Windermere 2002
"In the June of last year Cadets Kirk, Gardner (now Cpl. Gardner) and myself visited Lake Windermere in the Lake District, Cumbria. It was a weeklong trip which involved a two-day expedition including sleeping in a tent overnight, and cooking our own food.
We left very early on Saturday morning ("How early" you say? 0600! What does the 0 stand for? "Oh my God it's early!") Anyway, we went to Epping to pick up the other cadets that would be coming with us. There were about 25 cadets in total. We spent 8 hours travelling that day, and arrived at the centre at about 1800. Then we were left to unpack. After that, dinner; Fish and Chips paid for by the staff. We were split into flights, with our commanders to be decided the next day.
On the Sunday, we were woken up at about 0700. Then we had breakfast at about half past. Next, we went out in our flights to the hills, and walked for about 7 or 8km. This took up most of the day. When we got back to the centre we had our dinner and were told who the team leaders would be. Lo and behold, the team leader for one flight was ME!
On the Monday the expedition was started. We went out to the starting point and were told to start walking. We had members of staff with us, but they were not there to tell us where to go. We left our starting point at around 1230. We walked for roughly 8 hours and arrived at the campsite at about 2030. during the walk there were a few delightful moments. For instance the gold Duke of Edinburgh team went off 90 degrees in the wrong direction...they included 3 Flight Sergeants and 2 Sergeants. There was also a member of the flight that I didn't get on with. Try as I may I just could not get on with him. Anyway, Miss Kirk managed to sort things out between him and I by standing on the side of a hill and shouting at the top of her voice. Believe me, when I say she turned a few heads that day, she turned a few heads (including some sheep!). As well as this, one of my flight was injured, and had to be carried the rest of the way. It wasn't that bad, it was only 2 more kilometres.
On arriving at the camp, we still had to put up the tents and cook, and the light was fading fast. The tents were put up quickly, so the food was next. We were cooking on Trangia so it didn't take that long. The only thing wrong was that it was HORRIBLE!! (We had a bean feast that was OK on the night, but I've had one since and it's not that pleasant!) After that we had rice pudding which was actually quite good. It wasn't until we got back to the centre that I realised there was mashed potato to have as well. Apparently Cdt. Kirk woke up the next morning to find her mash had claimed it's first victim, a slug! We got up the next morning, had breakfast, packed the tents away and got going. We all thought we were heading on to the next campsite, but en-route we were told the best news all week: We were going back to the centre. We walked about 8km that day and then we were driven to the centre. We got there at about five o' clock and had the rest of the day to ourselves.
On Wednesday we went rock climbing and swimming. The rock climbing was fun because I had a mild fear of heights! We all had the proper equipment including the snazzy shoes. I would recommend it to anyone.
After the rock climbing we went swimming, and this was to ensure we could go canoeing the next day. All we did was four lengths of the pool using four different strokes. I passed, just.
On Thursday, as I said, we went canoeing in the morning. This was very entertaining. Half of us got in, and followed the instructor down the lake a little way and then back to where we started for a capsizing drill. That was a little scary as my foot got caught in the canoe for a second, which led me to breathe out whilst I was under-water. Not a good idea! after that I put my canoe on the jetty and was pushed into the water headfirst which was brilliant. I got a bit wet. The second group then went into the water while the first group just lounged around in the sun. Ahh, bliss! After lunch the groups were swapped and I did orienteering on a bike! Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy it! It lasted about two hours.
After that we went back to the centre, got changed and headed to the beach. This was for a BBQ organised and cooked by the staff. This was very, very tasty.
The next day we went gorge walking and abseiling. The gorge walking involved walking to a path, lead out by Flight Lieutenant King without getting wet. It's not as difficult as it sounds, though.
The abseiling was very fun, as I overcame the fear and did it (and we have photographic proof for all the people who don't believe me!).
Anyway, on the Saturday we were all up bright and early ready to clean the place up and travel home. Another 8 hours on the road.
We all said our tearful good-byes and arrived home at about 1700. We were then ready to get some rest...or so I thought! I got in and found I had a wedding reception to go to. That was fun; I got in at around 2300 and had to represent Essex Wing the next day in athletics! So I was slightly tired.
Anyway, to all you cadets on the squadron, and to anyone reading this on the web thinking about joining up, it's well worth going to the Lake District and for just £60 how could you ask for more?"
Cpl. Greg Bagshaw
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(If you would like to know more about trips our squadron goes on, or trips in general in the ATC, please e-mail us by clicking here)