Loch Insh Day 1- Tuesday April 17th, 2012
Well, one day down and three to go! We set off from Longside and Strichen, once the bus arrived, in the pouring rain feeling slightly worried about what lay before us! However, we have had a great day and all the children have really enjoyed the activities they have done so far!
We took a different route and went along the coast from Banff to Fochabers before heading to Rothes and on to Aviemore. We had a toilet stop in Rothes after the driver did made some ambitious turns on the main street!
The driver told me the bus was 12 feet high which made me worry as the railway bridge we go under in Kincraig is only signed as having a clearance of 11 feet 9 inches! He wondered if we might need to go back and take an alternate route. However, he edged up to the bridge and asked me to get out and check the sir conditioning unit was not going to hit the bridge! I think some were worried we might end up in a convertible by the end of the trip! But we had plenty of room and made it to Loch Insh by 11.45.
After getting everyone to their rooms we had lunch while being given a welcome talk by one of the lead instructors and then had a fire alarm to make sure everyone knew where to meet if the alarm went off.
Then we were off to our first activity. Two groups were kayaking and the other group were Canadian canoeing. To our great surprise the rain had gone off and the sky was blue and the loch was very calm! However, it was cold and they all wrapped up well just in case.
The groups went off with their instructors and were given an introduction and shown what they were going to do. Then it was all into the water! We all started in the sheltered section of the loch to get our bearings and to try out a range of skills. Steering for some was a real difficulty and getting the kayak or canoe to go in the direction they wanted was fun to watch!
After a period of instruction and practice we ventured out in to the loch and each group canoed or kayaked up the loch. Everyone took part very well and only one or two fell in! Poor Jack and Glen had an early bath and they soon realised that the water actually is VERY cold! I think everyone else enjoyed it more than they did but they coped well with the situation!
We all got back and tidied up and squelched up the hill to get changed and warmed up. We have been unlucky in having both early breakfast and early tea! Breakfast is at 7.30 and tea is at 4.30! So it will be fun to see how they cope with an early start tomorrow!
Tea was very nice and a lot commented on how much they enjoyed it. They had soup and bread, a choice of sweet and sour chicken or baked tatties followed by an ice lolly for pudding!!
The evening activities were archery and 'way finding'! Two groups were let loose with bows and arrows while one group got the opportunity to explore the site looking for different items and measuring them!
A great time was had by all and as ever the archery was very popular.
We are now getting ready for bed and are hoping for a quiet night – before our early breakfast. The other school has 86 primary 7 pupils and 9 members of staff so we are a bit outnumbered!
Activities on Wednesday include sailing, skiing, archery, walking and kayaking.
Please click on the link below for a slide show of photos from Tuesday.
One day down.......three to go!
We hope the next three days are as good as today's! The weather forecast is not good....but we will all be keeping our fingers crossed!
Hi Glad you are all having a great time. I Cannot appear to get the slide show ?
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