Today we went Sea Level Traversing along the coast of Anglesey. As usual the day started with two irritating girls at the back of the minibus singing ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ about seven times along the whole journey. The day was great fun and we tried lots of challenging and sometimes difficult tasks. Firstly we were given special clothing and equipment such as a canoeing jacket, a buoyancy aid, a harness, a safety helmet and a karabiner. So, we started our ascent down the cliff and as we did we saw a Sea King Rescue Helicopter which had a 25% chance of having Prince William on board! Also one of the crew waved to me so it could of been the Prince of Wales! To start with I led the group along the side of the start of the cliff face. It was fairly easy to start with, but eventually the tide came in and completely soaked all of my legs. Meanwhile, Mr Alderson’s camera suffered and got wet and to finish it off got dropped on a rock so unfortunately and unsurprisingly it doesn’t work anymore. For most of the cliff faces and gauges we had to use our ropes and karabiners to keep us safe, but at times we were vulnerable to the raging waves as Maria found out as she got splashed by a massive rapid whilst trying to climb out of the water onto a rock. We walked, scrambled, climbed and in some peoples cases slipped and had a swim, but eventually we reached a fairly deep cleft that was followed by a cave. Of course at this point we had to use the harnesses and karabiners provided. The cleft was quite slippery, wet and very high above the water. But luckily the rope and harness saved Ellie’s life as she fell in a massive hole after slipping on some algae on a rock. I had moved to the back of the group at this point so I was second to last to climb through the cleft. The cleft was very challenging and quite scary as the holds didn’t always feel safe. Eventually we reached the end of the cleft and were encountered by a small tunnel which was almost pitch black and led to the other side of the cave. But to Mr Alderson’s surprise, Will jumped out of a hole and tried to frighten him. Unfortunately, it didn’t work and Emily was the only one who screamed. So carrying on, we were trying to find a nice, calm place to swim. Unfortunately, the sea was very rough and we probably would of got ourselves killed or have received serious brain damage. So we climbed round more cliffs, and eventually we found a place we could jump in and quickly get back out before a strong rapid would come and swamp us with water. We then got on to a ridge that looked fairly easy, but as we climbed on it a massive wave came and took my legs out so I had to grab on for dear life and hope another wave didn’t come, which of course it did, but luckily on neither of the occasions no one was injured. We got to the top of the cliff and finally we found our beach where we all ran in together and got absolutely drenched. We then got changed into dry clothes and travelled back to the mountain centre in the minibus. No guesses to what happened in the minibus as the usual song was blasted out at the back of the bus. We came back to the centre and cleaned everything packed and had dinner as we prepared for the quiz. The quiz was great fun as well apart from the language quiz where no one knew any on it (sorry Miss Hodgett!). We also collected our awards and certificates to prove we had done all of the challenges. We then prepared for a long journey the next day and went to bed. Overall a fantastic day and a superb week which was exciting, enjoyable and something we’ll always remember.
Category: General
Wheels on the Bus
On this fine day or not so fine in the morning we woke up at the breakfast bell. Today we were probably the most tired we’d been so far when waking up, but the idea of getting soaked in the gorge changed that.
After breakfast we were told that we were going to go gorge walking. It was about a forty-five minute drive to the gorge, we were so tired we (Charley and Róisín) fell asleep. After a bit of lunch we got off the bus and had to get on our harnesses which like yesterday made Charley feel like Spiderman…
We went through the forest and found the bottom of the gorge, which was full of rocks and lots of small waterfalls with a huge one at the end. It didn’t take long before we started slipping off Elliot, being the first man down. It was pretty challenging to get up at parts but the worst bit was definitely the first time you fell in one of the pools and the cold water got into your boots! When we were about 1/3 of the way up Louise set up another zip wire thing between two of the rocks which was really fun.
