how dry the trail was, sure that'll change in the next few weeks when the snow starts to melt! Well in the mean time, time for some fun with the camera ...

Having topped Commedagh in a time of just over 2 hours we were literally knee deep in snow, wonderful crispy snow.


Having spent some time playing with the camera I decided to go a bit quicker to catch up. The result... a 13 stone Brummy running down a mountain in Northern ireland screaming 'I've built up a head of steam!'. Shortly followed by a bone crunching thud as said Brummy over balanced and clattered to a stop in deep snow, which remember, covers rocks. Guess which one stopped me? Yeap, rock. The rest of the hike went by with a failed attempt to slide down the mountain on our backsides and little else other than beautiful scenery and great trails to walk on... with a sore knee.

Luckily it wasn't this part that I fell down! Still goes to show just how much snow and ice was clinging on up there.

Oonagh found the ice formations truly entertaining ...

Still a few greats photos and even met a guy from the tele! Another great day! 

The team decide to take the direct route down Slieve Commedagh

The Mourne Mountains 10th December 2011

After an week of rain, howling winds and a bit of ice on the roads Saturday came and with it a day make for hiking.

A bit cloudy and not exactly warm but even sun shine to make it worth while getting into the Mournes. The wind had dropped a touch but it was still strong and cold enough to chill the face when it peaked out from the coat.

We started walking through thick woodland which sheltered us from the worst of the wind. The generous rain and melting ice further up the mountain swelled this little waterfall which we passed early on. The woodland finished pretty quickly and the extra layer that had been discarded gradually got put back on.

Apparently the Mourne Mountains were the inspiration for C. S. Lewis' Narnia and reaching the saddle between Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh you can see why. The layer of snow which covered the ground really did make the place look magical.

Of course not everyone was savoring the moment and soon snowballs started fizzing through the air. Luckily we're all terrible shots and not a single one landed, must do better next time!

As soon as we left the shelter of the Mourne wall we found that the wind hadn't in fact dropped and was pushing pretty hard. A few sideways steps and with the cloud closing in shortening visibility to a few meters we decided to head down.

Ruud decided that he'd had enough of walking and when the grip on his boots failed he let gravity take over. He zipped past on his backside, arms flailing and giggling like a kid in a sweet shop. Seemed like a good idea so I quickly followed. It was all fine and good until Ruud's giggles turned to a howl of pain. Turns out the snow not only makes the place looks great, but covered sharp rocks which Ruud has a habit of finding with his elbow and arse. I started walking after that.

Great to be out in the mountains again and looking forward to getting out there again!