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Leaders Report
Looking at the small group of rucksack-clad folk waiting
on Glasgow Queen Street Station, I looked back on months of preparation and
forward to the two and a half weeks to come, wondering what they would have
in store.
After a smooth journey through the Western Highlands and
Islands, everyone eventually arrived at the remote village of Rhenigidale.
The camp was established quickly and efficiently, mainly due to an
enthusiastic and willing group of ALs and members. Luckily it stayed dry
long enough for us to get all the tents up in reasonable time. The following
day, under the direction of Mark, furniture building with planks and bits of
wood begged and borrowed from around the village was the immediate task for
most of the members; while our CA Eppie, and Roy's duty group, proceeded to
construct a highly efficient kitchen area. So camp was soon established.
For me, a cup of tea in bed began the first day of what
turned out to be a cheerful and light-hearted expedition. Appalling weather,
and the early departure of Craig, could have dampened spirits, but the
absence of midges, a fantastic sense of humour on the part of everybody,
cheerful singing sessions with hostellers from as far apart as USA,
Australia, Italy and Sweden, and including our own version of Hotel
California, along with constant activity of one kind or another, succeeded
in refreshing and motivating everyone in a variety of ways, as the accounts
to follow indicate. |
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Thanks to
Joanna Burgess (Née Walker) who sent me these photos. |
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Canoeing in the bay at Rhemigidale |
Capsize drill |
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Water activities were the first to get under way,
directed by Warwick. The P4 made many trips to Tarbert and around the bay.
With capsize drills completed, canoeing trips went to the cave, Loch
Seaforth and the waterfal1 shower along the coast which was only accessible
from the sea. Cleanliness was a prominent feature of the expedition!! Roy,
the expedition medic, was determined to limit the number of diarrhoea
tablets handed out and prevent the usual, distinctive expedition odours;
some members were even seen shaving!
Walking was a bit limited because of the numerous days on
which it poured with rain. Despite this, once initial training had taken
place, visits were made to the Uiseval Ridge, Toddun, Glen Laxadale, the
local coastline and Tarbert. The record for the walk from the camp to the
end of the path was 52 minutes, set by our wildlife expert, Karl. Bivvies to
Toddun, Callanish and Luskentyre included some walking, lots of hitching
and., in the case of the first Callanish bivvy, the luxury of an automatic
Daimler borrowed from the carpenter Angus, to whom we are very grateful, and
driven by Dougie Warbuton, who visited us for a week. The mega-Callanish
Bivvy also reached the top of the highest peak in the Outer Hebrides -
Clisham. |
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Eppie Micklem, Shaun (I think) Ben I think, Gary
Sage, Sally Sharpe and Terry Drage |
Toddun overlooking Rhenigidale |
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In and around camp, a
large variety of wildlife was seen, including golden eagles, otters,
porpoises, seals and numerous sea birds. We also visited the deserted
village of Molinginish, and when the rock was dry enough (which wasn't very
often) Roy was able to take some folk climbing and abseiling, fishing was
done with various degrees of success and much was discovered about the
environment and the way of life in Rhenigidale. We were able to visit the
Shiant Islands, shear sheep, enjoy fruit salad (with grapes), toffee (which
should have been vanilla fudge), numerous wee stripaks and drams. None of
this would have been possible without the support and friendship of the
people of Rhenigidale. We were all struck by the generosity and kindness of
everyone in the village. We were able to repay some of this kindness by
moving a large number of breeze blocks and a Rayburn. I 'd like to take this
opportunity to extend my special-thanks to Roddy McInnes for letting us use
his land and corrugated iron, his frequent visits and kindness,
including letting us use the hostel in our hour of need. Kathy and Alistair,
Mairi-Ann and Fiona, thanks for the fantastic housewarming party. Katie,
Marion, Lorna and Callum, thanks for the rose and putting up with my
frequent use of the phone. Moira, Kenny and Duncan, thanks for the use of
the cooking books, vanilla essence and boat. Angus and wee Kenny, thanks for
your company. |
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The AL's meal - Dougie Warburton, Mike Spencer, John
Humpherson, Terry, Mark Hunter, Ben Sturt, Sally, Jules Elce |
Tip Tew (I guess you either know or you don't?) |
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Our extended stay, due to bad weather, was an enjoyable
one despite (perhaps because of) my purple hair rinse and falling into a bog
(twice). Leaving at 2.00 a.m. on Monday, sitting amidst the pile of
equipment on the launch, with Kenny's boat (a Dunkirk veteran) being towed
behind full of tired, happy people and their rucksacks, and the P4 buzzing
along beside it, I looked back at Toddun and Rhenigidale bay with a sense of
sadness at leaving. The expedition had been a success due to the fantastic
group of ALs and members that I had with me. I 'd especially like to thank
Roy, my deputy and shoulder in times of need, Warwick and Peter for all
their hard work, Eppie, our honorary AL and camp administrator for a
difficult job well done and Gary, an honorary AL for a week in Warwick's
absence.
In the words of Jules, without whose Canadian camp songs,
the evenings would have been far less fun:
Thanks to
the spirit of the sea for calming me,
And to the
Stones of Callanish for humbling me.
Urghas of thanks to the S.H.S Rhenigidale crew, everyone
on Harris, the Board and Management Committee, without whose hard work this
awesome expedition would not have been possible.
Jo Walker |