Next we went up a few more waterfalls which were hard because we couldn’t see where the next rock was and sometimes we had to pull ourselves up. Next Louise said we could go the easy way or the hard way and we ended up going through the elephant butt. It was basically just two huge rocks leaning against each other half in water with a pretty small hole in the middle. We had to sit down up to your waist in FREEZING water and slide through the hole which was quite scary because we were worried we couldn’t get through half way. It was optional but most of us did it anyway. We then climbed up another small waterfall slipping another few hundred times. When we were pretty close to the top, we took off our harnesses and left them on a patch of grass, it was great not needing to carry them anymore. Going up the last few waterfalls was hard as there was so many deep parts which we didn’t know were there so we fell into pools almost up to our chest. D:
Once we got to the top we climbed along some of the rocks and slid into the water. We walked underneath the waterfall on stepping stones and there was a gap which was the shape of a chair which was really cool because we could sit in it and stay dry for a few precious seconds before getting into the really deep pool. We thought there was more stepping stones but there wasn’t so we were both on the last one screaming at each other not to let go because we didn’t want to get cold. Eventually we manned up and pushed each other in. We were standing neck deep in the freezing water as Kaan floated past us on his buoyancy aid and couldn’t get back up. We wish we could say that we helped him.
Then we swam and walked awkwardly full of water to the water fall we had recently climbed and slid don it like woooossshhhhhhhhhhh and then we climbed back up for another go! We then climbed down more of the smaller waterfalls that we had climbed up to start with. Once we had finished and Kaan had finished floating we got back to the grass patch where we had put our harnesses previously. Then we walked down the slope where we met the other group and we walked back down to the car park. We got dressed in the woods, the girls on one side and the boys on the other.
Back in the coach we had more lunch before driving back to the centre. Today charley decided to sing the wheels on the bus again in attempt to get them to put the radio on of course every one joined except an odd few (Kaan bashing his head against a window). After the tenth verse we admitted defeat and gave up. Kaan was hitting Róisín with his hat so she stole it and he went metal but he EVENTUALLY got it back.
– Charley and Róisín
Morning
Hello from Keith and Mr White… The pupils are about to get up, we have just finished reading their blogs, spotting the odd (I do teach PE!) spelling mistake and seeing the joys of a poetic mind… haha, a small wind becomes a hurricane or walking within 10 yards of a cliff about 6.4 yards high becomes one step from death :o)
We have been very pleased with what the pupils have achieved so far, taking on and finishing tasks they thought would never ever ever ever ever be completed :o) WELL DONE
Looks like it might be another wet day for many, so we need to eat our cooked breakfast before the vultures come down.
Mr White
OUR AMAZING GORGE ADVENTURE
We woke up at seven o’clock feeling excited about the day ahead of us. We then sat down to a lovely English breakfast. We got our warm dry clothes ready for the soaking wet day. We got in the coach and got ready for a forty five minute journey to the gorge. During the drive we saw lots of sheep and we sang many random songs.
We put on our harnesses and our helmets we got in the river and started our journey up the river. We wanted to find a frog but i never did :(. We had to make many long jumps which were hard for our little legs. We were first to get our heads under water but we were pleased about it. There were many times when if we slipped we could die, but we were in good hands. Luckily we weren’t with Mr White(JOKES). Our wellies were always full with water and we were wet in a couple of seconds of being in the water. We climbed up using rope sometimes as well. We did many activities including a small waterfall which we slid down we also crawled under a rocks and we swum under rocks as well. This was very tiring fighting the currents all day but it was definitely worth it , it was one of the funniest things we’ve ever done. Even the people who don’t like sport would enjoy this. About half way there the rocks started to get really slippery so people started to slide off track, but we didn’t. Ellie and a few more people face planted the rocks but there helmets saved them from getting hurt. Near the end there was a long rocky slide that sir told us to go down it and right at the end of the slide every body stopped for some reason.
every body in our group was really hungry because we could not eat till we were down the gorge and dry also from the start nearly every body wanted the toilet but couldn’t go till the end. Then we jumped in to a pool it was like pier jumping but safer. After we walked down one of the steepest roads ever then we got changed under a bridge then we drove home.
