A MOUNTAIN hike started the adventure weekend for members from all three Explorer Scout units in Penarth.

The explorers were based at the Dolygaer Scout Centre situated just north of Merthyr by Taff Fechan reservoir. Starting the hike at 9.30pm they ascended following a well-trodden path using just the ambient light, on approaching the top they began to follow the ridge which offered no discernible view due to the low cloud cover giving just enough to see the steep drop back down the valley, after one hour they breached the main saddle to be met by a strong wind rising from below, driving the cloud mist into faces like needles.

A quick donning of extra protective waterproofs and the group continued on, completing the circuit and returning for bed around midnight.

Then at 7am some of the members were stirring as sausage, bacon, and eggs sizzled in the kitchen, no time to hang around as at 8.30am they were off to Ystradfellta and the Porth Y Ogof cave system.

Being met by the caving team where they had to get out of their warm clothes and into wet suits and caving overalls. It all looked so easy as they entered the cave through the wide and high entrance, only to find once they had left the daylight behind things changed, they were immediately having to scrape, crawl and wade their way through the cave system.

Tom not looking forward to it but willing to ‘give it a go’ was amazed how small a gap you can squeeze through if it avoids getting wet.

After two hours below ground they emerged, tired after their exploits but happy at their achievements.

Tom determined never to go below ground again.

Lunch was to be a short affair as the afternoon activity was to go climbing at Llangors indoor climbing centre, this was a new venue for them as not only did it have artificial climbing walls but also some rock face walls to climb on, including several arduous bouldering sections where they climb without ropes, concentration levels tend to rise when completing this activity.

To give their bodies some rest before the final activity on Sunday, the Saturday evening was spent doing brain teasers in the form of a quiz which included challenges like eating ice lollies in under 30 seconds. But they still answered most questions correctly.

With the promise of some dry weather they entered the last challenge full of good will, a six-mile canoe trip from Talybont to Brecon on the canal.

Using both open canoes and kayaks they learned how close the canal banks are and if you did not keep a straight line it took a long time to go anywhere, although Tom preferred this to caving there was no need to express this joy by capsizing.

Canoeing when wet is not much fun but certainly a challenge, four hours saw them finish the route and after a quick change it was off home.

A well done to all who took part ,it was a very busy weekend and you deserved the Monday morning lie in even though it was a school day.