MEET:              Outside old Irish Press Offices, Burgh Quay, down from Spar shop.

DEPART           Sundays 10.00 A.M. (or when the bus is full)

COST:              Private bus.  €8.00 for January, to avoid hassle with change.

                       

 

NOTE: The leader has the right to refuse anyone who is not adequately equipped (i.e. without adequate rainwear, spare clothes, food, torch and hiking boots). The leader has the right to extend, curtail or alter the route from that described in the program.  The leader sets the pace of the hike and walkers are expected to obey his/her instructions at all times.

During winter months it is essential to bring a (head) torch on all Sunday hikes and weekends away. Don’t forget to check your batteries and bulb.

 

Your club membership card MUST be carried and produced, if requested on all Sunday hikes. Numbered tickets will be given out on the quays by a committee member.  People with a valid membership card and ticket will be given preference on the bus.

 

MOUNTAIN SAFETY NOTE

Mountaineering is an activity with a danger of personal injury or death.  Participants should be aware of and accept these risks. People who take part in our club activities do so at their own risk and are responsible for their own actions and involvement. The Committee requests that anyone who is on medication or with a medical condition inform the leader before the start of the hike.

ENVIRONMENT

Try to reduce the erosion and widening of trails, e.g. do not walk on the edge of worn tracks; walk through the centre of the original track or go several feet into the scruff where the ground is untrodden, walking parallel to but not on the track.

 

Litter is unsightly and dangerous to animals.  Even bio-degradable items like orange peels and banana skins take years to disappear.  Bring all your litter home and try to include at least one extra item from each day out.  Do not bury litter – animals will dig it up.

 

WALKING STICKS

In the interest of safety and comfort please keep the pointed end of your walking stick covered, especially when travelling on the bus.

 

HIKE LEADER

Jim has asked us to include his email for queries regarding the walking schedule including offers to lead and weekend away queries.

Hike co-ordinator email address: jamesab@gofree.indigo.ie

 

Date	Route Description	Leader
1st January	New Years Day on Lug 2002 Route: Fentons – Banana Road - Camara Hill – Lugnaquillia – Slievemaan – Ballineddan - Little Slaney River - Camara Hill - Banana Road - Fentons. Meet Fentons Carpark at 11am. [14km/900m Ascent]	Martin Fagan
6thJanuary	Route: Forest Corner (G.R.067187) - Seahan - Corrig - Seefingan - Kippure - Lough Brays - Glencree.                                                                                          [13km/500m Ascent]	Frank Rooney
13thJanuary	Circuit of Glenbride Route: Forest Entrance (G.R.031037) - Glenbride Hamlet  – Silsean  – Moanbane – Billy Byrne's Gap – Mullaghcleevaun – Glasnaqollum Brook – Glenbride Hamlet.                                                                                         [14km/700m Ascent]	Donal Finn
20th January	Introductory Hard Hike Route: Military Road (G.R.101050) – Carrigshouk – East Top – Glenmacnass Brook - Barnacullian (Green Road)– Stoney Top – Lough Ouler – Tonelagee - Wicklow Gap Road.                                                                                                  [12km/600m Ascent]	Gerry Cooke
27th January	Route: Stepaside - Fernhill Tunnel Three Rock – Fairy Castle – Tibradden Mtn - Pine Forest - Cruagh Mtn - Glendoo Mtn - Knocknagun - Boranaraltry Bridge - Glencullen Finish (G.R.174208).                                                                                           [18km/700mAscent]	Jimmy McCullagh
3rd February	Route:Sally Gap - Carrigvore - Gravale - Military Road - Knocknacloghoge - Cloghoge Brook - Luggala - Military Road Car Park (G.R. 138088).                                                                                        [14km/800m Ascent]	John Barry-Lowe

 

The annual An Óige Hillwalkers club Annual General Meeting will be held at 7:30pm on Tuesday 29th January, upstairs in the Palace Bar, to be followed by a slideshow.

