Ten Tors 2009

We travelled down to Dartmoor, stopping in Okehampton for some fish and chips and then continued to Meldon Village Hall, where we would spend the night. Everyone claimed a little bit of floor space and set up their bed. The groups then planned their routes and everyone went to bed.

We were all woken up at 6am, when everyone got up and made breakfast. Then by 7am the teams started to leave. The weather was overcast, but soon brightened up into a nice sunny day, with brilliant views over the moor.

I was walking with group C, they were all getting doing well and with good navigational skills – well except the part when they decided to walk straight through the middle of a large boggy area! All of the team fell into the bog at various times covering them in wet smelly mud! I hope next time they will decide to go round even if it is slightly longer distance. Tip: If it is shown as a marsh on the map – it will be really big and wet so try to go round it!

All the 35 mile teams arrived at the camp site and started putting up their tent and cooking dinner. The 45 milers continued to their camping spot out on the moor. Everyone had an early night ready for the next day.

On Sunday everyone got up and set off with no problem. The weather was glorious sunshine all day and all the teams did really well, completing pretty much on schedule with nobody dropping out.

We all travelled back to Bristol (some taking longer than others because they didn’t listen to the fact (wasn't told!) there was a massive queue on the motorway!)

All the training is now over and it is only less than 3 weeks to the event!

Here are some useful last minute tips:

• Plastic bags for kit – Must be thick plastic not supermarket bags. These will be rejected at event scrutineering.
• Medicines – by this stage we would expect these to be carried including spares.
• Steri tabs – the rules state "sufficient for 48 hours" – that’s at least 24 and in date.
• Dehydration may well be a problem, make sure you drink plenty of fluid and fill up whenever the opportunity arises (the army will not issue any water on the tors)
• All kit should ideally be inside the rucksack not strapped on. If it has to be strapped on the rucksack straps must go any available loop so that kit (or coats as I noticed) cannot fall off.
• Do remember that Ten Tors is a team event and that it is all about completing it as a team, and of course finishing before 5pm on the Sunday.

The Event

• A watch - every team should be carrying at least 2 watches (remember mobiles are not allowed)
• Enjoy yourselves; it will be hard for everyone at some stage during the weekend, but try to enjoy the experience. This is what you have trained for over the last 5 months.

Before the event

• Take plenty of rest, especially the week before. Do not take any silly risks, the last thing you want is to pick an injury up just before the event, it has happened before!
• Don't forget to attend on Monday the 4th - Parents & Scouts! More Details
• Bring a copy of the Event notes with you on the 4th please!

Thanks, Paul

Lost Property

2 Blue roll matts with black straps