The Grade II Expedition Boys survived the Midgies!

The weather was great on Friday, nice a dry for the walk up to the campsite. I hear that they all got set up before dark and had to disappear into the tents for an early night because of the interest shown by the local wild life. The Midgies were out in force.

When I arrived at 9.30 am on Saturday morning our 4 Boys were heading out as part of a group of 20 Boys doing there 10 mile day hike for their grade II expedition badge. The 16 grade III Boys had left on their 15 mile day hike at 9 am. Some hardy soul told that the 8 Silver DoE expedition boys were up and away before 7 am and were not expected back much before 9 pm.

Myself and Robin went out the easy way to one of the first grade III check points at a river crossing next to an old croft building. We met up with Mr S and 2 Officers from Dalserf at that point. The grade III Boys were just leaving so we had a break and let them go on their way. We followed their route along to a bridge an a left turn in the track which took the grade III boys back round the hill back to the old croft building.

At that point the Officers from Dalserf went on ahead to another check point for the Silver DoE Boys, we actually caught sight of a team of 3 probably from 1st Bothwell, just before we turned back to catch up with the grade II boys and then the grade III boys at the river crossing.

We got back to the river at about 2.30 pm and then spent the rest of the afternoon sitting enjoying the sunshine, chatting and drinking coffee, while we watch for the Boys returning. The 20 Grade II made it across safely with only one wet foot. Eventually between 3.30 and 4.30 all 16 grade III boys made it back to us and crossed the river with out too much mishap.

35 of the grade II and III boys were all back on site by 5.15 and were eating. Mr S, Robin and I were slightly held back as we escorted the straggler from the grade III hike back down from the river. A little too much sun, not enough sun cream or water and too heavy a pack was just getting too much for him over the last couple of miles.

We left them to it at 6 pm and came home to a nice warm bath and some hot food.

I recieved a text from a PK on Sunday.
He said they were all fine.
He complained about the Midgies, and the amount of bites they all had.
He complained about the Scottish weather, (it rained up in Callander overnight).
He said they were tired.
But he did say that they had all had fun on Saturday.

Glad you enjoyed it Guys, that was grade II.
5 more miles next year, the year after, and the year after.
This years grade I, take note. Less talking, more walking.

Grade II Expedition

The "older" ones are now ready for their expedition weekend. Well they have all their equipment.

They leave from the manse on Friday at 6.15 pm and who knows when they return, certainly I don't because the Battalion Secretary has not yet informed us. I think they are aiming to be at the bus in Callander for 12 noon so back in Hamilton for 2 pm????
But by the wonders of modern technology, I'm sure the Boys will let somebody know.

We might see them on Saturday, I'm supposed to be going up with Robin McLean (1st Bothwell) and possibly the Minister to do some supervision. We'll see, if I get up on Saturday and it is raining........

Good Luck Guys, remember to stay off the sides of the tent.

Kids Go Free on the Falkirk Wheel !

We were sent 38 Kids go free tickets from the Falkirk Wheel.

Just because we took a party of Anchor and Junior Section Boys there at the weekend we were sent these out in the post.

So if you or any of your friends feel like going to the Falkirk wheel before 31 July 2010.
Let us know, we can give you a complimentary children's ticket aboard the boat trip that you can use when accompanied by a full paying adult.

I can't see me using them all  before the end of July. so give us a call or drop us an email. if you want 1 or 2 or 3.

Mark

Grade 1 Expedition

Well done to the 4 Boys who took part in the Grade 1 expedition on Saturday morning.
Everybody turned up on time and we got down to Warnlockhead and set off at 10.30.

It was a bit overcast and we had a couple of showers but nothing too wetting.

Everybody managed to complete the wlak from Warnlockhead to Spango Bridge in just over two hours, although it would have been quicker if some people had not talked as much (Stewart and Alex).

Took my camera but forgot to take pictures, DOH!


Next challenge for this bunch the Tinto walk, the grade 2's will have their own practice walk up in Callandar in a couple of weeks time.
Remember you need to let me know if you are going to do the Tinto walk so as I can organise MacMillan T-Shirts from Angela at the Biggar Office.

The Display - Friday 14th May

You had to be there, to get a prize.

The Top table was loaded with them at the beginning and empty at the end 

We gave everything away to all the winners.

Two Boys got president's Badges and Colin got his Queen's Badge.


Colin was also discharged as a Boy, but he was also promoted to Staff Sergeant and asked back as a member of Staff.

MacMillan Cancer Support - Sponsored Tinto Walk

 

Saturday 3rd July we intend to take part in this event to raise money for this very worthwhile charity.

As many of The Company Section Boys as we can manage will be doing the event. They will be looking for sponsorship on Friday night at the Display.

I hope you can help us out and sponsor us in this event.

Mark

Grade 1 Expedition - Saturday 15th May

I have now confirmed with 2nd Blantyre that all 4 Grade 1 Boys will be tasking part in the expedition walk on Saturday morning, from Warnlockhead to Spango Bridge.

The 4 Boys should meet me down at the Church on Saturday for 9 am, we will leave and then go down to meet up with the 2nd Blantyre Company at 10 am.

I am told that it should not take the boys much more than an hour and a half to two hours to complete. We should be leaving Spango Bridge just after 12 noon and be back in Hamilton for 1 pm hopefully.

The Boys should bring along a day sack with a packed lunch and something to drink. Wet weather gear and have a pair of sturdy hill walking boots. We have our own expedition equipment which will be given out on Saturday maps, compass, whistle, etc.
The Boys need to prepare their route card all as previously discussed.

Mark