 

Please attend to air your views on the club and to hear how the committee and your fellow members feel the club is doing. Also, only members present can participant in the election of the new committee for 2002. If interested in standing for a committee position, you just need a nominee and someone to second the nomination.

 

Please see the details elsewhere in the newsletter for the February 1st-3^rd Comeragh Mountains Map & Compass weekend. This event is only open to those currently doing the course or to persons who have completed the course in the past and who wish to brush up on their skills.

 

 

You’ve all seen moments like it, when Tonto studies a snake crawling on the ground and then turns to the Lone Ranger and informs him that a storm is coming. “If only I had such outdoor skills”, you think in wonderous admiration. But now you can!!!

 

Commencing Tuesday, Feb 5, 2002 and running for 6 weeks, the Club will be organising a short course on Weather Interpretation and Undertanding which will be given by Mr Gerry McDonald, Meteorologist ( formerly of the Irish Meteorological Service).

 

The course will be held on the following nights: Tuesdays February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 5 and 12, commencing in Room 102 each evening at 7.30pm in the An Óige hostel, Mountjoy Street. The total  cost is €40 and booking is now open at An Oige Head Office (Ph. 830 4555).

 

Not one to miss a trick, our creative treasurer Proinsias MacAnBheatha has indicated that £6.00 actually equals €8.00. This will be the amount payable for the trips in January. Before, disgruntled members rush to the Consumer Affairs Commissioner, we are not trying (too hard) to swindle you, but we want to spare the hike leaders the hassle of giving out change (as £6.00 converts to around €7.60ish).

 

Please be forewarned, however, that a price increase is planned for the bus and that from February the price will be €9 (which equals £7.07).

 

The hike co-ordinator has asked that we take note of the following points of safety for the Winter walks, especially hike leaders:

 

All hike participants should carry suitable waterproof torches, reflective armbands or strips and adequate winter attire from the end of October until the end of the winter period (March - April 2002). Leaders should insist that all participants are suitably attired and using torches when required. Leaders should plan to finish all hikes between 1700 and 1730hrs (earlier if severe adverse weather conditions prevail). Every effort should be made (without dragging or hurrying the group) to reach a recognised safe track or road way before the onset of darkness. Leaders should slow the pace down when encountering any type of awkward or difficult terrain, steep or slippery inclines etc. Extra vigilance should be exercised during the periods of dusk, darkness, dense fog or mist, snow and icy conditions etc. Walks should be altered or shortened  to take account of adverse weather conditions e.g. possible flooding or icy roads.

 

Saturday Hikes – Meet at Messrs Maguire Bar, O’Connell Bridge, Dublin at 8.45 a.m.

Bring: Packed lunch, wet weather gear and torch

Wear: Boots, tracksuit bottoms (no jeans), hat and gloves

 

Marley Park to Glencullen           Saturday January 12th

 

For further details of all the above trips contact An Óige Head Office at 01-830455

 

Slideshows are planned for the following dates: Jan 29, Feb 19, Mar 12, and Apr 16. To start us off, we have:

 

Hillwalkers Wales Trip, September 2001 & Sicily and Naples

 

Presented by Donal Finn

 

January 29^th, 8.30pm, Upstairs Lounge, Palace Bar

(Preceeding the Club AGM in the same venue)

 

Meanwhile, if anyone would like to show their slides please contact Donal Finn.

 

There now follows a party political broadside from the Editor:

 

As alluded to elsewhere in the newsletter, the club’s AGM will be held at the end of this month. This is your opportunity to strike a blow against the incompetent, corrupt, autocracy that has been misgoverning our club for ages. At last I, the Editor, can reveal the true depth of their corruption. Having joined their ranks last year, I carefully observed their doings. Some might say I was only too happy to immerse myself in this pit of iniquity, but it merely served to fool my fellow committee members into revealing their twisted dealings: the ill-gained wealth, the Committee yachts, penthouse apartments, and luxury holidays…all this and more I endured patiently so as to win over their confidence and make them believe I was as corruptible as themselves. But now I choose to overthrow this corrupt clique.

