Alps 2008 Diary

Day One

After leaving Mr Cole behind on departure early on Monday morning, our long journey was uneventful and went smoothly. We woke up on Tuesday to a very cold morning in Les Alpes. There was a sleepness night for some, as many were petrified after the horror story of the beast of Upaix in the cellar (hysterically funny for some - Andrew Wilson the root cause of the hilarity).
French milk is not the greatest but breakfast was fantastic, due to the yummy, hot croissants et pains au chocolats, from the local boulangerie.

Group 1: The Canoeists

Group 1 set off at quarter to nine to canoe. Everyone paired up (Heather and Olivia, Harry and Fraser, Connor and Andrew, Venetia and William E). After working out many of the strange hand signals of the instructor, we sat about for an hour waiting for Mr Ferrier to do his hair! (and hunting the beast of Upaix). The canoeing was tricky and many capsized. Venetia and William performed a limbo in the canoe; Henry Dixon decided to give it a go, but fortunately for our entertainment he was knocked out of his boat. All grown ups (except Mr Ferrier, tut! Tut!) capsized.
Heather and Venetia, Harry and Connor suffered from Excessive Capsize Syndrome (ECS). Connor over-dramatised the situation, re-telling exaggerated stories - no change there then, including ninjas with Uzis! Woody screamed like a girl - no change there then!

Group 2: The Climbers

We had a more sedate morning, leaving five minutes for their climbing expedition a Orpierre. The groups were: Michael, Miles and Hartrey; Laura, Stefan and Rosie; Gilly, Harrison and Scotty; Sophie, Georgia and Conan. We set off with our multi-lingual instructor, Thomas (Mr Thomas to Laura and Rosie).
The climbing was tough for some, none more so than Mr Scott, who struggled for ten minutes, deprived of climbing knowledge (even after saying he could do it without a harness). Mr Lesuma also struggled, with legs and ‘derriere' moving all over the place, as though he was busting a groove on the dance floor.
The rain fell just as Scotty was attempting to prove Messrs Scott and Lesuma were worse than him. He failed miserably and owes Mr Lesuma a fiver. HILARIOUS!! Stefan, Laura and almost Rosie climbed the vertical tough challenge of The Cliff. The rain became too persistent, so we all trudged back to the vehicles for lunch: sandwiches of ham, cheese and tomato in baguettes, in the shelter of a tree, beside the local public convenience. Café for further nourishment and French conversation practice; then home for a mammoth game of ‘Spider's Web', devised by ‘Ref Cole': Mr Scott's VII vs. Mr Lesuma's VII. The result is still causing debate, but Mr Lesuma's obviously won (Rosie)... The most amusing part of this was watching Mr Scott hike his shorts up HIGH!
As we write, it is a beautiful evening, the sun has come out and we are looking forward to Mr Dixon's Chilli, and more fun and frolics.

Quote of the Day

"Why are there so many mountains in the Alps". Stefan Whitt

Writers: Rosie, Scotty, Hartrey, Connor and William E

Day Two

Climbing Group

After leaving slightly later than the canoeists, we set off for the mountains. We got equipped and met our lovely guide, Thomas. We went to a different place from yesterday, where there was a massive waterfall and plunge pool where we all went swimming in. We were split up into three groups: Venetia, Heather and Olivia; Fuzzy, Richard and William E; Woody, Andrew, Connor and Harry. We climbed in an area called the Cascades. After seven attempts we eventually guessed this meant waterfalls. Our guide, Thomas, set up ropes and in our teams we climbed throughout the morning. Some of the climbs were challenging and very high! It was very warm in the river-cut gorge and we were soon hot and tired. Just before lunch, we unfortunately had an accident, when Henry Dixon (Terrington '05) hurt his elbow and had to go to the Medical Centre in Sisteron to have it checked out: X-Rays fortunately revealed no breaks.
After lunch taken beside a sparkling stream, we played in the plunge pools of the ‘cascades'. We climbed again until the heat forced us to retreat at about 3pm. We joined some of the kayakers at the lake for a swim, where Heather and Venetia did their bit for the "Entente Cordiale" by practising their French on two boys...(email addresses were exchanged).

