the end is neigh

Thursday evening saw dinner and then singing round our campfire. There was no outdoor space and we were in a wooden chalet, so a real fire was not had, but the felt version - logs, flames and all - did the trick.

Friday saw our last full day in Switzerland and so we made the most of the alpine air with a hike up to the 'local' wood carver. All the girls received their badges\woggles with names burnt into the wood which is a sign in guiding that allows you to tell from 100 paces that you've been to Switzerland. Up there we got to see round the shop and head to the lovely little cafe for gorgeous lemon cake and a welcome drink. Our round trip hike was 13km with a mightily descent on the way there and a never ending hill on the way back that the topographical map tells us was 1km as the crow flies with an ascent of 800m. You lot can do the maths to figure out numbers but I can tell you it was tough in the hot, hot sun, but boy were the views worth the effort, and I tell you, never more has a sit down and a shower felt so good. The girls did brilliantly to make it and the welcome sight of adelboden at the end offered swimming, shopping or just a route straight home depending on your want and need. I am told that the swimming was most refreshing, I enjoyed my first chance to see adelboden proper and for those who went straight home - that was just what the doctor ordered.

Friday evening was a whirlwind of packing, tasty burgers for tea, singing and thank yous to all of the team that made it possible -

Suzie Flemming - map reader extarordinaire and general helping hand in all things (non-eggy)
Sheila Curran - bank manger (supplying daily withdrawls), expert pot washer, can find anything in a room where guides' bags may have exploded and the best hug giver ever!
Beth Robertson - a song for every occasion, a magic box of tricks for activities and blog manager
Allison Bell - assistant cook, chief if all things soup, always encouraging and all with a hair never out of place (I don't know how she does it)
Gillian Henry - assistant first aider, pace setter and Friday's birthday girl! - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!
Anne Hamilton - First Aider with apparent 24hour service provided, always with a smile and kind word and a slight memory of her trip here 10 years ago
Mary Fyfe - Chief cook, supplying this army with the goods to drive us up the alpine hills, maker of surprise pancakes and general font of knowledge!

And last but by NO MEANS least...

Marjory Grimmond - our trip leader, the lady with the lists, the lady with the notes, the lady with drive and passion to make this trip happen, the lady who everyone of us owes a HUGE thank you for without her, it would not have happened.

Saturday morning was more relaxing than anyone expected. The inventory showed we'd managed to to lose or break anything- every plate, bowl, ladle, whisk, pot and tea spoon was accounted for! huzzah! The girls did a great job packing quickly and efficiently and clearing their room of mess and debris - and there was quite a bit I assure you - you try putting 9 girls alone in a room for a week and see what happens.

The bus from adelboden to the ferry has been... Hmm... An adjective... Loud, hot, lively, musical.. Take your pick, all I will say is that I have no idea where these girls get their energy from - I blame the parents... :)

You should have heard by now that our travel plans have been brought forward somewhat - a lot of scouts and drivers wanting to get home.

We left at 11.05 saturday morning and flew though Switzerland, France, Luxembourg and France again making good time to the ferry.

The current timetable gets us home somewhere between 10 and 12 depending on who's guess you take, we're on the 11.30 ferry (continental time) but updates along the way at service stations with WiFi and texts to parents and guardians...

Hope you all get a good night sleep, cos I am pretty sure I won't...


Edit- currently at Grantham services - leaving at the local time 4am