Easter weekend saw 40 members of 1st Finch head of to the New Forest for our now traditional Eastrek expedition. We started on the Friday morning in a very wet car park with a 10 mile hike ahead of us. Waterproofs were donned and we headed of in two groups to take separate routes back to Fernycrofts, our base camp for the weekend.
Much fun was had spalshing through a lot of mud and, fortunately, as the day wore on the weather eased. However, it was a lot of wet and muddy Scouts who arrived late in the afternoon very grateful for a warm drink and a slice of cake!
Everybody settled into their accomodation, either in the bunkhouse or, for the older scouts, in tents outside and a great meal was enjoyed by all. During the evening we split the Scouts into their 3 walking groups for the next day and they planned their routes that they would follow.
Saturday morning broke with some rays of sunshine and, after a good breakfast, the different walking groups set of on their way. The more expereinced walkers loaded up their rucksacks and tents as they were heading off for an overnight stay at a different site.
Saturday evening led to many tales or walking through streams and bogs and clearly a good day had been had by all. More route planning was doine for the next day and, not surprisingly, lots of very tired scouts fell asleep soon after lights out.
Sunday bought the nicest day of the weekend and again we all headed off in different directions. At the end of the day the Scouts were sent of an Easter Egg hunt and then in the evening we had a presentation time to recognise all their great efforts and highlight a few nicknames aquired over the weekend.
There was much discussion about the best routes, the deepest swamps that had been found, but ultimately bragging rights went to the senior scout group who waded two kilometres up a river. Why you may ask……well just because it was there and they could [pop back soon to see the video!!]
Monday morning was hectic in clearing up to get off site by 10am and then we headed down to Lepe Country Park for a walk along the beach and yes, true to form, a few crazy Scouts went for a paddle in the sea, watched, but not joined, by their leaders.
All in all a great weekend with new skills and friendships made.
We had so much fun that we have booked the same venue for Eastrek 2011.