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. Cost €10.00.

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.

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.

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.

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

The hike co-ordinator has asked that we take note of the following points of safety for the late Autumn & 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. 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.

Walking the GR 20 Corsica

Presented by Donal Finn

Tuesday, Mar 11th, 8.30pm, The Palace Lounge (Upstairs)


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Cuba

Presented by Barbara Sudrow

Tuesday, Apr 8th, 8.30pm, The Palace Lounge (Upstairs)

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Meanwhile, if anyone would like to present a slide show, please contact Donal Finn (01-4530617).

The Trek: The Stubai high level trail is a circuit, starting at a height of 1000 meters and reaching the highest point at 2880 meters. It runs almost without interruption through a nature conservation area. As might be expected, the scenery is both varied and delightful. The trail does not cross any glaciers, but it is most definitely high level, most of it situated at between approx. 2200 meters and 2700 meters. The highest point is the Grawagrubennieder at 2880 meters. This requires Alpine experience and suitable equipment. Good mountain climbing boots are a necessity. An ice axe is recommended in early summer. The route can, of course, be started in either direction. It can also be stopped at any of the Huts, and descend to the valley. The total length of the trail is approx. 120 km and can be done within 7-9 days.

Eight Alpenverein (Alpine Club) Huts serve as bases, splitting up the whole tour into nine stages including ascent and descent.

From the beginning of June till the end of September the Huts are open for public. All Huts have full catering, food and drink being obtainable at reasonable prices. Becoming a member of the UK section of the Austrian Alpine Club might be advisable (prior to the trip).

As announced at the Volunteer night last month in An Óige headquarters, here are details of a sponsored walk in aid of work planned for Glenmalure hostel.

Saturday 10^th and Sunday 11^th May 2003

This challenge is being organised to raise funds for the upgrading of Glenmalure Youth Hostel. Accommodation for 120 people will be provided in Glendalough International Hostel.

This is an opportunity for walkers of all levels to do something practical for this unique walkers hostel. Leaders are needed to take small groups of walkers on various routes. If you cam help with this contact Marie McDonnell, tel 01 8377411 (H) or 8822560 (An Oige Head Office) or Pat Doyle, Tel (086) 3311345 or (045) 404986. Sponsor cards available from Marie McDonnell or Pat Doyle

No real gossip for you this month. There is however an expansion to the penalty point scheme for hillwalkers (as detailed in the November 2002 edition):

This amendment to the rules was prompted by the behaviour of a previously respected member of the club, who was recently burning the candle at both ends, partying till late at Mary & Ali’s party and then leading our group the next day. It is all well and good for ordinary participants to be hung-over: The Editor himself can attest to the wonderful curative properties of fresh air when in a tender state. But for leaders to fall onto the bus, barely conscious of who they are, let alone where they are bringing the group??? Tut, tut. Breathalisers have been ordered for the club as a matter of urgency to stamp out this irresponsible behaviour.

Chairperson: Donal Finn
Secretary: Frank Rooney
Treasurer: Prionsias Mac an Bheatha
Editor: Warren Lawless
Sunday Hikes: Jim Barry
Sunday Hikes Assistant: Tom Kenny
Membership Secretary: Barbara Sudrow
Training Officer: Joe Kellegher
Training Assistant: Jimmy McCullagh
Young Hillwalkers: Dave Rooney

Distribution: Cyril McFeeney & Pearse Foley
Webmaster: Matt Geraghty

Email: warrenl@gofree.indigo.ie

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