Tuesday witnessed the return of the PLs to camp after their brief sojourn and refreshment for their PLs hike. The APLs did a superb job and proved that the 9th is in good hands next year. In the morning, Mr Starke led a self-defence masterclass which was followed by homemade burgers cooked on the open fire for lunch. The sun was shining and the junior Pls had chosen the music to listen to. I'm not quite sure what the songs were but it was certainly different!! (But highly appropriate - anything deemed tasteless was hastily removed!) The afternoon gave over to the penultimate round of the Horner Shield and after evening inspection we had another camp fire with cocoa, whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles and marshmallows. A lovely day on camp and into bed just before the rain clouds descended.
Unfortunately, Wednesday morning's reveille was set for 07.45 as we had to get going in the morning for another round of gorge walking, mountain biking and a trip to Brecon leisure centre for swimming and bowling. My cafetière was much needed but an excellent breakfast of sausage butties ensured a positive start to the day. As Maher junior had asked to partake in the gorge walking I decided that it would be best if I accompanied him. Thus I donned waterproofs and wellies with the first year and Booby and spent the day sliding down rapids, crawling through waterfalls and jumping off river ledges. If my seven year old could do it - so could I! Though he bounces better than me and bruises less also.
We have been using Keith from Brecon bikes and adventure for quite a few years now and he does a brilliant job of balancing the adventure and ensuring that every group pushes themselves to the best of their ability. Nothing is too much trouble, everything is done with a calm good humour and the lads are very much top of his agenda. A great company to work with.
After the gorge walking we were all very cold and a change of clothes and late luch were extremely well received. As I drove back to camp there was a deathly silence in my minibus. All were fast asleep, including Bobby. It's a time like these that you realise what a precious cargo you have on board.
Wednesday evening was one of those perfect evenings on camp. Everyone had had a good day, the sun was shining and dinner was excellent. The evening witnessed the second leg of the eagerly anticipated HQ vs PLs football match. The HQ took an early lead levelling the fixture over the two legs. Both teams had ample opportunity to 'put it to bed' but pitifully wasted clear cut chances. So to penalties. Both teams slotted home their first two with aplomb. The Troop's third was saved and it was left to Mr Cameron to win it for the HQ. He pushed his effort wide to loud cheers and we were into sudden death. The Troop scored and the HQ effort was saved. Loud whoops and cheers filled the night air. The Troop had won for the first time in living (MJO'S) memory! Handshakes and congratulations finished the event and the Troop went to bed (after a wash and prayers) on a high.
In his benevolence and wisdom Mr Causton set reveille at the very gentlemanly hour of 09.00. The sun shone and all seemed right with the world. Today was the day of the HQ luch and Operation Gunge. Both greatly anticipated events for very different reasons.
Our fantastic butcher provided us with cooked joints of Welsh lamb for the lunch - the final opportunity to thank the HQ for giving up their time during the year for free (and often at their own expense) and for all they do for the 9th. After this sumptuous feast we gathered in the new marquees for Gunge.
More of this tomorrow but as a taster, it was a thrilling, indeed spine tingling, affair!
Evening parade and night prayers are now upon me. So until tomorrow......
