Thursday

Sadly, yet again, Miss Mawdsley's sleep was curtailed by a dorm of somewhat foolhardy girls who considered five thirty a reasonable time to start making a noise. Not for long!

The weather once again brought good and bad i.e. warm but midge ridden. The kayakers had the best of it as the midges don't seem to like the loch. Once again groups had fun on the water, learning skills and being soaked by the teachers. The afternoon group had the added excitement of the option of jumping into the loch from the pier. One boy commented that this had been the best day of his life so far!

Mixed fortunes for the climbers and abseillers, some were delighted at their achievements, others want to bring their parents back in a fortnight to have another go.

The same was true of All Aboard and Jacob's Ladder and a few would like to find out if there are any opportunities to continue with archery in Edinburgh as they enjoyed it so much.

As we type the joint is jumping as the disco gets under way. Where do they get their energy from? If only the children could keep up!!! Never have so many taken to a dance floor so beautifully dressed - when so few have washed.

The only remaining problem is how so many clothes will fit into their bags for the return journey.

We intend to leave after breakfast, stopping briefly in Luss and hopefully will be back in Edinburgh on time. The school will be updated as we travel. Please do not forget to pick them up!!! Everyone has had a wonderful time with plenty of stories to tell.

Wednesday

Following a peaceful night - with no tears from anyone-we were treated to an early start by certain enthusiastic individuals who were keen to start the day with a shower!
After a hearty breakfast we split into our activity groups to go kayaking, orienteering and rock climbing. Kayaking on the loch was great fun. After learning the initial skills we played several games and, since we were wet anyway, finished off by jumping into the water. Certain members of staff took advantage of the occasion to dunk willing pupils, while certain pupils took advantage of the occasion to dunk members of staff!
Again, we were very well catered for at lunchtime - concerns about fussy eaters have proved to be unfounded. Food was eaten in record time as the children had spotted the rather magnificent chocolate birthday cake awaiting our 'Birthday Boy'.
The rock climbing group had a fairly arduous climb just to reach the rockface. Indeed, the children who volunteered to carry the equipment had every reason to be ready for a rest, but were amongst the first to scamper, and I mean scamper, to the top and abseil back down. A number of children who thought they were afraid of heights rose to the challenge and were delighted with their achievements. In due course the photographs should surprise a number of parents!
The evening finished with Lochgoilhead Olympics being cut short by clouds of the dreaded midge. Most of the children were relieved to get off to bed early and as we write most are sound asleep.
It has been another glorious day.

Tuesday

After fond farewells and tears from outside the bus - but not a single one from within - we set off on our exciting journey to Lochgoilhead. Everyone was in good spirits and we practised our Rose Day songs along the way! The weather was perfect and so was the scenery. We were even treated to the awesome sight of a sea plane landing on a loch.
We stopped at Luss for snack and refreshments and then set off on the final leg of our journey, arriving at the centre without incident some forty five minutes later.
Everyone successfully managed to carry their case to their dorm, but getting duvets into cases presented more of a problem, and some hilarity! (At eight fifteen some have still to be done!)
Soup and a selection of filled rolls were awaiting us for lunch, with crisps, chocolate biscuits and as much juice as necessary. Needless to say there was something for even the fussiest eaters and no-one went hungry. Those requiring a special diet were catered for admirably- and were even allowed to skip the queue!
Afternoon activities consisted of Team Building - great fun for the teachers to watch and eavesdrop on! It seems that the P5 classes excel at giving orders but are less inclined to follow them!
Tea consisted of pasta with a choice of sauces or cheese, salad, garlic bread, muffins and doughnuts - and again all were happy with their choice. Everybody ate well.
As I type the scavenger hunt has just finished and hot chocolate with chocolate crispies are about to be served for supper. Then to bed!

Friday

Excitement is building as we eagerly anticipate the fun that lies ahead. Most forms are signed- any which need alteration should be given to Mrs Simpson on Monday at the latest! Dorms have been chosen- and everyone is happy with their choice. The scene is set!