Mountain Activity day (Group 2)

 Today was group two's turn for the mountain activities. We set off towards the tower in the far distance.

 An amazing furry catapillar we spotted on the way!

 After a fun game of 'predator' (you hide and have to sneak up on the predator) the children continued the ascent.

 We made it! This is Wainman's Pinnacle.

 Derrick had a right sweat on and cooled down in this little puddle and admired the wonderful scenery....

 It was a little bit chilly on top so penguin huddles were needed....

 We grabbed whatever headwear we could find to keep us warm.

 Then we were set. Abseil time! This is certainly one of the big challenges of the week.

 The leaning back is the hardest part....

 Well done!

 One down....  The rest of the group certainly approved! They all followed suit, tackling the abseilling challenge with impressive confidence. Some children were apprehensive at first, as you can probably see in the photos below but they all managed to make it down and they all were confident enough to smile for the camera too! This is not easy (I know because I had to do it at the end!).

 Great smiles!

 Look at that concentration and determination - you can do it!

 Well done!

 Sizing up the challenge....

 Lean back....

 All smiles!

 The backdrop was absolutely beautiful.

 Yes! Well done!

 Another happy abseil!

 That's it - very professional!

 Time for a well-earned spot of lunch - not a bad view!

 Then we were onto our climbing challenge - this involved more teamwork as the children took responsibility of the ropes on the ground and there were very few footholes. Amazingly, everyone managed to reach the top of at least one of the two courses!

 The children did so brilliantly with this activity - it really was not easy to climb such a smooth, wet rock surface and the instructor actually remarked that many of the children did better than a lot of the GCSE students she teaches on the same wall!

 We saw this police helicopter circling above us which sort of added to the drama in a way.

 Look! There are barely any footholes at all!

 While our instructor packed away her equipment the group played a few 'trust fall' games...

 Some of which looked like cabaret performances - shake those jazz hands!

 Trust us, we'll catch you....

 .....just about.

 Trust us - come on! We won't drop you.....

 Oh.... we did drop you a little bit but you found it hilarious so it's all ok! 

 Here we are on top of one of Lund's Tower.

 Then it was time to start heading back in the direction of the centre, stopping off for some 'weaseling' and another quick game of 'predator' along the way.

 Great weaseling guys - it doesn't sound pretty but it looked a lot of fun! Was it fun?

 Yay!

 The last game of predator....

 I had such an awesome hiding place.... except nobody realised I was playing so they all left without me.

I love this last picture - it really sums up the day perfecty. There will be more laughter this evening though I'm sure as we gear up for the legendary talent night!