Practice DofE Eped

Over the weekend we were working for Kushi Adventures on a practice DofE expedition with lovely groups of youngsters from Millburn Academy. My group set off from Milton and walked over the Slugain and onto the grassy area near the Cairngorm Footbridge where all 3 groups met up. A bit of a wet night and morning but the walk out to Feshiebridge was fine.

Today we went to check out a bike route from Boat of Garten to Lochan Eilean and back. 42km of easy biking in superb weather.

More of the same

Back at Kingussie on Wednesday with Anderson High School this time. Then another group from Skillforce at Duntelchaig on Thursday and today I am at the desk whilst Ian is canoeing for Glenmore Lodge. This weekend I am taking a group out on their practice DOE Expedition for Kushi Adventures and Ian will join me for the Sunday. This new van of ours is making a big difference already, how did we manage without it!!

Rock climbing with Speyside High

Ian was with another group from Anderson High School doing the Assault course, Zipwire and Archery while I had a great day at Kingussie climbing and abseiling with 2 groups from Speyside High. Always a pleasure working with this school as the students enjoy a challenge and are a polite friendly bunch too!

We bought our van yesterday and this was its first working day! At last, space for all the kit!

Star youth Club

Yesterday was spent with a group from the Star Youth Club doing Canoe Rafting and having a wander around Glenmore Forest. They are quite an artistic bunch too and spent some time making pictures of what they could see.

Superb weather made the day too!

Skillforce at Duntelchaig

The past 2 days have been spent at Loch Duntelchaig, Weaselling, Abseiling and Climbing with groups on the Skillforce project. The youngsters were all challenged in various ways, but they gave their all and enjoyed the opportunity to try things. Ian canoed today whilst I slaved over the phone and computer. Both on the water tomorrow.

Activities with 'No Limits'

We have been working with this group of families for many years now and it has been a pleasure to watch the youngsters grow and develop. They have gained in confidence over time and are always able to surprise us. The best bit this year was that Jack abseiled by himself for the first time ever and even Andrew was persuaded to do two with me by his side.

The Canoe Rafting on Saturday was exciting as the Loch was quite choppy so most folk got wet! Still happy though!

Canoe Rafting Loch Morlich

Ian ran 2 sessions of Canoe Rafting for the Nicolson Institute yesterday. It was pretty rough but he had good, strong paddlers in his teams so they were still able to go on a journey!

I stayed at home to catch up with admin and try to locate a van. Our car is just not big enough for all the equipment we need to carry about plus we will soon have a trailer of canoes!

Canoe Rafting Loch Morlich

Yesterday we were on the Loch with Anderson High in the morning and at the Hayfield doing Archery in the afternoon. It is still quite cold for May but the hills do look good!

Meall a'Bhuachaille

Ian was out with the Anderson High School gang again today, this time on Meall a' Bhuachaille. It snowed heavily whilst they were up there but they all enjoyed it! Canoe rafting and Archery tomorrow!

Assault Course & Zipwire

We are with another group from Anderson High School for a few days this week and today we went to Alltnacriche to use the Assault Course and Zipwire. Great fun was had by all!

Ben Nevis

This week has been a really good one for us as we always enjoy working with groups from Anderson High School and the work we did for the Highland Council was with a superb group of primary children who just loved everything.

Then yesterday we took a group of University students up Ben Nevis for GB Charity Events and had a great time! The weather was excellent and the guys kept all the other hillwalkers entertained with their singing which included most of Frank Sinatras repertoire!! They are on the 3 Peaks Challenge and should be on their way to Snowdon as I write this.

Assault Course and Zipwire

We are working with the Highland Council for most of this week although I have a special group from Anderson High School in Shetland for 2 half days. We love working with these youngsters as they are always so eager to try new things. Today we played on the Assault Course and Zipwire at Alltnacriche and we all had a great time. On Wednesday we will be Canoe Rafting and I am looking forward to that already!

Ben Nevis

Checked out the tourist route on Ben Nevis today as we are guiding there next Saturday for GB Charity Events and we just wanted to see what the snow was like! Like Blackpool Beach on the summit, loads of people having a great time!

Archery & Team Building

Yesterday we ran more Archery and some Team building for the cracking group from Moray College. It was quite chilly and damp but they still enjoyed it!
We also made the decision to buy 4 canoes and a trailer so that we can be more versatile with what we offer. This is now leading on to whether to buy a van! Never been good at speculating to accumulate!!
It does mean that canoe, camp and hill trips will be available!!