We grabbed our things from the boats, which were all wrapped up in bin bags, changed into our walking boots and set off for the 4 hours of trekking. Pok had warned us that it would be one and a half hours up hill to start, so we were all dreading it.
As we set off the rain started, the jungle "path" was muddy and soon our boots had thick clods of mud stuck to them and our legs splattered. As we trudged up the first section the guides cut us bamboo walking sticks, very useful seeing as we were not very steady on our feet.
Considering this was the walk we dreaded it wasn't too bad (hindsight is a wonderful thing) It was hard going, the mud and hills making things tough, but we plodded on in good spirits.
After 4 hours we were told we still had an hour to go, then the rain really started, but we then reached a dirt road/track which made the going easier, until we hit the muddy bits. I got my foot stuck in a knee deep bit of mud, and almost hauled a bamboo bridge on Helen's head trying to pull myself out, Miss Turnbull was laughing so hard she lost her footing and did a perfect seat drop into the mud.
The joy of reaching the camp site was fabulous. We were soaked to the skin, cold and incredibly muddy. Unfortunately the camping areas were under water (those in England will be well aware of the idea of flooding!) so all of the tents had been pitched in a covered picnic area on a concrete floor. Our 10 tents and probably 15 more from other groups all crammed into a tiny space.
We were over the moon to discover that we were the only group who had managed to trek through the jungle,\all the other wimps had done the whole thing along the dirt track, Teesside High girls are quite simply the best!
We all managed to change into dry clothes, our only spare set, and pete strung up a washing line in a vain attempt to dry our sodden clothing. Any attempt to wash was difficult as the bathroom facilities were somewhat basic (Miss T has a photo of the "bathroom" shall attach it later)
As we set off the rain started, the jungle "path" was muddy and soon our boots had thick clods of mud stuck to them and our legs splattered. As we trudged up the first section the guides cut us bamboo walking sticks, very useful seeing as we were not very steady on our feet.
Considering this was the walk we dreaded it wasn't too bad (hindsight is a wonderful thing) It was hard going, the mud and hills making things tough, but we plodded on in good spirits.
After 4 hours we were told we still had an hour to go, then the rain really started, but we then reached a dirt road/track which made the going easier, until we hit the muddy bits. I got my foot stuck in a knee deep bit of mud, and almost hauled a bamboo bridge on Helen's head trying to pull myself out, Miss Turnbull was laughing so hard she lost her footing and did a perfect seat drop into the mud.
The joy of reaching the camp site was fabulous. We were soaked to the skin, cold and incredibly muddy. Unfortunately the camping areas were under water (those in England will be well aware of the idea of flooding!) so all of the tents had been pitched in a covered picnic area on a concrete floor. Our 10 tents and probably 15 more from other groups all crammed into a tiny space.
We were over the moon to discover that we were the only group who had managed to trek through the jungle,\all the other wimps had done the whole thing along the dirt track, Teesside High girls are quite simply the best!
We all managed to change into dry clothes, our only spare set, and pete strung up a washing line in a vain attempt to dry our sodden clothing. Any attempt to wash was difficult as the bathroom facilities were somewhat basic (Miss T has a photo of the "bathroom" shall attach it later)
The porters had boiled the kettle for us and the promise of hot chocolate raised all of our spirits. We were soon to discover that it was actually Ovaltine (something my grandmother used to drink) but blimey it was good, add a lot of sugar and some coffee mate and it's drinkable.
In the evening the porters cooked us an impressive meal, considering they'd carried all the food and were cooking on an open fire. Miss Rose and Miss Stephens sat engraving walking sticks as we had all become somewhat attached to them. And after an session inspecting, antisepticing and dressing various scratches, bits, bruises and random injuries, all credit to nurse Helen for her candlelit surgery on Shika's hand.
So then to bed in our little tents, on a concrete floor, in damp clothes whilst the midgy bites started to itch. So a really restful night!
The chorus of insects and frogs from the surrounding jungle was rather intense, and I'm sure that as the night wore on they got nearer and nearer, it felt like they were closing in!
It makes D of e look a doddle
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