Cabot Ten Tors

The first overnight training session in the Wye Valley was dull and cold. A keen light wind kept the thermals on but dry throughout. This would not be the norm and on our next trip out we may see what Dartmoor can throw at us.

Firstly may I thank everyone involved new and old for their help over the weekend and before. This cannot go ahead without you. A small note also to those who would have normally been there but were unfortunately struck down with illness.

It was noted that at scrutineering some fundamental kit was missing or forgot. This is a minor issue for us during this last hike but cannot be tolerated in the coming hikes. We will have no option other than not to allow you to walk if you do not have the FULL kit including items such as personal first aid packs/drinks bottles/hot breakfast to mention a few. If you require loan kit please contact Mike this week to save time and do not leave it until the week before the hike. All the walkers must be able to unpack and pack their own kit unaided and we will make sure this happens on our next round of scrutineering.

A few pointers noticed from the adults:

• Please ensure that all spare clothes are in a small holdall / rucksack to include your spare trainers in a plastic bag. We are not in favour of plastic bags rolling around the minibuses.
• Check that you are not carrying too much kit, check the kit list if it is not present why carry it?
• Water bottles will need to be placed inside your bag or side pockets. This cause drag if left dangling off the rucksacks and in the wind they can be a hazard to other walkers.
• Team kit split between you all needs to be secure when carried.
• Upon the next hike ensure that boots are presented in a clean fashion.
• Navigation and walking speed was hit and miss and be careful as things sometimes change. If in doubt ask an adult.

It was noted that there was a good attitude, excellent first time ready for the Sunday off. Really well done to you all. There was good team leadership in most cases except leaving the injured team member behind. Stick together. Well done team E, the only team to complete both days in total. Well done to the 45s - both teams really motivated and focused.

45ers update from Brian

Firstly I just want to say how well we thought your teamwork was this weekend. That’s as important as all the other skills you need. Another important thing is having the right kit - water bottles, plastic bags and waterproofs were our weak areas. Please follow the kit list strictly as Mum won't be there at scrutineering (but we were glad she was there Saturday). Speaking of Saturday, what an adventure that turned out to be. I'm glad you thought it was fun too and we all learnt about what to do if you find your party has gone the wrong way into difficult ground - go back the way you came and don't have an argument in the middle of the hazard! On both days pace was good overall. My favourite point was a certain team member lagging at the back then changing the track on her MP3 and me having to chase her down because the team had been left behind. Well done all.

Design a logo for the team sweatshirt competition

Design a logo for the team sweatshirt. One colour only to a design of your choice which ought to include the scout emblem. You might also like to mention the 50th anniversary year. The final artwork can be left to a professional – it's ideas we are after. A small prize for the best one even if we decide not to use it. Entries to Mike by Friday 26th March.

And finally...

Overall a really good effort by everyone for a first overnight hike. Ten Tors is ultimately about YOU taking responsibility for yourself as part of a team. It starts with YOU booking your seat before the previous weekend and not your parents, right through to working together to ensure that you complete the exercise as a unit. We are here to help so if you are not sure then please do contact us and ask.

Carey

Lost Property

• Large A5 map case - came out of the kit van so may belong to a leader.
• Blue 1 litre waterbottle Axis
• "Lock & Lock" see through sandwich box
• Lifesystems - Chlorine tablets in case
• Small Coleman C100 gaz cylinder
• 3/4 litre -s/s flask from the white minibus Laurence was driving.
• Printed kit list with pen ticks and comments!
• Karrimor Jaguar S65 rucksack blue and green
• Roll of masking tape!
• 1 grey walking sock
• Pair of black walking socks