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26th October 2005

Singing in the Rain….

‘What a glorious feeling I’m dry again…’ Why were nine cadets from 134 (Bedford) Squadron ‘singing in the rain’ and eating chocolate bars? Well these nine cadets had just returned from a 3 day, Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, training expedition.

Starting on Saturday morning with 38km of the Peak District ahead of us, spirits high and bags heavy, the cadets set off. After pounding the hillsides we arrived at our first campsite. Tents were set up and our first meal cooked. Although the ground was boggy our tents were dry - until it started to rain. 

Following a wet night we woke to a fresh new day, with slightly damp sleeping bags. As soon as our stomachs were full of grub we began day two of our hill walking extravaganza. 18km later and significantly wetter we arrived at our new campsite. With only a few hours until darkness setting in our tents were pitched in record time.

When we had finished our dinner (cooked expertly on our stoves) we upped sticks to a barn as it continued to rain. During the next 3 hours we had refreshed our minds on the final days route card and then played cards until retiring to bed. (It must be noted that the aim of the game “cheat” is to RID yourself of your cards not gain the entire pack!!!) 

The rain had not stopped throughout the night and as the final morning dawned we saw the campsite slowly emerging from the mist. We made breakfast and packed up our soaking wet tents. By now the rain was becoming torrential, after briefly discussing gathering two of every animal and building an arc, we instead opted to set off at a good pace and made our way towards the highest point of our trip “Mam Tor” 511m above sea level. 

Even the best that the wind and rain could throw at us did not stop the determined cadets, the peak was reached and the view admired. As the elements were doing their worst to blow us off the hill we commenced the descent, passing the remains of an Iron Age settlement. Now there were only another 5 kilometres to go and the rain seemed to be letting up… only to return again with a biting wind to match. 

We finally reached our destination- Castletown, where we boarded the bus and started to eat our emergency rations. Thanks are due to AWO Taylor and Flt Lt Whittaker for staffing for the weekend and to CWO Croft for organising the entire event. Now we are all waiting to once again ‘Sing in the rain’ for our culminating expedition.