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Day 2: Summer
sledge run in the morning high up in the hills. A chairlift took us there
and we spent the morning zooming around a man-made sledge run. Back to camp
and lunch, and the afternoon was taken up by an International Workshop in
the Centre.
Day 3: A day out
to Trummelbach, the amazing waterfall which you can get right in and behind
– breathtaking, literally. Then off to Shilthorn, the home of the famous
revolving restaurant – as see in Her Majesty’s Secret Services. And back
down four cable cars from a height of 2900m.
Day 4: Hike up to
a glacier. A 24km hike, ably led by Martin, took us right through the valley
and past some stunning scenery, to within a stones-throw of a glacier. It
was a hard walk rising over 1,200 metres on the way up, but very well worth
it. And we were back in time, just, to take part in the Centre’s adventure
challenge.
Day 5: Second
hike cancelled – Centre’s guide injured! So there was time for a morning of
service crewing on the site before heading off to the village’s swimming
pool for some well earned relaxation, via a 60-year old bowling alley. The
day was rounded off with another trip into the village, this time for a
disco.
Day 6: A more
relaxed morning, making items out of leather, stone and screen printing
tee-shirts. But this was only the warm up! The afternoon was spent riding
the rapids, bouncing off rocks and trying not to lose leaders (or
instructors) on the white-water rafts. Despite a late return there was still
(just) enough time to get to the International Campfire to do two short
skits (and watch one of our number participate in someone else's).
Day 7: Swiss
National Day. Awoken by a massive Swiss cowbell being carried around the
campsite by one of the site staff (pinkies owing to their tee-shirts). Then
to breakfast on the sport field with a 1,000 other Scouts, followed by
aerobics – well that is what it was supposed to be! A walk into town for
crazy golf, a trip to the museum to learn about the town and the Scout
Centre, culminating in a nice cool swim in the shadow of the Alps. Then back
to the site to run a base in the carnival for an hour and a BBQ. But the
climax of the day was the evening’s 1,500 strong procession from the Centre
down the mile and a half into the town. Instructed to make as much noise as
we could, we did. With villagers looking on from their homes and lining the
road, we slowly processed into town. The atmosphere was electric; our
throats were soar, but a day spent celebrating someone else’s national day
along with 1,500 scouts from over 30 different countries came to an apt and
exciting close.
Day 8: That’s it,
except for the handing out of badges, award – the Explorers had all earned
the International Friendship Award – and prizes. Back on the bus, train and
plane, and home to sunny Farnham. And almost as quickly as it started the
week is committed to memory. But those memories are going to be of
friendships made, scenery and culture experienced, trains that run on time,
and an undying sense of fun. Thanks to all who made it possible; those who
supported the fundraising, the parents who paid the rest, the leaders who
made it possible, and undoubtedly the Explorers who made it such great fun.
Where next for 2004?
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