 

In the New Order I propose, the committee structure will be reorganised: there will be a new post, “Supreme Grand Master”. The sub-committee members below me, ahem, I mean the Supreme Grand Master (whoever that might be), will perform the normal committee duties. All funds (and female phone numbers) will be channelled through the incorruptible hands of the S.G.M; the same person will delegate the work to the sub-committee underlings.

 

Why vote for me at the AGM? Because this is your chance to reclaim your club, to oust the dictatorial Donal “Chairman Mao” Finn, the shady Prionsias “Brown Envelope” MacAnBheatha, and all that other crew. And finally, because as Editor, I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER.

 

Vote For Warren

As the Supreme Grand Master of the Committee

…or else

 

p.s Frank Rooney’s crashing of the Committee sports car has nothing to do with any forthcoming rise in the weekly hike fees.

 

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK MARCH-APRIL 2001

 

Having spent a day in Kathmandu, reacquainting myself with the Backpackers area of Thamel and the Temples and Palaces around Durbar Marg, it was time to take an early morning flight by twin otter to Phapu and a helicopter ride to Lukla, where an army of workers was sealing the airstrip for the first time.

 

There we met up with our Sherpa crew led by the good-humoured Jangbu Sherpa.

Leaving Lukla we walked up the alpine valley of the Dudh Khosi river, along a good track till we crossed the river to our first camp at Phakding (2,650m). Next day we entered the Sagarmatha National Park still following the river. In the afternoon we crossed a suspension bridge slung high over the Dudh Khosi and climbing out of the valley we reached the main Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar (3,440m).In Namche Bazaar we visited the Sherpa Museum which portrays the relationship of these hardy people with the mountains and the mountaineers.

 

From Namche we followed the Bhote Kosi valley through pine forest to Thamo (3,505m) where we camped for two nights to allow for acclimitization. A walk to the monastery at Thame (3,940m) followed the Nangpo Tsangpo valley, the main trading route to Tibet, found us passing Tibetan traders with their yaks laden with goods, destined for the Saturday market in Namche Bazaar.

 

We set out for Kumjung (3,790m), passing the airstrip at Shyangboche, Jangbu Sherpa met and introduced us to Appa Sherpa, the man who has summited Everest the greatest number of times, eleven at the time we met him! He was there to meet a Japanese Everest climbing expedition for which he was acting as Sirdar (organizer and leader of the climbing Sherpas).

 

In Kumjung we visited the small local monastery, where to great ceremony, a little old lady produced a key and opened a cabinet containing a “Yeti scalp”! The relic looked suspiciously like a moth-eaten fur hat, but the Sherpas take their Yetis seriously, so we all looked suitably impressed. Later that day we dropped in to the school founded by Sir Edmund Hillary.

 

On next day to the magnificent monastery at Thyangboche, which sits on a ridge at 3,867 metres. I got up at 5.30am as the sun rose behind Ama Dablam and made my way up the steps of the monastery. I entered a dimly lit room where the monks were chanting morning prayers to the accompaniment of the banging of cymbals, the blowing of trumpets and the rattle of drums. After breakfast we headed for Dingboche (4,298m) and an acclimitization climb of Nangkartshang Peak (5,030m).

 

From there we trekked to Lobuche our highest camp at 4,930 metres, on the way we paused at the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier with it’s memorials to the climbers who have perished on Everest, including Scott Fisher and the others who died in the 1996 disaster.

 

At Lobuche the temperature dropped to –17 degrees centigrade during the night, but the next morning was clear and sunny. We made an early start along the moraine and stopped at a lodge at Gorak Shep (5,182m) for hot drinks before the steep ascent of Kala Pattar, which finished with a scramble over rock slabs to the summit at 5,545 metres.

