All 20 of us have returned safe from Wales.
The trip was truly amazing, mainly because we were with some exceptionally well mannered and determined young people who worked hard, cooperated together, walked until their legs were dropping-off, and then did it again then for 5 days. All the scouts walked about 30 miles over some very rough, muddy and steep terrain.
The hostel (and warden Andrew) was amazing. The weather, only prevented us from serious walking on one day, when it was truly horrible but we still went out twice that day for short activities. For the most part, we were all stunned by the beauty of the hills around us, the autumn colours, the mist lying in the valleys in the morning, the fantastic stars at night, we were all constantly stopping and gasping at the views around us.
The Older Scout Group of Sabrina, James, Kofi, Max, Kevin and Samir managed to complete the 2 day back packing hike, with full kit, surviving a very wet and stormy night in the hills . This is the first time a group of our scouts has managed this. Well done!
The Younger Scout Group of Yeside, Temica, Reece, Andreas, Chelsea and Natalia travelled by train, led very competently by Sam and Jade and managed the 8 mile walk along the river Usk from Abergavenny to the hostel high in the hills arriving tired, just before dark but in good spirits.
The scouts helped with most of the cooking, clearing and washing-up, they made an amazing spicy chicken stew with dumplings, the leaders produced a stunning Welsh lamb curry with a 100 ingredients, we had pancakes, full breakfasts, Will’s incredible apple crumble and a great Chinese take away costing £130!
Many more walks followed….. and fire works, geocaching, zip-wire, riding, quizzes, card games, videos, the Priest of the Parrish and Rod;s Cup Game ( of course), reading, and some (but not a lot of) home-work.
My Leader Team were all as caring, hard working, imaginative and dedicated to helping the scouts as an expedition leader could ever wish to have around them.
My sincere thanks to Sam, Dave, Jade, Will, Rich, Tom and John.
Eddie
