Hoy!

We had a fantastic few days on Hoy! Many thanks to Nigel, Dave, Ricky and Ron for organising all the superb activities for us. The weather played a big part in deciding what was appropriate but all the activities were challenging and very much enjoyed by everyone (including the adults!)

Our adventure started on Wednesday morning as soon as we reached Hoy on the boat. 

On the boat

After we were allocated our rooms and had a short briefing in the common room it was action stations as we attempted to get into wetsuits for our coasteering activity. It took quite a while to get everyone ready but we managed in the end.

We look a bit nervous and unsure as we listen to our instructions.

As all the adults took part in the activities as well, we weren't able to take photos during the coasteering. However two of the instructors had waterproof cameras so hopefully there will be some to add later on. It was a great experience with many people challenging themselves by swimming in the sea and jumping off rocks. It was a little windy so the waves became quite strong and prevented us from getting as far along the coast as we had planned but nevertheless it was great fun. Poor Emma lost her boots and had to complete the activity in her wetsuit socks! (Which she did without complaint I may add!) Well done Emma.

Everyone was expected to take their turn at setting up and tidying away at mealtimes. The food had to be collected from the boat each day and tables set. Dishes had to be washed and floors swept so there was plenty of chores for everyone.

Ward hill as seen from the hostel.

In the evening we had time to relax and play games, either in the common room, hall or outside. Nigel took groups on a tour to the Dwarfie Stane and various other places each evening too if they wished to go. 

Dwarfie Stane and other places!

Supper time was 9 o'clock followed by bed and lights out by 9.45. 

There was quite a crowd round the television on Thursday evening when England was playing their second match in the World Cup. It got quite noisy for a while!

Some evening activities

On Thursday we split into two groups for different activities and then swapped over in the afternoon. Waterproofs and wellies were the order of the day! We were gorge walking and canoeing. The gorge needed careful walking and some climbing - there were a few splashes heard in the deeper puddles but no one got too wet! At the end of the gorge was a very narrow cave that we had to squeeze through. No one spotted the elusive Orkney cave bear but we are sure we heard it scratching!

It was too windy to paddle on the sea so we went to Sandy loch for that.

On our last day, after we stripped our beds, packed our things and tidied our rooms, we headed off for a rock climbing adventure and challenges.

One challenge was to travel along the edge of the jutting out rocks without touching the ground. We weren't allowed to go too high and couldn't move on to the next stage until at least 5 of us completed the course! 

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