A big round on the Reeks

I was originally supposed to be working today but a change of plan meant I was free to take advantage of the glorious weather and head to the MacGillycuddy Reeks in Kerry. 

Carrauntoohil

It has been a while since I was here and I was determined to take advantage of this opportunity. So I set off on a superbly clear frosty morning in great spirits to the best mountains in Ireland. I enjoyed a leisurely start to the day so it was nearly 11am when I left the car. There was a distinct chill in the air so I had a light hat and gloves on from the start. My legs felt fairly heavy so I set a steady pace and just plodded on. The slog to the lake under Cruach Mor doesn't have a lot to recommend it but I made steady progress and eventually reached it. Here things get a little more interesting and some scrambling is possible as you head towards the summit. There was some hoare frost on the rocks so care was needed. There was a wonderful clarity to the air and when I arrived at the summit I rested a while and enjoyed the expansive views in all directions. The Galtees were crystal clear in the distance and other ranges further afield could also be seen.

The view East

The Big Gun

I soon set off for Cnock na Peiste. On the was you pass over An Garbh and drop steeply to a col above Lough Googh. It was a joy to be out on a day such as this and everywhere you looked there were views to savour. My knees were aching a bit but not enough to to cause me to think about shortening the route. The ridge of the eastern Reeks is at over 3000ft for most of the way until you drop down from Cnoc an Chuillinn and climb Cnoc na Toinne. After this you drop again to the top of the Devils Ladder. The following 1000ft of a slog to the summit of Carrauntoohil is a pain and its here that the relative solitude of the Eastern Reeks is left behind. There is nothing for it but to put the head down and keep on going and it eventually passes. The reward is well worth the effort and to stand on the highest point in Ireland on a day such as this is a real treat.  However I still had a fair ways to go so I didn't linger too long and set off for Benkeeragh.

The 300mtr slog to the summit of Carrauntoohil

Always inspiring Caher

Carrauntoohil from Benkeeragh

Towards Mount Brandon



Incredible sunsets

Down steeply and across the wonderful ridge that links the two highest peaks in the country. Particularly at the start, marvelous scrambling presents itself. Next comes the final pull to the top of Benkeeragh and the views kept on coming. I headed down over Knockbrinna and back to the car. I was tired but very happy with my day. Off back to Killarney for a coffee and then home. Half way home I noticed in my rear view mirror the makings of a magnificent sunset. I pulled over to enjoy the view and take a few pictures. A wonderful end to the day. I must make the effort to get to the mountains more often this coming winter.

A Hill Run on the Kerry Way and a hike on Purple Mountain

Saturday October 20th;

 Last weekend I was busy.
First on Saturday I went for a run with Kevin. We had originally thought to do the South Coast Adventure Race in West Cork but it would have meant an overnight trip and time being at such a premium for Kevin these days (new job and new baby) we opted instead to head to Killarney and do a substantial run over Torc Mountain and Mangerton. It was our first time getting out and about since the start of September so I was really looking forward to it. We parked at the upper carpark above Torc Waterfall and after toasting Baby Clodagh we set off on the Old Kenmare Road towards Torc. It was a lovely morning and we were moving well (Kevin as usual ranging ahead) and we soon arrived at the junction where we left the road and turned onto the hill proper. There is a well built track that comprises of railway sleepers and stone steps. Kevin I suspect wouldn't have needed to stop running at all but I had to walk a few sections but not many and we were on the summit a mere 19 minutes after we left the car. We briefly enjoyed the view and did an about turn and set off back down. We hadn't gone too far when I inadvertently grazed a woman coming up and she fell. She was complaining of a broken arm but she was able to move it and there was no swelling etc. She was understandably very shocked but her husband and myself sat with her and comforted her. After a short while they decided to head back down. We asked if they wanted us to contact anybody but they said no. We stayed with them for some of the way down but they assured us that they were doing OK so after a while we resumed our run.

