The (final) Duke

And that's Toots completed her Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition, woop woop!

Which means the next step is meeting the Duke himself!  Which she says she's not fussed at, but I quite fancy a trip to Holyrood Palace...

Anyway, four full days walking 15-18km per day up hill and down dale in the Cairngorms National Park*, three nights wild camping, while carrying all their food, water and supplies, which meant being prepared for 20 degreeC days (and swimming in the river - not Toots!) and nights in the single digits, was no mean feat.  

But it's done, and according to Toots, she never wants to camp again!  Eh... she does know we're heading up to Glenmore in a few weeks time, doesn't she?!

Last week it was Tiger's turn for her Gold expedition practice (3 full days and 2 nights) up Tomintoul way, and despite being over 2 hours late to their final checkpoint (and me needing to postpone, and then cancel, a late meeting as a result) and walking through a 'boar graveyard', she declared it "her best expedition yet!".  Roll on Gold, eh?!

 

Lightning has actually just signed up for his Bronze Award now too, and I can't wait! for him to start his expeditions... it might actually be a joy to prepare for!

*though apparently according to Aberdeenshire Council rules they could not actually go above 600m