On Sunday 4th July, the three Explorers, Calum, Craig and Becky met at the church, on time — unlike some others. The leaders finally arrived, and we loaded the campervan, and then split up, the car going to Glasgow to collect two of the kayaks, and the van going to Tiso’s in Edinburgh to collect the other two. We then proceeded northwards and rendezvoused at The Green Wellie Stop for a drink, and to discuss plans. After a few hours more travelling we made the Corran–Ardgour ferry, and after a short journey down the road, through Strontian, we arrived at our base camp, Resipole Farm campsite.

We set up the tents, strolled around, and the leaders cooked a meal, and we sat and chatted in the van, before heading to the campsite inn where we spent a few hours playing card tricks, some of us playing better than others!! After night fell, we raced the midges back, and attempted to light a fire, but were unsuccessful and decided to call it a day.

On Monday, after a long lie, we woke and the Explorers cooked bacon rolls for breakfast, before getting kitted up for the days practice in the kayaks. We went down Loch Sunart for about an hour before we turned, by now we had already had two capsizes, however, Ian made us all do a capsize, and after this we made a dash for the warm showers, then up for lunch at the inn. After a few hours, we were persuaded to get back on the water, and we paddled across the loch this time, and learnt about paddling with waves, and tides. We then returned, and packed our kit into dry bags and waterproof containers in preparation for the expedition. We then ate a meal prepared by the Explorers. Again we found ourselves seeking refuge in the inn from the midges!! We all had fun, and returned for an early night.

On Tuesday, we got up early and again had bacon rolls, and then readied the kayaks for the voyage. We set off, and made very good time to where we planned to stop for lunch, however to our dismay the hotel was closed, but thankfully Alan and Caroline had made us sandwiches for lunch, so we ate them happily before heading off again down the loch. We navigated around lots of little islands and inlets, which were very interesting, and played host to a vast amount of sea life, including porpoises and seals. After what seemed an eternity, we saw the island, which we planned to camp on, on the horizon and made good time for it. We had to make a recce to find fresh water, and were successful in our mission. We set a kitchen up between the kayaks, and then pitched tents. Quick cook pasta and sauce for tea, and added mussels collected along the route. We then spent the evening lying in the kayaks under the sun whilst Ian and Alan went for a walk, then we finished off the night, and the biscuits, with a campfire.

We were on a tight schedule on Wednesday morning to catch high tide so we didn’t have to carry the kayaks far. We met this time limit, and were soon up on our way again, under the baking sun, making it a very enjoyable day.  We then arrived at our destination, after a quick detour to replenish Calum’s Irn Bru supply. Becky and Craig prepared tonight’s meal, and due to the strong winds, we just went to bed early.

On Thursday morning, after an excessive amount of sleep we woke and packed up camp, to continue our voyage, and we arrived at the campsite, all in high spirits after having had a brilliant expedition. We then returned the kayaks, and met at Ian’s for a take away for our tea before being dropped off at our homes.

Many thanks to Alan for his organisation, Ian for his good banter and antique kayak, and to Caroline joining us on the trip to Resipole!

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On July 23rd 2004, five North Face Explorer Scouts, eleven South Morningside Explorer Scouts and two leaders met at Waverley Station… all packed and ready to go! Only as the train pulled out of the station on route to London, Kings Cross, did we spot Caroline running towards the train. She met us later that day in London!

We arrived at Baden Powell House, South Kensington and checked in. The boys were left with a scabby, old nine person-dorm, while the girls lived it up in their snazzy en-suite apartment. (TV included). The afternoon was spent relaxing and wandering about the area and that evening we all went out to a Chinese buffet. Let's just say it wasn’t quite how we expected… After arriving back at Baden Powell House, the night was spent ‘socialising’.

The next day, we split up into groups to sight-see around London. Some people went to see Convent Garden and do a bit of shopping, while others lazed about and didn’t do very much. At three o’clock, we got picked up by the bus that took us (along with scouts from Warrington and a youth group) down to Dover, where we caught the ferry to Calais, France. We travelled all night and most of the next day until we arrived at our first camp site in Narbonne Plage, South France. Sleep was very scarce on the bus, as spirits were high and dance music was pumpin’. That night we settled in, got to know people better and had our one and only early night.

During the following two days, we took part in various activities, which were wind surfing, rock climbing, sailing and land yachting. The food was always prepared for us by Acorn Adventures Staff. It was mostly basic but tasty. We were awoken in the mornings by either the friendly call of Alan or the extreme heat inside our tents. Accommodation was luxurious compared to your regular summer camp, as we had springy camp beds which we literally sunk into! The girls, once again, had lots of space due to the sheer lack of them and the mixed sex scouting guidelines… while the boys crammed into their not so spacious tents. The evenings were spent enjoying the occasional alcoholic refreshment (this was France!) while socialising and meeting new people on the beach till after hours.

Two days later, we set off to our next destination, which was Labeaume, stopping off at a water-park for a much needed cool off. We had races down the slides, battles in the water and some fun in the wave machine. After another long, restless coach journey, we arrived at Labeaume where we spent the evening swimming and playing pool.

We set of bright and early the next morning, for our two-day descent down the River Ardeche, in Canadian canoes. Between enjoying the scenery, playing some games and bypassing a nudist beach, before we knew it (aye right!) it was time to bivouac on a riverside beach under the stars. Most of us sang songs, played cards and chatted until the early hours of the morning, while a few boys decided to opt for a peaceful night in… the ‘love shack’. The next morning’s breakfast left a lot to be desired but we just managed to stomach it and we were back on track for another day canoeing. After a slow beginning, Sarah and Louise made it back in first place, while the others trailed miles behind… we wish. When everyone finally reached the end of the descent we were all knackered but extremely happy. Looking back, it was hard work but we’re sure everyone agrees it was rewarding. That evening was spent back at camp, saying our goodbyes to Sarah and socialising at the on site bar after she (thankfully!) left.

The next day we did some kayaking and learnt some new tricks and techniques. That evening we packed up, ready for the long, tiring two-day journey back to Edinburgh, where we were greeted by (some) happy parents and we said our goodbyes.

Overall, it was a very successful trip which we all enjoyed. We would like to thank Alan, Rusty and Caroline for their commitment and hard work and the Explorers for making it the experience it was!