Day 10 & 11
The forecast for Monday was pretty grim and we subsequently woke up to cloudy skies that promised rain later in the day. Soon, the heavens dutifully opened and the APLs were forced to start their competition in the rain which always makes camping that little bit more challenging.
Meanwhile, the PLs were in the marquee field in hike tents and cooking on army stoves. Due to the weather forecast Mr Starke, i/c camp during Mr Causton's absence, had very sensibly decided to postpone the PLs hike along the coastal path into Lynmouth and I was asked to take them into Taunton for a swim and some free time. Unsurprisingly, this was very well received news! So Mrs Maher, Bobby, the PLs and I headed into Taunton and left the others on site!
In our absence the rest of the Troop played a wide game in Horner Woods in the morning which was enthusiastically received by all accounts but then sensibly decided to revert to under cover activities for the afternoon which involved a series of challenges that had to be completed within a certain time limit.
Having returned to camp, I was pleasantly surprised to see that everyone was in excellent spirits in spite of the rain and even more pleasantly surprised to see that my two eldest had arrived with my mum and brother having returned from Guide camp (Elle and Issy that is not Mum and Peter).
On evening parade we were honoured (if that's the right sentiment) to receive a letter from the Right Honourable Boris Johnson. However, having previously received letters from Her Majesty the Queen and the Prime Minister a letter from the new Foreign Secretary seemed a bit like a step down. The letter itself rambled on a little bit, probably much like the man himself, before drawing to a conclusion that simply didn't sound true or plausible. Now, where have I seen that before........
However, back to the real world. On camp it was still raining so we assembled in the small marquee (for extra warmth) and Mr Connor led the HQ in delivering a quiz to the lads that was almost like a performance in itself.
The day soon came to an end in that lovely hazy glow you get from sitting inside a marquee that it warmed by people and gas lamps when the weather is inclement outside. Cocoa and biscuits were served and night prayers said. Soon we were all tucked up in bed dreaming of clear skies and sunshine.
Tuesday morning dawned and the skies, while not clear, were at least only slightly cloudy with the promise of sunshine bursting through. Thus the activities postponed from the day before could run as we had hoped.
At 10am I set off in the minibus with the PLs, Mr Day and Mr Connor for a remote coastal path about 12km on the other side of Lynmouth. The drive itself is only about an hour and fifteen minutes but it is full of steep hills and dramatic turns. To stave off any boredom the boys in the back might have during this time (it was certainly not boring for the driver!) Bobby (my co-pilot) acted as DJ playing a selection of 'hits' from Now 89, 90, 91, etc.... Not quite my normal listening fare!!!
At camp, the APLs were undergoing their second and final inspection of their mini-competition before embarking on a bit of a spring clean of their kit and a short day hike in and around Horner Woods.
Once back at camp, the Pls were reunited with their patrols having completed a rather rainy walk and soon the competition was swinging back into normality - or so we thought.....
As camp progresses, talk of rebellion gets more animated and HQ nerves get more shredded. Is it going to be in the morning? After lunch? During evening inspection? Rumours and counter-rumours circulate in the Troop and amongst the HQ building the tension.
So, as Mr Causton called evening parade, he was pushed (metaphorically) to one side by the Troop Leader and Assistant Troop Leaders who declared they were taking control and were conducting a peaceful revolution. The boys were instructed to sit in their kitchen shelters and follow the orders of the Troop Leader and his assistants and ignore the HQ. At this point Mr Causton and the Troop Leader went to the marquee to 'discuss terms'.
We have never had a peaceful revolution before and I, for one, was quite pleased with this change to the normal tradition. I was looking forward to see how it would play out. However, one of the HQ had other plans and decided to take matters into his own hands! As Flynn was giving instruction to the Troop he was rather unceremoniously 'take out' and covered in water. Trigger all out conflict! Soon thoughts of peace were abandoned and water and bodies were flying on all directions.
Is this what a Trump presidency might look like I thought to myself.....
Thankfully, these things can only last for so long and sensibly Mr Causton called a halt to proceedings, the HQ were declared victors and the Troop Leader and his chums were presented with a tankard and swiss army knives to thank them for their service this year.
After all the excitement there was a need for calm. Fortunately, we had already determined to give the evening over to a camp fire. Soon we were all sat around the fire, singing songs and thinking about what tomorrow might bring.