 

We sat there buffeted by the wind, but feeling elated and drinking in the superb views of Everest to the east, the base camp below on the glacier, and Lhotse, Nuptse and Pumori all in close range. Maybe it’s the lack of oxygen, but as you sit on the summit of Kala Pattar looking at the summit of Everest 3,300 metres above, you wonder if you would have it in you to get there. After all it only takes two months, fifty thousand dollars, massive determination and luck! Should these thoughts occur – read Jon Krakauer’s account of the ’96 disaster “Into Thin Air” and reality will kick in.

 

The following days took us to the Goyko Lakes with spectacular scenery and another 8,000+ metres giant Cho Oyu at the head of the valley.

 

Four days later as we approached Lukla we passed a group led by Babu Chiri, the person with the fastest ascent of Everest from base camp – an amazing 16 hours and 56 minutes. Later in the year the sad news broke that Babu Chiri was killed on Everest, when he slipped and fell into a crevasse near Camp 2.

 

In Lukla it was time to say goodbye to the Sherpas, Tamangs and Rai that made up our team, with liberal consumption of Rum Punch and local beer, to the dubious delights of Nepalese singing and dancing. My abiding memories will be of the friendliest of people and the most magnificent mountains on Earth.

 

By Philip Roche

 

Chairperson:                                          Donal Finn

Secretary:                                             Frank Rooney

Treasurer                                               Prionsias MacAnBheatha

Editor:                                                   Warren Lawless

Sunday Hikes:                                      Jim Barry

Weekends/Holidays:                              Martin Fagan

Membership  Secretary:                         Gerry Walshe

Training Officer: Joe Kellegher

Young Hillwalkers:                                 Dave Rooney

 

Distribution:                                           Cyril McFeeney & Pearse Foley

 

The Hillwalkers Club annual membership fee is €19.

 

Many of us will be due to renew our membership soon. In the post-AGM New Order, Ticket Police will be checking membership scrupulously and those offenders unable to pay the on-the-spot bribe/fine will be tossed in the Liffey. An application form is enclosed and should be sent to the membership secretary at the following address: Mr. Ger Walsh, 15 Summerfield Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

 

Queries regarding change of address or non-receipt the Hillwalker should be directed to either Mr Ger Walsh (membership secretary) or Mr Joe Kellegher.

 

Another successful year for the club has passed, culminating in the Christmas club activities. Our annual party was again held in Glendalough, on December 8^th. We enjoyed the best weather we have had for several years over the weekend. As before we had organised walks on the Saturday, with Mr. Finn running the soup-kitchen in the hostel for returning walkers. For dinner, this year, we had to re-jig things to have it in the ‘Wicklow Heather’ restaurant in Laragh. This proved a great success, especially as it was preceeded by the chance to chat and drink in the comfort of Lynam’s pub.

 

The evening went very smoothly, except for the farce of a raffle – the Editor later discovered that the 200 extra ownerless-tickets whose numbers he was calling out were actually in his pocket. Oops! This was doubtlessly the work of persons trying to cripple his chances of re-election in January’s AGM. The really suspicious activity, though, related to Martin Fagan’s table, every member of which seemed to win a prize…

 

Prizes were awarded for Best Newsletter Article to Pearse Foley and Best Newsletter Photo to Patricia Goodman. The competition was very close and auxillary judges had to called in to assist; only outrageous bribery helped settle the matter.

 

As for the post-dinner partying, what can I say? You know the sort of rowdy, drunken behaviour to be expected at these events. In truth though, it was all good, clean fun, which needless to say has disappointed the Editor greatly.

 

Further walks were held the next day in the mist-enshrouded valley or on the sunny hillsides overlooking the lakes. People seemed very pleased with this year’s event and, modesty aside, congratulations are due to the Committee for their organisation of the party. Our thanks also to all the individuals who assisted in so many ways, from leading hikes to donating prizes.

 

The last Hillwalker event before Christmas was Don Reilly’s annual walk. The weather favoured him this year, and dispite been very chill at times, it remained dry and bright. We enjoyed our mince pies and hot whiskeys on the top of Scarr. After descending from Kanturk, we were whisked off by bus to a pub in Roundwood, where we enjoyed music provided by Joanne, Joe, and the Cartin Brothers, Terry and Ron. We even had a bit of a ceilí, which left the floor of the pub covered in the muck shaken from our boots. The ladies were also treated to some singing by Gerry French, fast establishing a reputation in the wider club for his dashing style and manner. Our thanks to Don for his efforts in arranging this enjoyable end to our walking calendar.