THE END
BY BEN & WILL
Snowdon – Louise’s Group, Tuesday
We got up early and we had a good filling breakfast which prepared us for the long journey we had ahead of us. This was a climb to the top of mount Snowdon which is the highest mountain in England and Wales(1080m). We left at around 9:40 and took a 20 odd minute to the base of the trail. The trail was long and many people found the high steps difficult. We then endured a long walk to the base of the moutnain where we met several other people – this must mean its a popular route. =)
We couldn’t believe how beautiful the scenery was and the height we had to climb. There was two huge lakes, towering mounds of rock and swirling white clouds that where like cotton candy. We kept a good pace to begin with, pausing when needed to drink some warm cocoa, even though Mathew kept stopping to take pictures.
However the speed of our ascent was halted slightly as the mountain streams ran over the rocks and some of us slipped but nobody was injured in the slightest. We kept overtaking and being overtaken by group two but we all took this light hartidly – of course, it doesn’t matter who got to the top first, its the way you get there that matters!
(Courtesy of Abi: It doesn’t matter who got there first of all the groups, hundreds of other people have already done it. We will get there anyway!)
The route was long and arduous and we were getting tired. Everyone got there and it was awesome becuase of the clouds we couldn’t see around us because of the clouds swirling around us in a beautiful flurry, so we relied on each other to find our way to the very peak.
The group all helped each other with words of encouragement.
The people in our group were Matthaw H. Martin D. Kaan Y. Prudence V. Roisone N. Charlotte T. Elliot L. Abigail McG. and Holly W. Lol
We all found the journey downhill more fun as we could chat and have more fun. Everyone was smiling and was happy.
There was a building that we passed that was half demolished but seemed a beautiful building when it was not ruined.
We found our own pace was different to others so we waited for them to catch up.
Our instuctor Louise was nice and was a fantastic teacher who told us many, many, many interesting facts about the history of Snowdon and all of the surrounding area.
The end of the walk ended in a horrible rainstorm – luckily, we were so tired by this point that we didn’t really care what the weather was like. Therefore, we returned to the centre a happy, but exhausted, group of hikers.
But WOW, everyone feels proud of our achievement! So we shall leave you with a few quotes to smile about.
– ” Goodbye my beloved Cliffard and my beloved Cliffard senior, I will never forget you.” *
– ” Woah! Gravity sheep are awesome.” **
– “Oooh damn – I have no tea left!!! ” ***
*Cliffard is a giant rock sticking out of the ground. Cliffard seniori s the same but 4 ft higher. One member of our team got emotionally attached to Cliffard. Goodness knows why
**Gravity Sheep are sheep that are standing in the weirdest places that nobody knows how they get there – the only posible way they could have got there is by diffying gravity and flying
***Prudence absolutely adores tea
By Matthew and Abigail =)
Our Day On Snowdon
Hello this is Emily Watkins and Kirsty Miller. And this is our day up mount Snowdon. The day began with a filling breakfast which prepared us for a tough day. Next we had a meeting with Mr. Alderson. This is where we found out we were climbing mount Snowdon. Little did we know how hard this day was going to be. Mr. Alderson, us (Emily.W and Kirsty.M), Molly.D, Maria.L, Dan.VH, Will.T, Ben.H, Ellie.T and Esme.V all piled in to the minibus and drove about 15mins along the road.
When we pulled up we couldn’t see the mountain but as we trekked up the gravel path we saw the mountain looming above us. The top was covered with cloud. We walked for about 1 ½ hours until we reached a lake. We then faced a large ridge made of jagged rocks. Climbing up was rather tricky and challenging because there wasn’t that much grip. As we climbed more and more it got trickier with large drops below. Everyone seemed a bit anxious because one wrong footing and we would surely plummet to our death!!!!! However with jelly like legs we carried on. After a while we stopped for ½ of our lunch on the ridge. Finally we were coming to the top of the ridge, but still between us and the top was the rocky, wet, muddy trek to the top.
