Taw Explorers Summer Adventure.

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11 Taw Explorers and 5 Leaders have just returned from their International Summer Camp in Ireland. They were based at the Irish National Scout Campsite, at Lough Dan in the Wicklow Mountains.

A few days before the camp, Leaders Kate and Mike set out from our campsite at Collard Bridge with a car full of equipment. Many thanks to Della from 50th North Devon Scouts for the loan of her car for the week, the Explorers are much indebted as without this the equipment would never have made the journey via ferry from Fishguard to Rosslaire and then onto the site.

Once the mess tent and kitchen area were set up ,we went to meet the main party who arrived at Dublin airport at 15.30 on Sunday 26th July. It was spitting with rain (Irish Mist) as the Explorers were transported by minibus back to the campsite. A BBQ tea was cooked on open fires, tent groups assigned and personal tents pitched.

The following day began with Explorers working in patrols to plan the weeks menu. Each patrol deciding within a budget the menu they would prepare for the group on the day when it was their turn to cook. Each patrol nominated a “shopper” who was taken to the local supermarket in nearby Greystone to purchase provisions. This proved an excellent way to arrange the catering for the trip. The Explorers commented that they liked being able to choose their own menus. Cooking meals they had decided upon themselves proved much easier.

Those left on site explored the area and made friends with some Irish Scout staying on the site. Later in the afternoon the Explorers walked the 5kms to the village of Roundwood. Reputed to be highest village in Ireland, it isn’t very big. After a look around and a take away tea we returned to the site. It was raining so games and songs in the mess tent passed the evening away.

Tuesday we had planned a big hike into the mountains, however the weather forecast had other plans. We cancelled ours and instead walked 4km to a local crag. Macer set up climbing ropes and those Explorers who wanted to, had a taste of Irish rock before the expected weather front arrived and rained us out. The rock being too slippery to climb, we made a soggy retreat to our camp and a game of “big booty” (ask an Explorer how to play!)

Wednesday the outlook was not much better but our planned trip to Dublin went ahead. We caught the local bus from Roundwood into Dublin to visit Dublinia. This centre tells the story of Dublin’s Viking history and of the many archaeological excavations of Viking and Medieval sites across the city. This was followed by free time in the city,where the Explorers had their chance to “Explore”.

Thursday, finally the murky weather passed and the planned hikes could go ahead. Walking two routes out from Glendalough, Explorers covered 10 or 15kms of steep terrain around one of the most spectacular parts of the Wicklow mountains. Clearer weather allowed us to make the most of the panorama, while occasional showers reminded us we were in the mountains. An amazing day resulting in a very tired but satisfied Unit.

Friday our final day saw the usual attention given to cleaning and packing away kit ready for the return journey. Investing Paul Turbull as a leader with the Taw Unit by the lake at the site (in the rain) put the finishing touches on the camp. The minibus returned everyone to the airport for the flight back to Exeter. Apart from a few missing bags the trip ended well. I’m sure no one will miss the midges however.

Taw Explorers have enjoyed another amazing experience….. What next I wonder? Anyone fancy Scotland?