Dinner was taken and we had our first activity of archery. Jenny showed us how to prepare the bow and arrow before firing and informed of the safety issues. We all enjoyed it and after a little practice, started to improve our scoring. It was decided to have a team event. Derek’s team of Chris and David won the overall competition although Wendy’s team of Jenny and Mark won the first heat.
The next morning Jenny and Lee took us to Barrow in Furness to launch the canoes. We had to strap two together to create a stable raft as well as have a single canoe for all to experience! We paddled off around Lake Windermere and had a break for lunch on an island. There was a swan that had been caught up in an angler’s line and the rescue wardens were despatched to catch the swan and we witnessed its capture and release once the line had been removed. Chris was the most powerful paddler, allowing Lee to take it easy!! Once home, the group had a go on the rope course that is quite difficult. After dinner we went into Kendal for an evening’s entertainment in a local pub where we played pool and listened to the juke box.
The following day it was a morning spent on the indoor climbing wall and having a go at free abseiling. Before we did any of these activities we were taken through all the safety procedures and got our harnesses on, with all being checked by our very experienced instructors. Everyone had a great time and it was really good to see how confident the group was, taking the challenges in their stride. Chris was up and down the walls at breakneck speed whilst the rest of us were a little more sedate!! In the afternoon we went to Scout Scar and had a lovely walk in the beautiful countryside. We could see across to Morecombe. On our walk we came across the “mushroom” shelter where we took a rest and admired the wonderful views. On our return journey we stopped off at the shops and bought popcorn for our evening’s entertainment, as we were watching the original film of “The Italian Job” in the sensory room. It was so comfy that Derek managed to fall asleep for a while.....
In the morning we had a tour of the lakes and visited Grasmere where we bought freshly made gingerbread, both to eat at the time and to take home as presents. After that we went on to Hodge Close and walked around the disused quarry and then explored the surrounding countryside. We took it in turns to guess the direction we had to go on occasions, as we went off track after a while. Fortunately Jenny knows the area like the back of her hand.....in fact; I think she knows the whole of the Lake District without the aid of a map!! Our day ended with an evening of pottery making under the direction of Emily. She was lovely and helped the group make some fantastic mugs, bowls etc. Everyone put a lot of effort into their handy work and it was left to dry before being fired. It was great fun and nice and messy too.
It was off to Yorkshire the next day where we started with a walk along the steps and tracks that led us to Ingleton waterfalls. Jenny took her dog with us, named Bronx. He is a lovely cross breed and thoroughly enjoyed himself running alongside. Along the way we saw tree trunks that had coins hammered into them. After our walk we ended up in a cafe for a warm drink and a piece of cake before setting off for an afternoon of caving at Ribblehead. There is a marvellous viaduct there which carries trains across it. It was on with our caving clothing, being waterproof tunics and helmets with a miner’s lamp on, before setting off for a walk through some of the many caves in the area. It was a great achievement for the group. Chris and Mark tackled the more difficult caves while David and Derek were happy with the more easy ones. It was a great experience and everyone was glad to have taken on the activity. Once back home we had dinner and then, as it was a cold damp night, had a camp fire inside the tepee, sitting around the log stove and chatting. Steve told some stories and jokes and also gave us a lesson in playing the didgeridoo. We all had a go, but although some noises were made, it certainly wasn’t as tuneful as when Steve played it!
Another good night’s sleep was followed by a morning walk on Hamsfell. This time Adrian joined Jenny and us. Again the countryside was beautiful and the views magnificent. We walked to Grange Over Sand and along the way we climbed a tower that had a device at the top which showed us the direction of many of the more important places that surrounded us. After lunch we went to Lindale slab and did outdoor climbing and abseiling. It was quite a challenge and Chris took to it like a mountain goat would!! Mark’s determination paid off, as he eventually conquered the slab, whilst David gave it his best efforts and tried several times before deciding that he will manage it the next time he comes to the Lake District. We had another evening with our popcorn and this time watched “Cool Running”.
Our last morning was time to say our farewells to Jenny and other staff members. It had been a great experience and much was achieved by everyone. Jenny gave us all certificates of our proud achievements. Our thanks are with all the wonderful instructors and also with the kitchen staff who make the tastiest food from local ingredients where ever possible. The cakes were especially lovely......which Derek can testify to!
It is really very nice area to spend your vacations.one can really enjoy free ski buses, for skiers.
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