Gwilym's Adventure Blog

Daisy "helping out"  All finished and back together So after having owned the van for 2 weeks I finally got round to starting the process of turning it into a luxury home from home. The main job today was insulation which involved taking the bulkhead and all the ply lining out, putting a layer of insulation in and then putting it all back. A lot more time consuming that expected. Next job of changing the broken cup holders involved taking out half of the lower dash with hidden clips and screws everywhere. Some chrome styling and handles stuck on to make the outside look a bit more bling. She is going in for some extra windows and split charging system next week and then I can crack on with the carpeting and a few other jobs. Fortunately Diasy was on hand to help out sleep in the sun and occasionally get in the way.

Today, as unbelievable as it sounds, I went Ice Climbing in South Wales. Climbable ice, in wales in April!!!! First Richard and I soloed Torpantau (III) and got back to the van by 9am for coffee and croissant (this is so much more civilised that Scottish climbing). We headed round to above Hirwuan and climbed Douglas Gap (III) and Iron Claws (IV). The latter was not in the best of conditions and a fair bit was falling off the top pitch forcing us well out to the left. Then it was back to the van for coffee and a burger. We drove round to look at RAC corner but it looked a bit hacked up and not in the best of condition so we have left it for another time (though not likely to be anytime soon)

Today I undertook the PADI Enriched Air course at Aquanauts and fortunately for me it is a theory course so no need to get cold and wet. I have however dug the diving gear out so am getting ready to hit the water as soon as the weather settles down.

For the last three days I have been out on Dartmoor with 3 Gold D of E groups undertaking a practice expedition. The weather managed to throw everything at us from high wind, torrential rain, ice and thick mist. All the students sucessfully made it through and this has helped them learn about their kit and self management prior to their (hopefully) warmer qualifying expedition in July.

Out on Dartmoor today with the Adventure students for some more navigation practice. Heading out from Shipley Bridge to find some interesting features as chosed by the students. It was a mixed weather day with sunny spells and a few snow showers.

On day 2 of the 5 Star Training we launched from Sennen Cove and headed out into a much friendlier Force 4/5 to Longships Lighthouse which is about 2km west of Land's End. We looked at ferry gliding in tidal flows, losing paddles and using spilts (without falling in), a rocky landing and some surfing. Thanks to Rich from Paddlecrest Coaching who organised everything and Sid who directed the course

Paddling out from Penzance into Force 6 gusting 7, hail, massive swell and spray, I did question my sanity. The weather conditions fluctuated and there was even some sun at times. We looked at leadership, rescues, landing through surf and had our personal paddling tested from the word go. After a evening meal, it was back out into the dark for the night navigation exercise. No pictures afloat as I was too busy staying upright