Two Day Expedition Saxon Shore Way 4/5 July 2012

On these 2 dates, class 12 A and Billy went on a 2 day expedition as part of a four week project that had been assigned by the school.

I did not go on this expedition due to a medical condition which could be worked around on future expeditions.
But I did take part on the majority of the planning which was on the run up to the expedition, this included putting up a tent, setting up a portable stove and gas canister as well as a pre expedition expedition with weight.

When the class set out on the expedition via mini bus they soon encountered their first problem which was a member of the group had turned up late, which led to Mr. Toomey to swing the mini bus around in order to collect the latecomer.

When they finally got to the starting point of the expedition which would take them up to Homing Park campsite. This part of the expedition was a 9K walk which going by the average walking speed of 3Km/h would take them at least 3 hrs to complete. When they arrived at the campsite, the first thing on the agenda was to set up the tents, which  going by the practice set up must've been a sight for sore eyes. Once they put up the tents the group then dispersed in order to do other things such as; showering or cooking some food.

After missing all the planning shauns making sure he get all the credit for putting up a tent.

For the majority of the night the group spent their time in either Whitstable town centre or the clubhouse located at the campsite, this led to much alcohol being drunk. This was the last even that happened beofre the group turned in for the night.

The next morning, Mr. Wilson woke the group up at approximately 7.30 so people had enough time to get dressed, wash, have some breakfast and pack up the tents. This then led to the second leg of the expedition where they would rendez-vous with the school mini bus which would then take the now tired group back to school.

Here is a Dragon's Tooth which was designed to stop enemy tanks from gaining entry



Yes, Mr. Toomey - It's a gate...

 This expedition was not only a test for their endurance levels but also an educational expedition as they learnt about the historical side of Whitstable and Faversham by seeking the remains from WWI and WWII. Which had enlightened some of the group.

To anybody this just looks like an ordinary playground but really they are WWII air raid shelters that are in disguise...

There was some good news for the group and which was when this expedition took place, they had 2 days of sun and only a little bit of rain that happened overnight

Things that i could develop on for future 2 day expeditions could be;
1) To actually go on the expedition
2) Get clearance from the hospital to take part
3) find a alternative way of taking part, this will then help me not to miss out in the future.
4) ensure i have all the equipment that will enable me to take part on the expedition

Pre expedition expedition with weight 28/6/12

On Thursday 28 June 2012, we deicded to go on a short one day expedition from Crown Woods College in Eltham to the Thames barrier in Woolwich.

For this expedition it was a requirement for us to have at least 10kg of weight in our rucksacks, this is so we could be fully prepared for our two day expedition the following week. My bag weighed just over 14kg thanks to the help of BRICKS. :)

After waiting for the last arrivals to turn up with their kit, we set off.

After a fairly short walk we admired the view from the top of Shooters Hill..... I was mostly admiring the custard creams.
Also at this point certain people in the group were already knackered.

Mr. Wilson looking proud of himself!!!!!!
Custard Creams in the bottom right hand corner.

After a breif stop and after Mr. Toomey had taken some pictures we set off once again in to Oxleas Woods where due to David's inability to listen and read a map we got lost, so we ended up going back on ourselves.

But once we retraced our steps we continued through to Woolwich where we saw the Olympic Venues for the shooting and Archery, and after a short walk through Charlton Park and a  breif lunch stop we finally arrived at the Thames Barrier, just in time to see the fly past by the last Lancaster Bomber and in the distance we saw a few Tornados which were flying to meet up with the Lancaster where they were en route to Hyde Park for the unveiling of the Bomber Command Memorial.

A Great view of the last remaining Lancaster Bomber, which we were just in time to see.

Just before we were due to go our seperate ways "we" (Mr Toomey) decided it would be a great idea to have a group photo...


The members of the group: (L-R) Jamie, Shaun, Karl, David, Me, Mr Wilson.
Bottom row: Connor
Mr. Wilson should feel honoured standing next to one of God's great creations.

 Those who chose to go home via train drew the short straw as it has been recorded that Jamie Panter made it home to Eltham via bus just as we were waiting for a DLR to arrive at Greenwich.

Overall on this Pre - Expedition Expedition, I have discovered many things For example;

1) whining will get you nowhere

2) The Thames Barrier is not in Oxford Street (which apparently I thought it was)

3) I need to measure my bag appropriately incase it is too heavy and too light

4) Find a substitute for bricks

5) Take a lot more food and plenty to drink in case the weather suprises us

6) I need to take control and lead with the map, rather than taking a back seat

7) Whisling tunes can help the group through the worst but playing songs from 'Family Guy' just gets annoying.

BREAKING NEWS: CWC BLOG HAS LANDED

We have a blog!!!!

hi, whoever views this blog...

This blog has been created so I am able to date and record all of the expeditions over a two year Public Service course. This will not only send enjoyment staright to you but it will also give me the evidence I need to pass the course.

:)