Day 3 - 'Do trout eat humans?'
Good evening 'blog readers - I've taken some much needed quiet time to update you on the latest from sunny Woodlands. So the title for tonight's blog comes from one of many very funny quotes from today - as I understand it the scenario went something along the lines of:
'Are there fish in the River Wye?'
'Yes and we might be lucky enough to see a trout if we look really carefully?'
(Thoughtfully) 'Do trout eat humans?'
Scenario 2 (one way to the caves):
'Why do we have to wear these suits to go caving - is it to keep us dry?'
'Partly but it's more to protect your body as you move around the cave - like your knees when you're crawling on the rocks.'
(Incredulously) 'Wait we're crawling on ROCKS!'
'Yes, what exactly did you think caves were made of?'
I have a tiny confession to make - I have spent my second day on the water canoeing (my favourite of all the activities) and I have Mrs Roberts to thank for the trade - she has spent a second day under ground taking a group caving (not my favourite activity) - so I am publicly thanking her for being a complete hero and letting me spend another day above ground while she develops ever more mole-like characteristics. I owe her a bottle or two of Prosecco when we get back and you can all hold me to that. Mrs Brown also took her group caving today and would like everyone to know she did all the difficult challenges, despite some initial misgivings - Go Frances! (See slide show).
Judging by the photos on the slide show - you will see that both canoeing groups actually spent more of their time in the water than out. Great fun was had by all including taking part in the most almighty water battle which my group won #obvs.
The Woodlands staff continue to be completely brilliant, getting to know the children, dealing with each and every one in a way which suits their learning style and personality whilst managing to impart their considerable expertise in the world of outdoor education, so that they all get the very best from this experience; it's so important that institutions like Woodlands continue to survive in this age of cutbacks and austerity measures - you can't put a price on experiences like this and the new skills, as well as life -skills the children learn here.
Dinner is over (roast pork and then Viennetta which took me back a few years and reminded me of Sunday lunch at my grandparents; I'm holding out for Arctic Roll next). The children are now in the grounds of the house and are working on a new orienteering course - who knew there was so much to orienteer?! Tomorrow as a special treat the staff have organised for those that want to, to watch the England / Belgium game on a big screen in one of the classrooms - so there was great excitement when that was announced. The rest will take part in an alternative non-football related activity and everyone will get the chance to do a bit of shopping.
Well that's about it from me for now...two more sleeps!
GUY BRIGG
Selected Highlights - Day 3
