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It was tough. For the participants, supervisors and assessors. Once warm and dry, and the midge bites have disappeared, it’s easy to reflect and think “it wasn’t that bad”. But it was. It started to rain not long after the groups set out on the first day of their Silver Qualifying Expedition. It didn’t stop until 24 hours later.
It was the sort of rain, that no matter how good your waterproofs are, you’ll get wet. It’s only a matter of time. Whenever the rain showed signs of easing off, the midges appeared in force, (and we were soon longing for the rain to begin again!).
Having had good weather for bronze and their practice expedition, they quickly had to become very skilled in setting up camp and cooking in the rain. In the morning they then had to reverse the process, and ensure that the kit was all in a fit state to be used again the following evening. Being out for 2 nights could have easily taken its toll. However, the groups learned quickly and adapted to the conditions managing to keep (the majority of) their essential kit dry.
Rivers, and streams, quickly became impossible to cross safely so routes had to be changed to accommodate for this. Some streams were still crossable, but not without good team work and wet feet.
Well done to all 42 participants from Albyn School who persevered through the rain and midges to complete their Silver Qualifying Expedition in the Cairngorms last week. Let’s hope for better weather next time!
Thanks also to Mar Lodge and Invercauld Estates for welcoming us to the area, and being very helpful with accurate information on places where our route might be impacted upon from the winter flooding.
