Sunday 21 August 2011

Mini Kili Preparation List

MINI KILI PACKING LIST: Not sure what to bring?

WHAT TO WEAR
Footwear: Ideally you should have hiking boots or shoes - the ground can be wet and mucky and it will be uneven in places so sturdy footwear is very important to protect your ankles - we don't want any of our star players getting injured!

Clothing: Weather on the mountain can be very mixed so its best to layer up. It's often very windy at the top so best so bring the following: lightweight top, fleece, windbreaker/rain jacket, gloves, sun hat, wooly cap. Think all-weather gear!

A note on weather: We are going on an adventure in the great outdoors therefore we are subject to the elements. There is always a chance that fog could descend over the Galtees and if that happens we will be unable to reach the summit. Each group will have a guide who will be keeping a close watch on the weather and will advise you if they believe there is any risk.
WHAT TO BRING:
Drinks: You'll be amazed what thirsty work climbing is! Make sure to bring at least 1 litre of water with you - if you can manage to borrow a Platypus from someone these are really handy but otherwise a good old fashioned bottle will do grand!

Food: And it's definitely hungry work! If you're planning to go to the summit of Galtee Mor you'll need to bring a packed lunch to celebrate getting to the top! It's also good to have a few treats with you to keep you going like fun size bars or if you prefer a healthier option - nuts or a banana. Sadly there is no shop at the summit (!) so please pack whatever you think you might need - you can always bring it home again if you don't.

Other items not to forget:
*Sun tan lotion
*Camera
*Sunglasses

So I know it looks like a long list but you'll enjoy the walk so much more if you come prepared. If you're a first timer and have any questions about the route, what to bring, start time etc please drop me a message.
CLIMB TIMES
In order to make the climb manageable and enjoyable for everyone we are going to set off at the following times:

10.00 - Experienced walkers
10.30 - Experienced stragglers
...11.00 - First timers I
11.30 - First timers II
12.00 - Family walk

Once you reach the midpoint of the Cairn which marks the end of the stoney path you can decide whether you feel up for an attempt at the summit or if you've had enough for one day it's very easy to return to the car park.

During the week we'll be announcing who is guiding which groups.
Ciara

Thursday 4 August 2011

Anyone for a bit of training???

Well it's now six weeks to go to Kilimanjaro and only 3 weeks to our Mini Kili Galtee Climb, so I thought I'll fill you in on our goings on over the last little while. It's been training, training, training... anyone see a theme?

We've been exploring the Galtees and also making new friends in the Dublin Mountains. I'm hoping that doesn't sound suspect.

Seriously, there we were driving around the Dublin mountains looking for a route for the day when we happened upon a walking group who offered their guiding services for the day- so off we went around Two Rock and Three Rock in the Dublin mountains, we got amazing views of the city and Dublin Bay, and ended up in Johnny Foxes. Great time had by all- thanks again to our guides!


(Ended up in Johnny Foxes, but it was tea and chocolate... we swear!)

But that's not just it... there was more exploring done closer to home! For anyone who hasn't seen the Galtee's "from the other side" it's defo worth a look. Muskery Lake hike was amazing and means we're well on our way to Kilimanjaro.

We'll be releasing details of our Mini Kili event over the next couple of days so stay tuned to find out more! Hope to see you all on the 28th... and it's not just the climb that's on, there's the food festival afterwards and we're also holding a BBQ in the Tavern that evening for anyone that's STILL hungry!!!

Lisa