We weren't long getting back to the Kenmare Road and we turned west. I must confess some of the good had gone from the day but after a while the demands of the run and Kevins good humour took my mind off things and I began to enjoy myself again. The long steep pull on the western flanks of Mangerton didn't appeal so we opted to continue along the trail. It was the first time either of us had been here and to say we thought it stunning would be an understatement. The trail wound its way across open wilderness and glorious glens and was always varied and beautiful. We diverted briefly to a pretty waterfall which was fronted by a large pool. Kevin (never spurning the chance to get naked) striped and had a quick plunge. We continued on and soon came to the bohereen that led to Derricunnihy church where we turned onto the Killarney road. Thankfully is wasn't too busy but it was less pleasent than what had gone previously. It was long too and I was feeling quite tired by the time we were nearing Torc again. Still that didn't stop us from deciding to turn left and do a circuit of Muckross Lake as well. Will I ever learn?.

We walked for a bit while I ate my energy bars and we rued the fact that we hadn't brought ant money with us as a cup of tea and a cake would have been just the ticket at the cafe in Dinis Cottage. Next time we wont make that mistake. We resumed our run and as will be no surprise I was soon struggling. We sat for a while by the lake and chatted. It was nice to relax and have a natter and we resolved to take more time to relax in future trips. I have my doubts. Anyway we continued on and eventually arrived back at the base of Torc Waterfall. The steps up to the car park soon passed and we had a brief race to the car. Lets just say I was quickly shown who was the boss of speed. A relaxed change and back to town for a well earned coffee and a bite to eat. Three hours the run took including the delays and around seventeen miles over some rough ground. Despite the accident it was great to be out with the Kevinator again. Looking forward to the next time.

Sunday October 21st;

I took the train back to Killarney once again to meet Frank. This promised to be an all together more relaxed day which was just as well as I was feeling the effects of yesterdays run. The weather was once again good although there was a fairly strong breeze blowing.  It is always a pleasure to meet Frank and we went for our usual coffee and chatted and decided what to do. We had all the necessary equipment for rock climbing but we opted instead for a hike up Purple Mountain. We went out to the Gap of Dunloe, parked up and set off for Tomies Rock. The conversation flowed and I related how my trip to Switzerland went and we looked forward to our upcoming trip to Snowdonia in Wales. It had been a long time since Frank had been on the hills and he lacked confidence in his ability to climb the steep slopes. We set a steady pace and with the minimum of fuss the meters passed and we made really good time to the top of the rock. The drag up through "The Chimneys" is steep but Frank was underestimating his fitness and he managed it no bother. We continued up to the summit of Tomies and there enjoyed a well earned lunch.

After our bite we continued along over Shehy and easily on the the summit of Purple Mountain 830mtrs. We retraced our steps to the saddle and made our way back to the road in the Gap. A pleasant stroll back to the car followed and we had done the round in a very respectable four hours. Theres plenty life left in the auld boy still Francis. We were just back in town in time for me to catch my train so we didn't have any chance to have more coffee. I am really looking forward to our trip to Wales. Whatever the weather we will have fun.

Killarney Adventure Race 2012

Yesterday I did the Killarney Adventure Race for the second time. It is a tough 67K course that has two tough hill runs with a tough but stunningly beautiful cycle and a kayak section sandwiched in between. After dropping my bike back to Kate Kearney's Cottage and registering on Friday evening I stayed in a B&B in Killarney. I rose at 06.30 and went down to the deserted dining room to have some breakfast. There was nobody about as they didn't start serving until 07.30 but some cereals had been left out and I snuck into the kitchen and raided the fridge for some milk and juice. So after a double helping of Wheatabix I loaded up the car and got ready to depart for the finish area and bus departure point to the start. When I came back in to check out there was a girl in the kitchen so I asked if she could make me a quick omelet which she did. So I was well stuffed by the time I finally left for Muckross at 07.40.

This year the numbers entering were nearly treble that of last year. Over 1100 souls in all. Last year I opted for the third wave of starters and my start time was at nearly 10am. This year after doing so well in last years race (22nd in 5:03:40) I decided to try the second wave so our bus left Muckross at 8am. There was a great buzz about as all the competitors busied themselves warming up and getting ready. On the bus there was a hum of conversation as people chatted excitedly about the challenge ahead. Oh one thing I forgot to mention is that it was a stunning morning. Absolutely clear skies and the first frost of the Autumn meant that Killarney National Park would be seen at its wonderful best today. There was a bank of fog clinging to the lake but more about that later. As we drove the eight miles or so to the start the views to the mountains glowing a russet gold colour in the morning sun, soaring above the fog was breathtaking. What a start to the day. Everything was well organised at the starting line. A good safety briefing and a rigorous kit check were done and soon we were ready for the off. As we waited for our time to arrive the first of the elite runners arrived. Tim O'Donoghue raced in to collect his bike and there was almost a sense of disbelief as the incredible time of 31minutes was mentioned. I was nervously excited myself but a bit apprehensive as I hadn't done much training before the event. Still there was no turning back now and then we were off.

