Nord 17. Day 12. The End

Well that's it for now. The end of our trip of a lifetime.
A relatively early start this morning meant that we were all fed and packed with plenty of time to spare.
We had planned to take a walk to see the Swords in the Fell, a local historic landmark, but were forced indoors by the weather. Instead, we spent a couple of hours on some fun teambuilding games.
After lunch,  our lifts arrived and we were driven to the airport.
Many wazzock points were earned when one Scout managed to lose a passport in the 20 minutes between leaving the Scout House and checking in at the airport.
We were within minutes of implementing emergency protocols at a potential cost of £5k to the parents, when a phonecall was received to confirm that the passport was safe and well in the footwell of one of the cars and was on its way to us.
The rest of the trip passed without incident and we arrived back at Cowbridge where our reception party was waiting.

All in all a fantastic camp.
There are comments from the Scouts which will be added in due course.

Nord 2017. Day 11. Stavanger

Well, there it was, gone. The last real day of the trip as tomorrow is all about travelling; although it, hopefully, won't be anything like as long as day 1.

This was our Stavanger day, so after a reasonably late start (although wazzock points were awarded to the Scout who forgot to change their alarm from yesterday and woke half the troop up at 6:45) we caught the bus into town to see the Oil Museum.

Our hosts had worked their magic so we were expected. A separate, secure, cloakroom had been organised, as had a 50% Group Discount.

The museum was fascinating. There was loads of hands on stuff including escape simulations. Lunchtime almost came too soon for some.

After eating our sandwiches on the harbour side, the troop split into pre-arranged small groups to explore the town and shop for gifts and souvenirs.

The Scouts all managed to find their way back to the meeting point at the right time, although one group did wait patiently on the opposite side of the cathedral to everyone else for a while.

Back at the Scout House, packing was started while dinner was being prepared.

Madla's group scout leader, Tor Inge, was invited to dinner to say thanks for all their help and hospitality.

After dinner, it was secret ballot time. The Scouts were asked to vote for their Scout of the camp. Often, this is a close vote but, on this occasion there was no need for a recount as one Scout received over 50% of the vote.

This prize, along with the Leaders choice for Scout of the camp were presented before film night began. We managed to rig up a connection from a phone to the Scout House projector to show a film as a last night treat before bed.

Everyone is mostly packed now with just the sleeping bags left to go in so it'll be breakfast, clean up and off to the airport in the morning.

Nord 2017. Day 10. Priekestollen

After yesterday's showers and a proper nights sleep with the lights off everyone was up and raring to go for today's hike.
Just getting there was an adventure. The buses are all cashless so the leaders have had to download a phone app to use as a cashless bus ticket.
Then there's the fun and games of trying to work out where to get off to change buses.
At least we got to see some bits of Stavanger as we walked the extra distance from the wrong bus stop!
A short ferry ride across the fjord was followed by another bus ride to the start of the hike. The hike was about 4km with 350m of climbing to the Priekestollen or Pulpit Rock. A slab of granite sticking out over 600m above the fjord.
Even though it rained nearly all the way there and back, the Scouts all enjoyed the hike and the awesome mountain scenery.
We were joined on the hike by one of the  Madla leaders, Trygve, who knows the area very well.
After a photo opportunity on the Pulpit Rock and a quick lunch it was back the way we'd come, all the way back to the Scout House where Dave had a fire going and hot Lapskaus waiting on the stove.

After dinner we had some discussion time as a whole troop, talking about the camp and getting feedback to help plan the next one.

Tomorrow we're going to be exploring Stavanger itself before we pack up to head home on Tuesday (just in time for Scouts)

Nord 2017. Day 9. The journey south.

After a very short night it's been another long day.

With groups packing up and leaving site for the airport all through the night, not a lot of sleep happened before our alarms went off at 5am.

There was a bit of a rush to get everyone packed up. Thankfully, Madla Speidergruppe are staying another day so will take care of the tents etc.