 

Walking holiday articles and pictures must be in electronic form where possible or at least typed, and should be a maximum of 500 words. A stamped addressed envelope should accompany any photographs or printed articles to ensure their return. Articles will generally be published in order of receipt.

 

A prize will be awarded for the best article and best cover photo featured in the newsletter at the annual club Christmas party.

 

Articles for inclusion in the newsletter should be sent to Warren Lawless

Email: warrenl@gofree.indigo.ie

Post: 19 Jervis Place, Upper Abbey Street, Dublin 1

 

Current and back issues of the Hillwalker available at online at:

http://homepage.eircom.net/~thehillwalker/index.htm

 

If you want to be subscribed to the newsletter by email, send us an e-mail (and state if you wish to no longer have it posted). Do likewise if you are already receiving the newsletter by email and you wish to be removed from the postal list. Email: warrenl@gofree.indigo.ie

 

CLUB Bursaries

Since its founding in 1993, the Hillwalker's Club has organised a popular Map and Compass programme each year. The course aims to provide a comprehensive grounding in Mountain Skills and it typically involves three indoor evening sessions followed by three outdoor training weekends. The syllabus covered in the course is similar to the Mountain Skills courses (MS1 and MS2) prescribed by Bord Oiliunt Sleibhe - Irish Mountain Training Board and offered by the various Irish outdoor adventure centres (eg, Tiglin, Delphi, etc).

 

In order to further promote and develop mountain skills amongst club members, financial support in the form of bursaries will be made available to members who successfully complete a Mountain Skills Assessment in 2002.

 

The Mountain Skills Assessment (MSA) is based on a skills evaluation programme and is held over a weekend. It involves a number of stages as follows: 

 

·         A written (multiple choice type) assessment on general navigation issues.

·         Practical assessment of day navigation skills.

·         Practical assessment of night navigation skills.

·         Near and far feature recognition.

·         Steep ground awareness.

To undertake the Mountain Skills Assessment (MSA), it is necessary to fulfil the following requirements:

 

·         to have completed at least 30 hill walks in Ireland or Britain over a period of 24 months,

·         to present a Mountain Skills log book detailing the above walks,

·         to hold a valid Rescue and Emergency Care (REC2) certificate or its equivalent (Basic First Aid Certificate).

   

The National Adventure Centre at Tiglin, Wicklow (www.tiglin.com) amongst others, organises the MSA at a current cost of £125.

 

In 2002, the Hillwalker's Club plans to make available at least five bursaries each of £125 to members of at least 24 months standing who successfully complete the MSA.

 

The financial resources to support these bursaries will be made available from the surplus associated with the Club's annual Map and Compass training programme. Support in future years is contingent on sufficient funds being available from this source. 

 

 

Further enquiries from Donal Finn or Joseph Kellegher.

 

Mountain Skills Weekend  

1^st, 2^th & 3^rd of February 2002

Final Weekend of Map and Compass Training Course

Now Open - booking through An Oige Head Office

 

Transport                       By car departing Liberty Hall on Friday, February 1^st, at 18:00 unless otherwise arranged with driver.

 

Accommodation            Dungarvan Holiday Hostel, Youghal Road, Dungarvan, Tel No. 058-44340. 

The accommodation consists of bunk beds (similar to Glendalough YH).

Bed clothes are provided but a sheet bag or a sleeping bag might be useful.

 

Costs                               Accommodation:           €40 per person (Payable to An Oige Head Office on booking).

                                         Transport:                      €20 per person in each car (Payable directly to the driver).

