So it was Wednesday already! After what seemed a very quick nights sleep, or lack of, we were up at 7am t get ready for the breakfast run! Funnily enough all the ones who said they would be awake at 6am because they always get up then were still fast asleep at 7am and needed some encouragement to waken up and then then actually get up. It may be cold water tomorrow morning!
It was a lovely morning and the sky was bright and clear and you could see the mist away along the valley with the mountains rising above it covered in snow. To be honest I am not sure how many appreciated the scene so early in the morning.
Breakfast was very busy. Packed lunches had to be made and the first challenge was deciding what kind of sandwich to make and whether it was worth fighting with the rock solid margarine and then ripping your bread to pieces when you tried to spread it! But while some made lunch the rest were tucking in to fruit juice, toast, bacon, cereals and fruit. Then it was another hike up the steps to get the rooms tidied and everyone ready for their first activity.
Two gropps were skiing and one group was off to kayak! The group kayaking got paddles and life jackets and set off to get into the water. After some exercises showing them how to use the paddles they got their kayaks and in pairs lifted them to the water. They were soon out and experimenting in the sheltered area trying out different activities and showing they were confident with the paddle and kayak. Some were determined not to repeat yesterday's 'error' of capsizing in the water and so were very careful.
After this we set off on our adventure right across the loch and round the island to where we could see the osprey and its huge nest high on a tree on the island. The osprey was sitting on top of a lone tree trunk watching us carefully but unfortunately it did not perform by flying off to look for its lunch!
Now we had to paddle upstream and back across the loch and as we were back a little early they got the opportunity to kayak up the other side of the loch. It is no wonder they were very tired by the end of the session and really did very well. Getting back by 12,10 it meant they did not have long to get up the steps, again, to get dried off and changed ready for their next activity!
The skiers had a great time and we soon discovered there were a few budding experts in the group. By the end of the session some were taking on the slope from the very top and were going over two jumps and were ducking under poles on their way down!
The session starts off with the trial of getting the ski boots on and then trying to walk in them without falling right on their noses! Gradually they worked in their groups with their instructors and moved higher and higher up the slope. There were some crashes and falls and the odd mishap but everyone tried very hard and by the end of the session a lot were showing real signs of progress. For those who were doing this for the first time it is not an easy task and can be quite daunting! So well done to everyone for doing so well!
After lunch we had our first mix up of the week. One group were going problem solving, one were sailing and the other thought they were going walking. However, they had changed their plans so that the walkers were sailing so that they would not have a wet activity on the Friday morning before heading home. This is great for us – but meant that in the end they had to go back UP the hill to get into their wet gear so they could go out sailing.
After some intensive tuition they were off on their boats and some were in the bigger boat as a group while others were out in smaller boats in pairs. It was not long before they were way across the loch and despite the relatively calm conditions they got enough wind to have a great time.
The problem solvers worked on a variety of activities. They developed a sense of trust by being blindfolded and having a partner guide them round the beach area, they managed to get their group across the 'lava flow' using special boards to get them across one at a time by working as a team. They then encountered the spiders web and had to get the entire team through the web without touching it or using the same space more than one time. It was very interesting to watch them plan, carry out and review their progress. If they touched the web the whole team had to start again and it was a real challenge! To finish off they had to put up a tent with no instructions. They just got the kit and had to get on with it! Well, they managed and would have survived their night if they were stranded!
Two of the groups went to the shop between the end of the activity and tea time. They managed to use their £10 to the max and either worked out how much they could buy or went back and fore getting more things till they ran out of money! We did tell them they did NOT have to spend it ALL but that did not seem an option to many of them!
Tea was home made tomato soup, pizza or sausages and chips and pancakes and ice cream. Again this went down very well and most were really hungry by tea time.
In the evening two groups were orienteering while the other group were honing their archery skills. The archery group really enjoyed their session and we only had one stray arrow that caused a little bit of excitement! The orienteerists had great fun running round looking for all the different markers to see who would finish quickest!
While having their juice and biscuits the majority wanted to watch the football on TV while some of the girls went to wash their hair and have a gossip! Although they said they were watching the football they spent most of the time chatting, having very intense conversations and recalling the events of the day!
So, another great day with everyone working hard, taking part well and it is fair to say the staff really enjoyed their day too! We were delighted to welcome Mr Imlah, Longside Head Teacher, to the group when he arrived in the afternoon. He is staying overnight and is going back during the morning on Thursday!
Click on the link below for a slide show of some of the photos from Wednesday! We hope you enjoy them.
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