If it's anything like my cadet days the equipment is old army issue i.e ****e. 23 leaders which is a correct ratio of 1 to 3 but to go into strange territory when you know the weather is rough. Guaranteed stupid "make men of them" attitude.
Because we don't have really big mountains in these islands I think this often leads to complacency. Here in Snowdonia several people die each year on the hills. A good friend of mine was blown off the mountains to her death a few years ago - she was fit, athletic, and an experienced mountain hiker. You really don't need to be very high up or in a remote place to be in trouble if the weather gets bad.
All very true mate and sorry to hear about your friend. I've had an acquaintance slip coming down Snowdon and die in winter. Man with 30 years mountaineering experience in the Alps. Accidents do happen. As I said. I'm experienced as well as those I went out with and unexpected changes in mountain weather have caught us out and made it hair raising (literally in once instance). It does happen. I've also been caught coming off these same hills in the dark which was a deeply unpleasant experience. These were 40 kids, with 23 adults who I expect to have at least taken the HML or MLA courses before taking a group into that enviroment. Doesn't sound like they were qualified...not sure how they got insurance if they werent. The weather has been bad in the area all week. I personally wouldn't have gone near the Mournes in those conditions never mind take kids. Even when they got there they should have taken one look at the conditions and said no way. I've heard bits and pieces about what happened and think I've put it together. It was mistake after mistake. There's been an injury during horrible conditions (howling wind, fog and rain) and they've tried to take them off the path directly down into the valley resulting in several more ankle injuries . Big mistake. Very dangerous steep descent from any of the hills straight into bog. It's muddy at the height of summer at the bottom of Annalong never mind in those conditions. What's happened is they've booked the trip months in advance thinking August will be grand and felt pressured to go out despite the weather. You never, ever do that as a leader and there were 23 of them. Especially since there is a mountain centre with indoor climbing wall literally 5 minutes down the road. As you Say, complacency. But that should never happen when leading kids and the leaders need sacked or removed from the cadet tco group.
Sorry to hear about your friend too, Frank. I must admit, I've gone up at times when I probably shouldn't have, and that's irresponsible enough, tbh - but I wouldn't take kids out in bad weather. I'm no climber so I stick to paths that I can manage, but it can still get hairy very quickly when it's wet,windy and poor visibility. Like you say, the leaders should get the chop for this - sounds like they were only a short step from real tragedy.
Doing a trek in Peak District in couple months for charity. First time doing anything like this, gonna be fun. It bloody hard probably!
Hey...ive been airlifted lol...my fault and sizeable donation to the specific rescue team followed. Least I could do for my stupidity Yeah. Texted mate who's on Mourne rescue team. Left him alone earlier obviously lol. They were camping near the forest at mouth of valley as part of their cadet training...went out walking and situation deteriorated from there. They all but a few injured made it back to the tents but soaked through and freezing hence a few with signs of hypothermia. Teams went up and gotthe rest. Kids were all very calm and polite apparently. He stayed professionally silent about the leaders lol. He was well pleased at the efficiency of the inter agency and multi team cooperation. We are all in good hands, most of whom are volunteers. Basecamp lol
I'm not fit enough anymore lol...took dog up Analong a few weeks back (in perfect weather lol) didn't even make it all the way in to start up before being too knackered You done much prep or you just generally fit?
Generally quite fit. Play football twice a week and it's 'only walking'. I think it's just going to be carrying all the stuff with us but it's a 2 day thing and only like 15miles each day.
I think you will still be a bit sore after walking 15 miles a day over that type of terrain, it's not like playing football on a relatively smooth surface. You should manage it OK, but you will know you have been on a long walk! Make sure you have decent walking boots and socks or the blisters will stop you playing football for a while.
Yeah no doubt will be. That's just one thing I need to get for sure. Decent boots and then wear them in beforehand
Go to a proper outdoor shop get fitted then go buy them online. Always been cheaper for me. Oh and breathable layers. Again online. Base layer, micro fleece and waterproof coat. Used to be ridiculously expensive for all this stuff with goretex etc but lots of effective alternatives out there now that are much cheaper. Nothing worse than it being crappy weather forcing you to wear layers that don't allow the sweat out lol Edit. My best ever purchase was a windproof and water resistant fleece. If it wasn't pissing out of heavens the difference in heat control was remarkable
Yeah will start having a look in month or so. Might have to come back to you for some recommendations!
Started the bathroom Tuesday. Managed to get the bath in place last night. Not going to be finished until Tuesday or Wednesday next week; can't do anything tonight, I'm out tomorrow night and windows (including bathroom) are being changed Saturday
If you have pvc pipes to run just watch for having anywhere an airlock might occur. I had that in the parents house and ended up just propping up the pipe that the fool who put it in ran under the bath out to taps he put stupidly on the outside of the bath away from the wall. Just stopped air locks. You tiling?
Not sure whether I'm tiling or not yet. Was planning on using shower boards but just found out how much they are!