                                                

 

Equipment

 

Raingear (jacket & pull-ups)	Boots	Bivi bag
Fleece jacket	Gaiters	Day rucksack
Hiking breeches / tracksuit	2 pairs of socks (+ spares)	First aid kit
Thermal vest (optional)	Map (sheet 75)	Emergency rations
Hat	Compass (Silva Type 4)	Flask
Gloves	Stopwatch	Head-torch + batteries

Food

No meals are provided at hostel. Breakfasts and packed lunches for Saturday & Sunday.

1 dinner (unless eating out). The hostel is situated in Dungarvan and is close to restaurants.

Map

Ordnance Survey Map Sheet 75 Laminated version is strongly recommended.

 

Routes

Four routes have been selected for the Saturday. Routes 1, 2 and 3 will focus on revision and strengthening of existing skills.  Route 4 will be more suitable for those who feel comfortable with their skills acquired to date and who like to acquire further skills to help augment their knowledge. Please examine each route in conjunction with Map 75, select one route and prepare a corresponding route card. 

Route 1 (Emphasises on strengthening existing skills)

Grid Ref S 314 078, car park (spot height 414), spot height 668, ridge 717, spot height 744, spot height 730, spot height 750, spot height 751, spot height 743, spot height 792, Knockaunapeebra 726, River Mahon, spot height 387, car park.

 

Route 2 (Emphasises on strengthening existing skills)

Grid Ref S 314 078, car park at 414, River Mahon 387, Knockaunapeebra 726, spot height 792, spot height 743, spot height 751, spot height 750, spot height 730, spot height 744, ridge 717, spot height 668, spot height 414, car park.

 

 

 

 

Route 3 (Emphasises on strengthening existing skills)

Grid Ref S 309 050, Ballykilmurry bridge, forest corner S 290 054, standing stone, Cairn, spot height 726, spot height 691 (Monavullagh Mts), spot height 715, spot height 717, spot height 668, car park (spot height 414).

 

Route 4 (Emphasises on acquiring new skills including micro-feature recognition & micro-navigation)

Grid Ref S 342 103 (car par), forest track, forest corner (337 107), knoll (330 106), saddle (323 104), spot height 792,  spot height 743, spot height 751, spot height 750, spot height 730, spot height 744, spot height 668, car park (314 078).

 

A completely different set of routes will be undertaken on the Sunday.

 

Questions  J Kellegher 838 1973(H),  402 4801(W), 086 853 2180, joseph.kellegher@dit.ie

 

 

It is the smallest Youth Hostel in Ireland with just 16 beds. It is surely the most primitive hostel in Ireland and you would find it difficult to find its equal worldwide. The running water is the river that passes the front door, the toilets are the 'old fashion type' and you cook and eat your meals by magic gas light.

 

Last February we had a special request from 30 youth hostel managers from Belgium to visit the hostel. Glenmalure's fame in Belgium was increased after that visit on a cold crisp day. The managers said the hostel had a magic atmosphere and with the big fire and homemade scones and hot beverages they indicated a desire to spend the overnight but their tour programme did not permit.

 

In August 1 met 6 Dutch people in Mountain Lodge Youth Hostel in Tipperary and they raved about wonderful Glenmalure. It was the first Irish hostel they visited. They were fascinated by our voluntary Warden there at the time. Gerry Callanan, a senior life member, volunteered to keep the hostel open when no permanent warden was available.

 

Will we close Glenmalure Hostel? Well, just now that this winter depends on you, the membership of An Óige?

 

We need voluntary wardens immediately, only for weekends in the winter months! The hostel has operated that system for many years but fewer people are helping this ‘spirit of An Óige’ work.

 

Doctor Kathleen Lynm, a long-standing friend of An Óige, bequeathed the small house to the Association in 1955 in one of the remotest and most historic glens in Wicklow. Dr. Lynn's old friend Eamonn De Valera T.D. (later President of Ireland) formally opened this mountain hostel in June 1956 with a large scale rally of members present.

 

To sum up, if you are available to help out one Saturday night in the coming months, please contact head office with your details at 830 4555 or An Óige General Manager David Owens at 8822569.

                                                                                                Eddie McCrane