On our way up we faced rocky paths, slippery rocks and steep paths. Will Taker found interest in chasing the sheep! As we were approaching the summit we were entering the clouds and could no longer see the bottom. Finally we stumbled up the last few steps we saw the final point. A small stone column. At the peak it was below about 4 degrees but we couldn’t feel it. We were the first of all the groups to reach the top even though we took a longer and rockier rout, therefore proofing we are clearly the best group!! We then started our descent (a LONG track of ups and downs).
On the way we saw all of the other groups still trying to reach the top. Mr. Whites group (Mr. White with a fluorescent yellow hat on) had made an elephant train and were holding onto each other’s bags.
We were about 1/3 of the way down the mountain when Mr. Alderson decided to have the other half of our lunch. He had also decided that we would sit in a special shelter which is used for safety. It was very cramped in there. Will Taker had however decided he didn’t want to be in there so he went outside. After, we carried on slipping and sliding everywhere!
We had today walked and climbed up to a height of 1083 metres above sea level. We had also finally reached the car park. Everyone was tired and had achy feet and legs but everyone had a feeling of achievement and was proud of them self’s for reaching the summit of the highest mountain in England and Wales. This was a very challenging but fun day and we will never forget it. When we finally got back to the house we were all glad to have a shower and a sit down.
We are all looking forward to tomorrow and are all ready for a nice rest. This entry of our day up mount Snowdon is by Emily Watkins and Kirsty Miller. xxx
Mountains, Mud-baths and Abseiling!
Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy parents and other random people reading this:). It’s Molly and Maria here, reporting from North Wales after day one.
Travelling to Kent Mountain Centre
So we finally arrived at Kent Mountain Centre after an extended journey thanks to awful traffic on the M1-_-! When we arrived we tucked into dinner then went on a 2mile walk around the grounds and past the lake. Mr White decided to scare everyone with a ghost story that was complete lies. Then we all went to bed for a well deserved sleep:).
Navigation activity
Today, we got into our groups to start our first activity, navigation. We arrived at a small village to the north of the national park. To start off the fun we saw a boy fall off his bike when he was trying to show off hahahahhaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway, to start with the proper fun Mr Alderson explained to us what we would be doing today. He told us we would be using navigation skills to go on a hike, which turned out to be 5 miles up and down mountains and hills :O !! When we established whereabouts on the map we were, we headed North to start our journey. We continued walking until we got to each wall, when we would change which 2 people would be in charge of the map. After about an hour and a half of walking, through muddy-slushy-dirty-water-logged- rocky fields, we stopped walking and started to eat our lunch and Mr Alderson then told us we would be climbing the mountain next! He claimed it was an easy and small mountain to climb but it definitely didn’t feel easy and small!!!!
Climbing the mountain
We set off and realised how strong the wind on the mountain was which made the task even more challenging, but it was fun all the same. After what felt like hours of walking we reached the top of the mountain and were facing 50mph winds, but we managed to have a nice group photo and then headed down the mountain a different route.
Mud bath for Molly and Maria- 🙁
Then our luck (Molly and Maria’s) got even worse, bear in mind we had already slipped over in the mud about 20 times already! We were walking along flat ground just through all the puddles and mud, because there was no other option, and I (molly) managed to get my WHOLE right leg stuck in sinking mud! Maria didn’t realise that my whole leg was stuck and tried to help me out but managed to get her own leg stuck in the mud also! No one decided to help us, instead everyone got their cameras out and decided to start taking a load of pictures of us stuck:(! Even Dan van Hinsbergh who claims he is the ‘muscle man’ of the group decided not to help us out, and that trend had be going on all day. He just laughed and walked on like most other people in our group, even though he claimed to be sooooooo strong! Anyway, after about 10 minutes of struggling we managed to get out and walked on. We used our natural instinct to guide our way back to the minibus where we finished our lunches and gathered the equipment for abseiling which was next.
