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Reeking in Kerry.

Date: New Year 2008
Submitted by: Alan Tees
Staying with Gertrude and Brian just outside Killarney. On Saturday we did an unnamed peak in the Black Valley, the last of Maggs Irish 2500 peaks, which is listed in Ball's list as "Knockduff" (no, not knocked up the duff).  Brian reckons its called Stompa something from the 1;25000 map.  Fine peak anyway.  Went into Kate Kearneys afterwards, and met half the world and his dog, including Declan O'Keefe the MCI prez.  On Sunday we went up Carrauntoohil by OSheas gully, and on the way up met Gerry Gavigan and three others who were for Howling Ridge.  Noted in the Mt Log when I got back that Gerry is heading another India Expedition to Spiti, and was probably out training!  Anyway he was highly taken with our current caption competition. Ahem. Fame at last! Came down by the Heavenly Gates, which Columba will tell you about if you ask nicely.  Met the other half of the world (And dog) in Kate Kearneys.  Monday, we teamed up with Phil O'Mahony of Tralee MC for a 4 hour walk through a largely disused track over Torc, and Tuesday we went past Lough Guitane and into the most superb rocky valley below Binnenmore.  Tons of climbing, but we may have to wait for the new Kerry Guide in preparation by Con Moriarty to see whats logged.  Great spot to camp.  The main climbing area in Kerry is the Gap of Dungloe, which has recently been equipped with bolted belay and ab points.  By agrrement apparently, but not everyone is happy as it is felt that they were not all necessary!


Photo of Route