2016 Winter Morning Insanity, Part 1 will take place early on Sunday morning, the 24th January 2016 down at the beautiful lakes of Glendalough. Because what else would you be doing pre-dawn on a Sunday?
The event will take place from 07:15am until 07:45am at the above co-ordinates, on the 'beach' at the Upper Lake. I aim to leave the parking co-ordinates (with the inevitable group) at 06:45am. Ignoring all likelyhood of torrential rain, howling gales, ice and heavy snowfall we will take a leisurely stroll along the Wicklow Way via the "Green Route" from the general area of the Hotel to the Upper Lake.
After the event, we will walk back again triumphant, and maybe grab an early morning coffee and scone in the hotel. (They've told me they serve from 08:00am).
Summary: Leave parking co-ordinates at 06:45am Sun 24/01/16, event at 07:15am to 07:45am at the Upper Lake, walk back. Easy!!
This walk has been described as "A doddle" by a well known Dublin cacher, so heap abuse on him should you find it tough. It is a reasonably flat walk, gravel trails throughout and is suitable for all with a reasonable or even low level of fitness. Round trip is only about 4.2km, so a nice easy stroll. It is also a very scenic route, flat calm if the weather behaves and there were lots of wild mountain goats around when I did my trial run. It's also an opportunity to see the touristy sites of Glendalough without any tourists at all, which is an experience in itself.
Parking: There is ample roadside parking along this stretch at the parking co-ordinates. I don't recommend parking in the Hotel carpark as they may suspect an invasion should 20+ cars descend on them at that hour of the morning. We should only use their carpark as an OVERFLOW. Remember we leave the roadside parking location at 06:45am sharp. Be ready.
It is of course possible to park at the Upper Lake carpark and to be really lazy but it won't be open this early and there are clear No Parking signs on the road next to it. C'mon, do it properly!!!
People looking for more adventure may be tempted to hit up Merry Christmas Mr Jones (GCHCQT) as well as Derrybawn Rocks (GC4TQX1) and Rolls (GC4V2G9) after the event proper. That is, of course, optional.
So come join me for this rather unique event. I've always said, you have to go outside of your comfort zone occasionally and do something no sane person would do. I think this fits the bill nicely. If its cool, calm and moonlit I can guarantee you've never experienced Glendalough like this before. Tourist-free too.
Bring plenty of water, some food to keep you going, and a sense of madness and adventure.
Note 1: How could we forget 2015 Summer Morning Insanity and its horrific weather? This could be the same, only much colder. Wrap up well with plenty of extra layers (more than you planned) and prepare for rain. My events don't tend to co-operate weather wise. Please bear in mind that wind-chill, cold and wet is a merciless combination and hypothermia is an outside possibilty if you're not prepared. I would also recommend flashlights, and tripods for cameras!
Note 2: Winter Morning Insanity events are at the mercy of ice. I will postpone this event should there be a big freeze (or indeed, abhorrent weather) and I deem driving to the event location dangerous. Its a Sunday in Ireland, not even the motorways will be gritted if its cold. I propose Sunday 31st as a backup date, just in case. Obviously there'll be 101 announcements near to the time should this be necessary.