06/06/2009
06/05/2009
06/04/2009
Craigower Day 4 - Uath Lochan
Today we are a bit sore (adults, not children). We were introduced to British Bull dog last night. Oh dear, what an opportunity for the children; legitimately being allowed to tackle and bring down their teachers! Well we gave it a go and was surprised to survive a couple of rounds.
Our routine today was the same as yesterday. Our three activities were Abseiling, canoeing and team building games. We had some fun team building - the most memorable part was when Stewart F fell over, it is on film so you may see it if you look closely.
Canoeing was fab, most people stayed dry. Although Megan and Mara love the water so much that they just had to fall in. Some others were in danger of falling in when I noticed they were playing dodgems with the boats but they managed to stay afloat.
Abseiling was great fun, completely and utterly nerve wracking but the sense of achievement was amazing. Some of the children conquered their fears and now feel very proud of themselves - Well done!!!
Just had a lovely tea and are now getting ready for the disco. I can smell lots of deodorants and perfumes, there are frenzied discussions about make up and clothes but I'm sure Mr Taylor will find something to wear eventually ; )
Miss T
06/03/2009
Day 3 - Loch Morlich
Today we got all geared up for our three activities. Our first one was kayaking, this went really well. The children were able to have a shot of a river and a sea kayak (I'm sure they can tell you what the difference is...) Most got on well but there were a couple of souls that got a bit wet!
We also got on our mountain bikes and cycled round Loch Morlich, I was pleased with myself as I was able to prove that you do in fact never forget how to ride a bike. I had not been on one in 14 years, I was dangerously shaky though.
Our final activity was orienteering. Most groups got on very well, completing the course and finding most of the clues. There was however, one exception. The poor souls that were left with Miss Thomson to take them round the course.
It started so well, we were told to look for white and red triangles to get our clues. So with our maps we set off after a while we started to suspect that we had missed the path we were meant to take. This was confirmed when we reached the road where the national speed limit kicked in - surely the outdoor education center would not send us here! So we took the nearest footpath and followed it to find our clues.
We had been walking for about 20 minutes when we met the cycling group. It was now confirmed that we were very far off the track. It now seemed like a lost cause so we headed back to the bus.
Once reaching the bus, we were pleased to see the group we were competing with were not back yet - should we make up some of the answers to lessen our shame? We did. However Ilona and Halle noticed that the answers were on the dashboard of the locked van, and we could see the answers in the reflection of the glass - we copied them.
To be even sneakier, we thought we would go to the end of the course and wait until the other group were coming. Then run to the van to make it look like we had really done the course - it worked!
The group were suspicious when they had not passed us on the track, and even more doubtful when we received full marks.
We had to come clean as my inability to lie and our conscience kicked in. Oh and Mr Taylor cycled passed us and filmed our group coming up with the 'master plan of deception' - see picture below.
Ah if only we had listened to Edward and Stewart in the first place, we would have been on the correct trail all along!
By a fairly embarrassed Miss T :(
06/02/2009
Day 2 of Craigower, or Kincraig - I don't know where I am!
Today began nice and sunny again, we got kitted out and headed for the River Spey.
We dominated the river! There were some optional swimmers today, given the opportunity to jump overboard, lots of people took this up (not me, I'm a scaredy cat!).
Things were going well until Mr Taylor went a bit pirate and began kidnapping people from other boats and making them join his one! (No crew members were harmed during the making of this river trip).
Everyone made it back to shore safely, if a little cold and wet. We had some lunch and headed back to the center.
This evening we have karaoke to entertain, or punish us depending on whether I decide to sing or not. Abba has been a firm favourite so far and some suprising 80's choices.
A little later we'll have some hot chocolate and muffins to relax with before bed time, so we should all hopefully get enough sleep for tomorrow's adventures.
Miss T
