For the first time in living memory we have had to abort an activity due to the weather. The three female Cubs had completed the planning with the boys but had to do the challenge on another day due to dancing commitments from Jess. Charlotte and Georgia were to be the others on this walk.
Akela picked them up at the Scutt and drove them to the start point at Norton Malreward. Hathi was at the first checkpoint before the Cubs were sent on their way from the First tower. The weather forecast had warned of winds and heavy showers but the Cubs were equipped with wet weather gear and did not mind getting a little wet.
At the first Checkpoint the Cubs ran to Hathi with cries of "We've found Nemo!" The Cubs were assisted across the road into a field were the farmer had just spread some muck. He did it last time for the boys and now he did it for the girls. Brilliant, if a bit smelly. The girls examined their map and agreed with Hathi that they had to go across the smelly field turn left, go to the bottom of the field and turn right to get to the next checkpoint. Hathi drove down to the checkpoint, and waited and waited a little concerned Hathi rang Akela that the Cubs were overdue and that he was going to go and have a look for them. Across the first two fields and then they were seen, consulting their map and pointing in different directions. There was a certain amount of excitement as Akela rang them to say that they would need to have a look around to try and get back on track, as they looked around they spotted Hathi and Georgia ran to him to ask if they were going the wrong way.
It transpired that the Cubs had asked a couple of women walking their dogs for some help and had been pointed in the wrong direction. They were asked if the advice matched the map and were a bit sheepish in admitting that it had not. Once on the correct route, the Cubs found a notice on a stile into the next field "Danger, Donkeys in field" This was not good news for one of the Cubs who was a little nervous about getting close to 'wild' animals. The Cubs stayed fairly close to Hathi as the field was crossed but became very brave once outside the field.
The map was consulted and the trek continued the shower that had started now got rather worse and visibility became poor, the Cubs said that their hands were cold and needed some help putting hoods up. Once done they were all set for continuing when Charlottes phone rang with the news that the trek was being called off as it had got very unpleasant indeed. Back the Cubs went and got a lift back to Akelas house for a cup of something warming. All three Cubs rang home to explain what had happened and for them not to worry.
After their hot drink and a chance to warm up the Cubs were taken home ready to continue their challenge at another day and time. It had been an experience that had increased their self confidence but showed how poorly we had taught them about map work.
The sun god has let us down after six years, naturally the weather improved in the afternoon but the conditions had been too bad for the Cubs safety when they were out. So no badges for the girls this time.