An umbrella group for Irish hillwalkers.
Galtees Challenge 2012
Galtees Challenge 2012
With the Challenge Walks season well under way, the very heavy rain of late has meant that "underfoot" conditions have certainly been of a different nature this year.
And as the ever friendly Galtee Walking Club once again hosted their popular Galtee Challenge and Crossing - the pains of "bogtrotting" were to be no exception in escaping the aftermath of some of the most torrential rain seen since the afternoon Noah said to his sons "Looks like a lot of rain up in them there clouds".
Yet all this meant was that it was the ground that was wet and not any of the one hundred and thirty happy chappies (and chapesesses) who took part in the day's proceedings of both a Challenge (self-navigating) and a Crossing (every bit as long, just with the help of experienced guides).
.
There were to be no free bounces upon the bog on this day, instead the "sshlop, sshlop, sshlop" of vibam soles was the prevailing sound of the traversing masses over the boggy parts of this great ridge.
And whilst initial clouds and mist may have looked ominous - the day cleared early to present beautiful views all round.
And a magnificent warm day it would stay.
The mighty Galtymor and surrounding peaks blessed all with panoramic vistas from the Blackstairs to the Knockmealdowns.
Every day the hills present or show something different, never to be seen again. To see plumes of mist as they dance above deep corries below - truely does encapsulate one of the forty-seven (at least) reasons why I feel Challenge Walks have a very important part to play in our world of walking.
Leaving a flapping and precariously inciting Cork flag at one of the final checkpoints, it would be a long and at times tricky descent (owing to hidden, wet slippy rocks hidden under an inch of heather) back down to finish at Cahir Castle.
Cahir really is picturesque neck of the woods and the Galtee Walking Club always extend a warm welcome . . . . and if Challenge Walks are just an excuse to get up, get out and get to see yet another lovely part of Hillwalking in Ireland . . . sure what about it.
Won't that at least be number two of our forty-seven reasons for a goin' a potterin' !!
Many Thanks to All,
Jim Holmes.



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