well you'll never guess it - we're here!!!!

So, not exactly the most rested we have ever felt after driving through the rainy continent all night, but we saw France, Belgium and Luxemburg all come and go and finally we reached Switzerland just in time for breakfast. According to Sheila's phone though at some point she took a diversion to Finland...

On an international note our drivers for the week - that we picked up in Essex - had us going for longer than we'd care to admit that they were Lithuanian and spoke not a dot of English, thankfully though turns out it was all a rouse - I may have to withhold home made shortbread from them for that sort of 'joke'.

Oh how the times have changed however in the guide and scout associations - the guides are quite content (as am I) to slob out in my jeans and hoodie however the scouts have had more costume changes than the cast of Annie with scout shirts, kilts, kilt socks and dress shoes coming and going so that they are kept crisp and clean - a note to all parents out there, do not fret, no nakedness, they all just wear T-shirt and shorts under their dress uniform so quick changes can happen - still it takes them longer to get ready then the girls to get off the bus!

Our drive was been wet and dark but now the sun has risen over Switzerland there are rolling hills, and some VERY long tunnels through said rolling hills.

We arrived at our most wonderful chalet about midafternoon for lunch and then settling into rooms. Then a much needed walk was taken into Adelboden where the girls purchased many a sweet and the leaders many a postcard. It's up and down many a swiss hill - so by the end of the week we'll be fitter than ever! A good tea was had and some very much needed rest for all...

This morning we went rock climbing on actual rocks, not a climbing walls and they even got taught a new knot!

We are currently at the pool, the girls in the water (along with some leaders) and I safely on the side of the pool...

Everyone is having great fun, many laughs and met some guides from bears den...

Weather is sunny with clouds, but nice and warm for us!


Hopefully update you tomorrow, but as always, dependent on WiFi...


Much love!

is it a boat... is it a ship... no! it's a ferry!

Here we are upon the earlier than planned 21.20 ferry, all safe aboard and off adventuring.

This may be the last post for a while as the leaders are off for more tea - Nothing stronger for us as of yet, but thanks for the suggestions - and WiFi might be less reliant, available or understandable on the continent.

Either way everyone is still overjoyed and having fun!

Talk soon.

:-) the only way is essex

Currently stopped at bishop Stratford in the most lovely land of Essex.
We'll be saying goodbye to driver number 2 here and picking up our two drivers for the week here, after driver number one swapped out at lemming.
As far as we are aware... Next stop Dover!

still on a bus...

Well, it's still raining and we are still on our way...

Currently at Grantham services with more tea for the leaders, and the odd purchase of a watch at w h smith as some are already fed up of asking the time!

Still more to go...

s'lunch

Four hours in and ... Twenty five to go!!!! Woop woop woop!!!!!!! (If you're not enthusiastic you just won't last...)

This is our first long stop and although the leaders enjoyed their sandwiches and are now in the cafe enjoying tea the guides are - of course - in mcdonalds.

We have turned at scotch corner and are currently at leeming services and will soon whisk down the M6 off to the ferry, rather surprisingly though all the girls are sleeping on the bus!
Will try to update as we go...

oh me, oh my

So, it's been two years in the making and now tomorrow - the adventure begins.

Bright and early now folks - 8am for us all (eek).

My packing is done, and i cannot have forgotten a thing as my bag weighs a tonne.. Well 22kg. That does include my hiking boots though so I have decided that that is TOTALLY allowed.

Will hopefully keep you all up to date where WiFi is available, but 36 hours on a bus with 35 guides and 19 scouts... I'm sure you can all imagine - even if you may not want to.

What to wear...

Well, we are seven days away, and my current version of packing is a pile in the corner of my room that may or may not make into the suitcase... it's a start at least - especially considering that I am at a camp this weekend and there is a LOT of crossover in what to take.

You'll all have seent he Kit list before, and hopefully have a copy, but just in case, here we go...

We are all responsible for our own luggage – each piece should be marked with owners name and address as well as Jeka administration number of our group.

It should consist of a reasonably sized suitcase plus a rucksack containing everything you need for the journey. This should double as your daysack on arrival.

Documents

Valid passport ( & photocopy) - if you've already handed them in, then you are fine, if you're bringing them on the day - you HAVE to bring a photocopy too!

Visa (non- British nationals only may require a visa)

EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)

Parents’ written consent (for under 16s)

Medical Form & Prescriptions as necessary

Money £20 + £20 in euros + £70 in Swiss francs

Luggage

Bed Linen (1 sheet, single duvet cover and pillowcase) – You will be provided with blankets or duvet and a pillow. Sheet & Pillowcase are compulsory even if you bring a sleeping bag.

Personal towels

Tea Towels

Suitable clothing for all types of weather

            Uniform tops, “group hoodie/t shirt”, other blue tops if possible, group neckie

Underwear & pyjamas or similar

Light rainwear

Hiking boots with deeply profiled soles (broken in!)

Spare laces for boots

Thick socks to wear with hiking boots

Slippers or trainers (hiking boots not allowed indoors)

Sunglasses and high factor sun cream

Swimwear

Thermos flask for hiking trips

Optional: Hair dryer, MP3 player , (brought at own risk) charger, international adaptor, badges for swapping

Hand Luggage

Packed lunch for outward journey if desired

Water bottle /drinks

Snacks/sweets but not chewing gum

Travel sickness medication

Light blanket/ travel pillow

Camera/MP3 Player/book?

Money for journey (see above)

No mobile phones

So, good luck all - remember, one suitcase and one  rucksack only...

Get ready... get set... get packing!

Now we are starting toward another phase in our journey... the travel is booked, activities planned, surprises primed and the girls' hyper-activity at an all new level meaning there's only one thing left to do - the packing. That's right people, the groan is audible from miles around as you have to turn a heap of clothes, toiletries and the all important haribo into a sensible collection of neatly folded articles that will fit in your suitcase. It's difficult for all of us, no matter how much travelling we have done - all you have to remember is a few key hints and tricks: 

1. You are not heading alone to a dessert island - you will be with others, so instead of doubling up on everything from Shampoo to Moisteriser - can you share with a friend (or three)?
2. Sore feet make everyone unhappy so leave your high heels at home, a pair of boots, trainers and sandals that you have worn before and don't give you blisters are the basic essentials.
3. 'Just in case' is a phrase that can lead you to taking everything you own plus some things borrowed from your neighbours. Think sensibly about the essentials that you will need - there are 35 of us going, if you can't borrow or beg what you need, Switzerland does have stores, so I am sure you will be just fine.
4. This is a ten day trip to the mountains - not a week long catwalk.
5. Finally - liquids have a magical may of escaping from whatever vessel they are in and invading your whole suitcase leaving everything with a faint smell tea tree... make sure you wrap toiletries in platic bags to prevent what mess you can!

Happy packing all, and we shall see you all soon!
Next stop - Switzerland!

Where it all began...

Our adventure started way back in the Summer of 2011 when a group of guide leaders came up with a good idea - let's take some guides to Switzerland!

Over the past two years the leaders have be planning and writing many a list and spreadsheet to decide on activities and menus, getting insurance, booking coaches, not to mention planning all the fund-raising events... 

Fundraising has been a busy task for leaders and girls alike between the Christmas Fayre hosted by Orchard Hill with a huge number of stalls and even more home baking, sleepovers and coffee mornings at all the churches, Christmas card deliveries from Giffnock South and the highly successful Colour Evening at Park... not to mention all those bags that were packed at Sainsbury's and Morrisons.