Abseiling
We put on our harnesses and helmets then walked to the rocks that we would abseil off of. After Mr Alderson had set up the equipment we raced up to the top of the rocks, not realising until we were at the top how high the rock was:S! Everyone was slightyly anxious about the height but, Dan was sooo scared of heights and was shaking at the top, ahhh haha! Also, Ben tried to show off and didn’t see the crack in rock and slipped in it hahaha!!!! After we’d all abseiled we made our way back to the minibus and then back to the centre..
Overall it was a great first day and we are all excited for the rest of the week! But I think for now we all deserve a nice, long sleep:D!
Night night:)
Love Molly Dawson and Maria Loftus. X
One step from death….
Hello It’s Poppy Greenstreet & Lauren Rigney, 😀
HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Today was our first day in Wales and also the day we nearly died!:O
Once out of the minibus we walked through a muddy field and saw the grave of Bedwellin & learnt the story of his brutal stabbing, leading to his death.(He was a dog not a dude) We then saw his statue made out of bronze. He was the size of a horse and we were told he was actually that size!
Next we walked through the grass & came across a train track. We didn’t know if it was a live rail or not, so we got Robert to test it out(sorry!!;)) Luckily, he didn’t die, meaning it was safe to cross:D Then our leader gave our a map (Poppy,Lauren&Charlotte). Silly idea if u ask us, but we made it through the ledge next to what we called the ‘Death Water’! We were told that if we fell we probably wouldn’t survive, as it was a strong current for grade 5 canooers that if they took one turn probably would drown!!!!!
Next we stopped for lunch, and told stories about Halloween and zombies, but soon after that we climbed a steep slope. We moaned the whole way up about how steep it was and how much our legs hurt, but once we got to the top we realised it was almost flat. We kept asking if we could drink the water but the leader told us you can only drink it at the top. This was our inspiration for getting to the top, we wanted to taste victory like Bear Grills!:D
The way up, was like torture! ‘Only 2/3 of the journey to go’ said ‘mister Sir Man’(As we call him ;D) at this point Me&Lauren were in tears& wanted to give up, but we thought of the water to put our minds off things. Our leader showed us an old gold mine, and in the rocks we could discover fools gold, which is fake but people used to trade it for money. Only Sam found a little, but it was worthless (Typical!) This is when Lauren let go of the map and the wind took it resulting in it flying to bottom of the mountain, slapping someone round the face, we were in hysterics!!!! 😀
When we stopped for the second time we got a perfect view of the Irish sea. There was a waterfall right next to us but we couldn’t drink from it because we were told there was sheep poo. in it- eww! Next we got told a story about the two dragons and our leader’s sound effects made me and poppy laugh so much that we felt a 6-pack coming on. I choked on my roll and thought I might die. The sound was something like this (ee-wee-wooo-ee-wooo-wee) LOL!
After, we finally reached the top through hard work and team effort! Our leader read us a story about the mountain opposite where the king built his palace. We were told we wouldn’t be able to drink water from the mountain today and felt heartbroken.
When we got halfway down we finally found water we could drink and were SO HAPPY! We ran to the water and filled up our bottles, we tasted the victory in the ice cold valley water. Robert ran to get his water and tripped over, spilling his coffee all in the valley water. We asked him if he was okay and got the reply ‘I’m fine, just casually sitting here chilling. OH NO MY COFFEE!’. He was okay.
When we got to the bottom, although our feet were aching and numb we felt proud of ourselves. Today was definitely better than going trick or treating. We don’t want to climb another mountain, but we’ve just been told it is one of the smallest mountains and tomorrow we have to climb Mount Snowdon… Wish us luck!
At last
Arrived at about 5:30pm. We’re really busy eating, issuing equipment and preparing for the evening walk. This will be followed by supper and bed.
Busy busy busy…
Oh Dear
We’ve just had a shortened lunch stop due to a delay of about an hour caused by the accident mentioned in the previous post (see left).
Mr Bean’s Holiday now playing. Has a much larger audience than Gorillas…
By the way, if anyone recognizes the type of tracksuit worn by the girl in the photo (click the photo to see a larger image; we could only make out the word “England” on the back) please let us know as Mr (PE) White is keen to find out.