What we've been up to....Lot's of Climbing of course!!!

I really wish I'd a little more time to sit down and update this Blog more often but that would mean I was a tad quiet and that wouldn't be so good I suppose.. It's just been so so busy out on the crags, cliffs, mountains and hills of late that I'm only getting around to it now...

Well the rain is absolutely bucketing down outside and I'm extremely glad I'm not out in the mountains or crags today for sure. We can't complain though can we. It has been a super super summer. Yeah we've had testing days too but hey it's Ireland, that's all part of the package! I just sent a client his pics of a recent days activity with us and while doing so had a quick view over the many many other great  (and admittedly - not so great) photos I've taken recently and it had me reflect on the last few weeks... For a start I'm feeling fit...never fitter to tell the truth and boy it's been a rollercoaster  with this ever changing weather I tell ya!!!

We've had blistering sunshine for an "Intro Rock Course" on the stunning sea cliffs of Dún Seanna, memorable fine days guiding the Adventurous up the mighty Howling Ridge. We've had relaxed fun days teaching climbing in the Gap of Dunloe and all the conditions imaginable from wet 'n'wild to sweet'n'clear days guiding a whole selection of different routes on Corrán Tuathail and the Reeks. We've had first timers to never again-ers, we've guided Irish, English, Scottish and Welsh, American, German, French, from the Philipines and even from Malta . We've had 6 year olds cruising up Very severes and Hvs's and experienced old timers struggle and puff...From the ages of 6 through to 68. We've had the super fit and the "not too fit"!!! The "wahooo" successes and the disappointing failures and retreats. the overjoyed and the underestimated....but that's all part of it too...nothing ventured, nothing gained. 



Now the summer's still got plenty left yet and it's far far from over...Not by a long shot!!! 
Still plenty more happening in the weeks ahead...at home and abroad!!! Yes there's mornings when I wake I feel tired...shattered in fact....Climbing Ireland's highest on average 3-4 times a week does take it's toll no matter how fit you are but once the formalities are complete, (and of course the coffee is consumed!) It doesn't take long for the senses to awake, for the adrenaline to flow and to yet again realise how incredibly lucky I am to be working at something I truly love and in surroundings and landscapes that truly inspire. Can't wait to climb Mt Brandon again on Sunday....for the second time in a week!!! And that's what's supposed to be called work...Now that's some office I tell ya ;-)
 

 
 

 

Dog Access Restrictions in The Reeks

There was a recent post on climbing.ie regarding the "unfriendly" signs which have been erected at most access points to Ireland's highest mountain.

http://forum.climbing.ie/index.php/topic,5768.0.html

Much discussion ensued and yes, it is such a shame that this is the point we have arrived at - irresponsible dog owners are the detriment of those of us that like to climb with our four legged companions.  I spent many happy years doing all sorts of routes in these fine mountains with my now passed dog - she was a super climber and loved heading off with us and spending a long demanding day in the hills.  So I'm very disappointed that I am no longer allowed this pleasure with my current dogs.  The blame can not be directed at the landowners but must be directed toward the ignorance of a small few.

"Living in the foothills of the Reeks and also being a SARDA Dog Handler  (www.sardaireland.com ) with a fully qualified Mountain Rescue Dog, I would love nothing more than to ramble about the mountains in the company of my dog who is highly trained, stock tested and proven to be no threat to livestock.  Of course if there is a call out with a requirement for a search dog there is no issue with one being used – we have recently held a very successful National Training weekend in The Reeks where we were given permission to access.  So that should answer the query on whether search dogs are allowed – yes on prior permission for training or when on a shout.

Out of respect for the people that own and farm the land and are allowing us access, these are now the only times I take my dog into the Reeks.   But that’s me – being a responsible dog owner and respectful to those who are kind enough to allow me access to their land.  The unfortunate issue is that not everyone is as responsible or respectful!

The crux of the issue is this - Many dog owners think “their” dog is no threat (and most aren’t) strolling past the “Please do not bring your dog” sign to find that after leaving them off the leash when they think no one is about that the dogs start roaming off (and quite often the owner has difficulty reigning them in) and just by doing so is causing stress, endangering and very recently even causing death to livestock.  So what is a landowner to do?  Of course feel that they must take a more drastic approach and threaten those that blatantly ignore the polite request with a more off-putting sign –although people are still walking past it – may as well be giving the landowners the two fingers in doing so.

This issue stems from the ignorant dog owners – I can’t blame the landowners for being pushed towards drastic action and I’m at a loss as to what signage they can put up that everyone will stop and take notice of and respect. Yes the wording is shocking – I think that’s the whole idea. It is regrettable that those of us who can control our dogs are hit with this restriction but, the fault is with those that can’t control their dogs taking them in anyway and causing havoc and making dogs an issue for landowners in the first place."
Catherine,