The camping trip was the first trip of my transition year, it was also the adventure journey for many people's Bronze Gaisce. We left on the 13th of September, the day of our results.
Wednesday, September 13th
I woke up anxious and excited on results day. I would finally be receiving my Junior Certificate Results, everything my first three years at St. Gerard's had been leading up to. I arrived in school at 9.00 and waited nervously for 30 minutes until I finally received my envelope. Once I got my results, I found my parents and opened the envelope. I was happy with my results and even happier with the fact that I was going camping for the next three days.
Luckily, I managed to fit my huge duffle bag onto the bus and we left for Lough Dan at about 10.00. The drive was enjoyable as everybody tried to stop worrying about their results. Once we arrived at the camp site, Aran, James, Luke, Pierce and I began to set up the tent. We had practised the week before at James' house and after a few attempts we successfully got the tent up! Once the tent was up we put our bags inside and had a quick snack and got ready for the 6km walk. The walk was a nice taster of our big hike the next day. The views were fantastic and the year's morale was high.
When we got back we cooked some burgers and had a satisfyingly dinner. Everyone sat around the campfire for warmth and our year integrated very well. At 11.00 it was lights off and everyone tried to rest for the next day.
I woke up anxious and excited on results day. I would finally be receiving my Junior Certificate Results, everything my first three years at St. Gerard's had been leading up to. I arrived in school at 9.00 and waited nervously for 30 minutes until I finally received my envelope. Once I got my results, I found my parents and opened the envelope. I was happy with my results and even happier with the fact that I was going camping for the next three days.
Luckily, I managed to fit my huge duffle bag onto the bus and we left for Lough Dan at about 10.00. The drive was enjoyable as everybody tried to stop worrying about their results. Once we arrived at the camp site, Aran, James, Luke, Pierce and I began to set up the tent. We had practised the week before at James' house and after a few attempts we successfully got the tent up! Once the tent was up we put our bags inside and had a quick snack and got ready for the 6km walk. The walk was a nice taster of our big hike the next day. The views were fantastic and the year's morale was high.
When we got back we cooked some burgers and had a satisfyingly dinner. Everyone sat around the campfire for warmth and our year integrated very well. At 11.00 it was lights off and everyone tried to rest for the next day.
Thursday, September 14th
I woke up early on Thursday with little sleep because of the strong winds and rain, the worst weather in 12 years according to Mr. Geraghty. We had our hot breakfast and at 10 we trekked away from the camp site on our 22km hike. I experienced all four seasons on the 6 hour walk! In the end the hike was the climax of the camping trip for me. The expansive mountains and view of the lake and valley was breathtaking. After the walk I felt as though I knew my classmates very well and it was great to be able to talk to them and make new friends.
Fortunately we arrived back at the campsite just before a big shower of rain. I rushed to the bathroom for a nice warm shower. I then went back to the tent for a rest. I discovered that I had a temperature later that day and I nearly went home. Thankfully I decided to stay and I had a great time with my friends.
I woke up early on Thursday with little sleep because of the strong winds and rain, the worst weather in 12 years according to Mr. Geraghty. We had our hot breakfast and at 10 we trekked away from the camp site on our 22km hike. I experienced all four seasons on the 6 hour walk! In the end the hike was the climax of the camping trip for me. The expansive mountains and view of the lake and valley was breathtaking. After the walk I felt as though I knew my classmates very well and it was great to be able to talk to them and make new friends.
Fortunately we arrived back at the campsite just before a big shower of rain. I rushed to the bathroom for a nice warm shower. I then went back to the tent for a rest. I discovered that I had a temperature later that day and I nearly went home. Thankfully I decided to stay and I had a great time with my friends.
Friday, September 15th
I woke up on Friday after a good night's sleep (thanks to the Panadol that Ms. Aylmer gave me). We took down our tent and packed our bags. We got on the bus at 11 and headed back to the school. Everyone was sad to leave the site. I thought about the last two days on the drive back. The camping trip was a great experience and I really got to know my year. I look forward to more trips in the future.
I woke up on Friday after a good night's sleep (thanks to the Panadol that Ms. Aylmer gave me). We took down our tent and packed our bags. We got on the bus at 11 and headed back to the school. Everyone was sad to leave the site. I thought about the last two days on the drive back. The camping trip was a great experience and I really got to know my year. I look forward to more trips in the future.