‘Come up for the weekend and we’ll go for a walk or trek in Connemara. You’ll be able to take some nice photographs.’ That was more or less what my son Alan said to me a few days before the August bank holiday weekend. I arrived late on Friday night and on Saturday morning with the sky filled with grey rain filled clouds we set off. However instead of heading west towards Connemara we headed north; and before I knew it I was parking the car at the foot of Croagh Patrick. We drove through heavy rain on the way, but it was dry when we arrived. We decided to chance heading up the mountain. The last time I was up ‘The Reek’ was as a member of the Tullamore Unit of the Order of Malta on Reek Sunday in the 1970’s. That day we stretchered a teenage girl off the mountain after she sprained her ankle. When we got her to the bottom she walked away!
In the forty or so year since I had threatened on numerous occasions to do it again. I think Alan was fed op of hearing me say this – thus our trip last Saturday morning.
The way up was tough (for me) but there were plenty of people on the mountain, each making their way at their own pace. When we reached the top I felt a nice sense of achievement, but one also of relief. We had quick snack, walked around, took our ‘proof’ photos, and then prepared for the descent. The views on the way up and from the top are amazing, especially Clew Bay and it’s many islands to the north.
Descending 'The Reek'. August 2014.
This photo, taken at about 600 metres (2,000 feet), shows a man descending the mountain, while others make their way up. This part of the track is quite steep and the rocks are loose, making it very difficult to keep your balance. Many climbers use climbing sticks to help them keep their balance. The track winds down the mountain, flatten off for a bit (near left centre edge of photo), before becoming steep again for the final stretch to the car park (out of shot).
The descent wasn’t too bad for the first half, but after that the leg muscles began to really ache. At times my legs felt like jelly. Eventually we reached the car – mission accomplished! We were very lucky with the weather, the rain kept away while we were on the mountain.
Just to prove we made it. Alan and me on the summit of Croagh Patrick (photographer unknown)
I brought my Nikon P7000 on the trek. I took all my photographs either on the way up or on the summit. When the shot of Alan and me was taken the battery packed in. Needless to say I didn’t have a spare with me.