Camping trip to Lough Dan
At the start of the year we were told about the Lough Dan camping trip. This is when my organisation skills came into play. I organised a setup of the tent. I organised for Rossa, myself, Alex and Cian to put up the tent as a practice run one weekend in the lead up to us going away. During the following week we were given sheets telling us what we needed to bring with us. I divided the tasks on the sheet between 7 of us.
Although I have done plenty of hiking including the Sphink in Glendalough I didn’t actually own a pair of hiking boots so I purchased a pair and had to break them in over the week prior to leaving. I packed my gear on the Monday.
On the Tuesday I collected all the food and cooking equipment that I needed for the trip. Wednesday morning dawned, overcast and cold, this was added to by the heightened tension around receiving our Junior cert results.
With bags loaded, coats on we left home for school to be met by most of my class mates who were unloading car boots full of camping gear and food. When the buses arrived we crammed the storage lockers full but even stuffing two buses there was still too much gear so the only option was to fill the first five rows of seats with tents, bags and cool boxes.
After a 40 minute journey the joy of Lough Dan scout camp loomed. Following a quick briefing from Mr Craig, Mrs Ni Mhairtin, Mr Cummons and Mrs Roy it was set up time. This is when experience with my 8 man tent came into play. I was able to use my communication skills and knowledge of the tent to give everyone in the group an opportunity to take part in the tent build. The build took approximately 20 minutes.
After the tent was put up I used my knowledge of the portable stove and made the seven of us tea. We all came to the decision that on one side of the tent would be the people who brought air mattresses (Brenno, Alex and I) and on the other side of the tent would be the people who were sleeping on yoga mats. Unfortunately when lights out time came I burst my air mattress.
The first walk was on the Wednesday afternoon, it was an enjoyable walk but it was nice to return to camp around 2 hours later, nobody realising that it was just a taster of what was to come the following day.
Wednesday finished with a flourish as we all made our voices heard chanting round the campfire under the stars.
I used my preparation skills on Wednesday night to organise all my necessary equipment for the following day.
Thursday came dull but dry and everyone seemed tired but there was no time to be tired because once late morning came we were off on our 22 km walk. After about an hour we stopped for a drink and to admire the lovely countryside Ireland was so famous for. Following the first hour conversations began to stop and everyone started to focus on the task at hand. Lunch was eaten at about half way though the hike beside the crystal clear river that filled Lough Dan.
Spirits rose again as we entered the familiar territory we had walked the previous day.
Apon arrival back at the camp a swim was offered to everyone although many chose to stay in the warm tents that we were so glad to have.
The day ended with the joyful smell of burgers on the BBQ. That was my favourite part of the day because the weather was good the food was good and the company was good. Thursday finished on a high after an enjoyable game of cards the sleeping bags were the next step. Many entered their sleeping bags heavy heartedly as we knew that our time on the trip was nearly over.
Friday came putting a smile on some faces as the joy of a mattress and a duvet awaited us at home. A long and strenuse clean-up effort left the field looking as spotless as before. That properly saw the end of the wonderful Lough Dan camping trip.
If I was to do anything differently the next time I would have packed less as most of the equipment packed wasn’t needed.
The highlight of the trip for me was the nights because the singing and fun never stopped.
Although I have done plenty of hiking including the Sphink in Glendalough I didn’t actually own a pair of hiking boots so I purchased a pair and had to break them in over the week prior to leaving. I packed my gear on the Monday.
On the Tuesday I collected all the food and cooking equipment that I needed for the trip. Wednesday morning dawned, overcast and cold, this was added to by the heightened tension around receiving our Junior cert results.
With bags loaded, coats on we left home for school to be met by most of my class mates who were unloading car boots full of camping gear and food. When the buses arrived we crammed the storage lockers full but even stuffing two buses there was still too much gear so the only option was to fill the first five rows of seats with tents, bags and cool boxes.
After a 40 minute journey the joy of Lough Dan scout camp loomed. Following a quick briefing from Mr Craig, Mrs Ni Mhairtin, Mr Cummons and Mrs Roy it was set up time. This is when experience with my 8 man tent came into play. I was able to use my communication skills and knowledge of the tent to give everyone in the group an opportunity to take part in the tent build. The build took approximately 20 minutes.
After the tent was put up I used my knowledge of the portable stove and made the seven of us tea. We all came to the decision that on one side of the tent would be the people who brought air mattresses (Brenno, Alex and I) and on the other side of the tent would be the people who were sleeping on yoga mats. Unfortunately when lights out time came I burst my air mattress.
The first walk was on the Wednesday afternoon, it was an enjoyable walk but it was nice to return to camp around 2 hours later, nobody realising that it was just a taster of what was to come the following day.
Wednesday finished with a flourish as we all made our voices heard chanting round the campfire under the stars.
I used my preparation skills on Wednesday night to organise all my necessary equipment for the following day.
Thursday came dull but dry and everyone seemed tired but there was no time to be tired because once late morning came we were off on our 22 km walk. After about an hour we stopped for a drink and to admire the lovely countryside Ireland was so famous for. Following the first hour conversations began to stop and everyone started to focus on the task at hand. Lunch was eaten at about half way though the hike beside the crystal clear river that filled Lough Dan.
Spirits rose again as we entered the familiar territory we had walked the previous day.
Apon arrival back at the camp a swim was offered to everyone although many chose to stay in the warm tents that we were so glad to have.
The day ended with the joyful smell of burgers on the BBQ. That was my favourite part of the day because the weather was good the food was good and the company was good. Thursday finished on a high after an enjoyable game of cards the sleeping bags were the next step. Many entered their sleeping bags heavy heartedly as we knew that our time on the trip was nearly over.
Friday came putting a smile on some faces as the joy of a mattress and a duvet awaited us at home. A long and strenuse clean-up effort left the field looking as spotless as before. That properly saw the end of the wonderful Lough Dan camping trip.
If I was to do anything differently the next time I would have packed less as most of the equipment packed wasn’t needed.
The highlight of the trip for me was the nights because the singing and fun never stopped.