There was the usual dash to the front by the really fit and the over eager inexperienced ones. By now I guess you could say that I have the experience but not the super fitness so I set off at a steady pace and concentrated in getting into a rhythm. On we went up the narrow road for a kilometer or so before a sharp turn onto the switchback track that makes for the summit of Strikeen Mountain. This is where the inexperienced get to regret their over zealous dash from the start and I passed a fair few as I methodically plodded along. I wasn't able to run it all but I managed a fair bit and conserved my energy as I realised that there was a long way to go. The super fit of course met me on the way back as I approached the summit but there wasn't too many in my group. I dibbed in and a quick about turn and I enjoyed the downhill dash back. This time I had no mishap on the way down and ( a fall with a gashed knee last year) so I arrived in to the bike transition area in good form. By now I was well into it.

After my usual slow transition (I must get pedals for the bike that I can use ordinary shoes on) I was pedaling into the "Gap". This bike section is surely one of the most beautiful in Ireland. Not only are you cycling through the Gap of Dunloe with its twisty road and rugged beauty but then you make the rapid descent in to the Black Valley, one of the most remote and beautiful places in the country. This is followed by the stiff climb up to Molls Gap and then the descent past "Lady's View" and along by the upper lake to the transition area near Muckross Lake. There was still a distinct nip in the air and whenever I was in the shade I need no encouragement to keep going. This was especially true as I descended into the Black Valley as I once again entered the fog and the temperature plummetted. Passing the church and school at some speed the gorse that lined the roadsided was covered in spiders webs and it made for an otherworldly sight when I dared take my eyes from the rough road. The steep climbs that have to be done in order to reach the "Head of the Gap" coupled with the lack of time I had spent on the bike had taken their toll. I was constantly fighting off cramps in both calves. This made for some painful episodes but gradually the problem eased. Despite that I enjoyed this section and generally held my own, especially on the flat. As is usual there were some that sped past me on the uphill sections. This year the transition was moved from the roadside at Torc to a spot in Muckross park which meant that there was a short section on a rutted gravel trail. This made for an interesting finish to the cycle although my bike isn't exactly designed for this type of ground.

From the transition there was a run of about one kilometer to the lake edge where the kayak section began. I arrived alone so I didn't have a partner so I opted for a single kayak and set off. Very quickly I saw that the bhoy was only four or five hundred metres offshore. The dense fog of earlier meant that the organisers  had curtailed the course. Bugger and damm but I guess safety is paramount and the prospect of the organisers having to go searching for lost participants wouldn't have been a good thing. Anyway a mere six minutes after entering the water I was out again and setting off on the long run to the lake near the top of Mangerton. I was now struggling and my legs felt like lead. Still there was nothing for it but to go on. I ran where I could and walked the rest. Even on the steeper mountain sections I found the walking difficult. Eventually the top arrived and I took the time to have a long drink from the lake and set off down. The cramping problem was back and for most of the way back they felt like they were going to lock up. Still I made good progress and I guess my by now fairly extensive experience of hill running meant that I was able to overtake a fair few people. Still I was really dissappointed to later discover that I was almost fifteen minutes slower in this section than last year.

From the transition at the bottom it is a mere fout kilometers to the finish line. This was mostly on gravel trails again but it was soon over and I crossed the finish line in 4: 58: 48. and in 55th place. There was a great buzz about the place and the hot tubs were a godsend. I stood in one and let the heat sooth my aching legs while I chatted to/congratulated some of the guys that had finished around me. There was a mega queue for the free chips but after I had changed and packed up I decided to head for the comfort of home. I was tired but pleased with my efforts. There is great satisfaction in completing such a tough  but beautiful course and I am already looking forward to next year. As I write plans are afoot to enter another adventure race in West Cork in a couple of weeks. I'm off to do some training. :o)