After many phone calls and e-mails to the Forestry Commission during the week, we decided to go-ahead with the camping trip even though the previous weekend the field we were camping on was completely under water when the Wye burst its banks.
We left Church about 6pm aiming to get to camp by 7:30pm but due to the pouring rain the traffic was very busy and when didn’t get on site till about 9:20. Fortunately the advanced party of leaders had put up the tents so all we had to do was pull on our wellies and unpack the luggage.
Saturday morning 6am, woke to the voices of Wes and Chris putting the world to rights, and some of leaders kept on about there being ‘Something in the Air’ (you will have to ask them about that!) After a nice warm shower (yes I managed to use the shower that was warm and had a decent amount or water pressure!!), we had cereals and bacon butties.
We then made the packed lunch and set off for Clearwell Caves where the boys would be going underground. We arrived at the caves with minuets to spare before the start of the underground tour. Much fun and tales were heard in the caves under Clearwell during the descent and through the small holes they had to grovel through. On there return to the surface they were all covered in bright orange from the sandstone, it looked like the auditions for the Tango Man!
After a good scrub down in the showers on camp, we decided to make sure they were clean by sending them to the local leisure centre to go swimming.
Whilst the Barbeque and campfire was being prepared (including Billy, Hod, Paddy and Jas acting manly trying to chop wood for the fire) they boys did a scavenger hunt which involved crossing the river on the famous ‘Symonds Yatch Suspension Bridge’. On returning to camp the barbeque was going nicely but Paddy and Jas were struggling to get the fire started, all the wood was sodden from being submerged the previous week and the heavy down pours during the week. After feasting on Billy’s burnt burgers and Hod’s hot dogs Jas and Paddy decided to go and get some dry kindling and paraffin, but whilst they were gone our fire-starter Hod got to work and got the fire going with help from the hot BBQ coals. By the time Jas and Paddy returned we were all sat around the camp fire but they were welcome to join us as they had bought marshmallows with them.
Sunday morning we woke not quit as early as the boys were tired from all the fresh air and activities they did on yesterday. We had the bacon butties again and then got to work taking the tents down before they get wet. Once the site had been cleared and we were all packed we moved off site and parked up. Then there was the refreshing walk up to Symonds Yatch Rock, a view point where you can get a great view of the River Wye valley. At the rock there was a visitors centre where we had ice-creams and refreshments before the trek back down for lunch prior to our departure for home.
Are we nearly there yet Mrs Kimberwee....?