After we walked up to the hostel and had a briefing from the instructors, we were issued with all the outdoor kit we would need for our stay and activities.
Then it was straight into our first activity. We had a bit of orienteering fun around the building to familiarise ourselves with the building and then we split into three groups. The first group went for a gorge walk, one group went to the woods to do some bushcraft and the third group stayed in the centre to do some archery inside as it was too windy to go to the beach.
The groups were to be rotated on Friday so that everyone would could get a chance to try all the activities.
(Sorry about the sideways pictures but can't seem to rotate and save)
After the activities we settled into our rooms, had tea and a bit of free time to play in the hall, common room or go for a walk to the beach. Each group has to take their turn at chores - setting out tables, washing up , cleaning tables and sweeping the hall. Supper and bedtime followed and most of us got a good night's sleep!
On Thursday we were up bright and early ready to start another busy day. After breakfast we all had to make our own packed lunches for the day. The activities for the day were canoeing and walking to the Old Man of Hoy. The weather was a bit windy and quite cold so it was waterproofs, hats and gloves!
Unfortunately the canoeing does not offer many photo opportunities as the adults take part in the activities too.I discovered quite quickly that it was not a good idea having the camera in my pocket when the first thing we did was accidentally capsize the canoe!
A quick change into dry clothes for the four of us and it was back into the canoes! This time they were strapped together in twos so no more capsizing. The wind was gusty and although the burn at Rackwick is quite sheltered it was quite hard work paddling against it.
After a welcome lunch and hot drink, the two groups swapped activities and we set off to the Old Man of Hoy. Walking kept us warm and we had sunshine, showers, hailstones and gusts of wind on the way!
It was worth it for the spectacular view!
We stopped along the old school to see what school was like in the past.
In the evening some people went orienteering around the hostel, whilst the others played, football, badminton or other games inside.
On Friday the weather had improved enough that the instructors were able to offer us a coasteering activity instead of splitting into the groups we had for Wednesday. Some people chose to do archery on the beach instead and the coasteering group squeezed ourselves into wet suits and safety equipment ready for the adventure.
After a longish bus run we launched ourselves into the sea and swam, jumped and slithered our way round the coast into a gloup and back again. It was a very challenging morning but everyone really felt they had achieved something and really enjoyed the experience. Unfortunately due to the nature of the activity there are no pictures.
After we had all dried off, had lunch and a hot drink we had some fun and games on the beach.
After we had packed up all our belongings and stripped our beds we had some time to have a debrief and evaluation of our experiences.
Then it was time to set off back down the hill to catch the ferry and head home exhausted but exhilarated!
Our instructors were extremely well organised, professional and lots of fun. They were encouraging when we were challenged and proud of us when we succeeded. They really helped to make the whole experience a great success and something we will always remember. Thanks must also go to Mrs Thompson and Anna Livsey for their wonderful support and help.
