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This was a tough, fast expedition, covering a lot of ground
and arriving at the Pantry within three minutes of my estimated
time. The forecast said showers but we only got one and the
rest of the morning was bright sunshine. We had nine explorers:
Benjamin, Calum, Donald, Edward, Jan Hendrik, Nicole, Rebecca
Robbie C., and Thomas with three adult helpers, Heather, Howard
and Pamela. This expedition marked another milestone: Thomas
was the 1500th young explorer attendance. There were no official
dogs but Stan arrived to offer his services as pathfinder
and stick fetcher, and was so appointed.
We started from the Arivegaig car park and made our way quickly
along the path towards Gorteneorn. I managed to recognise
the start of the hill path and we all struggled up across
the wet ground until we reached the trees. I had failed to
find the big pollard Ash tree last time, so I was very relieved
when it came into view (NM64463 67438 by my GPS). We stopped
briefly for an expedition picture with the explorers hanging
in the tree like decorations, and pictures were also taken
of a fine lizard caught by Benjamin. No time for delay, we
were off up the hill again and made it to a flat patch at
the top where the explorers got perilously close to a deer
wallow in the bog. We all reassembled where we could see the
big waterfall and then climbed down the other side, the boys
and Stan going out ahead to find a good route. Then it was
just a matter of navigating round one small hill and we were
at the base of the waterfall, but everyone wanted to get to
the water so we climbed up to where the spray was flying all
over the rocks.
All the explorers and Howard spent quite a time in the spray,
getting thoroughly wet and testing the grip of their wellies
to the limit. We had our Tunnocks wafers and, all too quickly,
it was time to set off back down the hill towards the Hydro
Dam.
The walk back was marked by the only shower, which left the
explorers somewhat chilled so I set a good pace to the car
and everyone but Jan Hendrik warmed up, he had been the closest
to the waterfall.
There were some good drawings this time, and one of the quietest
sessions at the Pantry I can remember.
John
Dye
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