D of E - A.K.A Days of Exile
When you hear the words 'Lake District' you might think holiday destination, beautiful scenery or quiet English villages. I now think "Walking, Walking, Camping, oh and some more Walking". Yes, I was one of the fools to think I was hardy enough to finish the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award... Why 2014 Beth? Why? I may seem a little pessimistic but truth be told I look back on it all very fondly and will remember it forever... Buuuut I won't be rushing to pay £600 and relive it anytime soon.
And Your Point is...?
Right, yes. So, I wrote a small diary whilst there and I thought it would be worth putting it on here more for me than you guys because I'd like to be able to recall the smaller details. I thought I'd start with Monday today (Because guess what? It's a Monday! So clever Beth, so clever) and post the rest throughout as if I were really doing it right now! :O Anyway, they're very short but that's cool with everyone right?... *crickets* ...I'll take that as a yes! You might be able to tell that my mood deteriorates as the week goes on.
Monday 31st August - Day 1
Yes, I am tired. I've been awake since 3.45am so of course I am. But honestly, I'm not too bad. I want to hold onto that sentiment because I suspect it won't last long. I didn't sleep on the train - I think that helped, I'm less groggy and restless. Anyway, we're at camp no.1 now. We've set up tents (1.15pm) and it's gorgeous weather (although the heat may be a problem later) and the campsite is very nice The toilets and showers are super good and no rocky incline to reach them this time! However, I feel that from here it can only get worse...
Curious George (our instructor) has told us that we're a strong group so don't have to do the acclimatisation walk. We're still working out if he's pulling our legs or if he actually trusts us.
I hope this good feeling lasts - I somehow doubt it.
We went to Keswick Town as a warm up walk today. No packs, short route. It was good. Feet already hurt but I'll be okay (or so I tell myself). It was a lovely town - busy, buzzing, lot's of street musicians + performers wearing feathered costumes. We even saw a dog walking itself... (Refer to Diagram 1) George looked in mountaineering shops and we chilled and, of course, one particular member bought food. We got back while it was still light, I had a hot shower which was amazing; setting high standards for a week that can be only a disappointment in the hygiene area. One of the team cooked, we ate. T'was good. A group of us then also pissed about had some honest fun playing games (40:40 It) and trying our hand amateur acrobatics with the 'no support seating circle' (Refer to Diagram 2) and the 'unsupported table' (RTD3) plus a 10 person pyramid. We were incredibly proud but only to be shot down by the instructor, who was less impressed since it was supposedly 'dangerous' Pfft.
It's been a good day, I hope I can maintain high spirits.
Beth
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| FIGURE 1 - Highly evolved dog |
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| FIGURE 2 - (Right) You basically all sit on each other FIGURE 3 - The Table collapsed :( |
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| A Wild Penny Farthing Appeared! |
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| See, feathers! |
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| Pretty Bridge Outside Keswick |
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| Oh, we also saw some pretty planes |
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| Camp 1 - So Purty |
