// Trip Reports  

Report name	Open Gold Expedition - Eire 2004
Date submitted	Jul-04

This year, young people from Guernsey, England and Australia successfully completed a challenging and adventurous journey in the remote Sheefry & Mweelrea Mountains of West Ireland. The expedition started with its first challenge at the ferry port when we had to fit all clients and their baggage into the minibus – thank goodness for roof-racks. We then headed west and our pre-expedition destination a hostel in Sligo.

The following day was full of route and menu planning and preparation for the expedition. everyone was ready for an early morning start.

After a short drive into the expedition area the group were soon on their way up the mountain and into unknown territory. Although the weather was not improving, the forecast was promising. However, after an unexpected and arduous bog trot, and no lift in the weather, the group found progress slow and had to change their plan and make their first group safety decision. They camped at 742m on their first night, one of the unplanned highlights of the trip! Amazingly they managed to find some shelter and recover during the night, ready for the next day.

Day two saw the group make excellent progress during some strong winds and very variable visibility as they followed the spectacular ridge top along the Sheeffry Hills. The group mentioned the level of good teamwork and determination during this day as they pushed on despite set backs on the first day. A particularly narrow ridge on-route tested everyone’s nerves, but was soon an expedition highlight once they were standing on the other side! I believe the story starts with something like ‘as we were holding onto each others’ rucksack’.

I was waiting at the bottom with some fresh chocolate brownies for the group, which seem to go down well and gave them that essential boost to climb up the other side, and onto their second wild camp.

After a lovely second night camp by a Lochan at 400m, the group set off early on day three and traversed around the Mweelrea Mountain. The weather was still hitting the group with intervals of sunshine and heavy showers – more of the latter actually. With this in mind, the group decided to head down and follow the remote coastline for shelter and progress. Many commented on their aesthetic appreciation of this area, as well as the mountain scenery throughout.

Day four finished with a long sandy beach walk. The group managed to finish early and after a review we returned to Sligo and well deserved hot showers and clean clothes. After a verbal presentation in the hostel and some necessary travel packing, we headed for the town centre for post expedition food and refreshments!!!

Alan Fairweather – expedition supervisor