[martinb]

May 8, 2009 at 6:58 pm

Itom.

Can you make contact with me asap, I would like to make an offer but need to know tonight…I sent my email and mobile phone by P.M earlier can you check your mail box.

MartinB

[martinb]

January 13, 2009 at 2:59 pm

Hello Pete.

I am ex-DWMRT & SEMRA

Regards.

MartinB

[martinb]

January 13, 2009 at 2:12 pm

With over 25 years Hill walking and Mountain Rescue Team member experience these are some tips that I would put forward.
One of the most important things is to tell someone “where” exactly that you are going. Leave details at home or with a friend , more so if venturing into the hills..It is one thing telling someone , but can they remember the name of the mountain or area write it down for them . We have so many places with like sounding names. Today people are more realiant on mobile phones thinking that they are the saviour of all , Mobile phone signals do not carry well in mountain areas.

With a map and compass it is also knowing where you are and being able to transfer the map to ground, with so much forestry dissapearing since the map was made ,could you identify today where you are. , one of the biggest problems in this country is Mountain Mist descending very quickly , people are also not dressed for the environment , one of the worst things to wear are denims and runners..You would be surprised how many people venture out in this attire . Also bring food , if even just have a few museli bars etc in your pack. Bring water…not fizzy drinks and definitely not alcohol even in the hip flask you got off aunty for christmas.

We have many photos on the forum of Mountain Rivers taken from the middle of the river , people do not estimate how fast and how deep the water can be ,can you swim , if you have a back pack on ..would you be able to off load it quickly.

Although the first aid kit is also of use…can you use and In a real emergency would you be able to cope…in a hostile environment with a situation at hand and assistance maybe a couple of hours away .

If people are going to venture away from the roadside into the hills , it is well worth doing a very simple Mountain Skills course and R.E.C First aid course . These can both be done at many of the Adventure sports and Outdoor centres both North and South. You will learn the map reading skills , how to navigate and how to be safe.

Just in case you do get lost or injured , it will take time to get to you even after dialing 999/112 on your mobile , Mountain Rescue Teams are all Volunteers and will take time to get to you..be prepared for a wait it is not like have the fire brigade or ambulance arriving 15-20 min after an incident in an urban area. Serach and Rescue Helicopter Pilots do not like going into the mountains unless they really have to again with low mist in most of our mountains they try to avoid them unless they can see exactly where a casualty is.

As somoeone else said…The Best thing is pure honest Common Sense..this goes along way into not having a porblem but having a good time taking some good pix.

Regards

MartinB.

[martinb]

August 30, 2008 at 7:19 pm

The Emergency Services Radio Networks are due to be going on to the Digital “Tetra” system over the next 18-24mths. So any pocket Wizards on any freq should be Ok. I have not heard of anyone who has encountered any problems.If you look at the likes of International football matches with photographers from other countries setting up pocket wizards and other wireless triggers all of these being short range transmitters, they do not seem to effect the emergency service radios. Most Emergency Services run in the 456mhz-467mhz and the 150-170mhz range.

go to http://www.enn.ie and search for “Tetra” and “two way radios.”

Martin

[martinb]

August 18, 2008 at 10:35 am

Try

http://www.ffordes.com

They are in Scotland.

Over the years I have bought alot of bits off them, every thing has been in near New condition, order on line and have it in 2-3 days.

I had a small problem with a lens , returned it and it was back fully serviced with 14 days.

They will also sell any gear for you and take commission.

Regards.

martin

[martinb]

July 29, 2008 at 12:30 pm

“The Met Eireann weather forecast was wrong”

[martinb]

July 22, 2008 at 3:25 pm

Have a look at Glenmalure..not too far a drive back to Glendalough..
Plenty in the Glenmalure area to take pix of also.

http://www.glenmalurelodge.com

Regards.

Martin

[martinb]

May 13, 2008 at 1:13 pm

Hope this is a better size to view..Please excuse me being my first posting of a pix