Kayaking Group

After getting up too early at 8am, we blearily loaded the van and got in the bus. After applying last minute sun cream, we arrived in a place seeming miles from the river: until Mr. Cole pointed it out behind the overgrown bush.
We set off in the river, all singing the French songs that we had just heard on NRJ Radio Station. We paddled down some fairly easy rapids, but Stefan was easily beached after discovering that his rubber bung was mysteriously undone!!! HAHA!!! Unfortunately, he didn't discover this until 50 metres downstream, where he started sinking. We finally reached the highlight of the trip: The Grade 3 Rapids. Big, bouncy and enjoyed by everybody. 20 minutes after this, Stefan asked Mr. Ferrier where the Grade 3 Rapids were. We then got back and went swimming in the freezing cold lake, where two girls (mentioned previously) went on a boat trip with their new friend, Tom. They are still in contact with him and it is the gossip of the campsite!
We now sit down to a scrummy meal cooked by the multi-talented Mr. Ferrier.

A Day In The Life Of Mr. Ferrier

Awoke at 7am to pick up the baguettes and croissants from the boulangerie.
Back to pack the vans for the day's various activities.
Three hours kayaking, negotiating and instructing the tricky obstacles in the river.
Lunch on the go, whilst ferrying vans to the correct rendezvous points.
Afternoon spent instructing second group on the river.
Back to the campsite to cater for 30 hungry and exhausted campers.

Writers: Heather, Olivia, Sophie and Georgia.

Day Three

Whole Group

Today, we went on an adventure: at 6.30am we woke up, and departed at 7am. We had breakfast of cereals and pain au chocolat and croissants on the way and after a gruelling journey, we arrived at our start point.
Firstly, we descended a steep rocky face, and realised there was no bridge... We went the long way around, but soon began the ascent. Along the way, we saw a variety of flora and fauna: a Marmot, a rare orange lily, orchids, trumpet gentians, alpenroses, a chamois, "Harry-hungry-happy-meal" Alpine Chuff "Vultures", lizards, saucé frogs: all set within a landscape of cascades, glaciers, snowy embankments (we were actually walking (sliding) in snow, in June!!!), rocky outcrops and lush meadows.
After couple of hours of Mountain walking, many of the group erupted into song: reciting the rather tedious lyrics of "99 bottles of beer on the wall...."?!?! Messrs Lesuma and Scott excelled at this activity.
Nothing was more rewarding than getting to the summit, where our lunch tasted all the more sweet. Lunch included: baguettes filled with jambon, fromage, tomate, and the local delicacy of Tourtons - mini Cornish pasties filled with goat's cheese, potato and spinach. After lunch, we headed for the much acclaimed (and evidently so) Refuge de Vallonpierre aka "Heaven"!!! You all must see the photos of this place when we return: a real treat!
Unfortunately, we had to leave the Refuge and head on down back through the Valgandemar. It was 4om at this point. We all kept our eyes peeled for the elusive Ibex: a Mountain Deer! However, we have no doubt he was put off by the girls' singing - absolutely atrocious!!!
It is now 9.30pm and we are back at the campsite. What a magnificent day! We look forward to Mr. Eddy's and Mr. Unsworth's Chicken Fajitas.

Quote of the Day

Whilst traversing one of the most stunning vistas in the Southern Alps....
"How come there are so many French people here?!". Heather Goodall

Writers: Michael, Miles D and Andrew.

Day Four

Via Ferrata

On the 4th day of what has been a fantastic week, we woke up excited about one of the real highlights: the Via Ferrata - this is a dramatic climb along steep, and sometimes overhanging rock faces, using giant steel staples as foot and handholds, whilst clipped onto a thick wire lining the cliffs. After one long hour of climbing, including a pitstop on the face, consisting of Ferrero Rochér and Coca-Cola courtesy of William "India" Hartrey and Miles "Welburn" Duncan. We then began the hardest section so far: an overhang called ‘Le Bombu', where Conan "Moanan" Howson rallied the troops to the summit. Meanwhile, in Max "Elvis" Gill's group, Woody was starting to become more fearful, although it was great to see him at the top with a chirpy smile on his face.
Lunch was had by the hut at the peak, where everybody congregated and chatted at length about their achievements of the morning. A huge mention to Sophie "Slinky" Willink who triumphed the crest, even with her swollen ankle.
After Lunch, we were split into the nutters' group, Elvis Preston Gill, Moanan Conan, Spyda Adderley, India Hartrey, Captain Galaxy Lesuma, Foxtrot Monaghan, Welburn Duncan, Edward Scott, Captain Skewers Scott, Rosie Cordingley, Laura Barron, Mr. Eddy, Mr. Ferrier and Mr. Cole. This lot ventured to ‘La Passerelle', followed by ‘Le Népalais', which consisted of a tightrope (thickness of a piece of string) followed by a vertical ascent to ‘La Grande Muraille'. Throughout this climb, Spyda Adderley was immensely vocal (we all believe this was because he was petrified). However, he denies this and claims he was merely striking up some team morale. After we achieved this passage, we were jolly chuffed and there was a great atmosphere between one another. Back down to the tourist information centre, where their drinks sales rocketed.
After Via Ferrata, we returned to our favourite cooling down spot, the lake at ‘St Genis'. We're all now back at the campsite, after warm showers, and look forward to the next day's rafting down the River Durance.