All of our rucksacks were packed and dropped at the collection point before we headed back to site for breakfast.

With breakfast out of the way and all the goodbyes done, we set off to walk down to the airport, just under an hour away. Most bought a second breakfast as we waited to board then slept through the flight.

We were met at the airport by more of Madla's leaders who drove us back to their Scout HQ.

After a quick change, a short walk to a local school was met with a surprising amount of enthusiasm. The caretaker had arranged for us to have access to the showers - The first opportunity for some since leaving home 8 days ago.

Dinner was a substantial Spag Bol and was worked around a quiz night, which was a remarkably close fought competition.

The sun has finally set now we've moved south a bit so it's actually dark for the first time since we left Cowbridge.

We're counting on a proper nights sleep before we head off for a sightseeing hike in the mountains tomorrow.

Nord2017 Day 8

That's it. The last day of camp, if not our trip.
Today was market day. The idea is that each group does something to showcase their country or region. The Scouts are given camp "currency" to spend on the various stalls. Its a great way for them to meet and interact with other Scouts.
We chose to make and sell fresh Welshcakes which proved so popular that we had to send out for more supplies.
Once the market closed it was time for a quick dinner (pan fried reindeer) before heading to the main stage for the closing ceremony.
This time, the technical errors had been sorted and we had English subtitles. There was a real party atmosphere.
With the camp officially closed its time to pack up. The Norwegians don't waste any time. Massive pioneering structures come down in minutes and the campsite is rapidly emptying as local groups and those with early morning flights start to head off.
We're flying later in the morning but the logistics mean we'll be getting up at 5am.
Tomorrow night  will be the first time we've seen a sunset since leaving Cowbridge!

Nord2017 Day 7

Today was a bit different.
For the first time this week, the Scouts had scheduled activities in the morning so had to be up on time.
With breakfast out of the way, the Scouts set off while the leaders got on with their own tasks.
Most of the leaders spent the morning hunting down badge swaps for Tor Inge, one of our Norwegian hosts.
The remaining two set off to walk into Bodø, stopping at the Finnish Sauna on the way to book the Scouts in for later.
Shopping, admin and sauna dealt with, we had lunch then all headed back down to Bodø to spend the afternoon in the fascinating aviation museum.
After getting caught in a particularly heavy shower on the way back to camp we dried off and ate before the older scouts set off into town again. This was a trip to the cinema organised by the camp management for Patrol Leaders and assistants.
The remaining Scouts in our troop were treated to hot waffles before having a couple of hours free time to enjoy before the PL's returned.
It's all quiet on camp now as everyone recharges ready for the last full day.

Rachels Blog. Norway Day 4

Day 4

In the morning I was awoken by the boys shouting to each other and a few minutes later they poured water on me to make sure I was awake?!  Anyway, I got up and packed my bag and even though I was not technically in the campsite you know what I had for breakfast?...Sandwiches! Next I went to the beautiful stream to fill up my water bladder and then we took down our tarpaulin and left, simple as that.

Next we went on the hour long hike back to camp which was ok. I mean we saw really cute sheep and some more awesome landscapes, but all in all it was the same hike I did on the way there but the opposite way round. Although I might have fallen into a stream, maybe. 

Next we waited in the car park for 2 hours and I met this nice rover who gave me a stroop waffle (she was from the Netherlands), and when it finally came, some people had to get out of the bus because there were not enough seats.

Next when we were back, we went to the shops or the market and watched somebody beatbox? It was good, and after we rested for a bit before the midnight activity.

In the midnight activity we did our land art. A sheep made with flowers and dirt, it took us five hours.

Next in the night some of us had a jacket potato. It was tasty! Then I went to bed,
Until next time
Rachel 

Ps I also collected a ton of cool badges

Rachels Blog. Norway Day 3

Day 3 

In the morning I woke up to Ellie poking my head and the leaders shouting at everyone to wake up. Ahh, a scouts beautiful morning! At breakfast we had the dreaded sandwiches, seriously I should be making a blog about what I put in my sandwiches since I have had so many of them! It was raining outside which was great since it stopped getting me homesick because it was exactly like our home weather.

