6th November
After weeks of meticulous planning we were going to do our last outing of the year. A short hike from the Scutt to the Eastwinds Campsite was in order. The Cubs, or their parents brought their overnight kit to the Scutt on Saturday morning at 09:00, well seven out of the eleven booked to camp. One had strained a muscle in his leg while playing football, one was grounded by their parents, one changed her mind at the last minute and did not want to go, and one was asleep in his bed unaware that anything was going on. The changeling was brought before Akela and asked to explain why the Cub did not want to come. She was persuaded to at least come down at 14:00 and see us off. This she agreed was a good idea. The sleepyhead was informed that his kit would need to be taken down to Eastwinds by his parent or carried down on the Cubs back. As they would be coming down later could they also bring along the few things that we had forgotten to take down with us.
At 14:00 the walkers; Lawrence-Elliot, Xenos, Matthew, Breis, Georgina, Jess, Deanna and Shannon collected at the Scutt, ready for the start. After a morning of almost constant drizzle we started out in overcast but dry-ish weather. Our initial route being found to be seriously overgrown we resorted to route 1.01. down the steep hill so well remembered by those Cubs that did the Cross-Country, around the school in Brislington, with only one out of trainer experience.
After being made to tie the laces not just stuff them inside this was no longer a problem. The Leaders with their hiking boots and gaiters were comfortable through the wet and muddy areas were a little out of place walking through the shopping centre in Brislington.
The Cubs were impressed when the Leaders said that they were nearly there, just one more hill up and then down the other side. The last bit of the walk was again muddy and wet and seemed to go on for ever. We finally reached the compound and the boys were invited to pick up a few twigs along the way for the camp fire later on. The Cubs were to listen out for a whistle, Hathi demonstrated it by blowing it with his finger over the hole making a very limited sound. Akela pointed to the road and said that although we hadn't heard the noise all those dogs had. Naturally Hathi looked to be greeted with the sight of Akela laughing his socks off.
After Akela had opened the hall and the Cubs had dropped off their day bags they were all sent out in two groups boys and girls to get as much kindling to get the fire started. Akela started cooking tea for the eleven of us while Hathi and Baggy went out to build the fire ready for later. We had just finished making small twigs from larger twigs and branches, when we were called in to get washed for tea.
Tea was chips, lots and lots of chips, fish fingers and chicken dippers with some baked beans. There were several Cubs willing to do the washing up, but it was left until later. The fire came next and with only one match, and a little bit of accelerant the fire was soon blazing away. Baggy started the singing and the Cubs that had practiced for the last couple of weeks had their moment of exposure. The rain that had held off so far came back with a vengeance. The Cubs cowered under a tarpaulin while Akela and Hathi set off lots of fireworks. The man in the shop asked if we wanted pretty or loud, we opted for pretty AND loud, and we were not disappointed. The 64 shot battle box kept the Cubs busy counting the bangs and fizzy bits.
We came inside to dry off and the next thing on the agenda was a quiz organised by Akela. The Cubs were split into two teams, the 'Baguettes' and the 'Hathites'. The Leaders kept score and to their surprise and delight were expected to assist without speaking to the Cubs. Hathi was given the task of 'assisting' a Cub to say what country the "All Blacks" played for. Not an easy charade.
After some brutal marking of the Hathites by Baggy the Baguettes won by a couple of points after ten rounds. The last activity of the day was a film, this gave the Leaders a chance to write up an account of the days activities, Akela made some camp-hot-chocolate and supper for the Cubs.
The Cubs went to their bunks and went to sleep straight away, if only. After only an hour or so the noise went away and the Leaders bedded down ready for the next day. Which came round all to soon. Akela was preparing breakfast while Baggy and Hathi sorted out the table, made sure the Cubs had washed and shaved (them as needed to).
After breakfast a nice cooked one for some and cereals for others. The two volunteers from last night were at last able to help the Leaders with the washing and drying up. The others were busy cleaning up and sorting out their kit. This continued until parents arrived and took their Cubs home.
Thanks to all the people who were involved in this sleep over. It did rain a little, but as it was dark the sun god could not be blamed.