All posts by Andy Tees

Extreme Parking in the Wesht

Connemara January 2014.

6 NWMC members, 5 Colmcille Climbers and 2 IMC members ( total 8) stayed in the Bard’s Den Letterfrack, 18th 19 th January for the usual winter weekend’s walking/scrambling in the Wesht.

We had a big day out on the Saturday over Ben Baun, Benbrack, a big drop to the col at Maumnascalpa and a brutally steep climb to Muckanaght, Bencullagh and Maunmonght. Getting out wasn’t that easy either, but a great clear day,( if a mite cauld!) This rarely walked horseshoe was one of the routes submitted for the “Irish Peaks” and very good it was too!

Rory arrived on Saturday night, just after the rugby, but in time for a fine feed in the Den, but on Sunday the weather didn’t look quite so promising. When we arrived at the bottom of Benchoona, those still nursing the emotional scars from the previous year’s experience on that mountain, were wary of repeating the trauma, and while Fergus, Aoife, Rory and Alan dithered, Geoff and Helen fled, leaving only El Finbarr who wished to do battle with the Ogre. Margaret wanted to go to Tully mountain, so we did. It was a good decision, as the route given in the new Collins guidebook was excellent, keeping us below the cloudline with great views on all sides. Quite a rocky mountain, a bit like the Urris, but more spaced out.

The fun wasn’t over however, as Fergus indulged in a bit of extreme parking ( in an 8 foot deep sheugh) and had to get rescued. Although it appears that the car is a write off, fortunately no one was hurt, and we were able to run Fergus and Aoife to Galway on Monday, where they hired another car to get them home. Finbarr also apparently struggled to get home, his van developing mechanical problems.

All in all, an averagely successful weekend!

Meets List 2014

Everyone has their own agenda, but maybe during 2014 club members can meet for one event per month. Here are a few suggestions.

The new bouldering wall at YMCA should be open soon, and members in Belfast will no doubt be meeting at the Ozone.

Sunday 15th December 2013. Jolly Christmas Abseil at Glenveigh main crag. Walk or bike into the estate hut Saturday night by 10.00pm , and bivvy/party! Ivan threatens to bring Czech poteen.

January. 18th, 19th 2014 Winter Weekend in Letterfrack, Connemara, organiser Margaret. Also Johnny Sharkey’s Eglish cottage in the Bluestacks, is available climb, hike, bike whatever?

5th-9th February. Winter trip to Torridon. Keith, Ant and PJ will organise. Let Keith know if you want to go. 6 signed up so far.

March. Proposed post Paddy’s Day winter trip to Italian Alps, Dennis to research cost. Not to clash with MI Spring Meet at Sligo (climbing at Happy Valli)

12th 13th April. Beginners day in either Malin Head or Culdaff (which ever place the Climbfest is not)

2nd- 5th May. Climbfest in Culdaff or Malin (see AGM minutes)

June. Fair Head Meet, and on 21st 22nd , Midsummer weekend on Owey.

July. MI Alpine Meet ( venue still undecided)

29th-31st August (Bank Holiday), Pembrokeshire, organiser Geoff.

Sept. Any takers for a trip to the Czech Republic hosted by Ivan? Valli says it is awesome!

October. MI October Meet, date not known yet

November. AGM. Proposed venue Dunfanaghy hostel, organiser Valli.