The memories of my first Venture Scout trip abroad are still crystal clear. I had accumulated enough "DIY good behaviour points" at home to be released by my wife and my two sons to go on the trip with their blessing. Subsequently, with kit ready I boarded the minibus on a beautiful Sunday afternoon and set off for Swansea. I wondered if this was to be the last bit of good weather I would experience for the next ten days, but this thought was to be proved totally wrong. As usual, Phil and Matt had quietly and methodically got everything organised, with the bus fully loaded with enough kit and supplies to tackle any foreign excursion. The mood of the group was positive, lively and relaxed.
We reached Swansea and the ferry port. Joining the queue, I could not help at marvel at the luxurious and wonderful facilities that this port had to offer all travellers as they arrived or exited this ferry terminal. However, we soon were on board and for some reason the entire group appeared to check to see if I was well as the ferry cruised out of port. Somehow, they had caught wind that my sea legs were not the best in the world and were obviously waiting in great anticipation of me throwing up! I was determined that this would not be the case, despite the fact that most of the people on the ferry were stuffing themselves with food and were consuming large quantities of drink.
The ten-hour crossing flew past and before long I was waking up and taking my first glimpses of Ireland and more precisely, that of the city of Cork. The crossing had given Phil and I thumping headaches and this was not due to any alcohol consumption, but the fact that our cabin had appeared to be located right over one of the main engines! Once again, numerous members of the group recommended that I try the breakfast menu, but I declined their kind invitations. We were welcomed in Ireland by the customs officers all dressed in green wellies and boiler suits, ready to hose us all down and eliminate all traces of any diseases that we had obtained in our native Gloucestershire. Soon we were heading out of the port and on our way West. Most of the crew took the opportunity to obtain some more sleep and appeared to look dazed after what had apparantly been an eventful night crossing.
Eventually, we hit the drop-off point for our intrepid gold adventurers and with tears in our eyes we waved goodbye to them as the sun beat down, wondering if we would ever see them again. With these sad thoughts, we hit the campsite, had a high tea and chilled out! With the Hungry Hill as our campsite backdrop, the weather glorious and everything set up for the next day, it appeared that things were too good to be true!
The following day was again bathed in glorious sunshine and it was decided that we would hit the bikes and tour the area. For some reason, with limited resources I was lumbered with the one remaining ladies bike, much to the amusement of the lads. However, by the end of the day, after touring various places, like Castletown and reaching new peaks, it was me who was smiling, as this bike appeared to have the best gears! The scenery was breath-taking, idyllic and this combined with the good weather to make a perfect first day - despite the hills!
With Phil having checked up on the "Goldies" and all of us remaining folk suffering from saddle soreness, it was decided that we would undertake a practice bronze trek from Castletown. The lads, Stumpy and Sheepy, as they had been affectionately labelled from day one, jumped up and down with joy at the thought of this navigational extravaganza. With supplies to last a year, compass in hand and that frontier spirit, we set off on our adventure into the dark, unknown wilds of Western Ireland. Would we survive? How would the natives react to us? What dangers would we encounter? About five hours later we were greeted by Phil and the minibus and wry smiles.
The weather continued to be good for the rest of the trip and after meeting up with the gold crew, the group undertook various activities, with the highlight for me, being the rock climbing, expertly led by Adam. Group spirits were high, good banter exchanged and Phil's evening culinary delights each evening ensured that we were well fed, although for some reason, he tried to tempt us frequently with some of his SPAM recipes! Evening meals were subsidised by the exploits of various expert fishermen within the group and one of the local camp site owners, who didn't just talk about the big one that got away but delivered the goods!
More walks were completed, fishing undertaken and general exploring of the area. Adam, Matt and myself, being the intrepid, "go for it!" types that we are decided to climb the Hungry Hill, only to find three hours later that after a bright, sunny start, the weather at the top had closed in and we could hardly see anything.
Before I knew it, my first Venture Scout expedition with the 44th had finished. I looked forward with relish at another ten-hour ferry trip, with the group stuffing their faces with food in front of me and ironically, on the return trip the weather had closed in on us. However, I have only positive memories of the trip - wonderful weather, great scenery, a good bunch of people and great outdoor activities, plus a few drops of the black stuff! Next year is Norway and I have already started on the home DIY to ensure my place on the trip!
P LLOYD