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MULANJE EXPATRIATES THREEPEAKS SOCIETY

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ANNUAL REUNION. Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland.
6-9 August 2003

The various participants rocked up at the Donard Hotel, Newcastle, on Wednesday. Over the next few days they came to appreciate the good food in generous quantities, the comfortable and spacious rooms, the very friendly and helpful staff and of course the Guinness. Petzold and Leslie ate at the hotel and found the food up to their fastidious tastes. Petzold actually spent three nights under the same hotel's roof, far exceeding the average of three hours at other establishments.

The weather was hot and hazy throughout the meet. In fact the start on Thursday at Trassey Bridge was in thick mist. Only after half an hour into the walk did Dennis Allan tell us that the car park was a favourite target for car thieves. This is because it is so easy to get over the border, on the ferry from Rosslare to France and on their way to potential customers in Eastern Europe.

Dennis stayed with us to Hare's Gap and took numerous photos of our 15 walking members. At that point the sun broke through with good views as we negotiated the Brandy Pad. It was so hot that our leader used the presidential umbrella as a parasol at a rest stop near the Castles. Soon after a surprising number of brollies emerged from members' packs to be used similarly. It was then on to the col between Slieve Donard (2,796ft) and Slieve Commedagh (2,512ft) for lunch. Sadie stayed there to guard our pack while the rest made it to the top of Slieve Donard. Small world it was there that AMLH met one of the people from his Berkshire rambling club.

Back down to the col. At that point some of the saner members decided that one peak was enough for the day — thus Brian, Sue Miller and Rhoda set off with Sadie down the Glen River Path back to Newcastle. The other 11 made it to the top of Commedagh. Eight went off east for the Glen River. Axeman and the Wards did not fancy what looked to be rufty tufty at the end of the day and retreated to the col and the head of the organised path.

The 11 of us reunited at the top of the forestry and descended to Newcastle. The eight admitted the going on the lower stages of their short cut had been rather hard going. After retrieving cars from Trassey Bridge — we were glad to find they were all there — a typical Meths evening ensued.

Friday we had our sights on Slieve Binnian (2,449ft), the third highest peak in the Mournes with an impressive rock ridge. Twelve of us made it to the summit for lunch. The Belfast Corporation had thoughtfully drilled holes in the rock to stand our umbrellas. Brian and Sue had earlier decided Binnian was not for them and we met up with them near the Blue Lough after a scenic descent via the Back Castles and North Tor. It was then back to the car park and start at Carrick Little.

Everyone thought the Mournes were great and were impressed by their ruggedness, compactness and good paths. For some it was reminiscent of Mulanje but for the addition of the Belfast Corporation wall. This was designed to demarcate and protect their water catchment area. However, this did not prevent Socks dumping his load.

In the evening the AGM took place. It was too long-winded to the detriment of serious drinking, lewd songs and 'Chase the Lady' sessions. It did come up with at least one sensible suggestion: namely that future meets be divided into two separate programmes — one to cater for the increasingly geriatric older end and something more challenging for the younger end of the club.

Suswa washes rounded off the meet on Saturday morning. This year's wash extended to include new parameters. Firstly Petzold's bum was too good to miss as he stood in characteristic photographic pose. Secondly, the wearing of swimming costumes. Daphne "DM³" took this sensible precaution. Thirdly we gave our friendly head waiter Pat Milligan a wash. Pat is a tall bloke with a large face. Axeman only hit his lower half, so we all resolved to return to the Mournes to do the other half next time.

Prick of the meet:

Lord of the Big Ruo — at Trassey Bridge he parked his car in the middle of the only wet and muddy part of the park. Otherwise behaviour was of an uncharacteristically high standard for Meths.

Meet participants

Ian "Mad Axeman" Mason Leader), Sadie Mason, Stephen "Ballcrusher" Ward, Pauline Ward, Mike "Mad" Petzold, Verena "Muesli" Petzold, Daphne "DM³" Martin, Stuart "Socks" Leslie, Rhoda Leslie, Brian "AMLH" Sayers, Jane Sayers, Eric "Polevault" Scott, Val Scott, Sue Miller and her mother, Dave "Lord of the Big Ruo" Harrison, Mike "Harpic" Mossford and Gladys, and Ian's friend from Northern Ireland who first introduced the area to him Dennis Allan.