Next I needed to prepare for the big hike with my patrol the ospreys, so we got out our map and started planning the hike whilst getting told off about not bringing the survival bag(accidents happen). Next we got our bags out and prepared for the hike. I brought my clothes, a bladder and my sleeping equipment with took me around forty-five minutes, oh the pain!

Next we had lunch, and as you probably had guessed we had sandwiches, again.

After dinner I was still hungry so I went to the little store to buy some crisps and a drink, and just when I was about to sit down a young girl around 10 asked me to sign my name in the girl with the same eye colour as you box on her sheet. We ended up talking for a bit, mainly about Wales, before we left. 

I soon saw some more of my scout group in jumbo burger and we sat down on the big table and talked and shared nachos and my packet of crisps. We had to have some sort of food anyway since in 1 hour we would be on the hike getting rained upon by the clouds. After that we walked up to our camp then on to the buses then on the hike. 

The hike to the camp was absolutely amazing. The scenery was beautiful, we were walking by a river with waterfalls and pretty rocks. Since we were walking up high there were beautiful landscapes. Along the way one of us might have fallen in a ditch but apart from that and a dead bird it was a really nice walk. 

Next when we finally got to the came site(sorta) we needed to make shelter, so we got the tarpaulin and poles, then we put the shelter up after a few failed tries. Oh, and not to forget it was tipping it down💧💧 

Next we needed to eat so we got our our cool freeze dried food and after a few tries we got the kettle to boil and got our food sorted. After that we got out our sleeping bag and well, slept.
Until tomorrow,
Rachel 

Rachels Blog. Norway Day 1

Day 1

Yay we are now at the camp after a day of traveling. it's an amazing place, so many people, they have a cafe and a market place.

The leaders forgot to order breakfast so we had rations and leftovers from the Stavanger scout group, it was sandwiches.

We needed to make a table to cook on, we worked hard into mid-day getting 3 metre long logs into the camp from 100meters away uhhh. We got sap all over our clothes and the logs were soooo heavy it took 3 people to carry them. After that we took three hours to put together a flag pole and table.

Finally we had lunch, sandwiches again, then we took of to explore the camp. There are so many places, there are cafes and shops and a stage.

At dinner time it was my time to cook, we made Mexican tortillas. It was fun and messy, we ate it quickly and then went to the main stage where the opening ceremony began.

At the start a bird jumped off a helicopter by a cord and two fighter planes flew above us. I can not tell you too much about it since there was not a word of English spoken, but there was a load of great bands playing for us.

At ten o clock I went to bed and/or lost my charger, sorry.

All in all it was a great day, can't wait till tomorrow.

Nord 17 - Day 6

With last night's activities going on til 2am there was a real lie in today. The Scouts were woken for breakfast at 10am and then had a few hours free time before the days activities started at 2:30pm.

Some of the leaders took advantage of the free time to visit the Sauna run by the Finnish contingent. It's a genuine wood fired tent sauna set up in the woods with a nice pool nearby fed by a seriously cold arctic stream for an invigorating plunge.

Activities this afternoon included making popcorn and learning about Viking history. While one patrol took their turn cooking dinner, the others carried on getting to know other Scouts, mainly using the international language of football. After dinner, more activities including first aid training, drama and making a distillery to get drinking water from sea water.

On returning from activities we joined out hosts, Madla Speidergruppe around their campfire, sharing songs in 3 languages, Norwegian, English and Welsh.

Tomorrow is the last day of activities as Friday is market day where each group gets to show off something off their culture. We're planning to make Welsh Cakes.

Nord 2017 - Day 5

Well that was an interesting day!

With none of our Scouts on site, the leaders were treated to a lie in followed by a leisurely breakfast and even had time for a visit to the leaders only shower block. There was an apology earlier in the week for the delay getting the showers working. They were definitely worth the wait.

