This weekend it was Group 2 who had their training.
We met at school early Saturday morning and set up the new Tri-space tents specifically bought with expeditions in mind. Rehearsing camp-craft skills including; stoves, rucksack packing, and tent erection made for a more professional and organised approach on arrival at a very busy, Rowsley camp site.
After lunch we headed into the area of East Moor in the White Peak where we concentrated on pacing and walking on a bearing. The weather was supposed to become worse throughout the afternoon with a thick band of rain coming from the north. Fortunately this did not materialise, unfortunately, I owe Dan James a bowl of chips for the side bet. The whole group learnt to take a bearing, and pace whilst walking on that bearing, to a very impressive level.
Back at camp each tent group then prepared their evening meal before filling out a 13km route card for the following day. A linear route between Rowsley and Monsal Head, with one group walking SE to NW, and the other two groups going the opposite way.
After breakfast, everyone made their lunch, and packed everything into their rucksacks before starting their hike. Annabelle Gill, Dan James, Charlie Phillips-Moul and Jo Sabin Webb, all seemed proficient map readers and were set off independently from Monsal Head. It was therefore a little concerning when they headed off in completely the wrong direction, ….walking back past the minibus several minutes later saying “Oops”.
The groups passed each other at half way, well almost. It was a good job for mobile phones because we missed each other going through Bakewell and had to swap mini bus keys! It was just South of Brazil, I mean in Bakewell, that we came across a herd of young Llamas which amused some.
All three groups completed the route, although at varying times due to a few detours. In fact Mr Sanderson and his group were at home with their feet up before my group left Rowsley.
Well done to all those that took part, and my thanks to Mr Sanderson for all his help.