TT News - March 2010
1st Dartmoor Weekend March 2010
Well I’d like to start by saying it takes a very special kind of scout/leader to stay motivated and happy after walking for miles, cooking and eating an evening meal, sleeping in a tent in the decidedly chilly and exposed elements of Dartmoor in early March, followed by breakfast in minus 4c with condensation frozen on the inside of your tent knowing that you have to face the elements all over again.
When I see you all in training, getting stuck in and motivating each other I take my hat off to all of you who walk and of course to all of the trainers and helpers. Without everyone we couldn’t do what we have successfully done year after year which is to train you as best we can for the main event when it’s down to you and your team. Although it might not seem like it at the time when you’re walking in the cold, wet and wind and your feet are agony this really does prepare you well for the main event. If you can do it when everything is at its worst you have a good chance of finishing the actual event on the day. We can plan and prepare for most things but the weather, good or bad and we’ve had both, is unfortunately beyond our control.
Surprisingly despite the weather there was not much moaning or groaning. There was lots of happy smiling scouts all weekend even though the wind chill was at least minus 6. Although the sun shone throughout the weekend it didn’t ever really warm up and it shows real strength of character of everyone when you can walk in these conditions and remain cheerful and motivated, especially on the second day.
I know many of you added a few more blisters to your collections this weekend. Some of the blisters were just small minor ones which will heal quickly. Others I’ve seen are large and nasty and will need a bit of attention. Some of you have asked how to toughen your feet up to reduce the risk of blisters. Different things work for different people but it’s worth talking to some of the older scouts to find out what works for them and checking out our guide. Many of our walkers have been doing Ten Tors for several years so they’ve tried and tested several things but for many of you blisters are something than you’ll just have to grin (!!) and bear.
The general feeling I got all weekend was a happy go lucky feeling if you know what I mean, all the walkers I spoke to were very keen to start walking both days, there were helping hands when needed, lots of driving for some, really late nights for several folk when the old bus broke down for the 2nd time, however the scouts who had been in the bus the both times it broke down showed the usual scout spirit and did not get upset or angry they just took it in their stride.
Ten Tors is without question a team event and some of you will have learnt more about yourself and your team then you thought possible.
On a final note there are a few things you can do to help us please. We are still getting plenty of lost property each time we walk. I’m sure your parents will appreciate you taking care of your kit making sure you go home with all of you kit and we also need you to make sure that anything you or your team is loaned is returned.
Also before you leave the minibus please collect up all of your bits and pieces, including your rubbish. We expect the minibuses to be reasonably clean when we get them and we have to make sure this is how they are returned.
Lastly on the way home from a hike it’s important you call your parents to let them know when to come and collect you. Although we can’t give a precise time of arrival I’m sure your parents don’t want to be hanging around the gas works any longer than they have to. If you do not have your phone with you or the battery is flat and someone offers to let you use theirs to make the call then please do so.
Thanks, Ray
Lost Property
- Grey 1 litre sigg type water bottle with small silver karabiner
- Red 3/4 litre sigg type water bottle
- Orange whistle on thin metal chain
- Neck warmer black/brown (my bus)
- Fleece hat blue - Kate Goodenough
- Metal spoon
- 2x Black top joined together - Will Parkman
- Pair of Karrimor walking boots in yellow bag - size unreadable