TY GAISCE HIKE May 2013
T.Y Gaisce Hike 2013- Glendalough
On a sunny May morning, the T.Y students of St. Mary’s Edenderry made their way to the valleys of Wicklow to complete their Gaisce award by participating in a 26km Hike through the mountains of Glendalough. The hike began at the base of one the many mountains that create the beautiful scenery of Glendalough.
At 11 a.m. the students set off, accompanied by 5 teachers and 2 hike guides, on what was a beautiful May morning. Spirits were high as they started to ascend into the mountains but soon the weather took a turn for the worse. The students were soon being pelted by hail, sleet and rain but their high spirits were not dampened by the shocking weather and they continued to the top of the mountain.
While at the summit the students took a much appreciated short break for lunch. The now re-energised group began their long winding descent down the side of the mountain. The weather cleared for short periods offering a rare sight of sun. The ground underneath became a lot more marshy which made the trek back down even more treacherous. Eventually after a 6 hour hike this group of young brave souls returned in the same high spirits that they set off with. After 16km the students and teachers were able to replenish their lost energy as they relaxed at the youth hostel.
After dinner the group gathered again to watch a film just before heading off to bed restore all energy for the last part of their hike. The effects of the first day could be felt on the legs but not on the heart as these incredible students set off for the remainder of their hike and tried in vain to keep up with the teachers. All the students were amazed at how fit the teachers were. "I can't believe the teachers are so much fitter than the students" one student was heard to say. The weather improved vastly for the final 10km and this drove the students on to accomplish their goal.
The terrain was not as punishing as the first day; although the hill climbs were steep the ground was solid. The walk began through the monastery in Glendalough and took us through the meandering hills above the monastery’s graveyard. The hike began as a steep climb through the hills but shortly leveled out. This was much appreciated by all due to the severity of the first day.
Once at the top of the hill, half way through the hike, the students were given the great opportunity to admire the breathtaking natural beauty that is Glendalough. Fortunately from this point onward the hike was all downhill which gave the students a great chance to recover their energy. After two and a half hours the students finally reached their goal and completed the entire 26km hike.
This was an immense achievement by all that took part and I think that they should be congratulated for the enormous effort that was exerted over the two days.
By Evan Hackett and Joe Mulraney
On a sunny May morning, the T.Y students of St. Mary’s Edenderry made their way to the valleys of Wicklow to complete their Gaisce award by participating in a 26km Hike through the mountains of Glendalough. The hike began at the base of one the many mountains that create the beautiful scenery of Glendalough.
At 11 a.m. the students set off, accompanied by 5 teachers and 2 hike guides, on what was a beautiful May morning. Spirits were high as they started to ascend into the mountains but soon the weather took a turn for the worse. The students were soon being pelted by hail, sleet and rain but their high spirits were not dampened by the shocking weather and they continued to the top of the mountain.
While at the summit the students took a much appreciated short break for lunch. The now re-energised group began their long winding descent down the side of the mountain. The weather cleared for short periods offering a rare sight of sun. The ground underneath became a lot more marshy which made the trek back down even more treacherous. Eventually after a 6 hour hike this group of young brave souls returned in the same high spirits that they set off with. After 16km the students and teachers were able to replenish their lost energy as they relaxed at the youth hostel.
After dinner the group gathered again to watch a film just before heading off to bed restore all energy for the last part of their hike. The effects of the first day could be felt on the legs but not on the heart as these incredible students set off for the remainder of their hike and tried in vain to keep up with the teachers. All the students were amazed at how fit the teachers were. "I can't believe the teachers are so much fitter than the students" one student was heard to say. The weather improved vastly for the final 10km and this drove the students on to accomplish their goal.
The terrain was not as punishing as the first day; although the hill climbs were steep the ground was solid. The walk began through the monastery in Glendalough and took us through the meandering hills above the monastery’s graveyard. The hike began as a steep climb through the hills but shortly leveled out. This was much appreciated by all due to the severity of the first day.
Once at the top of the hill, half way through the hike, the students were given the great opportunity to admire the breathtaking natural beauty that is Glendalough. Fortunately from this point onward the hike was all downhill which gave the students a great chance to recover their energy. After two and a half hours the students finally reached their goal and completed the entire 26km hike.
This was an immense achievement by all that took part and I think that they should be congratulated for the enormous effort that was exerted over the two days.
By Evan Hackett and Joe Mulraney