Quotes of the Day

Whilst creeping along ‘La Passerelle' tightrope bridge... "I can't reach the wires!!!". Laura Barron
Followed by horrendous screams echoing through the canyon...

"Sir, this bit's really, really scary!". Venetia Tate
To Mr. Eddy, all the way along the 5 hour Via Ferrata experience.

Writers: Richard, Max, Conan.

Day Four

White Water Rafting

After an awful washing-up night from the group on duty the night before, we had cereal, croissants and pain au chocolat courtesy of Mr. Unsworth and Mr. Ferrier, who cycled to the Boulangerie in Poét. We all had 5 minutes to get changed and ready, otherwise we would have to do toilet cleaning duty the next day- not a popular job, you must agree!
We all set off in our designated vans to the White Water Rafting Centre at Embrun. Here, we were put into 3 groups of 9-11 per raft and kitted out for our expedition. Crew Rêve consisted of Captain Galaxy Lesuma, Sergeant Flame Cole, Venus Tate, Booker Medley, Power Cordingley, Panama Goodall, Moonshine Whitt, Foxtrot Monaghan, Spyda Adderley, Helly Hague, and Skipper Paci Pascaline. Crew HMS Terrington comprised of Captain Skewers Scott, Ratty Barron, Slinky Willink, India Hartrey, Yankee Wilson, Willow Woodbridge, Scholar Latham, Omega Attwooll, Fluffy Hudson and Skipper Frenchy Fred. Crew HMS Napoleon included Captain Teddy and Captain Bob, Bonaparte Scott, Elvis Gill, Moanan Howson, Welburn Duncan, Muscles Easterby, Lefty Wallace and Skipper Giles.
We were all very competitive about who was in 1st place. This shuffling for places involved splashing, ramming and some horrendous sledging. First out of the boat was Ratty ‘Celine Dion' Barron, who was dodging the waves behind Captain Skewers Scott, until she ‘slipped' on the side and went in head first. Captain Skewers was oblivious to this ‘catastrophe' until he eventually pulled her back into the boat. This did not dampen Ratty Barron's spirits, and for the rest of the 25 Km paddle down the River Durance. She re-enacted the famous scene from Titanic, where she sang to her heart's content whilst perched at the bow of the inflatable raft (until Captain Skewers Scott had had enough and forced her back into the water).
Now we come to Moonshine Whitt, who bravely succumbed to the massive grade 4 rapid ‘Rabioux' and fell in! When rescued and attempted to return to his vessel, he decided to perform the ‘Superman' dive. This was unsuccessful and he crashed back into the bubbling Durance (much to the amusement of the entire fleet).
Skipper Frenchy Fred was clearly doing nothing for Anglo-Franco relations, steering us into rocks and bridge, forcing us into the ‘Securité' position. Near the end of our 25 Km journey, we all participated in a variety of activities, to try and capsize. These include, all sitting t the back of the raft, walking around the boat, standing up, and general forceful pushing. During a fierce contest between HMS Napoleon and Rêve, Captain Galaxy Lesuma dived the length of his boat and about 4 foot of the River Durance like a leaping salmon to launch onto Lefty Wallace. He then proceeded to drag him into the water, with immense power. This caused a vendetta, which hasn't yet been filled.
We arrived back at the rendezvous point having travelled 25 Km down the River Durance, above Lac de Serre-Ponçon: a huge achievement. Here, we had lunch and dried off. The special mention here must go to Mr. Ferrier and Mr. Cole, who braved the rapids along with the rafters in their kayaks.
After lunch, we proceeded to Tallard for the long awaited shopping trip, where presents for parents were purchased (and also a small fortune of sweeties).
Now back at the campsite, for a BBQ- thanks to chefs Teddy, Bob, Mr. and Mrs. Cole whilst the rest of the crew played cards beneath the glowing evening sun of the Southern Alps.

Writers: Laura, Venetia, Miles W, Stefan and Harrison.

Quote of the Day

"Why is it so wet!?". Rosie Cordingley