The truth is that a Woodlands Wednesday is a little like a Woodlands Tuesday.

Groups go out, do things, and then come back.

The difference today was the weather, in particular the edge of Storm Agnes.

In truth we were lucky, but the impending gale force winds made the high ropes course impossible, so three groups ended up caving today (storm-free under ground), with the other two out in the canoes.

The canoeing starts from opposite ends of the canal and indulges in a dangerous game of ‘swap the key and don’t drop it in the water’ half way along. This means that the group starting at Pencelli leave their van there, and pass the group starting at Tallybont about half way along the route, swapping keys so that they can pick up the other van, with the second group taking the first van. A recipe for disaster – yes for sure.  Any problems today? None. A long and unnecessary explanation – probably! 

Most got the hang of the canoes pretty quickly and navigated a straight course, and those that did not ended up exploring the local wildlife on the far bank, and then the near bank, and then the far bank again…let’s just say that they got there in the end, although three got quite (OK very…) wet, and a pair of wellies did not make it back to Woodlands.

Oh, and one unnamed individual whose partner had temporarily vacated the boat, then managed to lose his (or her) oar and was seen floating back towards Pencelli.  Luckily the instructor was very calm and super clear: ‘Just use doggie paddle over the side and make your way back here,‘ at which point he (or she) leaped out of the boat and doggie-paddled back to the shore.  The boat and the oar?  We’re still looking!

Caving today was again at the walk-in complex (Porth yr Ogof is still too wet), and again saw some fairly nervous children enter a big dark cave chamber and emerge triumphant. The Woodlands instructors really are second to none when it comes to offering safe but challenging activities for 10-year-olds.  A highlight for Group 4 (and like last night a first, even for the instructors) was an encounter with the local wildlife.

On the walk-in to Eglwys Faen the group came across plenty of sheep, but also a pony grazing on the mountainside.  This is not unusual, but what followed was.  As we walked past, the pony glanced up and clearly decided that accompanying a group of children to the cave entrance was considerably more interesting than just chewing on a bit of grass.  Not only that, but she decided to invite a friend along.  They walked with us, weaving in and out of our party along the narrow path, turning back, taking a sniff of the odd backpack, and generally giving us a fantastic interaction with nature.  And one that is not usually high on the list of available experiences in Emmer Green or Sonning Common.  So cool.

This evening was more orienteering – this time the proper type with punch cards, forest trails, and a lot of rain.  It helped wash down the chicken curry and rice, and the jam roly poly.

Last report tomorrow, with a few details of pick up arrangements.

We are (all) looking forward to seeing you all on Friday.