Winter hiking

Making ones way through the thick undergrowth we progress on our hike toward our destination.

At this time of year any foliage would of dropped off but you certainly need to push back the undergrowth if you're to avoid any grazes on your legs.

Personally I'd of worn thick knee length socks for this activity.

Halloween 2023 edition

Time was when All Saint's Day was more what we marked with events but that almost seems like ages ago as Halloween has become the de facto for around October 30/31st.

Although this is American as is Trick And Treat, scouts can put on a short show with costumes and skits based around Halloween and ghoulish goings on and in places they do.

You may have arranged and event that incorporate taking part in games that count towards your badges, some arts and crafts halloween themed activities which is what I was up to this week and generally have a great time.

This was one for Beavers and Cubs.

One activity you can do easily is making face masks with a spooky theme which is what these  Beavers have done which is rather fun.

Scouting, whatever program you are is was always meant to be fun even as we learn new skills that will help us along the way in life so having fun together such as for halloween is such a great idea even if "Bobbing the Apple"  which we did for All Saint's no longer features.

Season's change

 

Winter is almost here now with just a few of summers flowers aroundand the leaves here with not long before they die back.

October has been a strange month for above seasonal temperatures at the start of the month and by months end we've had strong winds and heavy rain.

Autumn fruits

 

It may be late autumn but this tree has other ideas such as throwing out its apples resident in an era with plenty of water.

So much water that to deal with flooding and subsidence issues many trees were planted to suck the water up and add much needed fibreous roots to bind the soil.

 

These are the apples that have so far fell off the tree!

The classic Autumn.

 

As all of last weeks rain starts to receed with all the delays and closures to road and rail transportation at least we have the classic autumn copper leaves a;though shots like this require an increase in exposure to overcome the background lighting.

In the old days I'd typically set a +1.5 ev on the Minolta XD7 or X500 if I didn't use a seperate exposure meter and grey card to set it manually.

Keeping the rain off

 

Today is another one of those really wet days with torrential rain so I can't see myself going far today if at all however if you were at say Camp and it was the season it can rain a bit not least if you are in the Lake District from personal experience there is something lightweight that can help.

You have a cover over garment called a Poncho that will protect you top and upper part of your shorts or trousers which is waterproof it is easy to put on and is available for Beavers, Scouts and as pictured here Cubs from scoutshops.

Fun and games

 There's a very strong wind out today so I don't feel somehow I'll be out and about exploring today not least with either being literally blown off my feet  or possibly being struck by fallen tree branches and such like.

Beavers may be our second newest program but they are well established now for those from the age of around six to eight and a bit before they move up to cubs and if you were one, wouldn't you just want a teddy like this?

Actually I still like teddies!

On better days your leader might arranage for the most fantastic ginormous teddy bears picnic to happen with blankets and lots of food and drink apart from some games too cos they are so super fun to be  apart of.

You might even get a badge for it!