In the Lake District
Well - I needn't have dreaded it! The coach journey over to the Lake District was fine, even quite pleasant, and after the first night when the children were up till 2 in the morning (about what I expected), last night was a pleasant surprise. Most of the children were tired enough to get to sleep by 12. Some were awake later, but they managed to be quiet(ish).
The activities on the whole are well run, the outdoor type things particularly so. The ICT things are not as interesting, but the Wheldrake adults are not needed to help with these, so I get a bit of a breather every now and again - such as now. I've particularly enjoyed the quad biking and the fencing. I had a great time during an activity called Nightline. The pupils had to go around a small assault course blindfolded, during which time I was able to tickle them with a feather, roar in their ears and scrunch dry leaves in their hair.
The food has been surprisingly good - I've turned myself into a vegetarian for the trip and as usual this means the food is better! Vegetarian samosas and spicy potato wedges have been the highlight so far, but most of it is fairly good. There always seems to be salads and fresh fruit and there are also lots of water dispensers all over the place, so plenty of chances to be healthy too.
I've enjoyed the trip and am certain the kids have too, but it will be very nice to be sleeping in my own bed tomorrow.