Arrival on the Isle of Arran

After travelling from around the globe to sunny Scotland, today marks the day that we all set off to start our Arran adventure.

Meeting at Glasgow Central station, it looked like a 14 year old's school disco, boys on one side, girls on the other. Following the grease mega mix + I got a feeling, Black Eyed Peas, we all hopped onto the ferry.

After surviving the choppy seas with luckily just windswept hair, we hit the shores of Arran. Following much deliberation with the bus driver Batman & Robin (Our Leaders Wally & Rob) managed to cram all 14 of us + our luggage onto the small island bus, much to the annoyance of all the other passengers.

Dumping all our wordly belongings in the hall way we were given the grand tour of our new home away from home.

All unpacked, beds made, tent pitched, introductions had, uno started w,e began our deliciously made evening meal. Some of us then bravely ventured out into the wild to discover two common seals tanning it up on a rock.

We are now waiting anxiously for our leader to tell us about the John Muir award and what crazy adventure we have actually signed ourselves up for!

Wish us luck!

Summary of the day: Train, Ferry, Bus, Bonding, Birds & Seals!

The Penultimate Day

On the penultimate day the group ventured across the Arran to the island's capital of Lamlash. Here they observed the non-native species which were taking over the land and choking the life out of Arran's humble plants. They spent the day measuring the invasive species, contributing to the aim of controlling their spread. 

The tired conservationists rewarded themselves with a sunny trip to the pier with the local delicacy- ice cream. 

After returning to Brodick the residential leaders decided these young explorers needed a new challenge- to make it across the bay to Shore Lodge, all alone. They forged new routes across the beach and terrifying golf course- careful not to annoy the locals. 

Finally, having successful navigated back to Shore Lodge, the general consensus was that a dip into the sea was a suitable reward. Despite the icy cold scottish waters they waded bravely into crystal clear waves. Slowly they got used to the chilly water (or perhaps their legs just went numb) and they showed off their prowess in swimming and a slightly dangerous game of catch the rock. 

Returning back to the lodge the soggy adventures enjoyed steaming showers and finally prepared the feast for the last night- homemade pizza followed by jelly and ice cream, a perfect conclusion. 

So now, as they gather and discuss all the information they have gleaned over the past 5 days, they reflect on their shared experiences. Another section of the Gold DofE complete- one step closer to the final goal. 

Monday 7th

This morning the group decided to not rise with the sun and search for elusive wildlife, but instead decided to catch up on much needed sleep and refuel for the busy day ahead - gorse bashing!

Gorse is a native (but invasive) species and was taking over the local growing field. We soon solved this as we set to work quickly with our bow saws and loppers, clearing the area from the prickly gorse. We were so engrossed with our tasks that the day soon disappeared and we left to go and fill our empty stomaches with lovely thai curry after well needed showers!

After dinner, the group then presented their very own findings about their chosen plants. 

Sunday

We saw an otter after rising early for the rare experience, previously missed the day before. Post breakfast a quick and decisive meeting was held in the living room to reassure ourselves the weather had forbidden the climb up Goatfell, instead the walk along Glen Rosa was announced.

The weather started out decent, but unfortunately turned within the first ten minutes. As we left the woods and headed through the valley, rain began to pour down like there was no tomorrow. Despite the horrendous conditions we saw a variety of plants, including the elusive butterwort that kills insects for food. We also saw some deadly enchanter's nightshade.

Following the exhausting walk, a lovely meal was shared between us all as well as some interesting stories and experiences of our instructors.

Saturday 5th, August 2017

 In the early hours of the morning the group awoke to go hunting for otters. Although no otters were seen some members of the group saw a seal and some gannets. They returned for a hearty breakfast before returning to the beach.

At the beach they were able to see lots of interesting wildlife including common gulls (which aren't that common), a grey wagtail as well as many different types of seaweed which they learnt how to identify through their appearance. They were also able to identify many species of crab that were seen.

After lunch, they went to the Brodick Highland Games where they witnessed Caber Tossing for the first time. There were also many stalls where you could buy anything from burgers to wool. They finished off the day with a wonder round the gardens of Brodick Castle.

The New Arrivals

A new group of budding conservationists have arrived on the Isle of Arran. They have gathered from across the British Isles, excited for the days to come. Having made their introductions, they embarked on the arduous task of getting to know each other. Faced with many awkward silences, it appeared that Uno was the solution. So far they survived the voyage from the mainland over mildly choppy seas and battled with the swathes of Brodick public on the bus. Now settled into their cosy cabin, tummies full of delicious homemade spag bol and garlic bread, they are now ready to face the oncoming challenges of the John Muir Award. Will they survive the week? Find out tomorrow in the next instalment...

Day 5: The Penultimate Trial

The day began with a wholehearted breakfast, but what for? you may ask... The penultimate trial: Goat Fell. Standing at 874m, the team stood defiant at the bottom of the corbett, struggling to comprehend the weathering heights of the mountain. A willing walk quickly became a torrid trundle - as the ascend continued and the rain lashed down upon us. The only light in this bleak setting was the abundance of new plants, fungi and life itself.

 Achieving the feat of climbing the tallest mountain in Arran, the team celebrated like winning the world cup - with a group photo (as shown above)! However, the task of descending lay ahead. With the weather worsening by the minute, the terrain became almost impossible to traverse across unscathed. Nonetheless, the team spirit prevailed above the conditions thrown before them.

During the excursion, the team was able to discover a different side of the local ecosystem. With heights previously unfound, we discovered a variety of species such as: reindeer lichen, viviparous fescue, butterwort and juniper trees. In addition, the team enhanced their understanding of Goat Fell's geology and geography. Observation of igneous rocks, such as granite and basalt intrusions, showed us its volcanic past; corries and terminal moraine proved its renowned glacial history.

After a hard day's work, the squad assembled one final time for dinner. This time we added a bit of spice with ¡fajitas! Proving a popular risk, the team was still forced to cool down with some ice cream. Team moral is sky high at the time of writing this blog, with a type-1 fun day.