Phew! What a scorcher! The sun has blazed down on our last full day of activities today; and what a day it has been!
Isobel, Amber and Eliza set off this morning by minibus looking very nervous for their trip to Carl Wark Cavern in Stoney Middleton to go caving. The cave sits at the bottom of a cliff face in a little wood by the side of a very busy road and, unless you knew it was there, you would never be able to find it. To get in they needed to slither their way between the roots of a tree, down into a steeply descending tunnel and into the dark. Once in, they explored a cave system formed by an old underground stream. They were fascinated by the roof of the cave made from an enormous prehistoric bed of oysters. They also loved turning out our head torches and sitting in the pitch black.
This afternoon they tackled the high ropes with enormous enthusiasm and admirable bravery. They flew through ‘the vines,’ worked brilliantly together to get a member of their team to the top of the Jacob’s Ladder and then finished with the Leap of Faith. Well done girls.
Meanwhile, Evie and Sadie started the day with raft building. I have heard reports of them both getting stuck in with the tying of knots and they must have done their jobs well because the girls told me that their raft floated. So, you will have to ask them why they both ended up so completely soaking wet.
They ended their activities at Hollowford with a trip to Higger Tor to go weasling. They loved the views, the sunshine and the tiny gaps in the rocks that they slithered through. Well done to both of you.
Flora, Rachel and Kieran set off for the High Ropes this morning and I have been told that all three did incredibly well. Flora battled her nerves and wobbly knees in a steadfastly determined way and challenged herself on each activity to take just one more step. She did so well on this activity and during the caving yesterday that she won the prize in her group for the person who had impressed the most. Rachel has enjoyed every moment and I have heard reports about how encouraging she has been. And Kieran has tackled every activity with merry abandon. He was very proud of himself for having leapt off the Leap of Faith pole despite not managing to catch the pole.
This afternoon they also went weasling, although not with Evie and Sadie’s group. I hear that all three really enjoyed themselves and thought that it was a great way to finish their time at Hollowford.
The day ended with a talent show – well done Rachel, Evie, Amber and Eliza who won third prize – lots more silly games and the prize giving – well done to Flora and Sadie who won the awards for really impressing in their groups.
So now, they have all relocated their missing socks and soaking trainers, packed their bags and day bags and settled down for their final night.
Tomorrow we will visit Peak Cavern – you will have to ask them what it is also known as – have an ice cream and then board the bus for the journey home.
So, please be prepared to welcome back your very excited, very proud and very exhausted children between 5 and 5.30 tomorrow – I will text from our half-way stop to let you know if we are on time. We have had a fantastic time and they have been a pleasure to be with.
Enjoy the snaps.
