Travel Update 4

Here are the revised ETAs. Winnall is 0530 hours and Hedge End is 0600 hours. Everyone for Fleet has been dropped off!

Travel Update 3

We have boarded the 0220 (French time) ferry from Calais. Providing all is well with the crossing and driver arrangements in the UK the ETAs for the drop offs shouldn't change or we might even be early!

Travel Update 2

Travel update. P&O have told us we are currently on the 0300 (French time) ferry to Dover. Providing we do get on this ferry and a replacement coach driver can be sorted on arrival in the UK then our ETAs won't be much different from what they are at present. I will of course keep you all updated.

Travel Update

There are delays at Calais, the length of the delays are varying. Once we have arrived at Calais I will hopefully be able to update you further with regards to our ETA in Hampshire. We are due into Calais around 2200 hours UK time. Please keep an eye on the Facebook group/Blog for further updates.

Many thanks

Day 7 - Last Activity Day

Friday started very cloudy and was the second of the two ski days. As a leader I was apprehensive last night thinking that some of the participants would be over confident as a result of yesterday's high and we would have some injury and paperwork to complete. However the poor visibility and realisation that several centimetres of fresh snow had fallen onto groomed pistes, certainly removed the worry.

These conditions are perfect for slowing things down while at the same time producing some of the best snow conditions for those that appreciate the sport (and it softens the falls - https://vimeo.com/156101592). So, all in all, everyone experienced one blue sky amazing snow-sport day, followed by poor visibility but awesome snow conditions day. You could not pray for better.

The difference that two days makes to a bunch of teenagers was so satisfying to see and after today many are now Powder Monkeys. Everyone is on a serious high and pretty sad that this amazing adventure is coming to an end.

Evening entertainment was another camp fire with all the other guests staying at Our Chalet and once finished, hardly a peep was heard from the young participants who crawled off to bed voluntarily.

Conclusion;

• We think we have broken your kids! 
• We are sending them home to you tomorrow.

The Richard Scout Award

Now, things are starting to become embarrassing. When we have a leader ratio of about 1:5 and over a period of five days the leaders already have gained this dubious award once, statistically that is not good. To get nominated several times and actually win this award twice makes me wonder if the younger members are targeting us.

Todays final award was presented to Amanda Stanley for her appalling chairlift exit skills and attempting to wipe out fours other members of the trip. 

And finally, the evidence of fun that was had today;

Day 6 - Ski Day and Curling

This was the second blue sky day and the first of two days skiing or snowboarding depending on the choice of the participants. We were split according to experience with the beginners having lessons for the morning and then being released to practice their skills in the afternoon.

The remainder of the group were put through their paces with an assessment on the nursery slopes so that the leaders could see their ability levels and group them accordingly.

The first day consisted of Blue runs so we could all get acclimatised as some had not been on the snow for a few years.

All arrived home safely with no injuries and lots of stories.

The Richard Scout Award
Today was quite exceptional, it was self nominated and received a unanimous vote from everyone on the trip.

Yesterday we had two of our Explorer members coming to the aid of an old boy who had fallen and given himself a head injury.

Today was quite the opposite and before you read further everything was ok and there is nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, one of our skiers and a 72 year old lady skier did not see each other and made contact. This caused a helicopter evacuation for the lady skier with an injured shoulder.

As a result there was no option but to give the Richard Scout Award to Matthew Romaine. We wish the casualty a swift recovery.

The evening events consisted of Curling. Now this WAS fun, if not a little worrying when we had to start with a vigorous warm up exercise session, for curling??? 

We had four instructors for a little under two hours and in conclusion we all gained a lot of respect for those that partake in this serene looking sport as it is difficult, physical, requires a lot of balance skills, teamwork and tactical planning.