Hillwalk to the Paps 27/12/99

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The turkey had barely settled in our stomachs and we arose from our Christmas slumber to assemble at the Scout hall for 9.00a.m. the day was cold and frosty, we were all suffering a little from post Christmas stress but we had an appointment to gather with the other Venturers from our region (Cork South-East). After a quick trip to the shop the cluster of cars headed for the Paps in Co. Kerry. Most looked with delight at the sight of snow-capped peaks which greeted us on our arrival in the vicinity.

As the group began to embark our task there were small patches of snow along the pathway, this gave us an indication of what lay ahead. As we left the main track and started to ascend more rapidly the patches of snow were becoming more substantial and frequent. This triggered the inevitable a snowfight, one which continued for the majority of the time we were on the way up. This annoyed some of the more senior members of the party. Soon after it started snowing and before we knew it the visibility was greatly reduced, this meant the group had to be bunched together for the remainder of the upwards struggle. We finally reached our summit and as soon as we did the natural thing followed, LUNCH, most had a hot drink accompanying their sandwiches.

After lunch we headed off to the other peak close by but because of the treacherous weather conditions the decision was made by the hike leaders to return to the original peak and from there we descended back down the mountain. As the clouds lifted the the visibility inevitably improved to reveal the thick blanket of snow which covered the surrounding countryside. Our path downwards was at times slippery but we all managed to survive the ordeal. When we arrived back at the "carpark" we were all feeling slightly chilled so were all glad to get some clean, dry and warm clothes on. From there directly home, well almost, we did stop off for some refreshments in a pub on the way back.

We all arrived back in Cork safely and glad to have shed some of those extra pounds accumulated in the previous two days.