Everyone was allowed a late start today before heading off to the tobaggon run - which they all really enjoyed. It was especially fast and fun if you didn't have to apply the brakes to avoid hitting the person in front. Then in the afternoon they headed for the beautiful Oechinensee. Most went in for a very bracing dip - as the lake is fed by water from a glacier! When Guy couldn't feel his fingers after about an hour he decided it was time to get out!  It rained in the morning but cleared up later and the sun was out this afternoon. It's a beautiful area where they can see the ice, snow and glaciers - until the cloud comes down to create a "white out"!

Day Three - Monday 21st August

This morning most went for a walk in the valley. At some stage some of the younger Scouts (so at least Ryan, Angus, Sam and Scott, with some help from Dan) took time out (2 hours according to Ryan!) to build a dam. Not sure what happened to the planned swim at the outdoor pool in the afternoon - all Ryan could tell us was that he and Angus had gone into town and bought Swiss chocolate! In the evening they went to the International BBQ held on site, followed by a few drinks (and we didn't ask what of....) and a late night - well it was after 11pm when Ryan rang home. They're all having a great time.

Day Four - Tuesday 22nd August

The itenary today let everybody have a free morning. Some of them chose to go off and play mini -golf (select pictures from there and you'll find one of the golf)(Sam, Scott, Dan, Ryan & Angus). Some took the opportunity to do some washing (for some of our Scouts I'm sure that was a new experience in itself!!)Then in the afternoon they all tackled the Compass Course on site. The Kandersteg web site says the course is "aimed at those of you who have never used a compass before, or who have just started to learn how to navigate.The Centre’s Compass Course is out around the campsite, and is ideal for younger Scouts to try, perhaps with a group from another country. Collect your information sheets and compasses from the Programme Office, and then see how quickly you can solve the puzzle at the end. Log your time with the programme office and see how you compare to other scouts from around the world. "

Day Five - Wednesday 23rd August

As well as our Scouts, and lots more from the UK, there also Scouts from Portugal, Spain, France, Denmark and Switzerland on site this week. Today about half hiked up to the glacier, using the cable car en route. At various stages they spilt into 3 groups and then kept meeting at various points. They set off about 9.30 am and got back about 7.00pm, having reached about 2500 m in the sunshine - so we bet they all slept well! The day was rounded of with a delicious cheese fondue, which Guy reckons helped them forget about their blisters.The others (including Dan and Jess) set off on a route that will see them stay in the Lammern Hutte (select "bilder" for some photos) tonight.

Day Six - Thursday 24th August

For those that stayed in the Lammern Hutte last night they wend their way back to base. Most people have a rest day on the plan for today. 7 people (including Guy) headed off on a two day expo into the mountains - Guy having purchased a harness ready for the adventure ahead. Their reward for the efforts today is to be staying in a mountain hutte tonight (at least we think it's this one!). The latest news is that they have been soaking in an outdoor hut tub (water temperature 42 degrees, heated by burning logs) whilst drinking a beer!

Day Seven - Friday 25th August

Obviously 7 people will still be away on their 2 day expo, with the plan including some ice-climbing today. For another 7 people (including Josie, Sam and Ryan) today included a visit to the Alpine Cheesery. " This is your opportunity to discover how to make cheese using traditional methods. The group leaves the Centre at 0730 for a hike of approximately 3 hours up to the Alpine Cheesery. A KISC guide will accompany you and, with the help of a farmer, explain the cheese making process. You must bring a cup and provide bread for both yourselves and your guide, as you will sample the cheese and milk while there. After your visit to the Golitchen Alpine Cheesery, take on a classic traverse over the alpine peaks of First (2320 m) and Stand (2548 m). Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Bernese Oberland while enjoying the summit of your own mountain. The height gain is around 1300 m, so a good level of fitness and confidence is required to thoroughly enjoy this challenging hike. From the top of First, you will descend into the Allmenalp valley taking a well-deserved ride back to Kandersteg on the cable car".  Here's some archive photos from a group that did the same hike. According to Ryan the cheese was delicious and really really cheap.

Whilst that took place 5 people (including Sarah) took part in a climbing workshop. For everyone else it was shown as a rest day. Tonight there was an International Campfire for them all to enjoy.

Day Eight - Saturday 26th August

Another busy day..... Another 7 people are off on the Alpine Cheesery hike (see above), including Aimee and Scott. Loads of people went off to visit Thun a city about 40 minutes away by train and this included Guy, Josie, Ryan and Dan. Others are down for day walking - including Sam and Angus. And sadly for 2 people the adventure is over already - as they fly home today.

Day Nine - Sunday 27th August

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAN AND SARAH!!! 

What a fantastic place to celebrate your 14th birthdays. We're sure your fellow adventurers will make it a special day to remember. Best wishes from everyone back in the UK.

The plan for today offers a mix of a rest day or day walking, we know that some of them spent hours at the ice-rink!

Day 10 - Monday 28th August

The first lot of photos are now available (thanks to Guy's photography and Tony as carrier pigeon.) Go to "Photo Gallery", then "Scout Troop" then "Kandersteg" and enjoy seeing what they have all been up to. If you feel the need for captions to any please just send them in!

Today another group were off to the Cheesery (including Guy, Angus, Dan, Sarah and Jess) whilst a brave few were heading off on a 3 day expo. For the rest it's either walking or a rest day - for some "rest day" was another afternoon at the ice rink. In the evening they took part in the Kandersteg BBQ.

Day 11 - Tuesday 29th August 2006

We've sent out a press release out called "Awards with Altitude" so hopefully we'll see some coverage in local papers over the next week or so.

Today sees some on day 2 of their 3 day expo, whilst a group of others head off to the Cheesery. For the rest (including Guy, Josie, Sam, Sarah, Aimee, Ryan, Scott & Angus) they head off to the Doldernhorn Hutte for the night.

Our "Awards with Altitude" was even on the front page of the national Scout Association web site (and it's still on the site)- well done everyone . 

Day 12 - Wednesday 30th August 2006

So today saw the photo of Fenella, Aimee, Sarah and Dan receiving their Awards appear in the Cambridge Evening News.

Some were returning from the 3 day Expo whilst others were on their way back from the Mountain Hut.

Day 13 - Thursday 31st August 2006

Well all Ryan could tell us about today was that some of them went on some buses and a train to get to the top of a mountain - but he didn't know what it was called!

Day 14 - Friday 1st September 2006

The fun is nearly over. Today there was chance for a final trip into town and clearing up. This was followed by a celebratory "last night" meal at a local restaurant for everyone to enjoy.

Day 15 - Saturday 2nd September 2006

They're on their way home (well, ok, they will be leaving Kandersteg at about 9.30 am this morning to head back). Better get that washing machine ready for action..............

Plane landed 3.47 Uk time. Should all be home soon. Ryan has had an amazing time and ready to go again.......