The rest of the morning was spent exploring the campsite and visiting other groups.

We'd not long had lunch and were waiting for the first group of hikers to return when the phone rang. One of our Scouts had fainted on the hike. Of course, it turned out to be a simple case of not eating or sleeping properly causing an energy crash but it certainly created a stir.

All three groups came back in due course, tired but happy and with a justified sense of achievement. How many other kids this age can say they've wild camped inside the arctic circle?

With everyone rested and fed, it was time to head out again for some midnight activities before tucking into a supper of fire cooked jacket potatoes.

Not a lot of encouraging was needed to get the Scouts off to bed tonight!

We'll be letting them lie in a bit in the morning. I think they've earned it.

Nord 2017 . Day 4 - The land of the midnight mud!

The end of day 4 of our trip. Day 3 on camp and it began with a strange awakening
The weather is beginning to make movement around camp a little interesting as the mud is ankle deep in places. Of course, there is a typically Norwegian solution. Hire a massive wood chipper and shred the unused pioneering poles to spread on the paths. The noise that the thing made when they fired it up at 8 am was like some kind of monster from Norse mythology.
With everyone up, the day has been spent planning for the expedition hike. Poring over strange maps (1:30000 is an odd scale. 3.33 cm per kilometre) to plan the routes, filling in the safety cards and packing bags.
With all that done,  the Patrol Leaders took the safety cards to the office and checked out.
The patrols then set off, one walking from camp, the other two having a short bus ride.
As they'll be out overnight, the leaders have their own free time. 24 hours of it in fact. A walk to the supermarket for camp supplies was followed by a slightly longer walk to Bodø harbour for an excellent meal at the highly recommended  En Kopp  restaurant.

The leaders have a lazy morning to look forward to as well with no Scouts on site (none of ours anyway - the programmes are staggered so there's plenty of activity on site. We'll probably explore the site a bit more - we've already seen some awesome pioneering projects, including a multistorey campsite.

Loads of ideas for our "home" camp next month!

Nord 2017 . Day 3

Day three and the first full day of activities.

After a decadently late camp breakfast (9am is nearly lunch time) we finished off our campsite while the Patrol Leaders had their briefing. They'll be very much in charge of their teams this week as they work on different activities around the site. We've got 6 patrol leaders in 3 patrols so there's a bit of cooperative management going on.

With the campsite all finished and tidy, lunch was followed by the afternoon's activities.

Our 3 patrols were doing model boat building, stone age axes, and popcorn making.

It looks as if the teamwork needs some refining.

The boat builders managed to make a log. The axe makers produced a stick while the the popcorn chefs produced caramelized charcoal.

All came back to the site for a lovely meal of pan fried pork chops before heading out to the main square to mingle and meet other Scouts.

Bed time has been set at 2300 for most of the Scouts and midnight for those over 13. Everyone managed to get in with seconds to spare on the curfew!

Tomorrow's activity is the overnight hike. I hate to think what time they'll sleep!

Nord 2017 - day 2. Land of the midnight rain

After yesterday's marathon, we treated ourselves to a bit of a lie in, getting up at the decadent hour of 9am.
Today has been about making our campsite somewhere we can live for a week, mainly by building ourselves a kitchen and dining area. There's been a bit of exploration of the site (or at least the shops and cafes). After dinner, we made our way to the main stage area for the opening ceremony.
A spectacular start saw the camp mascot being lowered onto the campsite from a Coastguard helicopter followed by a fly past by 2 jet fighters of the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
Unfortunately, the rest of the ceremony didn't live up to it and people seemed glad that the threat of rain allowed them to drift away.
The Scouts spent the rest of the evening exploring while the leaders enjoyed a coffee (yes. Really. It's a dry camp) with our hosts from Madla.
After a surprisingly hot day, it's now cooled down and started to rain. The forecast is for a damp morning but drying up in time for the camp to start for real after lunch.