Tuesday 30th September.....

Group A started the day by Steve, our instructor for the day, explaining how today they were going to have an enjoyable but long walk, looking at the waterfalls the Brecon Beckons have to offer.  “Ohh, so  we’re not going to get wet,” they all replied in disappointment. We all jumped into the mini-bus followed by Steve’s dog Rusty, who would be joining us on our adventure. Our walk started very gently with finding leaves and looking at the first impressive waterfall and then it all begun to change. Katie managed to lose her wellington boot in the bog, luckily Steve rescued it or she would have been hoping for the rest of the day! Then we clambered down to the river’s edge and started our walk along and through the river, over boulders and up the steep banks to finally return to the bus. By the end of the day we had all managed to walk behind a waterfall, slid down a rapid and learnt how they had been formed. Most importantly for some, they were wet! 

Group B had a very impressive day on the water today. In canoes strapped together, we paddled with growing confidence and an impressive turn of speed, urged on by Sapphire’s shouted instructions of, “Pull! Over! Pull! Over!...” We stopped for a leisurely lunch in beautiful sunshine on the banks of the river and learned how to skim stones. We wrapped the trip up with a plunge in the icy cold water and slithered down some rapids on our backs. All in all a lovely day that was enjoyed by all.

Group C continued their excellent form today with hill walking. The girls took on a leading role at the beginning of the day, chatting their way up ‘Red Gulley’ and failing to realise the heights that they had reached. The boys, on the other hand, were taking the ‘hardcore route’, motoring their way to the top across the loose rocks. We stopped just before the summit for lunch, appreciating the stunning views in the sunshine. Great fitness shown by all and we have even learnt how to tie our walking boot laces properly!

Group D were very impressive again today on the mountain, after some initial moaning and declarations of “I’m never going to make it!” (Austeja!).  But in true Group D spirit, they grew in confidence and were soon striding up the steep slopes. Daniel, Treyjon, Charlie and Isobel lead most of the way, determined to conquer the mountain. It was great to see the whole group really appreciating the spectacular views (although they were more excited about the dead sheep!). However, the highlight of the day was sliding, bumping and skidding our way head-first down the steepest slope ever, trying (and sometimes failing, Callum M) to avoid the gorse (or mini cactus!). Amazing day – can’t wait for canoeing tomorrow and giving our feet a rest.

Group E  dressed in their caving suits and wellies and, loaded down with spare clothing, towels, lunches, helmets, belts and spare trainers- well done Gobi for a spectacular effort in remembering almost everything -   mounted the minibus for a beautiful drive in the sunshine. We arrived at the cave, learned how to work our lights and headed into the darkness to explore. Charlotte led the first group challenge as everyone got used to the limited headroom and the main shouts were the ‘ow!’ of helmets hitting the roof. Well done everyone for being ‘posted’ - even Rhiannon who was determined NOT to go anywhere near the letterbox! Unfortunately, time ran out without us getting as wet as we hoped but Hamza consoled himself with picking blackberries and the promise of more water tomorrow.

Group F had an excellent day out on the water. Under the supervision of our lovely guide, Fred, we paddled downstream in perfect sunshine. We got into a good rhythm and rode some rapids, only getting stuck on rocks once or twice. We stopped for lunch and perfected our stone skimming technique, some us learning how to skim for the first time. At the end of the day, we beached our canoes and slid down rapids on our bottoms! It was absolutely freezing, but you couldn’t get us out of the water for anything.