Feb 3-4 2007, TTN 04

The first training session on Dartmoor was superb. Crystal clear skies, a keen but not overly strong wind and dry throughout. This was more typical of weather to be found at late April or mid May rather than in the depths of winter. More evidence of global warming if any were needed.

A few absences caused by illness and accidents (you must try and stay out of harm’s way in all contact sports and horse-play) which impacted on adults as well. So firstly a message of thanks to those adults who re-arranged their weekend at short notice to ensure that we had sufficient authorised adults for both the Saturday and the Sunday. Without them the weekend would have been cancelled.           

We were well pleased with:

• Your enthusiasm in a strange (if not hostile) environment
• Your putting into practise the skills previously gained from the day hikes especially the navigation
• Your behaviour at the hall
• Your being ready to go almost to time on the Sunday (especially as this was the first hike) I did not find one tent peg –well done.

We were not pleased with some of you:

• For acting like cubs on their first night at camp
• Using the minibuses as litter bins

As you know we have more walkers than team places so ultimately it is up to you to ensure that you don’t get dropped for the wrong reason. Also we are looking at potential team leaders. Those of you given that responsibility on the moor then undertook the role well. However a leader is never “off duty”.

A reminder of a few tips/essentials that should help you:

• After walking change all the clothes which you have been wearing next to your skin. These will be damp from perspiration. Putting on dry clothes especially before you go to bed means that you wont feel “cold” (as its really the dampness of the clothes) and you are ready for the morning.
• In the evening get the chores of cooking, laying out sleeping bags etc done before daylight is lost. At our next overnight stop there is no indoor accommodation (apart from a toilet) so expect to be in your sleeping bag in your own tent by 6.30pm (it will be dark) ready for an 8.00am start on the Sunday. (Each hike the second day’s start time gets progressively earlier.)
• Evening meal. A few observations.
• A “pot noodle” type meal is not acceptable.
• Boil in the bag means that the water must reach and continue to boil for the 6-8 minutes required and not that the food pouch sits immersed in water that was once boiling but is now getting progressively colder.
• Cooking implies that you bring a stove and fuel!!! If you need one contact Mike asap. Don’t leave it to the last minute before the next hike.
• A minimum of 2 tents must be carried per team –not 1 (and they should know better)
• Walking should be done at the pace of the team –this is a team event. You may need to help someone who is struggling by sharing some of their kit to reduce their load. Make sure you have your fair share of the team kit to be carried.
• Tent poles must be carried inside a rucksack, never on the outside. The same goes for a tent flysheet or inner unless it is in the tent bag and the bag handles strapped into the rucksack.
• On the next hike there will be no access to the vans overnight-everything you need for the weekend must be carried. The exception would be a second sleeping bag –let us know on the day.

Overall a really good effort by everyone for a first hike on the moors. Ten Tors is ultimately about YOU taking responsibility for yourself as part of a team. As Mike said that starts with YOU booking your seat on 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.

Two other items you might be interested in:

• 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 centenary year. The final artwork can be left to a professional –its ideas we are after. A small prize for the best one even if we decide not to use it. (In the past we have perhaps modified an idea.) Entries to Mike by Friday 2 March.
• 20% discount vouchers. I have ten 20% discount vouchers which expire at 28 February and which can be redeemed at either: Blacks, Millets, Freespirit, Mambo or Oneill. On a first come basis.

Lost property

As tiredness kicks in so does the will to own and collect all your gear! I have the following left over after “named” items have been identified :

• green “Zebbug” scout T shirt
• Bvff neck tube (blue)
• Ladies black vest Gap -medium
• Green fleece hat “Warnng! Bristol”
• 2006 BNW sweatshirt –medium
• In one bag “Go Sports” – Black Addidas trainers and Gap bronze T shirt
• Pair black gloves
• Grey glasses case plus sunglasses